KALIMANTAN
Rainforests, rivers and Dayak cultures of Borneo
Kalimantan, Indonesia – Rainforest Wildlife and Indigenous Traditions
Kalimantan forms the Indonesian part of the island of Borneo, one of the largest and most biodiverse islands in the world. Vast tropical rainforests, winding rivers and remote villages define much of the island’s landscape.
These forests are home to some of Southeast Asia’s most iconic wildlife, including orangutans, proboscis monkeys and many rare bird species. National parks such as Tanjung Puting protect important habitats where orangutans can still be observed in the wild.
Beyond its wildlife, Kalimantan is also known for the cultures of the Dayak peoples, whose communities have lived along the rivers and forests of Borneo for centuries. Ritual ceremonies, traditional longhouses and village life remain an important part of the cultural landscape.
This page brings together photographic galleries and stories from several regions across Kalimantan.
- PHOTO GALLERIES -
visual collections
Rainforests & Wildlife
Kalimantan contains some of the largest remaining tropical rainforests in Southeast Asia. National parks such as Tanjung Puting protect critical habitats for endangered wildlife, particularly the Bornean orangutan.
Dayak Culture & Village Life
Many communities in the interior of Kalimantan belong to the diverse Dayak cultures of Borneo. Traditional ceremonies, longhouses and village rituals remain important aspects of daily life in many regions.
Rivers & Forest Landscapes
Much of Kalimantan is defined by rivers that flow through vast rainforest landscapes. These waterways have long served as the main transportation routes connecting remote communities deep inside Borneo.
Exploring Kalimantan Through Photography
The galleries above explore Kalimantan through photography across rainforest ecosystems, river landscapes and indigenous cultures.
From orangutan encounters in Tanjung Puting to Dayak ceremonies in remote villages, these photographic journeys reveal different aspects of life in the forests of Borneo.
Regions of Kalimantan
Although Kalimantan covers a vast area of Indonesian Borneo, several regions stand out for their wildlife and cultural traditions.
Tanjung Puting National Park – Orangutans of Borneo
Located in Central Kalimantan, Tanjung Puting National Park protects large areas of lowland rainforest and peat swamp forest. The park is one of the best places in the world to observe Bornean orangutans in their natural environment.
Most visits take place along the Sekonyer River, where traditional river boats known as klotok travel through the forest to orangutan rehabilitation and feeding stations.
Central Kalimantan – Dayak Culture and Rituals
Inland areas of Central Kalimantan are home to numerous Dayak communities. Villages such as Tumbang Manggu maintain strong cultural traditions, including ceremonies connected to the Tiwah ritual, one of the most important funerary ceremonies among the Dayak Ngaju.
