Palangka Raya

Central Kalimantan's capital on the Kahayan River, gateway to Sebangau National Park's peat swamp forest and orangutan rescue centres, with boat trips to Dayak villages.

Palangka Raya is the capital of Central Kalimantan Province in Indonesia, set on the Kahayan River in southern Borneo. Its foundation stone was laid by President Sukarno himself in 1957, and as a planned city it has wide streets and plenty of greenery, surrounded by peat swamp forest and rivers. It is a gateway for exploring Borneo's rainforest, watching orangutans and experiencing Dayak culture. Sightseeing falls into three areas: in the city there is the Kahayan Bridge, the Sukarno Monument, the Bundaran Besar roundabout and the Balanga Museum, with sunsets over the riverbank in the evening; the northern route along Jalan Tjilik Riwut leads to the Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Rescue Centre, Lake Tahai and Bukit Tangkiling; by water, you can take a boat from Rambang Pier along the Kahayan River to see the orangutans on Kaja Island, or set off from Kereng Bangkirai Pier in the southern outskirts into the blackwater rivers and peat forests of Sebangau National Park, with multi-day houseboat trips also available. The climate is hot and humid, and the May–Sep dry season is the better time to visit; however, in dry years peat fires may break out in Aug–Oct, and heavy haze can affect health and flights, so check air quality before you go. The Nov–Mar rainy season brings frequent rain and high river levels. Getting there: Tjilik Riwut Airport has flights to Jakarta (about 1 hr 50 min), Surabaya and elsewhere; around town, ride-hailing cars and motorbike taxis are the main options. Plan to stay 2–3 days. Entering the national park requires a permit, and it's best to arrange boats and guides through a local tour operator; the orangutan rescue areas are not open to independent visitors, and you should never feed or touch wild animals. Bring plenty of insect repellent and sun protection, and respect Dayak traditions and Muslim customs.

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