Visitor Info

Prepare ahead your trip to Kalimantan. Check out some of the customs in Kalimantan:

Local Customs and Etiquette

Kalimantan is a culturally diverse region with several different ethnic groups. Before you travel, it's important to understand the local customs and etiquette to avoid any awkward situations.

Use of the right hand

When interacting within Muslim communities, using your right hand is crucial. Whether you’re passing items, making payments, or shaking hands, always use your right hand, as the left hand is considered unclean.

Dietary habits

Muslims do not eat pork and do not drink alcohol, so it’s best to avoid inquiring about such foods at the dining table.

Islam is the predominant faith in Kalimantan, so when entering a mosque, it is essential to dress appropriately (covering shoulders and knees). Similarly, in Muslim communities, especially for female visitors, clothing should avoid being too revealing; wearing long pants or knee-length skirts is recommended.

Respect local culture and religion

Public etiquette

Even for couples, it's advisable to avoid overly affectionate behavior, such as hugging or kissing, in public.

Emergency Contact

When traveling in Kalimantan, if you encounter an emergency, you can call the official emergency numbers in Indonesia:

• Emergency Call Service: 112

• Police: 110

• Fire Department: 113

• Basarnas (Search and Rescue): 115

• Ambulance or Medical Emergencies: 118 or 119

• Tourist Assistance Center: +62 (0)361 224111

Travel Insurance & Emergency Assistance (For Foreign Tourists):
It’s recommended to purchase travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, accidents, flight cancellations, and more. Be sure to note the global emergency assistance hotline for your insurance company in case of unforeseen circumstances.

Local Time Differences

Due to its large geographical span, Kalimantan is divided into two different time zones:

UTC+7

UTC+8

Waktu Indonesia Tengah (WITA)
South, East, and North Kalimantan

Waktu Indonesia Barat (WIB)
West and Central Kalimantan

Weather & Best Time to Visit

Kalimantan has a tropical rainforest climate, with high temperatures and humidity year-round, typically ranging from 20°C to 30°C. While you can visit at any time of the year, understanding the seasons can help you plan the perfect trip.

Wet Season (November-January)

This is the wettest time of year, with frequent rainfall, but you can still enjoy activities like exploring the Mahakam River.

Dry Season (June-September)

This is the ideal time to visit, with minimal rainfall and plenty of sunshine. The drier conditions make it perfect for outdoor adventures like jungle trekking and Orangutan spotting.

If you’re a diving enthusiast, the best time to dive in the Derawan Islands on the eastern coast of Kalimantan is from April to October.

Visa & Entry Requirements

To enter Kalimantan, you need a passport that is valid for at least six months and a return ticket. Visa policies vary by country, and here are the main categories:

• Visa-Free Entry

  Travelers from certain countries can enjoy 30 days of visa-free entry for tourism or business purposes.

  
  

• Visa on Arrival (VoA)

  Many nationalities can obtain a Visa on Arrival (VoA) upon arrival, which costs IDR 500,000 and is valid for 30 days. If needed, the VoA can be extended once at a local immigration office in Indonesia for an additional 30 days, with a renewal fee of IDR 500,000.

• e-Visa

  This option is available for travelers who wish to obtain their visa in advance; you can apply for an e-VoA online here

All international travelers must complete the SATUSEHAT Health Pass (SSHP) form electronically before arrival, which serves as a self-declaration.

Currency and Payment Method

The official currency of Indonesia is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). Here are some important points to keep in mind while traveling in Kalimantan:

Currency exchange and ATM withdrawal

Currency exchange services are available throughout Indonesia, with US dollars being the most useful foreign currency. However, exchanging money can be inconvenient in remote areas.

Credit cards and mobile payment

Visa and MasterCard are the most widely accepted credit cards, typically found at major hotels, shops, and restaurants.

Cash usage

Cash remains a common payment method. Local markets, small shops, and rural areas typically only accept cash, so it's advisable to carry enough cash with you.

ATMs are also widely available in Indonesia, but the best places to withdraw cash are at airports. Major banks include BNI and Mandiri, and these ATMs typically display the logos of multiple banking providers.

Mobile payments (such as GoPay, OVO, and QRIS) are commonly used for transactions, primarily by locals, and many businesses in urban areas are equipped to accept mobile payment options.

Transportation Guide

Compared to other regions of Indonesia, public transportation options between cities in Kalimantan are generally limited, as the area is still developing. Here are some transportation methods to consider:

Taxi Apps

In Kalimantan, you can also use taxi apps like Grab and Gojek, which are similar to Uber. These services generally offer cheaper and more transparent pricing, with the app displaying the fare directly.

Taxis

Blue Bird Taxi is the largest taxi operator in Indonesia, providing services in major cities in Kalimantan, such as Balikpapan and Samarinda. Fares are calculated using a meter.

Shared Taxis and Mini Buses

In Indonesia, this mode of transport is known as Angkot. It may not be very tourist-friendly and is mainly suited for locals or those familiar with the area.

If you’re planning to explore remote areas, renting a car is a good option. Please note that tourists must apply for an international driving permit in advance. Additionally, it is important to be aware that Indonesia drives on the left side of the road.

Wifi and Connectivity

The quality of network connectivity and 4G coverage varies by region in Kalimantan. Major cities and popular tourist areas generally have high 4G coverage, while remote areas may have weak signals or even no coverage.

• Wi-Fi

  Most airports, hotels, and large shopping malls offer free Wi-Fi.

• SIM Card

  Purchasing a local SIM card is definitely the best option. You can buy one at the airport, official telecom stores, convenience stores, or even pre-order online. The main mobile networks in Indonesia are Telkomsel, XL Axiata, and Indosat. Telkomsel is highly recommended due to its superior coverage and speed, including in Kalimantan. They also offer special SIM card packages for tourists that include data plans and voice call allowances.

• Roaming Data

  If you prefer not to buy a local SIM card, you can use international roaming, but it can be quite expensive.

I totally enjoyed my time in Singkawang. Ate so many good foods and rested so well there! Worth trying if you are tired of the city life.

- C

★★★★★