Ambalat Beach is located in Amborawang  Laut Village Samboja District. The name is taken from the short name of the Village,  Amborawang Laut (Ambalat). It is a quite beautiful and natural beach at about 3 kilometers from the east end to the west. From Balikpapan city, the distance to the Ambalat Beach is 37 Kilometers with vehicles: Bus,  starting from Balikpapan Permai Terminal and the  bus fare is Rp. 20.000, - to  Rp. 30,000 / person to get to the junction  to the beach Ambalat. Then continue the journey to the beach by taxi motorcycle ( Rp. 20.000, - / person.) Rent Car / Taxi, starting from Airport Sepinggan use car rental with rate about Rp. 350,000,- / car. The distance from Tenggarong City is about 105 km and can be reached for two hours by car. cars and buses, starting from Timbau Terminal for Rp. 20,000, -/person and stop at the junction of Loa Janan-Samarinda. Then take the bus to Balikpapan with fare Rp. 20.000, - and stopped at Km. 38 Soekarno Hatta Highway  and then ride taxi motorcycle (Rp. 30.000, - to Rp. 50.000, - / person).

Entrance Ticket for
Vehicles: Rp. 2.000,- to Rp. 10.000,-

Another place at Kutai Kartanegara that is well suited for those who like challenges is a cave with walls that are so straight and tall, Batu Gelap cave. It is located at the Separi Besar/ Sukamaju village,  Tenggarong Seberang district, about 90 minutes from downtown Tenggarong.



Batu Gelap Cave is a natural cave with a lithology of limestone, and the rock units in it is Batu Gelap Cave Pamaluan Beds. This cave actually has several entrances, but due to the sedimentation process, some of the entrances are buried by the sediments so that it can no longer be used as an entrance. Yet, there are several entrances with the size of only 50 cm tall from the ground. So, if you are interested in entering the cave, you have to bend your body around 900.



Once inside the cave, you will be presented with a glorious view of the cave walls adorned with stalagmites and stalactites, and there is an amazing underground river. The shape of the stalagmites found in the cave vary: some in the form of dolmen (stone table) and some menhir. Some visitors take advantage of these dolmen stalagmites as a place to relax, while enjoying the splash of the river and the sun coming through the cracks of the cave.

  

Biru Beach is located in Kersik Village,  about 10 km from Marang Kayu district. The accessibility to the beach is good. The beach offers a beautiful panorama with white
sand.  From Tenggarong, Biru Beach is 123 km and from Samarinda is 98 Km. There is no public transportation from Marang Kayu to Biru Beach, but tourists usually come with private/rent car (Rp.
400,000 / day) from Tenggarong or from Samarinda.

Borneo Orangutan Survival (BOS) is one of the tourist attractions of Kutai Kartanegara, which is as interesting as Bukit Bangkirai, and is still rare in Indonesia. BOS Foundation is a foundation that is deeply concerned with the preservation of orangutans and since 1991 has managed to rescue and rehabilitate more than 1,000 orangutans, victims of various forms of threat of extinction caused by humans.

The BOS - Samboja area consists of an area of approximately 1800 ha and a wildlife sanctuary, especially for Orangutans and Honey Bear which cannot be reintroduced to the wilderness due to illnesses, old ages, and other defects.

BOS with its program, Samboja Lodge, offers a very unique tourist attraction, i.e. tourists can follow the process of reintroducing or releasing orangutans back into their natural habitats. The tour packages offered are not an ordinary tour package that simply offers a recreation, but instead a tour package that offers more experiences and knowledge. Tourists can also experience the daily activities of BOS Foundation Wildlife Rehabilitation Program (orangutans and honey bears), activities of rehabilitating critical lands, organic gardening activities,  the production of organic fertilizer (compost), and observation of wildlife around the area of BOS - Samboja Lestari.

To enjoy the tour packages, you can visit BOSF Samboja Lestari located on Balikpapan - Handil highway, Km 44. Kel. Margomulyo, Samboja District; its location is closer to the city of Balikpapan, a gateway to East Kalimantan. By using a four-wheeled vehicle, it takes around 30 minutes to reach BOSF Samboja. 

 

For further information, contact the address below:

BOSF

Jalan Papandayan No. 10

Bogor 16151

Phone +62 (0)251 831 4468 / 831 4469

Fax +62 (0)251 832 3142

Website: http://orangutan.or.id 

If you have an adventurous spirit and high sense of the great love for nature, Bukit Bangkirai is the right choice for travelling. Bukit Bangkirai is an area of natural tropical forest where you can still clearly hear the sounds of birds and other forest wildlife. Because of its naturalness, this forest area is developed into a monument of wet tropical forest in Indonesia, with plants of Dypterocarpaceae family dominating the 1,500 ha area.

This tourism region was named Bukit Bangkirai (Bangkirai Hill) because most of the trees that grow in the protected forest are Bangkirai, a very old typical plant of Kalimantan, mostly more than 150 years old; they are very big in size and can reach the heights of 40 - 50 m with a diameter of 2.3 m. The growth of their strong and huge buttress roots has caused Bukit Bangkirai to have about 45 kinds of orchids that grow there, including the famous Black Orchid (coelegyne pandurata) which is typical of East Kalimantan. In addition to the cultivation of natural orchids, hybrid orchids such as Kala, Apple Blossom, and Vanda orchids are also grown.

The other uniqueness of the area is due to Bukit Bangkirai’s geographic location as a stable "dipterocarp forest"  primary lowland; thus, it is the destination of the invasion of birds from Bukit Soeharto Forest Park (approximately 30 km) and the surrounding areas affected by forest fires. It is said that in this region there are 113 bird species. Other types of fauna that also live in the area of Bukit Bangkirai are Gibbons (Hylobates muelleri), Beruk (Macaca nemestrina), Red Lutung Monkey (Presbytus rubicunda), Long-Tailed Monkey (Macaca fascicularis), Warthog (Susvittatus), Flying Squirrel (Squiler) and Sambar Deer (Corvus unicolor) that have been bred.

Bukit Bangkirai is one of the few tropical forests in Indonesia that are located near urban areas. Just imagine, within more or less 30-45 minutes journey overland from the city of Balikpapan, as the main entrance to East Kalimantan, or about 58 km, we can enjoy the naturalness of the protected tropical forests. From the capital of East Kalimantan Province, Samarinda, Bukit Bangkirai, which is located at Km. 38 Balikpapan – Samarinda Soekarno – Hatta Highway, at the district of Samboja, Kutai Regency, it is approximately 150 km, and it can be reached in more or less 90 minutes by land transportation through the central office of Wanariset Samboja towards the location of HTI (Industrial Plant Forest). For those who want to feel the different atmosphere, sea transport, i.e. speedboat, can be used, leaving from the port of Kampung Baru Ujung Balikpapan  in approximately 45 minutes.

One thing that you should not miss when visiting Bukit Bangkirai is the walk through the canopy bridge, a suspended bridge that connects five big Bangkirai trees 30 meters from the ground, with a span of 64 m long. For those with high sense of adventure and who have no problem with heights, walking through the canopy bridge is a pleasant experience because from the bridge we can enjoy the whole panorama of the tropical forest of Bukit Bangkirai and observe closely the formation of the canopy stand "Dipteropcarpaceae" that characterizes the tropical rain forest forming the intertwining upper stratum.

To reach the canopy bridge, there are two towers of ironwood which were erected around the tree trunk  of Bangkirai. Those who have successfully crossed this canopy bridge may find it rewarding because this is the first canopy bridge in Indonesia.

Bukit Bangkirai is also fully equipped with accommodation facilities with a natural style, i.e. 5 (five) cottages built of Bangkirai wood, a campsite, and a large Lamin house, a traditional house of Dayak tribe.

The entrance ticket and other expenses in the area of Bukit Bangkirai are very cheap; details can be seen below:

1. Entrance Ticket :

Adult     : Rp. 2000,-

Child     : Rp. 1000,-

2. Parking Fees :

Motorcycle : Rp. 2000,-

Car             : Rp. 5000,-

Bus             : Rp. 10.000,-

3. Canopy Bridge Ticket :

Domestic Tourist              : Rp. 15.000,-

Non-Domestic Tourist      : Rp. 30.000,-

4. Cottage :

6 Persons Capacity     : Rp. 350.000,-

8 Persons Capacity     : Rp. 450.000,-

Kedang Ipil waterfall also called Kendua Waterfall,  is located in Kedang Ipil  village, Kota Bangun District. The location is approximately 72 km from Tenggarong city and 59 km from Kota Bangun city. The waterfall consists of 3 level with 5 meters height and 20 meters widht. At the rain season, the waterfall area  could become rafting area up to 10 Km. The waterfall is also surrounded by forests and beautiful panorama. Meanwhile, the majority people live at Kedang Ipil village is Dayak Basap tribe which rich with tradional culture.
From Samarinda to SP 6 Kota Bangun using bus with fare Rp. 21,000, - / person. Arriving at the intersection SP 6, continue the trip with taxi motorcycle with fare Rp. 50.000,- / person. Then visitors walk arround 1 km to go to the Waterfall. From Tenggarong to SP 6 Kota Bangun, ride bus with fare Rp. 15.000, - / person. Arriving at the SP 6 intersection, continue the travel with taxi motorcycle  with fare Rp. 50.000, - / person. Then visitors walk arround 1 km to go to the Waterfall.
At the rain season, the waterfall area  could become rafting area up to 10 Km. The waterfall is also surrounded by forests and beautiful panorama. Meanwhile, the majority people live at Kedang Ipil village is Dayak Basap tribe which rich with tradional culture.
From Samarinda to SP 6 Kota Bangun using bus with fare Rp. 21,000, - / person. Arriving at the intersection SP 6, continue the trip with taxi motorcycle with fare Rp. 50.000, - / person. Then visitors walk arround 1 km to go to the Waterfall. From Tenggarong to SP 6 Kota Bangun, ride bus with fare Rp. 15.000, - / person. Arriving at the SP 6 intersection, continue the travel with taxi motorcycle  with fare Rp. 50.000, - / person. Then visitors walk arround 1 km to go to the Waterfall.
The other way, by a rental car, directly arrived at the road to the waterfall, and then visitors  walk as far as 1 km to get the waterfall. Car rental rates is Rp. 400.000, -.

The Kedaton is located at Tenggarong city, behind Museum Mulawarman and next to  'Amir Hasanoeddin Jami' Mosque. Built in 2001, The Kedaton is to preserve the art and culture of Kutai Kartanegara Ing Martadipura Sultanate.

The architecture of Kedaton is a merge of both modern and Kutai Kartanegara palace style. Inside the buliding, visitors will see the main hall with Singgasana Raja as a background. At the lower floor, visitors will see various traditional customs of the sultanate, and other traditional music equipment such as 'gamelan'. No entrance fee to visit Kedaton.

Kutai Lama village - Anggana district is known by a famous Moslem leader Tombs: The King Aji Mahkota and King Aji Pangeran Di Langgar.   King Aji Mahkota is the first King of Kutai Kartanegara Ing Martadipura Kingdom who hold Islam in the 17th century. The two Tombs has been visited by thousands pilgrims. So does the Tomb of Tunggang Parangan, a Moslem leader who was believed as the one who guided the two kings becoming Moslem.Tombs
Tombs of King Aji Mahkota and King Aji Pangeran Di Langgar are placed at higher land. The tombs are completed by the roof and make the tombs are at the center of a small hall.
Bus from Samarinda city to Anggana district is less than 1 hour with a distance of 22 Km (Rp. 15.000, -./ person). From Tenggarong city to Anggana district is arround 47 Km by car (public transport) will arrive at Pasar Pagi terminal  and continues to Anggana with another car (Rp. 15.000, per person). To get to the tombs, visitors can ride taxi motorcycle (5 km with a rate of Rp. 50.000, - / persona).
From Samarinda city to Anggana district by motor boat for 2 hour (Rp. 20.000, - to  Rp. 30.000, - per person) will stop at Sungai Meriam Village.  Then, to get to Kutai lama rides a taxi motorcycle. If using a  rental car, the fare is Rp. 400.000 / car /
day.

Lake Semayang and lake Melintang, located at the Semayang Village, Kenohan sub-district, about 2.5 hours to the west of Tenggarong, are other uniqueness of nature that you should not miss when visiting Kutai Kertanegara. Just imagine, here you will be able to see an incredible natural phenomenon. Lake Semayang and lake Melintang meet and become one when the water of Mahakam River recedes; at night, when there is tide of Mahakam River water, both lakes become separated, Lake Semayang on the left and Lake Melintang on the right. That is why people always mention the name of Lake Semayang and lake Melintang at the same time.

If you are lucky enough, you can see rare species of fish typically found at estuaries at lakes Semayang and Melintang like porpoise, the only mammals that live in the river water. It is generally believed that today the porpoise can only be found in three rivers in the world, namely Mahakam river, Mekong river, and Irawady river. In Mahakam River, porpoise can be found only at lake Semayang and lake Melintang. There too they are seen very rarely due to the river traffic that grows increasingly busier and the opening of the forest in the upstream of both lakes.

The beauty of the lake reaches its peak at sunrise and sunset; as if the sun rises and sets in the middle of the jungle of Kalimantan.

In addition to the unique natural beauty, at lake Semayang and lake Melintang, you can also gain knowledge and experiences about the life of the traditional fishermen of Kalimantan, whose lives depend on these two lakes. The houses of the community of Semayang are built on logs that float on water. To avoid the houses from being drifted away, they are tied down to the river using thick ropes. The local people call their home the raft houses. Interestingly, it is not only the houses that float but also the stores, and also cattle. This scene is very dominant, especially when the water of lake Semayang and lake Melintang is rising very high, causing floods in the village of Semayang.

Panji Sukarame Reservoir, located at the Village of Panji Sukarame, about 3 miles from downtown Tenggarong, was originally a lake made into a dam and used as a reservoir to irrigate the paddy fields. The surface of the reservoir is overgrown with grass and weeds, making it more beautiful to look at. Even more beautiful if you spare your time to get around the reservoir, looking at the surrounding natural scenery and enjoy the peaceful and cool atmosphere of the forest. If you are lucky enough, you can see the beauty of the blooming orchids.

Panji Sukarame reservoir is also completed with a variety of interesting recreational facilities for children in particular, such as water bicycles, children's playground, water balls, mini tricycles, and flying fox. While enjoying the views of the reservoir and accompanying your children playing, you can rest or sit at the gazebo located around the reservoir, or eat and drink in cafés or food stalls around the reservoir. On holidays, you are also usually entertained with modern and traditional musical performances.

Near Panji Sukarame reservoir there is also a wood museum, called Museum Kayu Tuah Himba. The museum is located about 600 m from Panji Sukarame reservoir, built with wooden platform measuring 20 x 20 m 2.

The entrance ticket to Panji Sukarame reservoir is very cheap, only Rp 3,000 per person for adults and Rp. 2.000, - for children.

If you want to get the full experience of a trip to Kutai Kartanegara, Parai Kumala Island is the right choice. At Kumala Island you can enjoy a variety of recreational rides, like the sky tower, cable car, cabin tours, merry go round, bumper cars, or outbound facilities, and even the distinctive culture of Dayak and Kutai tribes. From the sky tower or a cable car, you will be able to see the entire Kumala Island, even Tenggarong City, or you can also go around Kumala Island on land using  cabin car.

Kumala island is managed by PT. El John, the organizer of Parai Beach on the island of Bangka. That is why this island is known as Pulau Parai Kumala.

Parai Kumala Island is located in the middle of the Mahakam River, but still included in the downtown Tenggarong.  The ferry dock to Parai Island is located near Museum Mulawarman, so it is easy to find it. To get to Parai Kumala island, from the dock, you can use fast boats provided by the organizer, or you can also rent a boat owned by local the communities.

The island displays arts and culture of East Kalimantan with a mix of Dayak and Kutai tribes. Visitors can enjoy all the beauty of Parai Kumala island using the cable car. If you want to go around the island on land, you can use the cabin car provided for both local and foreign visitors.

Parai Kumala Island is accommodated with The River Café, which is a combination of cafe and a place for clubbing with full entertainment. The River Café opens daily from 17:00 p.m. (Central Indonesian Time) to 02:00 a.m. The River Café is always enlivened by musical performances from bands that come from outside of Tenggarong, such as from Jakarta, Bandung, Jakarta, Manado, Batam, and others. There are also a variety of events every day, so you will never get bored during your vacation on the island of Parai Kumala.

Do not be mistaken, it is not only in Jakarta and Surabaya that you can see a planetarium but also in Tenggarong, the capital of Kutai Kartanegara. You can enjoy the beauty of the space at the Jagad Raya Planetarium. This planetarium is the third planetarium in Indonesia, after Jakarta and Surabaya. Its location is very strategic, downtown of Tenggarong, at Jl. Prince Diponegoro, next to Museum Mulawarman, and across the crossing dock to Parai Kumala island.

Jagad Raya Planetarium was built in 2002 by the Government of Kutai Kartanegara Regency, and was inaugurated the following year by the Government of Indonesia, on 16 April, 2003.

Planetarium Jagad Raya opens daily, except Fridays, from 08:00 to 14:00 (Central Indonesian Time Zone). On the national holiday the Planetarium remains open except for holidays on Fridays and the first day of Eid.

The entrance ticket is very cheap, only Rp 7,500 for adults and Rp 5,000 for children under 12 years; yet, if you want to enjoy the show of sky simulation, the minimum number of visitors is 30 people (general category) or 40 people for groups (school, etc.). Do not worry if you come on your own or the number of people in the group is under 30, you can still enjoy the show by paying Rp 200,000, - regardless of the number of visitors.

In addition to the sky simulation show, the Planetarium also has an exhibit room that contains 52 posters about objects in the solar system, galaxy, and universe. There is also a library with a reading room where you can read and sit on the floor, and 2 (two) telescopes that are often used when there are events of celestial observations.

When being opened to public, you can also see the process of observation of hilal (position of the moon) for Ramadan and Shawwal conducted by Jagad Raya Planetarium in collaboration with Bosscha Observatory and Ministry of Communication and Information, or the events of observing the night sky in the Global Astronomy Month (the last time held in April 2011), the observation of the Sun, as well as astrophotography.



There is no need to worry that you may not get the tickets or a place to enjoy the various activities at Jagad Raya Planetarium. The exhibition room at the planetarium can house a lot of people, with 92 seats available and a dome 11-meter in diameter. Jadag Raya Planetarium is equipped with 10 projectors, consisting of 1 main projector, 8 slide projectors (6 for all sky projection), and a meteor projector. The main planetarium projector is an artificial Skymaster ZKP 3 Carl-Zeiss, made in Germany. The projector is still in good condition although there has been no replacement since the planetarium was established.

For more information about Planetarium :

 Planetarium Jagad Raya

Jl. Diponegoro, Tenggarong

Kutai Kartanegara, Kalimantan Timur 75514

(0541)-661045, 661335