Pangkalan Bun is the capital of West Kotawaringin Regency, Central Kalimantan Province. Pangkalan Bun became famous for being nominated as the new capital of Indonesia. Since then Pangkalan Bun is a new destination for traveling in Kalimantan. Let’s find out the best things to do in Pangkalan Bun ..!
1. Visiting Istana Kuning
Istana Kuning (Yellow Palace) has been established since 200 years ago, or since 1811. The palace was built by Pangeran Ratu Sultan Imannudin (the 9th Sultan), the ruler of the Sultanate of Kutaringin.
Despite the name of the Yellow Palace, the exterior of the palace is not yellow. The yellow color is found only in items inside the palace such as cabinets, curtains, flags and heirlooms. Yellow, which is also the color of gold, is chosen as a symbol of the Sultanate of Kutaringin because it symbolizes prosperity.
How to Get There
Istana Kuning is located in downtown Pangkalan Bun. It’s free entry. But you need a guide to enter the palace. Opening hours is 9 am – 4 pm.
2. Visiting Istana Pangeran Mangkubumi
Istana Pangeran Mangkubumi (Prince Mangkubumi’s Palace) is estimated to have been established since 1850. The palace has a shape of house on stilts to adapt to the surrounding environment which is a marshland.
The palace holds many of the heirlooms of the Sultanate of Kutaringin. In addition, there are also furniture and objects that once used by the family of Prince Mangkubumi.
How to Get There
Istana Pangeran Mangkubumi is located at Pakunegara Street, Arut Selatan, Pangkalan Bun.
3. Visiting Tanjung Puting National Park
Tanjung Puting National Park is the world’s largest conservation area for orangutans. There are 30,000 to 40,000 orangutans estimated to live here.
In addition to orangutans, Tanjung Puting National Park is also home to other endangered species such as proboscis monkeys, red monkeys, bears, mouse deers, forest cats and 200 species of birds. A little advice for you, if you come to Tanjung Puting National Park, do not forget to apply mosquito repellent lotion.
How to Get There
Tanjung Puting National Park is located in Pangkalan Bun. Upon arrival at Pangkalan Bun you continue the journey by taxi to Port Dumai. There are several boats rented for a tour to Tanjung Puting National Park. Seeing orangutans in their natural habitat is one of must things to do in Kalimantan.
4. Visiting Dayak Village
Dayaks are natives of Kalimantan. They have a unique and fascinating culture. Besides that, they also have a distinctive culinary which is different from the culinary in Java. Today visiting Dayak Village has become part of cultural tourism.
Dayaks are friendly to their guests. Visitors will be greeted with traditional art performances. Visitors are also given the freedom to get around seeing their daily life.
How to Get There
Dayak Village is located in Lopus Village, Delang, Lamandau Regency. It’s about four hours drive from Pangkalan Bun. You can see another Dayak Village in Samarinda. Stop by there, you will have lots of things to do in Samarinda.
5. Visiting Kolam Pemandian Putri Tujuh
Kolam Pemandian Putri Tujuh (The Bath of the Seven Daughters) is the most mystical historical site in Pangkalan Bun. Locals believe the water of the bath can make a person stay young forever.
The bath is situated not far from Istana Pangeran Mangkubumi, about 100 meters to the south. In the past the bath was used by daughters of Prince Mangkubumi.
How to Get There
Kolam Pemandian Putri Tujuh is located at Pakunegara Street, Arut Selatan, Pangkalan Bun.
6. Visiting Kubu Beach
The beauty of Kubu Beach has to be seen to be believed. Its brownish white sand combines perfectly with the calm waves.
Afternoon is the right time to enjoy the atmosphere of Kubu Beach. Accompanied by sea breeze, you can admire the beauty of the sunset with friends or family.
How to Get There
Kubu Beach is located in Kubu Village, Kumai. It’s about 30 km from Pangkalan Bun. The admission is Rp 2,000. Kubu Beach is just one of beautiful beaches in Kalimantan.
7. Visiting Tanjung Keluang Beach
Tanjung Keluang Beach is a scenic beach, is quite popular among the people of Pangkalan Bun for the white sand and turtles. This is because Tanjung Keluang is a peninsula that serves as a natural park to preserve the flora and fauna typical of Borneo.
Tanjung Keluang Beach has a cozy atmosphere composed of cypress trees, green grass, and a clean environment. In addition there are turtle breeding, banana boat and camping ground.
How to Get There
Tanjung Keluang Beach is located in Kubu Village, Kumai. It’s about 30 km from Pangkalan Bun. To get to Tanjung Keluang you have to rent a boat at Kubu Beach, it costs around Rp 150,000. The admission to Tanjung Keluang is Rp 10,000. Besides Tanjung Keluang Beach, Angsana Beach in Banjarmasin is also well known for its beautiful sand. You must take time to go there. There are many things to do in Banjarmasin.
8. Culinary Tour : Soto Manggala
Your visit to Pangkalan Bun has not been perfect if you have not tasted Soto Manggala. It is a typical culinary of Pangkalan Bun which at first glance looks similar to Javanese Soto.
Javanese Soto uses rice, while Soto Manggala uses cassava. Soto Manggala is served with vermicelli, eggs, carrot slices, celery slices, fried onions, crackers and beef broth or chicken broth. There are also sellers serve Soto Manggala with fish broth.
How to Get There
Soto Manggala is easy to find in Pangkalan Bun. The most popular location to buy Soto Manggala is Tugu Pangkalan Bun Square. The price of Soto Manggala is around Rp 10,000 per serving.
9. Hanging Out at IKC Café
Enjoying a cup of coffee is part of the culture and lifestyle of the people of Kalimantan. There is always coffee on their day, from morning before work until hang out time at night.
IKC Café is where young people of Pangkalan Bun hang out. IKC Café is famous for its coffee that uses local coffee beans. In addition to coffee, they also serve other drinks such as float and squash.
How to Get There
IKC Café is located at Iskandar Street, No. 91, Madurejo, Pangkalan Bun. It’s open till late night.
10. Hunting Souvenirs
The amethyst is a mandatory souvenir from Pangkalan Bun. Usually the amethyst is formed into a bracelet so it will be easy to wear. Besides bracelets, necklaces and rings are often enhanced with amethyst.
Dayak objects also become favorite souvenirs such as Dayak-patterned fabrics. The simplest souvenir is T-shirts that read Pangkalan Bun.
How to Get There
There are many souvenir shops in Pangkalan Bun, one of which is Toko Istana Kecubung at Antasari Street, Pangkalan Bun.
More things to do in Pangkalan Bun
11. Visiting Tanjung Penghujan Beach in Kumai, about 16 kilometers from Pangkalan Bun
12. Boating down the Arut river in downtown Pangkalan Bun
13. Rafting on Riam Tapin Bini River in Lamandau, about four hours drive from Pangkalan Bun.
14. Climbing Balao Hill in Tapin Bini Village, Lamandau .
15. Culinary Tour at Warung Aloha in Kumai, about 16 kilometers from Pangkalan Bun
16. Agro tourism at Kumpai Batu Atas Village, about 17 kilometers from Pangkalan Bun.
As you can see, you have many things to do in Pangkalan Bun. Take your time to visit Pangkalan Bun. The charm of its nature and culture will fascinate you. Enjoy Pangkalan Bun..!