Kotawaringin Timur – The Mentaya River and Sampit Port Town in Central Kalimantan
Kotawaringin Timur se trouve dans la partie sud de Central Kalimantan province, on la mer de Java coast. Its capital is Sampit, Central Kalimantan’s second-largest city. The Mentaya River runs through la région – the river is the main commercial and transport artery.
Attractions et activités
Boat tours le long de the Mentaya River can be arranged: to explore riverside villages, mangrove forests and pêche lifestyle. Danau Burung (Bird Lake) and surrounding peatland swamps are excellent for birdwatching. Dayak villages on the upper river showcase traditionnel ways of life. Sampit port is a centre for timber and palm oil export.
Culture et cuisine
Dayak, Malay and Javanese transmigrant communities live in la région. The Dayak tiwah ceremony (secondary burial rite) is the most important cultural event. Cuisine is Kalimantanese: ikan jelawat (river fish), kelakai (fern salad), juhu singkah (bamboo-shoot soup) and local fruits.
Sécurité publique
Sampit is a safe port town. Watch for currents pendant river travel. Medical care: basic hospital in Sampit; Palangka Raya (approx. 4 hours) has more advanced facilities.
Informations pratiques
Sampit H. Asan Airport has flights depuis Jakarta and Surabaya. From Palangka Raya, approximately 4 hours by car. The best time to visit is May to September. Accommodation: hotels in Sampit city.
