Kutai Kartanegara – The Kutai Sultanate and the Mahakam River in East Kalimantan
Kutai Kartanegara se trouve dans the centre of East Kalimantan province, le long de the lower-middle section of the Mahakam River. Its capital is Tenggarong, approximately 30 km depuis Samarinda. The region is the heir of the historical Kutai Sultanate – one of Indonesia’s oldest (4th siècle) Hindu kingdoms.
Attractions et activités
Mulawarman Museum in Tenggarong operates in the Kutai Sultanate palais: sultanate crowns, weapons, Dayak artefacts and Hindu-era inscriptions. Kumala Island (Pulau Kumala) on the Mahakam River is a recreation park. Boat tours on the Mahakam can be arranged: Irrawaddy dolphins can be observed près de Muara Muntai. Samboja Lestari (Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation) is an orangutan and sun bear rehabilitation centre in Samboja.
Culture et cuisine
The Kutai Sultanate’s Malay and Dayak heritage: the Erau Festival in Tenggarong is held annually – sultanate traditions, Dayak dances and water sports. Amplang (fish cracker) is Kutai Kartanegara’s most famous snack. Cuisine is Kalimantanese: nasi kuning (yellow spiced rice), ayam cincane (spiced chicken) and udang galah (giant river prawn).
Sécurité publique
Kutai Kartanegara is a safe region. Watch for traffic when boating on the Mahakam. Medical care: basic hospital in Tenggarong; Samarinda (approx. 30 minutes) has full hospital facilities.
Informations pratiques
From Balikpapan Sepinggan Airport, approximately 2 hours north by car. From Samarinda, approximately 30 minutes. The best time to visit is May to September. Accommodation: hotels in Tenggarong and Samarinda.
