Stand on the Kahayan Bridge in the early morning and you will see the river that shaped this city: black water moving slowly under the span, small boats crossing toward the wharf at Kereng Bangkirai, and the low skyline of Central Kalimantan's capital on both banks. Palangka Raya began as the Dayak village of Pahandut, and the river is still where much of daily life happens.
This guide suits travellers who are already in Borneo and want a day or two of riverfront walks, Dayak cultural sites and a short climb, rather than a resort stay. The city is spread out and most sights sit along or near the Kahayan River and Jl. Tjilik Riwut, so plan on taking transport between them.
Below are the places worth your time, followed by a one-day plan and answers to common questions.
Top things to do in Palangka Raya
1. Tangkiling Hill
A hiking trail of about 30 minutes leads to a summit with a scenic overlook of the Kahayan River and Palangka Raya City. The summit is also a sacred place for the Dayaknese, so treat it with respect.
Look for the Bukit Tangkiling turnoff or signage on Jl. Tjilik Riwut/Jl. Trans Kalimantan. Expect mosquitoes and rubbish along the way, and you may see deer. The entrance is Rp 10000.
2. Batu Banama
Also known as Batu Tabala, Buhis Hill or Karmel Hill, this is a site of boulders and rock domes offering views of the surrounding area. It is tied to the legend of Kiling, who was cursed and turned to stone for marrying his mother, Bawi Kuwu.
You will also find Pura, or Hindu shrines, called Pasah Patahu, where donations to gods can be left, and yellow flags placed by the Dayaknese to mark the spiritual nature of the place.
3. Dermaga Kereng Bangkirai
Known as Bangkirai Stilt Village or Wharf, this is the place to walk around over black water, take a kelotok boat ride to Sebangau National Park where peat swamps and rassau trees are found, or simply explore the docks and eat and buy things. It is open 08:00-18:00 daily, and the entrance is Rp 5000.
4. Kahayan Bridge
The Jembatan Kahayan is one of the icons of Palangka Raya. The bridge connects the city with the other regencies in Central Kalimantan, and it is the natural anchor for a riverfront walk.
Combine it with Pasuk Kameluh Park at the southern end, which sits along the Kahayan River and the bridge.
5. Pasuk Kameluh Park
This riverside park along the Kahayan River and bridge is open 24 hours and has food vendors, a masjid, and a monument to Soekarno on its southern edge. It works well as an evening stop after crossing the Kahayan Bridge.
6. Balanga Museum
On Jl. Tjilik Riwut, this museum is where you can look around ancient goods from Central Kalimantan, including traditional weapons, traditional musical instruments, and urns in which enemy heads were placed. It is open 08:00-15:00 Monday to Friday and closed Saturday and Sunday, so fit it into a weekday.
7. Sei Gohong
About 38 km northwest of Palangka Raya, this is essentially a swimming hole with black-tea coloured tannic water and plenty of local people splashing around. It is open 08:00-18:00 daily, with an entrance of about IDR7500.
8. Tahai Lake
Danau Tahai has a boardwalk over an oxbow-type lake and mangrove area, open 06:00-16:00 daily. Wear long clothes if you do not want to become a mosquito feast.
9. Kum-Kum
A tourist village along the Kahayan River with restaurants and a boardwalk, open 08:00-17:00 daily. You can try grilled fish here. Note that the boardwalk also holds caged animals such as monkeys and crocodiles. The entrance is Rp 2000.
10. Bundaran Besar Palangkaraya
The iconic roundabout of Palangka Raya, with ornamentation, statuary and state government offices in the background. It is a straightforward photo stop.
11. Taman Pemuda
Also known as Taman Kota, this site holds an independence monument depicting a valiant youth, with the Bundaran Kecil Palangka Raya roundabout leading up to it and government buildings in the background. There are lots of monuments here.
12. Sandung Ngabe Sukah
A memorial where the tomb of Ngabe Soekah, the first tribal chief in the village, is located. It is a quiet stop for understanding the village history behind the modern city.
If you only have one day
Morning: Start early at Tahai Lake, open from 06:00, and walk the boardwalk over the oxbow lake and mangrove area with long clothes on. Then head to Balanga Museum on Jl. Tjilik Riwut, which is open 08:00-15:00 on weekdays, to see the traditional weapons, musical instruments and urns.
Afternoon: Continue to Dermaga Kereng Bangkirai, open 08:00-18:00, and take a kelotok boat ride toward Sebangau National Park or walk the docks and eat. If you have time and transport, Sei Gohong, open 08:00-18:00, makes a refreshing swim in tannic water.
Evening: Cross the Kahayan Bridge and finish at Pasuk Kameluh Park, which is open 24 hours, for food vendors and the riverside view of the bridge and the Soekarno monument.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time of day to visit Tahai Lake?
It opens at 06:00 and closes at 16:00 daily, so an early start gives you cooler hours on the boardwalk. Wear long clothes to avoid mosquitoes.
Is Balanga Museum open at weekends?
No. It is open 08:00-15:00 Monday to Friday and closed Saturday and Sunday, so plan a weekday visit.
How do I reach Sebangau National Park?
Go to Dermaga Kereng Bangkirai, open 08:00-18:00 daily, where you can take a kelotok boat ride into the park's peat swamps and rassau trees.
What should I watch out for at Tangkiling Hill?
The trail takes about 30 minutes to the summit, and besides seeing deer you are almost guaranteed to encounter mosquitoes and rubbish. The summit is a sacred place for the Dayaknese.
Pick your weekday for the museum, pack long clothes for the lakes and trails, and start mapping your route along the Kahayan River.