Formerly known as Borneo, Kalimantan is the world's second largest island. The North and North-western part of the island are the East Malaysian state of Serawak and Sabah, with the newly independent state of Brunei Darusalam between them. The rest of the island is part of Indonesia, divided into four provinces - East Kalimantan, West Kalimantan, Central Kalimantan and South Kalimantan.

Banjarmasin and its surroundings 
Banjarmasin, which is nicknamed "river City", is the capital, and is the centre of trade and tourism. It lies at the delta of the Barito River. A number of rivers various sizes and lengths wind their way through and around the city. The major rivers are Martapura and Nagara. Local people build traditional floating houses called "lanting", along the rivers. The lanting face the rivers, and are made of wood or bamboo. Rivers have been very important for business and economic activities. This is one reason why there are floating markets everywhere.  Making trips along the mighty Barito and Martapura rivers by "klotok boat" or river bus will provide you with a unique experience. A speedboat can be hired for longer trips. 

Pontianak  - As the capital of West Kalimantan, there are some interesting places to visit, among others the Equator Monument, Kadariah palace in Kampung Dalam, the State Museum, the Kapuas and Landak Bridges with a river view and floating market. You can also simply relax in the recreational park Tirta Ria. The beach resort of Kijing and Temajoh Island are good places for diving, fishing and sailing.

Samarinda  - Samarinda is known for its fine sarong cloth. The city shows some signs of being the capital of a prosperous province. New government offices and public buildings are rising everywhere. Samarinda has a number of modest but comfortable hotels. 

Balikpapan  - Balikpapan, the centre of Kalimantan's oil industry is also the gateway to East Kalimantan with air and sea connections to Jakarta and other major points in Indonesia. Even the trip to Samarinda, begins in Balikpapan. Living up to its importance, Balikpapan has a number of good hotels, including one of international standard, as well as recreation facilities. It has the second busiest airport in the nation after Jakarta, due to its strategic position

Palangkaraya
After Indonesia proclaimed its independence in 1945, the carrying out of the Government in Central Kalimantan was still controlled from Banjarmasin, but gradually there came the inspiration and ideas of the people to establish a separate province as an autonomous Region. The inspiration and ideas were based on the fact that most of the economy and trade development in this region was supported by crops and natural resources of the region which were primarily transported using the rivers.

After some great effort and hard lobbying, Central Kalimantan was officially declared by the first President of Republic of Indonesia, Prof. Ir. Soekarno, on 23 May, 1957, to be an autonomous province in Indonesia with 'Pahandut' at the confluence of the Rungon and Kahayan Rivers, as the capital city. The name 'Pahandut' was later changed to 'Palangkaraya' which means 'Sacred Place', Honorable and Great; with Tjilik Riwut as the first-governor