Palangka Raya

Palangka Raya is the capital of Central Kalimantan and sits inland on the island of Borneo, near the confluence of the Kahayan and Rungan rivers. Planned in the 1950s as a prospective national capital, the city is known for its wide boulevards, low-rise layout and strong Dayak cultural identity.

Its history as a planned city is visible in landmarks such as the Kahayan Bridge, the Bundaran Besar roundabout and monument, and the Balanga Museum, which documents Dayak traditions, crafts and ceremonial objects. The city grew from the riverside village of Pahandut, and river life remains central to local culture.

Beyond the centre, nature-focused attractions include the Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and the forested slopes of Bukit Tangkiling. Day trips along the Kahayan and Rungan rivers pass riverside settlements and local market life, while the rivers remain important routes into Central Kalimantan's interior.

Palangka Raya functions as the administrative and trade hub of Central Kalimantan, with government offices, universities and regional businesses concentrated in the Pahandut and Jekan Raya districts. Its economy links agriculture, timber, palm oil and river trade, and the city regularly hosts regional government and business events.

For travellers, Palangka Raya offers a quieter gateway to Borneo's interior, Dayak culture, river excursions and nearby orangutan conservation. It suits both leisure visitors interested in nature and culture and business travellers working with regional government and industry.