Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(Jl Niaga Selatan)
A striking mosque with missile-like minarets.
PAMPANG DAYAK CEREMONIES
Every Sunday at 2pm, Pampang, 25km west of Samarinda, has authentic Kenyah Dayak ceremonies at its long-
house, one of the last places to see traditional long ears. Offer a donation for taking photographs. Take a public
minibus from Segiri terminal (10,000Rp, one hour), or charter a taxi or Kijang with other travellers (100,000Rp).
Tours
ADVENTURE
De'Gigant Tours
( 0812 584 6578, 700 0774;
www.borneotourgigant.com
;
Jl Martadinata 21)
De'Gigant is the best tour company to deal with in Kalimantan, offering strong and trust-
worthy management, experienced guides and island-wide contacts. Its sharp Dutch owner,
Lucas Zwaal, speaks English, German, Indonesian, Dayak, Kutai, Banjarese and Javanese.
This is one of only two tour companies we recommend for the Cross-Borneo Trek (
Click
hakam. For a memorable jungle trek or river cruise, start here.
Sleeping
Don't skimp here: budget digs are gloomy and upgrading to midrange options only adds a
Western toilet to your concrete cube. However, top-end hotels can be good value, particu-
larly on weekends, when many offer steep discounts. Rooms fill up accordingly, so re-
serve ahead on weekends.
HOTEL
Hotel Mesra $$
( 732 772;
www.mesra.com/hotel
;
Jl Pahlawan 1; s/d incl breakfast 350,000/
400,000Rp, d cottage 820,000Rp;
)
The Mesra is a welcome surprise, a true re-
