Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
NORTH KALIMANTAN
0551
North Kalimantan is a brand-new province carved out of the top of East Kalimantan. It in-
cludes the island of Nunukan (not to be confused with the one in the Derawan Ar-
chipelago), Sembakung, Bulungan, Tanjung Selor, Tarakan, Krayan, Kayan Mentarang and
the Apokayan. This area includes some of the most pristine forests on Borneo, making it
one of the last frontiers for hardcore jungle trekking. Only a handful of people have crossed
the vast jungle of Kayan Mentarang.
The most common reason for travellers to pass through North Kalimantan is on their
way to or from Malaysian Borneo. At time of research the direct ferry from Tawau (Sabah)
to Tarakan wasn't operating, but there is a speedboat service from Tawau to Tarakan
(140,000Rp, four hours) via Nunukan (two hours) where you switch boats. The boat leaves
Tawau at noon, but show up an hour early to clear immigration and ensure a seat. Save five
ringgits for the terminal fee. The quicker but more expensive route is the daily MASwings
flight from Tawau to Tarakan (550,000Rp-800,000Rp).
To get from Tarakan to Berau/Derawan Archipelago, take an early morning boat to Tan-
jung Selor (80,000Rp) and then a car from the harbour (55,000Rp to 75,000Rp). For air
tickets see
Angkasa Express
( 30288; fax 24848; Jln Yos Sudarso, Hotel Tarakan
Plaza)
or
Derawan Travel
( 35599; fax 35799; Jln Mulawarman 21, Hotel Paradise)
.
The
immigration office
( 21242; Jln Sumatra)
has information on visas. If you need to
stay over,
Hotel Bungamuda
( 21349; Jl Yos Sudarso 7, Tarakan; r
55,000-132,000Rp; )
is a good budget option, while
Swiss-Belhotel Tarakan
(
21133;
www.swiss-belhotel.com
;
Jln Mulawarman 15; r incl breakfast
440,000-594,000Rp; )
is an upscale bargain.
NATUNA ARCHIPELAGO
If you're up for some real off-the-beaten-track exploration, you'd be hard-pressed to find a better opportunity than
this. Located northwest of Kalimantan, the Natuna Archipelago contains 272 islands, of which Pulau Natuna is the
largest. They include some spectacular landscapes of towering volcanic domes, white sandy beaches and colourful
coral reefs.
Orion Expeditions
(
www.orionexpeditions.com
)
, a high-end speciality cruise line, has visited the islands
