Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Getting There & Away
There are no longer any flights connecting Pangkalan Bun and Palangka Raya. The best
option is to fly from Pangkalan Bun to Sampit, then take a Kijang (75,000Rp, buy two
front seats if possible) to Palangka Raya. Reserve a
car
( 0852 4920 5991, English
shaky)
ahead. Otherwise it is a brutal 15-hour bus trip, although you could get off in
Sampit if you can't take any more.
Buses are run by Yessoe Travel, departing from its office for Sampit (60,000Rp to
85,000Rp, six hours) and Banjarmasin (125,000Rp to 195,000Rp, 16 to 18 hours).
Getting Around
Taxis to/from the airport (5km) cost 50,000Rp.
Opelet
around town cost 10,000Rp.
Minibuses to Kumai (20,000Rp, 20 minutes) and
ojeks
leave from the roundabout at the
end of Jl Kasumayuda. Taxis to Kumai cost 150,000Rp.
Palangka Raya
0536 / POP 213,000
Originally envisioned by President Soekarno as a new capital city for Indonesia - and
even for a pan-Asian state - Palangka Raya was built from scratch beginning in 1957. It
shows in the streets, which are clearly laid out to plan, giving the city wide boulevards
and a refreshing orderliness. While Soekarno's dream died, the city has a few surprises in
store, including Kalimantan's only high-end jungle river cruise, a new luxury hotel, some
trendy cafes and a bright spot of nightlife.
