Sampit

A town in South Kalimantan's border region known for its timber trade and river access, serving as a secondary gateway to the rainforests. It offers a less touristy alternative to Pangkalan Bun with similar access to nature.

Things to do

• Kapuas River boat tours — Take a guided speedboat or traditional wooden boat along the Kapuas River to spot proboscis monkeys, dolphins, and river wildlife in their natural habitat.
• Tanjung Puting National Park day trip — Visit the renowned orangutan rehabilitation centers at Camp Leakey or Camp Tanggui, about 2–3 hours from Sampit by river.
• Timber museum and port tour — Explore Sampit's working timber trade heritage by visiting local sawmills and the active river port to understand the region's logging economy.
• Sampit market walks — Stroll through the bustling wet market early in the morning to see local produce, fish, and traditional goods sold by Dayak and Banjarese traders.
• Simpulasi Crocodile farm visit — Tour a working crocodile breeding facility that conserves saltwater crocodiles and educates visitors about local reptile species.
• Rainforest canoe trips — Paddle a traditional canoe through blackwater rivers and oxbow lakes into pristine peat swamp forests to observe endemic birds and reptiles.

Food to try

• Ikan bakar Kapuas — Freshly caught river fish from the Kapuas, grilled over charcoal and seasoned with chili, lime, and local spices, served at riverfront warungs.
• Bubur Banjar — A savory rice porridge cooked with coconut milk and served with salted fish, fried shallots, and sambal, a Banjarese comfort food staple.
• Gabus goreng — Snakehead fish, a local freshwater specialty, deep-fried until crispy and served with sambal matah or sweet soy sauce.
• Soto Banjar — A warming turmeric-based broth with chicken or beef, potatoes, and hard-boiled eggs, reflecting Banjarese culinary traditions.
• Ketam masak kuah santan — River crabs cooked in a creamy coconut gravy with ginger and garlic, a local delicacy found in family-run seafood restaurants.

Local customs & good to know

• Respectful river conduct — Always ask permission and hire licensed local guides for river activities; the Kapuas is sacred to indigenous Dayak communities and requires cultural sensitivity.
• Timing your visits — Visit during the dry season (June–September) when river levels are stable and wildlife is more visible; wet season floods can disrupt transport and activities.
• Dayak hospitality customs — Accept tea or coffee offered by locals as a sign of respect, and always greet elders with a slight nod or handshake; direct eye contact shows sincerity.
• Environmental awareness — Be mindful of Sampit's timber industry heritage and avoid discussing deforestation insensitively; support eco-tourism operators to promote sustainable practices.