Putussibau
,Putussibau is a town located in the Kapuas Hulu regency of West Kalimantan, Indonesia. It serves as the administrative center of the regency and is known for its vibrant local culture. The town is surrounded by lush forests and rivers, offering opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking and river cruises.
Putussibau is also home to diverse indigenous tribes, each with their own unique traditions and customs.
- "Selamat pagi" - Good morning
- "Terima kasih" - Thank you
- "Apa kabar?" - How are you?
- "Sama-sama" - You're welcome
- "Selamat malam" - Good evening
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $10 - $30
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $2 - $10
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.50 - $1
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $15 - $40
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $15 - $25
Day plans
Spend a day exploring around
Explore Nature in Putussibau
morning
:Start your day with a hike through the lush rainforests surrounding Putussibau. Look out for unique flora and fauna as you immerse yourself in nature.
afternoon
:Visit the local markets to experience the vibrant culture and taste authentic Indonesian dishes. Engage with friendly vendors and shop for handmade crafts.
evening
:Unwind by the Kapuas River as the sun sets, providing a picturesque view. Enjoy a traditional dinner at a riverside restaurant.
Cultural Immersion Adventure
morning
:Participate in a village tour and learn about the Dayak culture. Meet locals and understand their traditions.
afternoon
:Enjoy a lunch that features local specialties. Attend a traditional dance performance in the village to soak in the cultural experience.
evening
:Return to town and visit a local coffee shop. Relax and reflect on your cultural experience with a cup of authentic Indonesian coffee.
Highlights
Good
- Rich cultural heritage with diverse indigenous communities.
- Beautiful landscapes and natural scenery, including mountains and rivers.
- Opportunities for eco-tourism and adventure activities.
- Less crowded compared to major tourist destinations in Indonesia.
- Access to unique wildlife and biodiversity.
Bad
- Limited infrastructure and amenities for travelers.
- Challenges in transportation and connectivity to major cities.
- Potential language barrier for non-Indonesian speakers.
- Limited healthcare facilities and services.
- Economic development can be slow, affecting job opportunities.
Outdoor Activities
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Trekking in the Heart of Borneo
Explore the lush rainforests of Borneo with guided treks offering breathtaking views and unique wildlife sightings.
River Cruises on the Kapuas River
Enjoy scenic boat rides along the Kapuas River, with opportunities for fishing and spotting local flora and fauna.
Cultural Tours to Local Villages
Visit nearby Dayak villages to learn about their culture, traditional crafts, and lifestyle, often including participation in local ceremonies.
Bird Watching
Experience diverse bird species unique to the region, with guided tours available for enthusiastic bird watchers.
Camping in Nature Reserves
Set up camp in designated nature reserves to truly immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Putussibau.
Fishing Expeditions
Engage in fishing trips in the surrounding rivers, targeting both freshwater fish and experiencing local fishing techniques.
Waterfall Visits
Hike to stunning waterfalls in the area, perfect for a refreshing dip and photography.
Adventures
Uncover the best of Putussibau with these unforgettable adventures.
Attractions
Visit one of these nice places.
Bukit Pangasihan
A popular viewpoint offering panoramic views of the Kapuas River and lush surrounding hills, perfect for sunset photography.
Taman Bunga
A beautifully landscaped flower garden that provides excellent opportunities for vibrant floral photography against a natural backdrop.
Puncak Simbuang
A peak that provides a breathtaking view of the town and its surroundings, ideal for capturing both sunrise and sunset shots.
Jembatan Merah
The iconic red bridge in Putussibau offers great photo opportunities of the river and the town, especially during twilight.
Air Terjun Lembah Beringin
This waterfall surrounded by lush vegetation is an excellent location for nature photography and capturing the beauty of the Indonesian landscape.
Kalimantan Viewpoint
A scenic spot that showcases the rich biodiversity and the extensive forests of Kalimantan, perfect for landscape and wildlife photography.
Danau Tondok
A serene lake that reflects the surrounding mountains and sky, offering stunning mirror-like photo opportunities, particularly at dawn.
Cuisine
Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Pansoh Manuk
A Dayak specialty dish featuring chicken, mushrooms, lemongrass, and tapioca leaves cooked in bamboo tubes, creating a fragrant and succulent delicacy. Available at local Dayak eateries like Warung Dayak Mbau.
Must-Try!
Ikan Baung Panggang
Grilled baung fish rubbed with a blend of local spices, resulting in a tantalizing smoky flavor. Look for this dish at Warung Ikan Bakar Pak Jenggot alongside the Kapuas River.
Soto Putussibau
A hearty soup made with spiced clear broth, shredded chicken, vermicelli, and a medley of aromatic herbs. Indulge in an authentic bowl at Soto Putussibau Restaurant.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Putussibau better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Pasar Malam Putussibau
This bustling night market is a treasure trove of local delicacies such as Nasi Kuning (turmeric rice with savory accompaniments), Mie Tarakan (Tarakan-style noodles), and various grilled skewers. It's an excellent spot to savor traditional street food flavors.
Weather
How To Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Respect Local Customs
Always show respect for the local customs and traditions. For instance, it is important to dress modestly, especially when visiting places of worship or during traditional ceremonies.
Use Polite Language and Gestures
Politeness is highly valued in Indonesian culture. Use polite language and gestures when interacting with locals. A simple smile and greeting in Bahasa Indonesia can go a long way.
Avoid Public Displays of Affection
Public displays of affection are generally frowned upon in Putussibau and many other parts of Indonesia. It is advisable to maintain a level of decorum in public settings to respect local values.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Putussibau with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping & Payment
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping
In Putussibau, tipping is not a common practice as it is in some Western countries. Service charges are often included in the bill, especially in restaurants and hotels. However, if a customer receives exceptional service, they may choose to leave a small tip as a token of appreciation. This can be in the form of rounding up the bill or leaving loose change.
Payment
Payment practices in Putussibau typically involve cash transactions, as many businesses may not accept credit or debit cards. Traditional markets and small local shops predominantly operate on a cash basis. However, there is a growing trend of digital payments through mobile applications, especially among younger generations and in larger establishments. Bank transfers are also becoming more popular, but they may not be widely used in all contexts.
Best Activities
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Putussibau.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Dry Season (April to October)
The best time to visit Putussibau is during the dry season, which runs from April to October. This period is characterized by lower rainfall and more sunshine, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking, exploring the surrounding jungles, and visiting nearby rivers. The humidity levels are also lower, providing a more comfortable experience for tourists.
Wet Season (November to March)
The wet season, from November to March, brings heavy rainfall and high humidity to Putussibau. While the landscape becomes lush and vibrant during this time, outdoor activities may be hindered due to the frequent downpours and muddy trails. However, this season can be advantageous for travelers seeking to experience the natural beauty of the region's waterfalls and rivers at their fullest.
Nightlife
Hiking Spots Nearby
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Mount Kerihun National Park
A beautiful national park offering various hiking trails through dense tropical rainforests, with the chance to see diverse wildlife and stunning views from the peaks.
Bukit Raya National Park
Located nearby, this park features numerous trails for trekking and hiking, providing an excellent opportunity to explore the rich biodiversity and scenic landscapes.
Danau Sentarum National Park
Known for its wetland ecosystem, hiking around the park offers unique experiences with nature, combining water and land trails amid beautiful lakes and forests.
Borneo Rainforest Lodge
While primarily an eco-lodge, it offers guided hikes in the surrounding rainforest, allowing hikers to explore the unique flora and fauna of Borneo.
Tanjung Puting National Park
While a bit further away, this park offers jungle trekking opportunities where hikers can encounter orangutans and other wildlife, making it a great spot for adventure.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Putussibau through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports Nearby
How to reach Putussibau by plane.
Supadio International Airport (PNK)
Located in Pontianak, West Kalimantan, this is the nearest international airport to Putussibau.
Sultan Syarif Kasim II International Airport (PKU)
Located in Pekanbaru, Riau, this airport serves international and domestic flights and is a significant distance from Putussibau.
Hang Nadim International Airport (BTH)
Located on Batam Island, this international airport serves several international destinations and is relatively accessible from Putussibau.
Raja Haji Fisabilillah International Airport (TNJ)
Located in Tanjung Pinang, Riau Islands, this airport serves international and domestic flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Dayak
Indigenous people known for their rich cultural traditions and connection to the land.
Malay
An ethnic group that has a significant presence in the region, mainly involved in trade and agriculture.
Chinese
A minority group that contributes to commerce and trade within Putussibau.
Javanese
A smaller population in Putussibau, primarily consisting of migrants seeking opportunities.
The Soul of Putussibau
Discover the essence of Putussibau through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Basketball
A popular team sport played on a rectangular court, where two teams aim to score by shooting a ball through the opponent's hoop.
Soccer
The most popular sport in Indonesia, played between two teams on a rectangular field, with the objective to score goals by getting the ball into the opposing team's net.
Badminton
A racquet sport played individually or in pairs, where players hit a shuttlecock over a net, known for its fast pace and agility requirements.
Volleyball
A team sport played on a rectangular court divided by a net, where two teams score points by grounding the ball on the opponent's side.
Martial Arts
Various forms of combat sports and self-defense practices, including traditional Indonesian styles as well as more widely known disciplines.
Traffic
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
While traditional dishes often revolve around meat and fish, many restaurants in Putussibau offer vegetable-based dishes like Sayur Lodeh, Sayur Asem (tamarind vegetable soup), and Urap (mixed vegetables with spiced coconut). Communicating dietary preferences clearly at local eateries can help in obtaining suitable options.
Gluten-Free Options
Gluten-free choices may be limited in traditional dishes due to the prevalent use of soy sauce and wheat-based ingredients. Opting for grilled or steamed dishes and communicating dietary needs to the restaurant staff can aid in finding suitable options.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Putussibau with these cultural adventures.
