Things To Do
in Tanjung Selor
Tanjung Selor is the administrative capital of North Kalimantan province, set on the banks of a winding river and serving as a gateway to lesser-visited Borneo landscapes. The town combines provincial government offices with markets, riverfront life, and easy access to mangroves, riverine communities, and forested hinterlands. Visitors find a quiet, low-rise town where traditional Dayak and Malay culture mixes with migrants from other Indonesian islands.
It’s an off-the-beaten-path destination best suited for travelers who enjoy slow exploration, boat trips, and rural cultural experiences.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the stunning Tanjung Selor Beach, where you can enjoy the soft sand and gentle waves. Take a leisurely stroll along the coastline, soaking in the natural beauty, and look for unique seashells that wash ashore. As the sun rises higher, consider indulging in a traditional Indonesian breakfast from a local warung nearby.
After lunch, make your way to the nearby Mangrove Forest, where you can take a guided kayak tour through the serene waterways. Keep an eye out for local wildlife, including various bird species and playful monkeys, as you paddle through this lush ecosystem. The tranquil atmosphere is perfect for reconnecting with nature and enjoying the beautiful surroundings.
As the sun sets, head to the local market where you can experience the vibrant culture of Tanjung Selor. Sample delicious street food, shop for handmade crafts, and immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere filled with laughter and music. Finish off your evening by leisurely walking along the waterfront, enjoying the night breeze and reflecting on your day.
Begin your day with a visit to the Tanjung Selor Cultural Center, where you can learn about the local history and traditions of the region. Join a workshop where you can participate in traditional crafts such as batik painting or wood carving. Engaging with the locals will give you deeper insight into their customs and lifestyle.
In the afternoon, take a short trip to the nearby traditional village, where you can observe everyday life in a rural setting. Interact with the villagers and partake in activities like rice planting or fishing, gaining appreciation for their hard work and sustainable practices. This cultural exchange promises an enriching experience.
As you return to Tanjung Selor, prepare for an evening of traditional music and dance at a local venue. Experience the vibrant colors and rhythms of the region's folk performances that bring the stories and legends of the area to life. This captivating entertainment will leave you with lasting memories of your cultural immersion.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍚Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $2-5 |
| ☕Coffee / drink at a café | $1.50-3 |
| 🚕Short taxi or ojek ride | $0.50-3 |
| 🍺Local beer / bottled drink | $2-3 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel (per night) | $25-60 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic, off-the-beaten-path Borneo river and village experiences
- Close access to mangroves, riverine culture, and nature
- Low cost of living and affordable food
- Less crowded than larger tourist hubs
- Limited tourist infrastructure and fewer English speakers
- Weather can be wet and humid; some roads get muddy in the wet season
- Fewer nightlife and entertainment options
- Medical facilities and specialty services are limited compared with major cities
- "Halo / Selamat pagi" - Hello / Good morning
- "Terima kasih" - Thank you
- "Tolong" - Please / Help
- "Berapa harganya?" - How much is it?
- "Di mana ...?" - Where is ...?
- "Saya tidak mengerti" - I don't understand
- "Apakah Anda bisa berbahasa Inggris?" - Do you speak English?
- "Air" - Water
- "Saya vegetarian" - I am vegetarian
Places to Visit in Tanjung Selor
Visit one of these nice places.
Daily river traffic, stilt houses, fishing boats and colorful morning markets make for atmospheric river photography at sunrise and sunset.
Bustling stalls, produce, and vendors provide vibrant street scenes and candid portrait opportunities—best early in the morning.
Boat rides to nearby mangroves and riverside villages capture wildlife, traditional boats, and rural life along tidal waterways.
Low-rise government architecture and quiet streets can produce clean, documentary-style images of the town’s civic life.
Food in Tanjung Selor
Tanjung Selor Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Fresh river or coastal fish grilled over charcoal, often served with sambal and rice — found at riverfront warungs and small restaurants.
Must-Try!
Fish stewed in coconut curry (gulai) or sour-spiced broth (pindang), commonly prepared at home and available in local eateries.
Plates of rice with several small side dishes such as vegetables, tempeh, egg, and a fish or meat curry — a convenient way to sample many flavors.
Assorted steamed or fried snacks and sweet cakes sold at markets; try pisang goreng (fried bananas) and Onde-onde.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The town’s morning market is the best place to try fresh fruit, grilled snacks, noodle soups, and small rice plates; go early for the liveliest scene.
Small family-run stalls along the river serve grilled fish, sambal, rice, and simple desserts — ideal for an informal meal with river views.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dress modestly, especially in public buildings, markets and rural communities. Lightweight long sleeves and covered knees are practical and polite.
A simple ‘Selamat pagi’ (good morning) and smiling nod go far. Use right hand for handing items or accepting food when possible.
Most residents are Muslim—avoid loud behavior near mosques during prayer times and be mindful during Ramadan if traveling then.
Always ask permission before photographing individuals, especially in villages or private homes.
Safety
Tipping in Tanjung Selor
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not widely expected in small warungs and local services but is appreciated for good service; leave small change or round up in restaurants, and tip drivers or guides a modest amount for excellent service.
Cash (Indonesian rupiah) is king—carry small bills for markets and remote areas. Some mid-range restaurants and hotels may accept cards, and digital wallets/QR payments are increasingly available but can be spotty in smaller establishments.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Expect frequent heavy showers and higher river levels; some rural roads and trails become muddy or temporarily impassable, and river transport schedules can change with the weather.
Generally drier and more reliable for boat trips and outdoor activities, though humidity remains high; this is the best window for longer excursions and hiking.
Transitional months can bring unpredictability — sunny mornings and sudden storms in the afternoon — so pack a lightweight rain jacket year-round.
Tanjung Selor at Night
Hiking in Tanjung Selor
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short, lowland walks along the river and into nearby mangrove stands—great for birdwatching and easy day hikes accessible by boat or road.
Several small hills near the town offer short hikes for panoramic views of the river plain and surrounding countryside; trails are informal and best explored with a local guide or resident.
Day hikes at the forest edge or community-managed forest areas to observe flora and fauna; conditions and access vary seasonally and are often arranged through local contacts.
Airports
How to reach Tanjung Selor by plane.
A small regional airport serving short domestic flights; convenient for direct access but with limited scheduled routes—useful for short hops to nearby hubs.
Larger regional airport with more domestic connections; access typically requires a road or ferry transfer depending on your route and schedule.
Major Kalimantan hub with frequent domestic flights to Jakarta and other cities — a longer domestic transfer but with many flight options and international connections.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Local indigenous communities with distinct cultural traditions tied to the land, rivers and forests of North Kalimantan.
Malay-speaking communities form a large portion of the population with Islamic cultural influence on daily life and festivals.
People from other Indonesian islands (Javanese, Bugis, etc.) and small Chinese-Indonesian communities who work in trade and services.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A traditional Southeast Asian sport played across the region, popular in community tournaments and school competitions.
The most popular spectator and participatory sport, with local amateur teams and regular informal matches.
Common indoor/outdoor pastime across Indonesia, played socially and competitively.
Local rowing, small-boat racing and fishing are culturally important and practiced locally.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Tanjung Selor.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are limited but possible: order vegetable side dishes, tempeh, tofu, and plain rice; ask about fish-based broths or shrimp paste (belacan/ngeri) which are common.
Most food in Tanjung Selor is halal-friendly as the region is majority Muslim, but always confirm with any pork-free or alcohol-free requirements.
Fish and shrimp are common ingredients; if you have seafood allergies, communicate clearly in Indonesian (or via translation) and avoid sauces that may contain shrimp paste or fish sauce.