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Five tourist destinations to visit near Indonesia’s future capital
In light of the plan to move Indonesia’s capital, all eyes are now on East Kalimantan, the province projected to host the new city, and it's already worth a visit.
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This 'rumah panjang' (long house) on Kumala Island, Kutai Kartanegara, East Kalimantan, is an example of traditional Dayak architecture. (Shutterstock/Sony Herdiana)
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n light of the plan to move Indonesia’s capital, all eyes are now on East Kalimantan, the province projected to host the new city. Part of the capital is to be located in Kutai Kartanegara, a regency known for attractive historic tourist destinations.
Listed below are five tourist destinations worth checking out in Kutai Kartanegara, as compiled by KompasTravel.
1. Mulawarman Museum
Located on Jl. Tepian Pandan, Panji, in the town of Tenggarong, which is the capital of Kutai Kartanegara, Mulawarman Museum hosts more than 5,000 artifacts.
The museum’s collection includes statues, ancient furniture, beds decorated with hand-woven doyo cloth and items from the Ming, Qing and Yuan dynasties. Named after King Mulawarman of the ancient Kutai kingdom, the museum stands close to Mahakam, one of Indonesia’s mightiest rivers.
2. Kota Raja Tenggarong Park
Residents of Tenggarong often enjoy a picnic in this city park, known for its tree-like sculptures.
The park is open 24 hours a day, and visitors are charged an entrance fee of Rp 10,000 (US$ 0.70).
A highlight of the park is its background, the Kartanegara Bridge that crosses above Mahakam River.
Read also: Traditional, modern dances come together at Archipelago Panji Festival
3. Ladang Budaya
Literally translating into “cultural field”, Ladang Budaya is also known as Ladaya. It has a mini zoo that houses hornbills, honey bears, Bornean gibbons and peacocks. This destination, also located in Tenggarong, has attractive spots for taking selfies as well.
4. Kumala Island
A small island in the Mahakam River, Kumala stretches to the west of Tenggarong. This island hosts a sky tower that is open for the public, from where people can enjoy an aerial view of the town. Moreover, a children’s play area and cable cars make this island an ideal destination for the whole family.
5. Bukit Biru
Its name meaning “the blue hill”, this site is a natural tourist attraction popular among residents of Kutai Kartanegara.
People usually go to Bukit Biru in the late afternoon to take in the sunset. (ran/mut)
