Kalimantan Landmarks and Monuments

(Kalimantan, Indonesia)

The various historical landmarks of Kalimantan are spread all around this expansive region of Borneo. These generally come in the form of Kalimantan palaces, temples and mosques, such as both the Sabilal Muhtadin Mosque (Masjid Raya Sabilal Muhtadin) in Banjarmasin and the Abdurrakhman Mosque (Mesjid Abdurrakhman) in Pontianak

Particularly noticeable is the Kalimantan Equator Monument / Obelisk (Tugu Khatulistiwa), which is located on the outskirts of the city of Pontianak. The Equatorial Obelisk officially marks the route of the equator, the invisible dividing line separating both the northern hemisphere and the southern hemisphere.

Equatorial Obelisk / Equator Monument (Tugu Khatulistiwa)

Address: Jalan Pontianak, Pontianak, West Kalimantan, Indonesia, ID
This striking monument is amongst Indonesia's most famous and was first erected in 1928 as a very simple obelisk, with minor alternations over the next decade, including the addition of two connecting circles on the top, making the structure somewhat reminiscent of a gyroscope. In the early 1990s, the original Equatorial Obelisk was enclosed by a domed building to protect it from the elements, atop which there now stands an enormous replica - five times bigger than the actual original. Twice a year, on March 23rd and again on September 23rd, huge crowds flock here, to witness the shadowless sun.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Kadriyah Palace (Istana Kadriyah)

Address: Pontianak, West Kalimantan, Indonesia, ID
Just a short stroll to the north of the Abdurrakhman Mosque, the Istana Kadriyah was formerly the palace of the sultan, although nobody has actually lived here since the middle of the 20th century. This landmark is two storeys high and completely dominated by its grand ornate entrance / veranda. The building of the Kadriyah Palace commenced in 1771 and was completed seven years later. Many valuable antiquities and artefacts relating to the sultan's family are displayed inside, in a museum-type setting.
Open hours: daily - 08:30 to 16:00
Admission: free, donations suggested

Sabilal Muhtadin Mosque / Great Mosque of Sabilal Muhtadin (Masjid Raya Sabilal Muhtadin)

Address: Jalan Jenderal Sudirman, Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan, Indonesia, ID
Situated within the giant city of Banjarmasin, the Masjid Raya Sabilal Muhtadin is one of South Kalimantan's most famous and most visited landmarks, since it is actually Indonesia's second-biggest. The Great Mosque of Sabilal Muhtadin stands alongside the Sungai Martapura riverfront and was built over a seven-year period in the 1970s, being named after a famous Islamic philosopher Syekh Muhammad Arsyad Al Banjari (1710 to 1812). Capable of accommodating some 15,000 people, the mosque is close to the office of the region's governor and known for its dramatic curved roof, which many agree closely resembles a floating UFO spaceship.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Abdurrakhman Mosque (Mesjid Abdurrakhman)

Address: Pontianak, West Kalimantan, Indonesia, ID
Standing alongside the Sungai Kapaus Kecil riverfront and close to the confluence of the Sungai Landak, the 18th-century Abdurrakhman Mosque was formerly the personal mosque of Sultan of Pontianak, Syarif Abdul Rahman, who also went by the name of Abdurrakhman. The Mesjid Abdurrakhman is best reached by taking a short canoe taxi across the river. Typically Sumatran in appearance, the mosque features a wooden roof, which is square in shape and tiered. The interior is equally elaborate and impressive. From the mosque, take a walk along the wooden boardwalk and check out the stilt houses - do make sure that you leave yourself enough time to do this.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Agung Baitul Hikmah Mosque (Mesjid Agung Baitul Hikmah)

Address: Jalan Mualana, Berau, East Kalimantan, Indonesia, ID
The Mesjid Agung Baitul Hikmah is an incredibly unique and eye-catching landmark and is to be found within the town of Berau, in East Kalimantan. Towering at some 70 metres / 230 feet in height, the central monolithic tower is the main feature of this mosque, along with its rather vivid green colour, series of domes and plentiful use of brass. The Agung Baitul Hikmah Mosque is especially pleasing at night, when its multitude of fairy lights flicker and give the structure a magical quality.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Raya Darussalam Mosque (Mesjid Raya Darussalam)

Address: Jalan Niaga Selatan, Samarinda, East Kalimantan, Indonesia, ID
A prominent landmark in the easterly city of Samarinda, the Raya Darussalam Mosque is further enhanced by its waterfront setting. This is the city's oldest mosque and is flanked on each of its corners by individual minarets, which stand either side of the building and are so tall that they are visible for literally miles. A central large green dome in encircled by a number of smaller domes, appearing as if they are a ring of bubbles. Visitor are permitted to enter the Mesjid Raya Darussalam, although are advised to always dress respectfully, i.e. no shorts or T-shirts.
Open hours: daily - no admission during Friday prayers
Admission: free

Sambaliung Palace (Sambaliung Kraton)

Address: Berau, East Kalimantan, Indonesia, ID
Another much-respected landmark in Berau is the Sambaliung Kraton, an understated palace with classical architecture. Although the Sambaliung Kraton is not really a museum as such, it does contain some interesting artefacts, relating to the last nine rajahs. The easiest way to reach the palace is to take a canoe taxi across the Sungai Kelai. Nearby, do make sure that you leave enough time to quickly check out the Pura Agung Giri Natha temple, which stands further down the riverbank and next to the Jalan Haji Isa bridge.
Open hours: Monday to Friday - 10:00 to 15:00, hours can vary
Admission: free