Description of the climate of the island of Kalimantan. Resorts of Indonesia. Kalimantan Island. Holidays for active tourists

“The Island of Headhunters” is what South Asian Kalimantan was called in the old days. The Dayaks - local aborigines - have almost abandoned the ancient practice of giving the head of an enemy to their bride... Nowadays they are tribes of landowners and fishermen who make good money from dance performances in front of tourists. The latter come here to see the famous Dayak “long houses” and admire the amazing animals that inhabit Kalimantan.

FOUR PROVINCES OF INDONESIA

The island of Kalimantan contains four of Indonesia's 33 provinces: East, West, Central and South Kalimantan.

Kalimantan, as the Indonesians call it, or Borneo (as the Malays call it), is the most big Island Malay Archipelago. According to the most common version, the word “Kalimantan” comes from the name of the local Clementan tribe. There are other translation options: “mango land” and “diamond river.”

The shores of the island are mostly low-lying, swampy, poorly dissected, and covered with mangroves. There are very few convenient bays here, and shipping is the main mode of transport for local residents- developed only along the coast.

Along western shores The sea is very shallow, it is the bottom of the continental shelf, and from the east there is its slope, thus Kalimantan is located on the edge of the Asian continental shelf. There is a long and intermittent barrier of coral reefs along the entire coastline.

The central part of Kalimantan is occupied by blocky mountains up to 1-1.5 thousand meters high, diverging to the outskirts in the form of elongated radial spurs. The mountains are composed mainly of granites, gneisses and crystalline schists. They are surrounded by rolling plains, gradually turning into flat swampy lowlands. On the border of Central Kalimantan with Western Kalimantan, among the hills, is the highest point of the Indonesian part of Kalimantan - Mount Bukit Raya (2278 m).

The entire territory of the provinces of South and West Kalimantan is largely thinned out tropical forests and peat swamps. This part of the island has a very dense river network, and almost all rivers are full all year round. Three of them, Kapuasg Barito and Mahakam, are navigable for several hundred kilometers from their mouths. Along the entire course of the rivers there are many swamps and shallows.

People appeared on the island at least 50-60 thousand years ago. According to one version, the first of them made their way from Africa to Southeast Asia. This is confirmed by a group of dark-skinned, stunted peoples collectively called Negritos (from the Spanish diminutive form of the word “negro”, or “black”), who, according to version, penetrated the island (and further to Australia), following the coast through India and South Asia . At that time, Kalimantan was part of the Eurasian continent and the so-called Sundaland region. There is also a theory that the Sunda region (a biogeographical area covering the Malay Peninsula, Kalimantan, Java, Sumatra and smaller islands) was the cradle of the Austronesian population. From here, according to the theory, about 10 thousand years ago, people, under the influence of climate change, reached Taiwan in the north, becoming the ancestors of the Austronesians. The descendants of the Austronesians were numerous tribes of the Ngaju, Odanum, and Clementans, who subsequently penetrated the island about 3 thousand years ago. They are often called by a common name - Dayaks, although there are significant differences between the tribes in languages, customs and even appearance. Subsequently, they were pushed deeper into the island and were to some extent assimilated by new migrants: Malays, Javanese and Bugis.

Since the 13th century. Here feudal principalities arose, scattered along the coast, mainly at the mouths of rivers.

The first Europeans landed on the coast of Indonesian Kalimantan in the 16th century. These were Spanish and Portuguese sailors.

Europeans quickly settled in on the island. First it was the Dutch who founded the East India Company to export the island's natural resources. Indonesian Kalimantan soon became a colonial possession of Holland, which intensively developed its lands in the first half of the 17th century. and finally subjugated it to its power by the end of the 19th century.

During World War II, Indonesian Kalimantan was under Japanese occupation for three years. When the occupiers stopped fighting, Indonesian independence was declared (August 17, 1945). However, Holland did not recognize the new republic. This was followed by a series of hostilities, truces, and UN interventions, after which the independent Republic of Indonesia was finally proclaimed on August 17, 1950.

Central Kalimantan is almost completely covered with humid evergreen multi-tiered tropical forests, in which about 11 thousand plant species grow. These forests are the oldest on earth (together with the Australian and Amazonian). Unfortunately, the Kalimantan forests are under threat of complete extinction. Local authorities are trying to combat this scourge by creating numerous natural reserves where corners of wildlife. The most famous of them is National Park Kayan-Mentarang.

ON THE ISLAND OF AMAZING MONKEYS

In Kalimantan you can meet very curious representatives of the local fauna, gifted with a striking appearance by the whim of evolution.

The plains and foothills of the southern and central parts of the island are a zone of tall, multi-tiered wet tropical forests, with a predominance of palm trees, bamboo, pandanus, and multi-stemmed ficus (Ficus benjamina). The latter is a whole grove formed by the aerial roots of one tree, which can reach a height of 15-30 m. Moreover, the plant is widely distributed as an indoor plant.

A zone of lush mountain forests stretches up to an altitude of 1500 m, represented by sandalwood, rasamala (Althingia) an evergreen tree growing up to 50 m in height, as well as many species of dipterocarp (large forest-forming trees, up to 40-70 m in height). The wood of all these trees plays an important role: aromatic essential oils, balms and resins are obtained from it.

Evergreen oak, laurel, rhododendron, and Bornean agathis grow even higher. The tops of the mountains are overgrown with shrubs and herb meadows.

The Indonesian provinces of Kalimantan are distinguished by a rich and diverse fauna. There are 222 species of mammals alone, of which 44 are endemic. Here you can find an elephant, large monkeys (orangutan, gibbon, long-nosed monkey, cynomolgus macaque), prosimian slow loris, tarsier from the order of primates, woolly wing, many varieties of chiroptera (frugivorous bat, insectivorous bat), bear, two-horned rhinoceros, banteng , crocodile, leopard.

More than 600 species of birds live in forests where there is enough food, the most famous of which are the hornbill, argus, and parrot. The fauna of insects and other arthropods is so abundant that it has not yet been fully described.

At the same time, the flora and fauna of Kalimantan are very different, for example, from neighboring Sulawesi. This is explained by the fact that along the coast of East Kalimantan (just separating it from Sulawesi) runs the “Wallace Line” - a transitional strip (zone) separating the habitats of Asian and Australian flora and fauna.

To protect the environment, several nature reserves have been created on the island. The most popular is the world famous Orangutan Park, where these amazing creatures live in their natural habitat.

All this abundance of flora and fauna is in great danger. The population density on Kalimantan, compared to other islands of the Sunda archipelago, is low. However, the island has a very high birth rate; To feed the growing number of people, it is necessary to constantly increase the area of ​​agricultural land. The only way to expand the land available to local residents is to cut down rain forests.

As a result of massive deforestation, forests die, and subsequently only shrubs, thickets of alang-alang, wild sugar cane and oil palm plantations grow in this place, from the fruits of which edible and industrial oil is obtained (an important export item for the Indonesian provinces of Kalimantan).

More more trees They die from cutting down for firewood, large-scale fires, and the construction of roads through the jungle. The local wildlife is endangered due to uncontrolled poaching: wild animals are hunted for food.

The majority of the population lives in rural areas and engages in subsistence farming. Just like their ancestors thousands of years ago, they settled on rivers, in floating houses that are not afraid of floods.

FUN FACTS

■ Kalimantan is the only sea ​​island, divided between three states: the Republic of Indonesia, Malaysia and the Sultanate of Brunei.

■ Animal world Kalimantan is one of the most diverse food regions on Earth, second only to Brazil's. Among others, 100 species of amphibians and 394 species of fish live here.

■ The city of Pontianak - the capital of the Indonesian province of West Kalimantan - is located in the Kapuas River delta, exactly on the equator.

■ In the center of Palankarai, the capital of the Indonesian province of Central Kalimantan, there is an eight-way intersection reminiscent of the eight largest islands of Indonesia.

■ The proboscis monkey (kahau) lives exclusively on the island of Kalimantan. Its main difference is its nose, which reaches a length of 10 cm and is found only in males.

■ The Dayaks are called “headhunters”: in earlier times they were engaged in hunting the heads of members of hostile tribes. Currently, this custom has almost disappeared and is extremely rare.

■ Nepenthes Raja is the largest carnivorous plant in the world: its pitchers can catch not only insects, but also mice, lizards and rats. It grows only in Kalimantan and reaches a length of 6 m.

■ On the island of Kalimantan there are two rivers with the same name - Kapuas. The first flows through the territory of the province of West Kalimantan, being the most long river Indonesia (1143 km) and the longest island river in the world. The second flows in the province of Central Kalimantan. It is much shorter (600 km) and is a tributary of the Barito River.

ATTRACTIONS

■ Crocodile farm in Balikpapan;
■ Deer farm in Penajam:
■ Kayan Mentarang National Park (endemic flora and fauna);
■ City of Pontiac: the Mesji Abdurraham Banjarmasin Mosque (XVIII century), the Sultan's Qadriah Palace, the city museum (with an exhibition of Dayak cultural objects), floating houses, the Queen and Lokbaintan floating markets, the Equator monument;
■Banjarmasin city: river island Kembang (reserve for long-tailed macaques), ethnographic museum;
■ Champaca village: diamond mines;
■ Kapuas River: Dayak villages;
■ Pallas Island: orangutan sanctuary;
■ Rehabilitation center Nyaru Menteng orangutans;
■ Villages of Pampang, Kanakaran, Tumbang Malahoy, Saham: “long houses” of the Dayaks.

Atlas. The whole world is in your hands No. 129

Relief. Geological structure and minerals

Kalimantan, Borneo, island in the Malay Archipelago, the largest of the Greater Sunda Islands. Pl. 734 thousand km 2 (the second largest on Earth after Greenland), with coastal islands - 746.5 thousand km 2; extent from south-west to the north-east OK. 1100 km. It is washed by the South China, Sudu, Sulawesi, Java Seas, Makassar and Karimata Straits. Most of Kalimantan (approx. 540 thousand km 2) is the territory of Indonesia, in the north there is the territory of Malaysia (Sarawak and Sabah) and the British colony of Brunei. Shores preim. low-lying, swampy, poorly dissected; There are few good harbors. The sea is shallow along the western shores, and shallow along the eastern shores. The coastline is a barrier of coral reefs in places. In the northwest there is a section of the ancient pre-Mesozoic Sunda Platform, in the south and east there are areas of Mesozoic and Alpine folding. The central part of Kalimantan is made up of blocky mountains (2-3 thousand m high), radiating towards the outskirts. In the north is the highest point of Kalimantan, Kinabalu (4101 m). The mountains are composed mainly of granites, gneisses, and crystalline schists. Flattened peaks and steep slopes predominate. The mountains are surrounded by a strip of rolling plains that turn into flat, swampy lowlands. Mineral resources in Kazakhstan include oil and coal, as well as ores of iron, manganese, chromium, molybdenum, copper, and other metals. Borneo is located on the equator; most of The islands are covered with tropical rainforests, which in elevated areas turn into mountain moss forests, which occupy a large area, and in the coastal lowlands they are replaced by freshwater swampy forests and mangroves.

In the west and south, Borneo is washed by shallow seas with a depth of no more than 60 m. To the north and east of the island, the continental shelf is very narrow and the seabed drops steeply to a depth of 3,500 m.

Geological structure and minerals. Most of the island of Kalimantan belongs to the area of ​​Mesozoic tectogenesis. Tectonic activity continues, as evidenced by intense volcanic activity, increased seismicity (presence of deep-focus earthquakes) and large gravity anomalies. In geol. The structure of Kalimantan involves metamorphic rocks, Paleozoic, Mesozoic and Paleogene-Neogene effusive-sedimentary deposits of various compositions, as well as anthropogenic volcanic formations. Intrusive rocks of felsic, mafic and ultramafic composition are Mesozoic, Cenozoic and, less commonly, Paleozoic in age. The characteristic elements of the modern geological structure of the island of Kalimantan are island arcs and associated deep-sea oceanic trenches.

Corals have developed strongly on the eastern edge of the platform parallel to the eastern coast of Borneo and in the Makassar Strait, where powerful reefs are found, the size of which resembles the Great barrier reef on the eastern edge of the Sakhul shoal. These areas are favorable for corals, as they are washed by the warm equatorial current going towards the shore. The spread of coral structures in the west of the continental shallows is hampered by minor upward movements of water that form behind coastal currents.

In general, in the “Mediterranean seas”, coral structures are less common, but more varied in form. In this zone there are atolls, barrier and coastal reefs, located either above or below sea level, sometimes in an inclined position towards it, variously fringing protruding islands.

This morphological diversity is explained by the location of these structures in the zone of constant and repeated displacement of geoanticlines forming island arcs.

There are several theories to explain the formation of coral structures. All of them are based on the study of the conditions necessary for the life of polyps, which are typically coastal organisms. These theories explain the shape and size of the accumulation of coral skeletons by changes in water levels. In the seas South-East Asia There are examples of coral formations that support theories that come from sea level changes or eustatic movements, especially characteristic of the Sunda platform, as well as examples of coral structures associated with secular fluctuations earth's crust, to which the islands owe their origin mainly " Mediterranean seas", and, finally, theories explaining coral structures by underwater tectonic phenomena.

Minerals: petroleum associated with Neogene deposits; coal in Paleogene-Neogene deposits (Sumatra and Kalimantan); zhel. laterite ores (Kalimantan and Sulawesi); manganese (volcanogenic-sedimentary ores in Paleogene deposits in Java); tin ores (large deposits associated with Mesozoic granites on the islands of Banka, Belitung, Sinkep, etc.); aluminum (in laterite bauxites and bauxite-like rocks of Bintan Island, etc.); nickel (in lateritic iron ores of Sulawesi). There are phosphates in cave formations in Java.

Climate

The climate on the island of Kalimanta is equatorial; the rest of the peninsula is subequatorial monsoon. On the plains average monthly temperatures air fluctuates in the range of 25–28° C. During the day, the temperature rarely rises above +32° C, and at night it drops to about +21° C. In the mountains the climate is moderate, and at high altitudes it is cool.

The average annual precipitation on the plains is 1500–2500 mm in the peninsular part of the country and 3750 mm on the island of Kalimantan, rising to 4000–5000 mm in the mountains. Precipitation occurs throughout the year, but due to the alternating northeast and southwest monsoons, it exhibits seasonal variability (December is the wettest month, with less rainfall from February to June). The climate is equatorial. The air temperature on the plains throughout the year is 25-27 0 C; annual precipitation is 2000-3500 mm (in the mountains up to 5000 mm), falling evenly throughout the year. To the east The coast experiences a dry season (1 - 3 months). The river network is dense, the rivers are full of water throughout the year. The Kapuas, Barito, and Mahakam rivers are navigable for several hundred kilometers from their mouths; On the plain there are frequent changes in channels, swamping of the banks, and in the mouths there are sandbanks and bars. The average monthly air temperature at sea level approximately corresponds to the average annual temperature of +26–27° C.

Although the higher areas of the island record less high and more differentiated air temperatures, their monthly values ​​remain stable. At altitudes above 1500 m there are frosts. Seasonal and spatial fluctuations in the amount of precipitation are more significant, since the island of Sumatra is located in the zone of influence of the monsoons. Most of the island receives precipitation from December to March, when the western monsoon blows. From its source of origin, the western monsoon rushes over the expanses of the South China Sea towards northeastern Sumatra, northern Kalimantan and Sulawesi.

Then the air flow, changing course, crosses the equator and invades the southern regions of Indonesia from the northwest and west-northwest. The east monsoon, which blows from June or July to the end of September, originates in the dry interior regions of Australia. A warm but dehydrated air mass moves over the Lesser Sunda Islands and the eastern half of Java. Passing over the Indian Ocean, the monsoon begins to turn southwest, along the way it is abundantly saturated with moisture and brings down heavy rains on the mountainous southwestern coast of Sumatra.

Almost throughout the entire territory of Kalimantan, within 5° on both sides of the equator, an average of 1800 to 3500 mm of precipitation falls annually, in some mountainous areas - up to 6100 mm per year. In general, more precipitation falls on west coast O. Kalimantan and in the mountainous regions of West Java, Kalimantan, Sulawesi and Papua. Although the distribution of precipitation is uneven across months and regions, none of them experience a prolonged dry period

In a country so exposed to monsoons, with complex terrain and a unique configuration of islands, local weather anomalies inevitably arise. For example, the city of Palu, deep in a long and narrow bay in western Sulawesi, is located just 1° south of the equator, but in the rain shadow and therefore receives no more than 530 mm of precipitation annually. At the same time, the annual precipitation rate in the city of Padang, located at the same geographic latitude, but at the foot of the windward slope of the Barisan mountain range on the island with respect to the southwest monsoon. Sumatra is 4200–4500 mm.

Water resources. Soil resources

The climate and topography conditions favor the formation of a dense river network. Due to the abundance of atmospheric precipitation, the rivers are full almost all year round and play an important role in the irrigation system. In mountainous areas, rivers represent a potential source of electricity. However, flooding is common in the region, and rivers carry significant amounts of silty material that impedes navigation and deposits in the coastal zone. The most big rivers O. Kalimantan - r. Kapuas, or Kapuas Besar (1040 km, basin area - 97 thousand sq. km) in West Kalimantan, Mahakam (715 km) in East Kalimantan, Martapura and Barito (650 km) in South Kalimantan. Most rivers originate in the central mountain range; on the plains, closer to the coast, they flow through extensive swamps; The riverbeds change frequently. Settlements are formed along many rivers, which also serve as transport arteries. Coastal areas in the north are swampy. Most of them are of tectonic or volcanic origin. There are floodplain lakes abounding in fish. Other largest lakes: Jempang, Melintang and Semayang - on the river. Mahakam, Kalimantan; and Loire, Sentarum and Siawan - on the river. Kapuas, Kalimantan.

In lowlands, drainage conditions are difficult due to the abundance of precipitation, low evaporation and dense vegetation cover. Huge wetlands are formed there, often preventing economic development of the area. Frequent floods caused by heavy rainfall also contribute to waterlogging. The river level of the island of Kalimantan remains almost unchanged throughout the year. Most of the rivers of the islands are of short length. The largest of them - Kapuas, flowing in Kalimantan - reaches 1040 km.

In the upper reaches of the river they have large reserves of water energy; in the lower reaches they are used for irrigation and navigation. Most of the marshes are flooded every rainy season, and wide deltas and coastal strips up to 20 km wide are flooded during high tides twice a day. Although the rivers that cross the swamps are navigable for some of their length (depending on the shifting sandbanks), villages are rare and separated by great distances. Some channels near the coast are exceptionally deepened, probably by tidal waves, such as the Kampar River. Navigable rivers form transport arteries, going from east to west; in the interior of the island at the foothills they meet the highway and railway, stretching from northwest to southeast.

Soils. Strongly leached podzolized lateritic soils on a thick weathering crust predominate. With the exception of the arid southeast of the country, where the red-brown soils of dry savannas predominate, the soils in the rest of the country are generally subject to greater or lesser degrees of laterization, characteristic of areas of very humid tropical climates. Such red-yellow ferrallitic soils of lowland areas are quite suitable for the growth of dense tropical rainforests, as well as rubber and oil palms. IN coastal areas Alluvial and tropical swamp soils are especially widespread in the plains and plains, and in mangrove forests - mangrove saline soils. The most fertile soils of the island of Kalimantan are of volcanic origin. On predominant acidic igneous rocks, soils of average quality are formed; more fertile soils are formed on rocks of average composition.

Such soils are found in the east and central part of Java, Bali, as well as on the Batak plateau in the vicinity of Lake. Toba in Sumatra. Thus, the soils most suitable for agricultural use were formed on volcanic rocks redeposited by watercourses, mainly in the valleys of the middle and downstream rivers in eastern and central Java, southern Bali and northeastern Sumatra. Fertile soils formed directly on lavas of average composition are found in many areas of the archipelago, but their areas are small. Mountain ferrallitic red-yellow soils, red soils and yellow soils are also characteristic of mountainous regions. In Kalimantan, red-yellow ferrallitic and alluvial soils are common, which erode and lose their fertility under the influence of rainfall. In many areas, once fertile soils have been depleted by continuous cultivation of the same crops. The soil and climatic conditions of Malaysia are very favorable for the development of dense tropical rainforests. About 70% of the country's territory is covered with forests. Most of them are distributed in Kalimantan. Tropical rainforests are rich in species diversity.

Vegetation. Animal world

Vegetation.

More than 3/4 ter. K. is covered with forests; along the sea shores - mangrove vegetation. On the plains and foothills there are tall, multi-tiered tropical rainforests of palm trees, bamboos, pandanus, and multi-stemmed ficus. Until vye. 1500 m - the most lush mountain forests of dipterocarp, sandalwood, ficus, rasamal. Trees are often intertwined with lianas, epiphytes, including abundant mosses. Above are evergreen oaks, laurels, rhododendrons, conifers (Bornean agathis). On the mountain tops there are shrubs and mixed-grass meadows. To the south-east As a result of clearing, shrubs and thickets of alang-alang and wild sugar cane dominate. Due to the hot and humid climate, the variety of terrain, as well as geographical location Indonesia has a rich and diverse plant life, including approx. 40 thousand species (Java alone has about 10 thousand species). With the exception of Java and Bali, approximately 90% of the country is covered with forests, in which approx. 3 thousand species of trees. To a large extent, this is already secondary forest (belukar), which is very common in those parts

The accumulation of silt deposits on the coast creates conditions for the formation of mangrove swamps with evergreen thickets. A sandy seashore free of such sediments looks completely different, with a beach fringed by various salt-tolerant species of flora, including graceful casuarinas and coconut palms. In elevated areas at altitudes of 450–900 m, plants of the temperate zone predominate, and at altitudes of more than 1500–1850 m they are replaced by mountain hylea, or moss tropical forest with a predominance of evergreens (oak), broad-leaved (oak, beech, chestnut) and conifers (Bornean agathis, podocarpus) species. There are also many orchids, ferns and mosses in this belt. On the mountain tops, above 2500–3000 m, mixed forests give way to bush thickets (mountain casuarina) and alpine meadows.

In non-flooded areas from sea level to an altitude of approximately 1500 m, rich tropical rainforests with complex system tiers, with an endless number of vines and epiphytes. Most tall trees, which include palms, ficuses, legumes, reaches 60-70 m in height. Valuable fruit trees of the forests of Kalimantan - bread, mangosteen, mango, durian - are widely cultivated not only on the islands of the Malay Archipelago, but also in other parts of the tropical zone.

Bananas, bamboos, pandanuses, and giant ferns grow in the lower tiers. Orchids, mosses and lichens settle on the trunks of fallen trees and on the soil. Numerous vines, including the famous 200-300-meter rattan palm, entangle this already impenetrable thicket. During the rainy season (there are two of them, coinciding with the equinoxes), streams of water sometimes fall from the sky for weeks without a break, accompanied by thunderstorms and squalls. The microclimate of the lower tier of the tropical forest is particularly constancy and stability of its elements. The evergreen vegetation of the jungle is multi-tiered. The first tier consists of single perennial giant trees up to 60 m high with a wide crown and a smooth, branchless trunk.

The second tier is formed by trees up to 20-30 m high. The third tier is represented by 10-20-meter trees, mainly palm trees of various types. And finally, the fourth tier is a low undergrowth of bamboo, shrubby and herbaceous forms of ferns and mosses (an evergreen spore-bearing herbaceous plant).

There are two types of tropical forests - primary and secondary. The primary tropical forest, despite the many tree forms, vines and epiphytes, is quite passable. Dense thickets are found mainly along river banks, in clearings, in areas of deforestation and forest fires.

At the same time, the dense crowns of trees prevent the penetration of sunlight into the soil and its drying out. Only a tenth of sunlight reaches the earth. Therefore, a damp twilight constantly reigns in the tropical forest, creating the impression of gloom and monotony.

For various reasons - fires, deforestation, etc. - vast expanses of virgin tropical forest have been replaced by secondary forests, representing a chaotic accumulation of trees, shrubs, vines, and bamboo.

Animal world. Kalimantan has an extremely rich and diverse fauna: elephants, large monkeys (orangutans, gibbons, big-nosed monkey), prosimian slow loris, woolly winged birds, bats (fruit-eating bats, insectivorous bats), bears, two-horned rhinoceros, banteng, etc. About 600 species birds, among them hornbills, argus, parrots, etc. Except, the fauna of insects and other arthropods is rich. The conventional line drawn by the English naturalist of the 19th century. A. R. Wallace along the outer edge of the Sunda continental shelf, east of Kalimantan and Java, corresponds to the approximate boundary of the Asian fauna in the west and the Australian fauna in the east. Accordingly, such large animals as the elephant, rhinoceros (one-horned in Java and two-horned in Sumatra), tiger and orangutan live to the west of the designated border, and smaller monkeys are also found to the east - on the islands of Sulawesi and Timor.

Many Asian species of birds, reptiles and insects (including butterflies) penetrate even further east. As you move east of this line, the number of Australian animal species increases, which is especially noticeable in the province of Papua, which is characterized by marsupials.

The onset of civilization led to a significant reduction in the populations of large mammals. Many animal species are endemic. For example, the Malayan bear lives only in Sumatra and Kalimantan, the wild bull - in Java and Kalimantan, the dwarf anoa bull - in Sulawesi, the wild babirusa pig - in Sulawesi and the Moluccas, and the "big-nosed monkey" - in Kalimantan. Wild elephants are now found in Kalimantan and Sumatra. Kalimantan has more large mammals (tigers, panthers, rhinoceroses, tapirs, orangutans) than any other island in Indonesia. Kalimantan is home to rhinoceroses, tapirs, leopards and orangutans. The black gibbon monkey is found in Sumatra. In Java, besides the extremely rare tiger, the most famous local large mammal is the wild ox, or banteng. Of the smaller mammals, Indonesia is characterized by the tupaya prosimians, and from the chiropteran family - the kalong flying fox (the largest the bats with a wingspan of up to 1.5 m) and Kalelavar. Interesting placental mammals are pangolins, covered with a scaly shell. In the eastern regions there are echidnas, some species of cuscus and tree kangaroos, and an anteater. Snakes and crocodiles are widespread in most areas of the island of Kalimantan, and the small island of Komodo, lying between the islands of Sumbawa and Flores, is home to a giant (up to three meters in length) lizard - the Komodo dragon.

Other species of lizards also live (agamas, geckos, iguanas, toke, etc.). Orangutans and Komodo dragons are found only in Indonesia. The avifauna is unusually rich, represented especially widely on the islands of the southeast by such extremely exotic and variegated birds as the bird of paradise, peacock, hornbill, and cassowary. Added to this are a truly infinite number of varieties of parrots of all sizes and the manyar bird, which causes great damage to rice crops. Indonesia abounds in insects, including termites, ants, grasshoppers, and beetles.

The marine fauna of coastal waters is very diverse. The seas are home to thousands of species of ornamental and commercial fish (anchovies, gobies, flying fish, sardines, mackerel, tuna). In coastal waters there are many sharks - from small to very large, dolphins, sea turtles and stingrays. You can see sawfish, swordfish, barracuda, etc. Freshwater fish include cyprinids, catfishes, and carps. The tropical forests of Kalimantan are inhabited by numerous animals that have adapted to the conditions of existence in the dense and shady thicket. The lifestyle of most of them is in one way or another connected with trees, they climb trunks and branches, and glide while jumping from tree to tree. Many animals nest in hollows, fallen rotting leaves, and under tree roots. The forests of Kalimantan provide shelter to the “forest man” - the orangutan, numerous gibbons and slender monkeys. Of the prosimians, the most common are the slow loris and the ghost tarsier (Tarsius spectrum) - small animals with huge bulging round eyes and highly developed limbs adapted for climbing trees. Various feline predators are widespread, including the tiger. Occasionally, elephant, rhinoceros, and black-backed tapir are seen. Forest birds are diverse and richly represented. There are dozens of species of snakes, lizards, and turtles.

The territory of Kalimantan belongs to the Indo-Malayan zoogeographic region. In recent years, as forests are destroyed, the number of wild animals, especially large ones, has been declining. Elephants, gaur bulls, Sumatran rhinoceros, and tapirs are not numerous. Sambur and Muntjac deer are common, there are many wild boars, and bearded pigs are found in the swampy forests. Predators in the forests include tiger, leopard, black panther, and marten. There are many monkeys in the forests: orangutan, four species of gibbons, several species of macaques, and lorises. Lemurs are found and bats are numerous. In total, about 240 species of mammals live in the forests. The richness of Malaysia's avifauna is amazing, numbering approximately 600 species belonging to 70 families. Its most striking representatives are peacocks, wild chickens, pheasants, mynahs, white-eyes, woodpeckers, kingfishers, thrushes, quails, parrots and parakeets, wild pigeons, Malayan crow and others. In Malaysia, there are 25 species of turtles (including the green sea turtle, which breeds on the northern coast of Kalimantan), more than 100 species of lizards, 17 species of snakes (including the cobra, or spectacled snake, king cobra, reticulated python). Crocodiles, once abundant in the estuaries, are now on the verge of extinction, and gharial is occasionally seen. The insect fauna is especially numerous (about 150 thousand species, including 1000 species of butterflies).

Malaysia's coastal waters are home to hundreds of species of fish and more than 1,000 species of shellfish. Of commercial importance are mackerel, bonito, tuna, sardines, spearfish, sea bass, flying fish, swordfish, sailfish, sunfish, barracuda, sharks, rays, anchovies, mussels, octopus, squid, crabs, lobsters, shrimp, and Large animals include sperm whales, dugongs, dolphins, and sea turtles.

Borneo (Malay. Borneo), or Kalimantan (Indon. Kalimantan) - winner of a bronze medal among the top three big islands world, located in the heart of the Malay Archipelago in southeastern Asia. total area is 743,330 km². This is the only island in the world whose territory belongs to three states: Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei. Most of it - Indonesian - includes four provinces (Central Kalimantan, East Kalimantan, West Kalimantan and South Kalimantan). The Malaysian part, covering about 26% of the total area, is divided into the states of Sarawak and Sabah. The latter is the most popular among tourists.

The shores of the island are washed by the waters of the South China Sea, the Sulawesi, Javanese, Sulu seas and the Makassar and Karimata straits. To the south of Borneo lies the island of Java, to the west are the Sulawesi Peninsula and the island of Sumatra, to the northwest are the Philippine Islands. Mount Kinabalu (4095 m), located in the state of Sabah in Malaysia, is the highest point of the island, as well as all of Southeast Asia.

The history of Borneo began more than 40 thousand years ago, when groups of people from China reached the island across an isthmus of land. This data is confirmed by the site of an ancient man discovered by researchers in the Nia Cave. During archaeological excavations, tools made of stone and the remains of ancient people were found. Cave drawings preserved in the cave to this day.

Mulu Cave:

On geographic Maps The island of Borneo was damaged in 1521, when ships of an expedition led by Magellan landed on its shores. The first mention of it was present in the works of Marco Polo dating back to the 13th century, but the date of its official discovery is still considered to be the year Magellan visited the island. Although Borneo had not previously appeared on maps, it was quite famous among the merchants of China, India, Japan and Arab countries who traded with him.

Tip of the island of Borneo:

Later, writers Joseph Conrad and Somerset Maugham drew inspiration from this island, and the famous British scientist Alfred Russel Wallace studied the mechanisms of natural selection. Borneo's landscape is predominantly mountainous, with much of the area covered by jungle. The island's tropical forests, which are much older than the Amazon, are among the oldest in the world (approximately 130 million years old).

The flora and fauna of Borneo are extremely diverse: about 15 thousand flowering plants, 3,000 species of trees, 221 species of land mammals and 420 species of birds have been recorded on its territory. The island preserves a large number of endemic plant and animal species. The largest primate in the world - the orangutan - lives here, the largest flowers grow - rafflesia, and 10 species can be found in the jungle carnivorous plants, eating insects called nepentas.

Rehabilitation center for orangutans:

Rafflesia:

Carnivorous plant - nepentas:

Rare species of ferns, orchids and trees are found in the mountains.

Exotic fruit tarap:

The exotic indigenous inhabitants of the local forests include a plant from the Permian period - the tree fern. Another unique representative of the flora of Borneo is the so-called walking tree. It begins its life path as an ordinary tree, but having reached a certain height, its roots begin to grow from the middle of the trunk about a meter from the ground, while the base of the stem with the roots dries out. Having gotten rid of the burden, the walking tree acquires the ability to move in search of moisture and more fertile places.

Proboscis monkey on the roots of a walking tree:

The island's forests provide an important refuge for many endemic fauna, including the Asian elephant, Sumatran rhinoceros, Bornean clouded leopard and Kalimantan civet.

Baby Sumatran rhinoceros:

Clouded leopard:

Striped Palm Civet:

Borneo is home to several unusual animals - for example, the biturong, or cat-bear, which combines the features of these two animals in its appearance. Another strange representative of the local fauna is a miniature bear that eats bananas. The island's avifauna also has its own unique species - a bird that very skillfully imitates the sounds of human speech.

Biturong:

Malayan gomran (hornbill):

Silver Lutung.

Indonesia, Kalimantan, Indonesia

general information

One of the three largest islands on the planet, the island has a dual name: “Kalimantan” (in Indonesian) or “Borneo” (in Malay).

This huge piece of land is home to three countries: Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei. Therefore, traveling around the island of Kalimantan, you can see the sights of three countries.

The largest part of the island belongs to Indonesia and is divided into four Indonesian provinces, corresponding to the geographical location: South, West, East and Central Kalimantan.

The island is washed by four seas and is located in the center of the Malay Archipelago. To the south of the coast is the island of Java. The Makassar Strait separates Kalimantan from the island of Sulawesi, and the South China Sea from the island of Sumatra.

The main attraction of Indonesian Kalimantan is extraordinary beautiful nature subtropical jungle that grows along the main Kapuas River.

How to get to Kalimantan

Many Indonesian and international airlines operate flights to Kalimantan airports. The main airports are in the cities of Balikpapan, Banjarmasin and Pontianak. The flight from there takes from one and a half to two hours, and from there - about one and a half hours. The cost of an air ticket is 480,000-595,000 Indian rupees.

It is possible to travel by sea between the islands of the state of Indonesia using ferry crossing, but it will take at least two days.

From Pontianak there are ferries to Jakarta (45 hours by sea) and to Semarang (48 hours). Ferries also depart from Sampit Port to Surabaya (30 hours) and from Kumai Port to Semarang (28 hours). The island of Sulawesi can be reached from the city port of Balikpapan (20-26 hours travel).

Major cities of Kalimantan

Banjarmasin

Banjarmasin, the administrative center of South Kalimantan, is interesting for its urban architecture and numerous canals. The symbol of the city is the Sabilal Mukhtadin mosque with tall minarets. Floating markets can often be seen along the Barito River and its adjacent river canals. Not far from the city are the Diamond Mines, where precious stones are mined.

Pontianak

The capital of West Kalimantan, Pontianak is often called the “equator city” because it is located on the equatorial line of the Earth. This is evidenced by the Monument installed in the central city square.

Among the important architectural sites of Pontianak are the Sultan's Palace of Kadriah, the Abdurrahman Mosque, the Museum of Porcelain and Ceramics, and the City Museum with an interesting exhibition dedicated to the culture of local tribes (including the Dayak tribe).

Samarinda

The central city of the Indonesian province of East Kalimantan, Samarinda is located in the Mahakam River delta. The city is famous for its buildings on rafts and stilts. It is also a major commercial port.

Balikpapan

From port city Ferries and ships depart regularly from Balikpapan neighboring island Sulawesi and beyond. There are several hotels and diving centers on the city beaches.

Sights of Kalimantan

The island of Kalimantan is kept away from developing civilization. No ancient ones to be found here historical monuments and resort entertainment.

The indigenous Dayak people of the island stubbornly adhere to their traditions. You can get acquainted with the culture, customs and traditional crafts in the Dayak villages (in the western part of the island).

The splendor of tropical nature, the uniqueness and diversity of flora and fauna are revealed in numerous national parks(Kayan Mentarang, Sebangau, Tanjung Puting and others) scattered across the island of Kalimantan.

Kayan Mentarang National Park is a reserve for many species of feathered inhabitants, monkeys, predators and reptiles.

The Gunung Palung Park Reserve, together with the territory of Kebun Raya Sambas, is a unique ecological area representing the world of flora and fauna from coastal waters and wetlands to relict mountain forest.

Entertainment in Kalimantan

The island of Kalimantan attracts lovers active rest. The vastness of the seas surrounding the island, with a rich and varied underwater world - beautiful place for diving fans.

The stormy rivers of Kalimantan promise interesting trip on boats and rafts.

Connoisseurs of pristine nature and conquerors of the wild jungle will also find something to do here. 70% of the area of ​​the island of Kalimantan - impenetrable jungle.

The island of Kalimantan is considered by many to be a paradise. The climate contributed to the appearance of lush vegetation, strange birds and unusual animals. The thousand-year history of local settlements has created an ancient and multifaceted culture with unique customs, crafts and beliefs. In the depths of the forests and at the foot of the mountains, primitive tribes of headhunters are still preserved, attracting many tourists to travel. The combination of these factors annually attracts tens of thousands of vacationers from all over the world. In addition, the island ranks third in the world rankings in size and is the only island occupied by three countries at once: Indonesia, Brunei and Malaysia. This allows you to simultaneously experience several national cultures in one trip.

Geographical features

The island has two common names. The Indonesians call it Kalimantan, while the Malays call it Borneo. Its area is approximately 743.33 thousand square meters. km. The lands belong to Southeast Asia and are located in the central part of the Malay Archipelago. Two thirds of the land area belongs to Indonesia. They are divided into provinces:

• western;
• central;
• southern;
• eastern

Just over a quarter of the territory is covered by two states of Malaysia:

• Sarawak;
• Sabah.

The small northern section shelters the tiny country of Brunei, which occupies about 0.7% of the island's surface.

From the north and west to the central part there are mountain ranges With highest point on Mount Kinabalu, 4095 m high. Not far from it is the largest active volcano Bombalai.

Climate

Kalimantan is located in an equatorial climate, which excludes seasonal temperature changes and weather conditions. The average air temperature is +26…+30°C. At higher elevations, frosts down to -2°C periodically occur. At the same time, humidity is very high and rarely drops below 80%. In dense forests it reaches 90-94%. For residents of temperate climates, it is recommended to plan trips for September - March, during this period the heat and humidity are not so felt.

It rains here every day with amazing regularity. In the western regions, annual precipitation is about 3000-4000 mm per year, while in the east this figure remains between 1500-1800 mm. Precipitation occurs more often at night, and in the morning you can go on excursions.

Plants and animals on the island

Animal and vegetable world The islands are very diverse, some species are found exclusively here. The warm climate promotes the formation of a large number of species. There are more than 2,000 varieties of woody plants alone, of which about 300 are palm trees. Many plants are distinguished by the rich colors of their greenery and flowers, as well as their fleshy, sweet fruits. The number of herbaceous plants reaches 24,000. Among them are exotic orchids and insectivorous plants.

The world of animals and birds is even more diverse. The latter are distinguished by their bright plumage, like soaring flocks of flowers, which cannot leave the traveler indifferent. There are also more majestic representatives: two-horned rhinoceroses, wild boars, tapirs, tigers, elephants, bulls, bears, lemurs. Special mention should be made of monkeys, of which there are a huge number here.

Fish of the most varied colors have found refuge in the warm waters. In the reptile kingdom, crocodiles, gharials, king cobras, pythons and tree frogs deserve attention.

Tourist regions of Kalimantan

From a tourism point of view, each part of the island has its own characteristics. Therefore, before planning your itinerary, you should determine your expectations from your vacation. Will it be extreme mountain tourism, diving, exploring the life of wild tribes or a beach holiday.

Central Kalimantan is a place for wild holiday and acquaintance with primitive tribes. The territory is dotted with mountains, jungles and swampy rivers. Tanjung Puting National Park and Sebangau Rivers Park are also located here, which have become a haven for exotic creatures and a large population of monkeys. This area is home to an orangutan rehabilitation area.

West Kalimantan is located on the very equator and is the least explored; tourists rarely wander here. In mountainous areas there are settlements of dyaks (local residents). The capital of the region is the small town of Pontianak. It is located exactly on the equator, in honor of which the Equator Monument was erected. Its main attractions:

• Kadriah Palace;
• State Museum;
• Abdurrahman Mosque.

The area is heavily indented by canals, so it is better to choose a boat to get around. Here you can visit the floating market and relax on the local beaches.

South Kalimantan is divided in two by mountains. One part is located on a hill and covered with forests, while the other is in a flooded lowland. The lands here are very fertile, which contributed to the development Agriculture. The capital Banjarmasin received the name “river city” for its extensive network of canals. The city is actively developing as a tourist center, so it has many floating markets, hotels and restaurants.

East Kalimantan is an industrial region, they are actively involved in logging, and oil deposits have recently been discovered. Folk crafts and crafts are also highly developed in the region. People come here for the finest fabrics, rattan products, and pearls. Nearby is the large Kayan Mentarang National Park, and nearby, in Balikpapan, there is an airport, good hotels and recreational areas with white sand.

Holidays for active tourists

Kalimantan is not suitable for passive beach holiday, although here you can find good beaches. The island attracts tourists with the opportunity to conquer inaccessible cliffs or explore impenetrable jungles. Many scuba divers dive into coastal waters to explore the rich undersea world. And fast-moving rivers will not go unnoticed by rafting enthusiasts.

Excursions to the Dyak tribes are organized for connoisseurs of primitive settlements. The excursion includes an overnight stay, participation in Everyday life and presence at various holidays.

Attractions

The main value of the island is its impenetrable forests and their inhabitants. It is worth visiting Sepilok in Malaysia - a center for training monkeys (orangutans) for life in the natural environment.

In Sarawak there are Niah and Mulu caves, which preserve the remains of the most ancient people in Southeast Asia.

Local lands are famous for large deposits of minerals, especially diamonds and gold. In the village of Chempaka, near Banjarmasin, you can see people sitting for hours in the water or on the river bank and trying to wash out nuggets (gold).

How to get there?

The most convenient way to get to the island is through Kuala Lumpur. The airport serves several dozen international companies. A direct flight from Moscow from Transaero also lands here. There are domestic flights to Kalimantan (Borneo) within Malaysia. There are two airports on the island:

• Kuching;
• Kota Kinabalu.

The terminals are located at a distance of 6-8 km from the city center, which can be reached by taxi or bus.

Visa

The visa regime depends on which states are included in the tourism program. If you are planning to visit Malaysia for up to 30 days, then you do not need a visa. A 30-day Indonesia visa can be purchased upon arrival.