Kota Bangun is one of the most attractive towns on the upper reaches of the Lower Mahakam River in East Kalimantan. It is one of lowland rainforest, Dayak Benuaq culture, and nearby lakes and can be visited by air, boat or road.
Kota Bangun is mainly used by adventure types for visits into the nearby jungle and for stays with the Dayak people in their long houses. Although a river town, you can also get here directly from Samarinda by road. The town is one of the largest on the Mahakam and comes with some attractive guesthouses and eateries.
Many people use Kota Bangun to head for the Kedang Kepala River, to Tanjung Isuy, the various Dayak villages, and also the nearby three lakes of Muara Muntai - Melintang, Jempang, and Semayang - where there are freshwater dolphins. Be sure to check out the boats and abodes on the river.
Getting There & Away
The easiest way in is to fly to Kota Bangun via Cessna plane from Samarinda Airport. Flight time from Jakarta to Samarinda is around 2 hours. You could also bus it up from Balikpapan, where the nearest major airport is (250kms away). Ferries to Kota Bangun from Loa Janan (Samarinda) take about 6 hours.
Things to Do
Kota Bangun Attractions
- Dayak people
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There are many traditional villages in the kota bangun area where tourists can stay with the dayaks in their long house.
- Martadipura Bridge (Jembatan Martadipura)
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A large bridge in town spanning over 560m and 35m over the river.
Side trips from Kota Bangun
- Muara Muntai
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A nearby town upriver from kota bangun within reach of the melintang, jempang, and semayang lakes.