Three Earthlings

23/04/2023

Some people in Central Sulawesi...

22/04/2023

Our hotel in Palu is really nice. We especially love the well-kept vine outside our rooms and the very-very helpful onwer who took Abi and Eddie around the national park.

19/04/2023

An adjective that could be used to describe Kalimantan is "rich." This can refer to its abundant natural resources, such as oil, gas, coal, and timber, as well as its diverse culture and history, with various indigenous groups and cultural influences from other parts of Indonesia, Malaysia, and beyond.

12/04/2023

It would be difficult to describe the entire island of Kalimantan with just one adjective, as it encompasses a diverse array of landscapes, cultures, and environments.

However, if I had to choose one word to describe a common aspect of Kalimantan, I might choose "forested" as the island is known for its lush rain forests and abundant vegetation.

09/04/2023

05/04/2023

It is estimated that there are over 100 different ethnic groups living in Kalimantan, each with its own unique cultural traditions, beliefs, and customs.

Some of the largest and most well-known ethnic groups in Kalimantan include the Dayak, Banjar, and Malay. The Dayak, who are indigenous to Kalimantan, are particularly known for their rich cultural heritage and their traditional way of life, which involves agriculture, hunting, and fishing. The Banjar, who are descendants of migrants from the island of Java, are known for their contributions to the region's economy, especially in the trade and agriculture sectors. The Malay are a large ethnic group in Kalimantan and are known for their unique cultural traditions and beliefs, which have been influenced by their Islamic heritage.

Despite the cultural diversity of Kalimantan, there is also a strong sense of unity and cooperation among its many ethnic groups, which helps to maintain social stability and peace in the region. Overall, the cultural diversity of Kalimantan is an important part of its heritage and helps to preserve the unique traditions and knowledge of its communities.

01/04/2023

Banjarmasin is the capital city of South Kalimantan, Indonesia and is known for its rich cultural heritage and unique history. Here are some of the best things to do in Banjarmasin:

Explore the Floating Markets: Banjarmasin is famous for its floating markets, where local merchants sell their wares from small boats on the river. This is a unique and fascinating way to experience the local culture and see the city from a different perspective.

Visit the Banjar Palace: This royal palace was built in the 19th century and is considered one of the most beautiful palaces in Indonesia. The palace is a great place to learn about the city's history and admire its traditional architecture.

Explore the Mosque: Banjarmasin is home to several beautiful mosques, including the Great Mosque, which is one of the largest mosques in Indonesia. This is a great place to learn about the local Islamic culture and architecture.

Visit the Local Museum: The Banjarmasin City Museum is a great place to learn about the history and culture of the city and the surrounding region. The museum showcases a wide range of artifacts, including traditional textiles, ceramics, and jewelry.

Take a River Cruise: Banjarmasin is located on the Barito River, and a river cruise is a great way to see the city and the surrounding countryside. During the cruise, you'll be able to see traditional villages, floating markets, and other interesting sights along the river.

These are just a few of the many things to see and do in Banjarmasin. Whether you're interested in local culture, history, or nature, there's something for everyone in this fascinating city.



Photo by Aufa Fikry/Tia/Ryan Rd on Unsplash

29/03/2023

It is estimated that there are over 200 distinct languages spoken in Kalimantan.

Many of these languages are indigenous to the region and are not widely spoken elsewhere. They are often used by local communities for day-to-day communication, as well as for preserving cultural traditions and knowledge. Some of the most widely spoken languages in Kalimantan include Dayak, Banjar, and Malay.

In addition to these indigenous languages, Indonesian is also widely spoken in Kalimantan and is the official language of the country. English is also spoken by some people, particularly in the cities and tourist areas.

Overall, the linguistic diversity of Kalimantan is an important part of its cultural heritage and helps to preserve the unique cultural traditions and knowledge of the region's communities.



Photo by Reynardo Etenia Wongso/ Ainun Jamila on Unsplash

22/03/2023

Kalimantan, the Indonesian part of the island of Borneo, is home to a rich and diverse cultural heritage. Here are some of the cultural festivals that are celebrated in Kalimantan:

Dayak Festival: This festival is held annually in various locations throughout Kalimantan and is a celebration of the Dayak culture. The festival features traditional dances, music, and other cultural activities and is a great opportunity to learn about the local culture and way of life.

Borneo International Culture Festival: This festival is held annually in the city of Balikpapan and is a celebration of the diverse cultures of Kalimantan. The festival features traditional music and dance performances, food stalls, and other cultural activities.

Kapuas River Festival: This festival is held annually in the city of Pontianak and is a celebration of the Kapuas River, one of the largest rivers in Kalimantan. The festival features traditional dances, music, and other cultural activities and is a great opportunity to learn about the local culture and way of life.

Tanjung Isuy Cultural Festival: This festival is held annually in the traditional Dayak village of Tanjung Isuy and is a celebration of the local culture and way of life. The festival features traditional dances, music, and other cultural activities and is a great opportunity to learn about the local culture and way of life.

Video of Festival Tanjung Isuy 2019
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1lSWj8Tkik

These are just a few examples of the cultural festivals that are celebrated in Kalimantan. Whether you're interested in traditional music and dance, local food, or other cultural activities, there's something for everyone in this fascinating region.



Photo by :
kabar.sanggau.go.id/
https://genpi.id/
https://www.sunshinekelly.com/
https://www.scmp.com/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1lSWj8Tkik

21/03/2023

Not sure whether it’s lucky or unlucky to come Bali during the silence festival - 22 March.
All local and foreigners are required to stay at home or inside their hotel… No TV, no shops or restaurants will be open. And yes, you can’t walk on the street or beach.
And… you can’t on the light after 6pm. It’s meant to be a day of mediation and reflection. Love Bali for this day where the city rejuvenates.

19/03/2023

Waikelosawah is the dam, where spring water gushes out from the underground in the cave. The water is used to irrigate the padi field nearby. There are many locals bathing and washing clothes/ towels there.

Had durians on our way back to the hotel. Wanted to climb up to the Jesus statue but it started to pour when we were about to walk up. We took it as a signal that the climb is not meant for us as the rain stopped almost immediately when we decide to leave.

Day 21 - March 19 Sumba

19/03/2023

Mini “Niagara fall” called by the local. Entrance fees were steep for foreigners IDR150k per person while local pay only IDR7500. The water fall is located inside a National Park. it’s a simple 10 mins walk to the waterfall but a local guide at IDR30K is required.

The waterfall is nice with plenty of water. We basically watched it in silence as the water slashing down was actually pretty loud.

Day 21 - 19 March Sumba Island