Welcome To Palangka Raya

Kalimantan Tengah (Central Kalimantan) province was established on 23 May 1957. It was Sukarno, the proclaimer of Indonesian independence, who initiated construction of the city of Palangkaraya, the capital of the new province. Initially, Palangkaraya was prepared as a new capital of Indonesia to rePlace Jakarta and this was, until recently, still discussed. To support this idea, many iconic building were built to reflect the Greater Indonesia. For example, Bundaran Besar in downtown Palangkaraya consists of eight cross-roads that symbolize the eight great islands of Indonesia, namely Java, Sumatra, Sulawesi, Kalimantan, Bali, Nusa Tenggara, and Papua. This makes Palangkaraya one of the most well constructed, planned cities in Indonesia.

The major population is Muslim while there are also Christian and Dayak people among them.The Museum Balanga offers an insight into Kalimantan cultures.The city is famous with its local dish of Patin bakar (Grilled River Fish), Nasi kuning (Yellow Rice), sop rotan(Rattan Soup). Some famous and popular delicacies also come from the neighbouring province of South Kalimantan. Soto Banjar and Ketupat Kandangan are the two famous food from South Kalimantan. Two main traditional markets are available in Palangka Raya. Better known as 'Pasar Besar' and Pasar Kahayan offer many types of goods. These markets are the Place to go for people to get their food supplies such as rice, meats, fishes, vegetables, spices etc. There are also abundant mini markets as well as super markets. The growing city also have a shopping mall named Palangka Raya Mall or PALMA. The shopping mall is located right at the heart of the city which is at the Bundaran Besar.

Many people in Palangkaraya speak the Indonesian language as well as the local dialects such as Dayak Ngaju, Dayak Maanyan etc. However, the usage or Banjar Language is more observable than the local Dayak dialects. Close by the city, within the boundaries of the Nyaru Menteng Arboretum, a 62,5 hectare lowland peat swamp forest ecosystem, founded in 1988 by the Ministry of Forestry Regional office of Central Kalimantan, is the Nyaru Mentang Orangutan Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre, operated by the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation.

Visit Palangka Raya today, enjoy the local wisdom of Dayak culture, be witness of the real ecotourism and enjoy the variety of local culinary, in Kota CANTIK, the heart of Indonesia

source : Wikipedia