Sampit Ferries

Sorry, there is currently no available ferries on this route.

Travelers can reach Sampit via the H. Asan Airport which receives flights from Pangkalan Bun and other regional centers, though connections are limited. Overland routes connect Sampit to Palangkaraya (about 5-6 hours by car) and Pangkalan Bun (approximately 4 hours), with bus services operating regularly between major towns. For those arriving at nearby ports, local transport connects to Sampit's ferry terminal, which is centrally located. If driving, ample parking is available near the port area, though it's advisable to arrive early during peak travel seasons. Public minivans (angkot) provide affordable connections between the city center and the ferry terminal.

Nestled along the Mentaya River on the island of Borneo, Sampit serves as the bustling capital of East Kotawaringin Regency in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia. This riverside port city blends authentic Indonesian culture with the raw beauty of Borneo's legendary rainforests. As a key ferry hub connecting various parts of Kalimantan, Sampit offers travelers a genuine glimpse into local Dayak culture while serving as a jumping-off point to explore some of the world's most biodiverse ecosystems.

Sampit experiences a tropical rainforest climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round and significant rainfall. The driest months from July to September offer the most comfortable conditions for exploring, with reduced humidity and more predictable weather patterns. May through October generally provides the best conditions for ferry travel, with calmer seas and more reliable schedules. The annual Habang Babuat Festival in August showcases traditional Dayak culture with music, dance, and crafts. Consider visiting during the shoulder months of June or October when you'll encounter fewer tourists but still enjoy relatively favorable weather conditions.

From Sampit, ferries connect to several fascinating destinations across Kalimantan's waterways. Kumai, reachable in about 3 hours by ferry, serves as the gateway to Tanjung Puting National Park, home to orangutans and diverse wildlife. The port city of Banjarmasin, approximately 5 hours away, offers a chance to experience the famous floating markets and river life of South Kalimantan. Smaller riverine settlements along the Mentaya River can be reached within 1-2 hours, providing authentic glimpses into traditional Dayak villages. The scenic journey through Kalimantan's waterways is itself a highlight, with opportunities to witness the island's lush landscapes and riverside communities.

The vibrant Sampit Market offers an authentic look at local commerce, where river fish, tropical fruits, and handicrafts create a sensory feast for visitors. Don't miss sampling local Kalimantan specialties like soto Banjar (spiced chicken soup) and juhu umbut rotan (rattan shoot salad) at riverside warung eateries. The Mentaya River waterfront comes alive in the evening with food stalls and local gatherings, making it perfect for people-watching and sunset views. For cultural insights, visit the Museum Kayu, which showcases the region's relationship with its forests through traditional wooden artifacts and historical displays. Nature enthusiasts should arrange a day trip to nearby forest reserves where guides can introduce you to Borneo's remarkable biodiversity.

Sampit was once the center of Indonesia's timber industry, with its port handling massive shipments of tropical hardwoods that made it one of the busiest timber export hubs in Southeast Asia. The city's name reportedly derives from 'sampahit,' referring to the bitter-tasting water found in the area's rivers during certain seasons. Sampit gained international attention in 2001 during a period of ethnic tension, but has since transformed into a symbol of peaceful coexistence between different cultural groups. The surrounding forests are home to some of the world's most unique wildlife, including the proboscis monkey with its distinctive nose, found only on the island of Borneo.