Home / Batik Regions – Central Indonesia – Kalimantan Island – North Kalimantan / Tarakan Mangrove Forest
Natural Destination
Experience the tropical nature!
Tarakan Mangrove Forest
Bekantan, the Borneo monkey species (photo: Mazmuzie)
Tarakan Mangrove Forest
The mangrove forest is one of the favourite tourist sites in Tarakan. We can go along the forest and walk on the long bridge made of ironwood in the mangrove forest. If we are lucky, we can also meet endemic animals, including the bekantan, which is Indonesia’s most protected monkey species. Breathe in the fresh breeze, immerse yourself in the nature of the mangrove forest.
Tourist Attractions in North Kalimantan
Malinau Cultural Festival
You will witness a unique competition that might not be found other than in
Museum of Bulungan Sultanate
Bulungan is a historical museum to witness the legacy of the
Orchid Botanical Garden
Orchid Botanical Garden conserves various types of
North Kalimantan
Batik Motifs
Bekantan Pakis
This motif represents Pakis Haji (Polystichum setiferum), an endemic plant in
Dayak Taghol
Dayak Taghol has a distinctive style of four curved lines and small dots. This motif represents
Bultiya
The word ‘Bultiya’ is an acronym of the three major tribes in North Kalimantan, namely
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Indonesian
Batik
Motifs
Bale Lumbu
This motif signifies the welfare of the ancient Sasak society. Bale also symbolizes the
Kawung
The Kawung motif was created by Sultan Agung Hanyokrokusumo (1593 – 1645) as a symbolic gift for
Merak Ngeram
The hatching peacock motif has a very deep meaning which refers to the sacrifice and
Wirasat
Wirasat or divine inspiration is a gift from God. This inspiration is symbolized by
Taiganja
Taiganja is a precious gold pendant that shows the social status of the Kaili family. It is
Tifa Totobuang
The batik motifs illustrate Maluku’s traditional music instrument called
Mahkota Siger
Siger is the crown of a noblewoman in ancient time. It is a symbol of femininity, strength, and
Bomba Mawar
This motif means sacred love for family, kingdom, and God; It also illustrates
Tenun Bima
The motifs are adopted from Bima woven textile. This pattern has received a great
Srimanganti
The name of the Srimanganti motif is derived from Palace’s hallway that connects to
Ikan tambal
The word “Ikan” refers to fish. The philosophical meaning of Ikan Tambal means is
Jupri Kembang Teh
Kembang Teh illustrates the tendrils of tea plants that grow in the highlands of
Durian Pecah
Broken Durian motifs depict the foundation of faith. The second half signifies the mastery of
Ukir Sentani
The Ukir motif is a batik motif that is inspired by various traditional Sentani wood carvings
Prada Papua
The word “Prada” in the Javanese-Indonesian dialect means a batik textile that
Tikar Natuna
The Tikar Natuna motif is adapted from the traditional making of pandanus mats in
Rangkiang
The word “Rangkiang” refers to the rice granary in the Minangkabau language. It symbolizes
Gentala Arasy
Built as high as 80 meters, the tower also highlights the historical side of
Enggang Dayak
Local people beliefs that hornbills are an incarnation of the Commander of the Birds. It has supernatural
Pattimura
Pattimura is the name of an Indonesian hero who fought against colonialism in
Daun Sirih
This motif illustrates betel leaves that are used by Lombok communities as traditional
Teguh Bersatu
This batik motif shows the strength of the people of Kupang. It also represents a sense of
Tampuk Manggis Sasirangan
The motif illustrates the philosophy of the mangosteen fruit, which is
Gorga Simeol-Meol
The Gorga Simeol-meol is a pattern of plant tendrils. it is regarded as a symbol of longevity and
Ake Patra
Ake is related to the divinity and the composition of the universe. It is a symbol of
Insang Ikan
Insang refers to the gills of the fish. This is a typical pattern of Malay ethnic who inhabits
Kaganga Tanah Rejang
If Batik Besurek combines Arabic calligraphy motifs, then the Kaganga batik takes
Kaharingan
The Kaharingan or ‘tree of life’ based on the Dayak tribes’ belief system. This tree symbolizes
Lipaq Sabe
Lipaq Saqbe contains a simple geometric classical motif with various flower decorations. This textile is
Burung Bidadari
Bidadari birds are endemic birds in Halmahera. This motif represents an
Dayak Taghol
Dayak Taghol has a distinctive style of four curved lines and small dots. This motif represents
Gonggong Siput
Gonggong (Strombus Turturella) is one type of sea snail found around
Gedhog Kembang Waluh
a combination of Javanese cultural motif of the Majapahit kingdom (XII-XIV century) with
Pala Salawaku
This motif illustrates the unique weapons of the Maluku region, namely
Sekomandi
Its philosophical meaning is the eternal union which refers to a saying “until death do us part”
Keluak Daun Pakis
The word “Keluak” is a Minang language which means twisted or tangled. The Motif of
Tubo Kelapa
Coconut tree is a symbol of a good character and strong mentality. It illustrates the more success a person, the more
Gamolan
This motif illustrates Gamolan, a bamboo musical instrument of Lampung that is
Gonggong Beruntun
This motif illustrates that a person should maintain a positive attitude and
Tengkawang Ampiek
With its many advantages, the Dayaks use this leaf in ritual ceremonies. This plant is a symbol of
Parang Rusak
Another meaning behind this motif is an unconquerable spirit, symbolized by
La Galigo
La Galigo is a literary work of the Buginese Epic that has 300 thousand epic lines. It is considered even
Tangerang Herang
Tangerang Herang motif is a symbol of Tangerang city. The Tangerang Herang batik motif consists of
Kasih Tak Sampai
‘Kasih Tak Sampai’ is an idiom in the Indonesian language which refers to
Angsa Duo
According to legend, the Angso duo batik motif is a pair of swans that are believed to have led Princess
Singayaksa
The Singayaksa motif comes from the name of a place where Sultan Hasanuddin used to
Pucuk Rebung Riau
Pucuk Rebung symbolizes heart determination in achieving goals, good luck, and
Pohon Hayat (Tree of Life)
The Batik motifs in Lampung are dominated by the acculturation of Buddhist and
Wakatobi
It symbolizes the coastal beauty of the Wakatobi island and the symbol of Patra symbolizes
Pinawetengan
The Pinawetengan Batik pattern was taken from a prehistoric inscription in
Gumin Tambun
Based on Hindu mythology, this motif symbolizes lucks, abundant wealth, and
Rumah Mamuju
the Batik motif illustrates the house of Mamuju King with the stairs, located on the left of the wooden stage house
Tabir Tanjung
Tanjung flower is a type of Cherry tree flower, which is commonly found in
Tanah Liek
The word “Tanah Liek” refers to clay in Minang language. It is also known as
Sekar Jati
Sekar means flower and Jati refers to teak trees that symbolizes a strong mental character that
Bintik Tujuh
The Bintik Tujuh (Seven Dots) motif has 7 white spots and green color gradation as
Karawo Mahkuta
Mahkuta refers to Gorontalo’s traditional crown. It represents noble characters of
Karawo Pinang
Pinang refers to the Palm areca tree. This motif is considered as the original
Bultiya
The word ‘Bultiya’ is an acronym of the three major tribes in North Kalimantan, namely
Tongkonan
Toraja’s traditional house is called Tongkonan. Tongkonan is a place for
Besurek Rafflesia
The term “Basurek” refers to a textile that contains letters or inscriptions
Manguni Minahasa
Manguni is identified as the symbol of the Minahasa people. Manguni is known as a
Honai
The Honai is inspired by the traditional house of the Papuan community living in
Besurek Rembulan
This batik illustrates praise for God who created the wonderful universe
Lontara
The Lontara script itself is a typical ancient script of Bugis and Makassar communities. History records that
Kuda Kupang
Horses symbolize wealth. It contains noble values of virtuous characters that bring
Leuit Sijimat
This motif reflects the daily activities of the Baduy tribe in Banten. The main ornaments of batik motif consist of:
Raja Ampat
Raja Ampat motif represents the marine life at Raja Ampat archipelago in
Malinau Cultural Festival
You will witness a unique competition that might not be found other than in
Jumputan Bintang
The word Jumputan means the tie-dye technique, while the word “Bintang” refers to
Desa Na Tolu
The Desa Na Tolu characteristic pattern symbolizes the Batak philosophy of existence and
Sero Tangga
The Sero Tangga illustrates an endearing feeling and sacrifices of a person to fulfil
Gigi Haruan Lidi
The Gigi Haruan Lidi motif is taken from the name of the cork fish and is a symbol of
Sandeq
Sandeq Boat is a symbol of the maritime importance of the West Sulawesi region. The greatness of


