10 Unique Souvenirs from Central Kalimantan Perfect for Special Gifts
Discover the unique and meaningful souvenirs from Central Kalimantan, perfect for bringing home as special gifts for family and friends.
Central Kalimantan, known for its stunning natural beauty and rich culture, also offers a variety of unique souvenirs that reflect the region’s deep traditions.
If you’re visiting or planning to visit this area, make sure to bring back these special items as unforgettable mementos. Here are 10 recommended souvenirs from Central Kalimantan that you should bring home:
1. Keripik Kalakai: Crunchy Snack with Health Benefits
Keripik Kalakai is a popular snack made from Kalakai leaves, an endemic plant of Kalimantan known for its health benefits, such as improving blood circulation and keeping the skin youthful.
The young Kalakai leaves are coated in seasoned flour and then fried until crispy, creating a savory snack that’s perfect for any time of the day. As an example of Typical Central Kalimantan Food, you can find this at traditional markets or souvenir centers in Palangkaraya.
2. Tahu Bakso Ijo: Delicious and Convenient to Bring Home
Tahu Bakso Ijo is a perfect combination of fried tofu and meatball, available in chicken or beef flavors. Its soft texture and savory taste make it a favorite souvenir for travelers.
Priced around IDR 30,000, this snack is easy to find in local shops in Palangkaraya and makes for a great travel snack.
3. Bark Crafts: Traditional Souvenirs with Artistic Value
The bark from Kalimantan’s forests is transformed into various handmade crafts, such as hats, bags, wallets, and decorative accessories.
These products not only reflect the local creativity but are also durable and unique. You can find these crafts in souvenir shops, offering an authentic memento that stands out.
4. Rabuk Patin Kandas Sarai: Spicy Fish Floss
Rabuk Patin Kandas Sarai is a local fish floss made from patin fish. Its spicy and extra-spicy flavors make it the perfect companion for warm rice or other dishes.
Sold in convenient packaging, Rabuk Patin is a delightful treat for your family at home.
5. Wadai Apam: Softness in Every Bite
Wadai Apam is a traditional cake made from flour, sugar, and coconut milk, with a soft texture and distinctive sweet flavor. Typically served at traditional events, you can also find this cake at traditional markets in Palangkaraya.
As a souvenir, Wadai Apam is perfect for sharing during relaxed moments with family.
6. Onde-Onde Ungu: A Modern Twist on Traditional Snacks
This special version of onde-onde, a popular Kalimantan treat, is made with purple sweet potato, giving it a striking color. Besides the classic mung bean filling, you can also find variants with chocolate, cheese, and pandan.
These purple onde-onde make a unique and eye-catching souvenir, both in terms of flavor and appearance.
7. Lemang: The Aromatic Tradition of Local Cuisine
Lemang is a traditional dish made from sticky rice cooked inside bamboo. It has a fragrant aroma and a savory taste, different from regular rice cakes.
Often served with side dishes like chicken, fish, or rendang, Lemang can be found at traditional markets or local eateries in Palangkaraya.
8. Processed Seluang Fish: Savory and Long-Lasting Snack
Seluang fish, a small fish native to Kalimantan, is often processed into crispy snacks like fried fish or spicy fish sambal. What’s unique is that it’s made without preservatives but still has a long shelf life.
This product is widely available in souvenir shops and makes for a delicious snack to bring home as a typical Kalimantan gift.
9. Bark Hats: A Functional Local Innovation
Bark hats are traditional handmade hats made from selected tree bark. Not only are they unique, but they are also durable and suitable for outdoor activities.
Affordable and functional, you can find these hats at souvenir shops or local art galleries in Central Kalimantan.
10. Benang Bintik Fabric: The High-Value Beauty of Dayak Culture
Benang Bintik fabric is a cultural heritage of the Dayak people, combining traditional motifs like trees, houses, and Dayak carvings. Made from materials such as silk, semi-silk, and cotton, this fabric offers both high quality and aesthetic value.
Prices vary from hundreds of thousands to millions of rupiahs, but the beauty and cultural significance of the fabric make it a worthy and special souvenir.
Conclusion
Central Kalimantan offers not only breathtaking nature and culture but also a variety of unique souvenirs that reflect its rich traditions. From savory snacks to handcrafted art, each souvenir carries its own story and uniqueness.
So, when you visit Central Kalimantan, don’t forget to take time to hunt for these special gifts, including Typical North Kalimantan Food. Not only will they serve as memorable keepsakes, but they will also bring a bit of Central Kalimantan’s charm to your home!