East Kalimantan’s tourism sector has shown a positive trend following the COVID-19 pandemic, with various natural, cultural, and man-made tourist destinations attracting international visitors.
Key tourist attractions in East Kalimantan that have succeeded in drawing foreign tourists include Maratua Island, the Derawan Islands, and Labuhan Cermin Lake in Berau. The allure of the underwater world and the charm of white sand beaches are the main attractions of this region. In addition to natural tourism, East Kalimantan also boasts a wealth of cultural tourism. For instance, Kutai Kartanegara Regency offers a unique cultural experience through the Mulawarman Museum and the Erau Traditional Festival.
Recent data shows that the number of foreign tourist visits in 2023 has increased significantly compared to the previous year. The total number of foreign tourists throughout 2023 reached 4,491—a sharp rise compared to 343 visits in 2022. This indicates a fairly rapid recovery from the impact of the pandemic.
“Indonesia is one of the countries with a strong post-pandemic recovery. The significant increase in foreign tourists in 2023—from 343 in 2022 to 4,491—can also be attributed to the presence of the new capital city (IKN). Foreign companies are starting to regain momentum, and activities are running smoothly once again,” said the Head of the East Kalimantan Tourism Office, Ririn Sari Dewi, to the press on Wednesday, the 30th of October.
