How to get to Muara Teweh

When planning a trip to Muara Teweh, you will discover a colourful city in the Central Kalimantan province, situated in the very heart of Indonesia on the banks of the Barito River. This distinctive destination attracts travellers with its unique river atmosphere and the opportunity to experience the authentic lifestyle of the region. To reach Muara Teweh, you can choose a quick flight via local airlines or opt for a scenic overland route by bus or car.

The fastest and most comfortable way to reach your destination is by air. The city of Muara Teweh is served by the Haji Muhammad Sidik Airport (Code: HMS). This modern airport has replaced the older Beringin Airport and accepts regular flights connecting the region with other parts of the country.

Since the airport operates regionally, travellers flying into Indonesia from abroad will need to make a transfer. The most popular connecting routes pass through major provincial cities such as Banjarmasin or Palangkaraya. A flight on smaller local aircraft not only saves time but also offers the opportunity to admire the endless tropical rainforests of Central Kalimantan from an aerial view.

Reaching the city of Muara Teweh by rail is not possible: there is no train station in the city itself, and passenger trains do not operate in this part of the island. The railway network of Indonesia mainly covers Java and specific areas of Sumatra, leaving Central Kalimantan as a zone for road and water transport.

As the nearest settlements also lack access to railway tracks, you should not plan a route involving trains. Travellers are better advised to opt for domestic flights or a bus journey to reach their destination in comfort.

Bus services are a popular and affordable way to get to Muara Teweh for those who have time to spare and wish to save on airfare. The road allows you to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of Central Kalimantan and witness the changing scenery, from bustling neighbourhoods to dense tropical jungles.

Regular scheduled buses and private shared taxis (travel) most often depart from major administrative centres such as Palangkaraya and Banjarmasin. The journey from these cities can take anywhere from 7 to 10 hours, depending on weather conditions and traffic. Despite the duration of the trip, it is an excellent opportunity to see the non-tourist side of Indonesia and drive through the island's picturesque landscapes.

Travelling by car along the roads of Central Kalimantan turns into a true expedition through dense tropical forests. The drive to Muara Teweh from the town of Tamiang Layang is considered one of the most convenient: you will have to cover about 170 kilometres, which usually takes 4–5 hours depending on traffic. A slightly longer but equally scenic route leads from Kuala Kurun — here the distance is about 230 kilometres, and the travel time varies from 6 to 7 hours.

For comfortable movement between cities, tourists often hire a car with a driver or use intercity taxi services. Given the terrain and the variable quality of road surfaces in this part of Indonesia, it is best to choose a reliable SUV for such journeys. This ensures safety and allows you to enjoy views of the authentic hinterland without unnecessary worry.

A trip to Muara Teweh is an immersion into the real life of the Indonesian provinces, which requires a little preparation. To ensure your trip goes smoothly and leaves only pleasant impressions, we have compiled several useful recommendations relevant to this region.

1. Clothing and Essentials: The climate here is tropical and humid year-round. Prefer light clothing made from natural fabrics, such as cotton, that covers your shoulders and knees — this protects against the sun and respects local modesty standards. Be sure to bring a raincoat or umbrella, as downpours can start suddenly.
2. Transport: Public transport in the conventional sense is poorly developed here. To move around the city, it is most convenient to use motorcycle taxis (ojek) or arrange rides with private drivers. The city centre is quite compact, so many places can be explored on foot.
3. Finances: The official currency is the Rupiah. In Indonesia, and especially in such small towns, cash remains the primary means of payment. Cards are not accepted everywhere, so withdraw a sufficient amount of cash from an ATM in advance, preferably in small denominations for payments at markets and in warungs (local cafes).
4. Health and Safety: It is strictly not recommended to drink tap water — buy only bottled water, even for brushing your teeth. Given the proximity of the jungle, be sure to use repellents to protect against mosquitoes and carry a first-aid kit with antiseptics and remedies for stomach upsets.
5. Communication: Few people in Muara Teweh speak English, mostly the younger generation or hotel staff. We recommend downloading an offline translator on your phone and learning a few basic phrases in Bahasa Indonesia (for example, "terima kasih" — thank you); this will greatly help in communication and endear you to the locals.
6. Local Etiquette: Indonesians are very polite and smiling people. Always remove your shoes when entering a house or a mosque. Remember an important rule: offer money, food, or shake hands only with your right hand, as the left hand is traditionally considered "impure".
7. What to Avoid: Do not display affection in public (hugging, kissing), as local society is quite conservative. Also, avoid touching the heads of locals, even children, as the head is considered a sacred part of the body where the soul resides.
8. Additional Tip: Try to adjust your daily schedule to daylight hours. It gets dark early in this region, and street lighting may be insufficient on the outskirts, so it is better to plan main walks for the morning and afternoon.

By following these simple tips, you can avoid everyday inconveniences and feel confident far from popular tourist routes. Respect for local traditions and openness to new experiences will make your visit to the heart of Kalimantan unforgettable.