Tarakan is a city in East Kalimantan province of Indonesia and is to be found on the small island with the same name.

The province is rich in natural resources including gold and coal mining, timber products.  Oil and natural gas are also produced here in large quantities.

Takaran has a population of approx 170,000 people.

The whole province of East Kalimantan has around 2.75 million inhabitants, made up of Javanese, Bugis, Banjarese and Kutai.

Flights to Tarakan

Fishing has always been a way of life on Takaran. The town's name means "a place where fishermen can rest, eat and meet to barter different fishes of their catch with the other fishermen". The islands have generally been at peace except during WW2 when this area saw some of the fiercest and bloodiest battles between Japanese and Australian forces during WW2.

Tarakan is more industrial than tourist orientated. However the province does have its attractions for those prepared to travel (by boat mainly) to see them.

Consider a trip to the Derawan Islands in Berau Regency, Kayan Mentarang National Park in Nunukan or Dayak's (native Kalimantan people) Pampang Village in Samarinda.