The heritage of the sultanate is reflected in Tanjung Palas in two distinct historical themes: collection items and exhibits at the Museum Kesultanan Bulungan, and the tombs in the Sultan Bulungan Cemetery Complex. Those wishing to include landscapes and other cultural attractions can also consider Tanjung Palas as part of the wider Bulungan destination.
History in Tanjung Palas
A 2016 academic study describes objects from the heritage of the Bulungan Sultanate at the Museum Kesultanan Bulungan in Tanjung Palas. These include documents, photographs of the sultan and his family, items from the palace, and depictions of the sultan’s activities in the past. Written, visual, and material records are presented side by side. The cemetery complex has a different focus: the tombs of several rulers and other figures from Bulungan’s history.
The Sultan Bulungan Cemetery Complex is in Tanjung Palas, behind the Jami Mosque Sultan Kasimuddin. The sultans buried there include Sultan Muhammad Maulana Kasimuddin, whose reign lasted approximately from 1900 to 1925, Sultan Ahmad Sulaiman (1930–1931), and Sultan Muhammad Djalauddin (1931–1958). The complex also contains the tombs of Datu Aji Kuning, Datu Masyur, and others. The dates given refer to the sultans’ reigns. This helps place the rulers in their historical context without confusing these dates with the dates when the tombs were built.
If you plan to visit the museum or cemetery complex, check current access arrangements beforehand.
More destinations in the wider Bulungan destination
Beyond the historic sites of Tanjung Palas, Bulungan offers a variety of other attractions. Gunung Putih is a natural attraction known for its striking limestone formations. The climb to the summit is considered a challenging yet rewarding hiking adventure. If you plan to hike there, check current trail conditions beforehand.
Pantai Tanah Kuning II combines a viewpoint with places to rest: its four-story observation tower can also be used as a rest stop. The site is accessible by motorcycle or car; there is a mosque and a pavilion where visitors can rest. This destination focuses on the tower and rest facilities, while Gunung Putih is known primarily for its limestone and challenging ascent.
Air Terjun KM 18 is located along the Bulungan–Berau road in Desa Jelarai, Kecamatan Tanjung Selor, Kabupaten Bulungan. The 15-meter-high waterfall is surrounded by natural forest and striking rock formations. Its landscape differs from both the limestone formations at Gunung Putih and the stacked rocks at Batu Tumpuk.
The historic Masjid Sultan Kasimuddin is also part of Bulungan’s cultural heritage. It was founded during the reign of Sultan Maulana Muhammad Kasimuddin (1901–1925). His tomb is in the mosque’s western courtyard; the surrounding tombs belong to the royal family. These details place the mosque in the history of the sultanate and complement the tombs and collection items associated with Tanjung Palas.
Batu Tumpuk is another natural attraction in Bulungan, characterized by tall, naturally formed rock stacks. Visitors can walk through large openings in some of the rocks and take photos there. The site has restrooms, a parking area, and a place to buy snacks. Pantai Tanah Kuning II and Batu Tumpuk therefore differ both in their landscapes and in the facilities described. Access and facilities may change; check the current situation before visiting.
Those interested in cultural attractions can also visit Desa Wisata Metun Sajau in Bulungan, a tourism village of the Dayak Kenyah people in Kecamatan Tanjung Palas Timur, Kabupaten Bulungan. Attractions include traditional games and old-style dance performances presented by the local tourism group. Visitors are served local farm produce alongside the dance performances, including cassava, peanuts, corn, and bananas. The offerings may change over time, and the produce served may vary from one visit to another.
For the wider travel overview: Bulungan.
