:: Upriver Mahakam Expedition - East Kalimantan Travel Guides ::
Kalimantan is the correct name for
the Indonesian portion of the island known generically as Borneo. The
Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak and the famed country, Brunei Darussalam
constitute the remaining portions. Kalimantan is divided into four regions:
East, West, Central and South Kalimantan. In East Kalimantan, the Mahakam
River is the main route of access into this land of mystery, lore and
vast eco-tourism. The
former headhunters, the Dayaks traditionally live in communal longhouses
called Lamin or Umaq Daru.
Steeped in tradition, the interior of the longhouse
is typically divided into separate family quarters with a communal area
connecting each of the quarters and therefore each of the families. It
is in these communal areas that village meetings are held and ceremonies
performed, thereby reinforcing the strong tribal bonds that have kept
the Dayaks alive in the face of rapidly advancing 20th century technology.
The more remote and traditional tribes-people have pierced earlobes, which
over the years have become stretched by the weight of heavy gold or brass
rings, and beautifully elaborate tattoos. Local jewelry and designs are
intricate and powerful, often giving messages to be passed down from generation
to generation. The former headhunters; the large, remote orchid forests;
the villages with "streets of wood"; and the ecologically interesting
terrain create a journey surpassing all imagination and expectations.
This is a journey back in time designed for the hearty explorer and eco-tourist.
DAY 1 - BALIKPAPAN
/ LOA JANAN
Transfer from Balikpapan to Loa Janan to board your "house-boat"
for the start of the journey up the Mahakam river. Traveling along the
extensive Mahakam river system, which has carved its way through the jungles
and flatlands constantly reshaping and nourishing the land, is a fascinating
adventure. The people, once believed to be headhunters, live in remote
areas and along the rivers maintaining their beliefs in the supernatural
and ancestral worship. Overnight on board. (Dinner)
DAY
2 - MUARA MUNTAI / TANJUNG ISUY
Tea with the Dayaks, the renown, former head hunters of Borneo, awaits
you today. Visit Muara Muntai and its local floating market. A festive
celebration with the Dayak village at Tanjung Isuy will crown this day.
Be ready – Everyone Participates. Overnight on
board. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
DAY 3 - TANJUNG ISUY
/ TENGGARONG
Travel from Tanjung Isuy to Tenggarong. Visit traditional long houses
and explore the life of the Dayak villager. Birds, scenery, sights, and
sounds abound - enjoy your time with nature and creation. (Breakfast,
Lunch, Dinner).
DAY 4 - TENGGARONG
/ BALIKPAPAN
Visit the former Palace of the Sultan of Kutai, now an excellent museum. Note
the gifts, origins and art on display. Journey down-river at a pace much
faster than before as you now travel with the river. Arrive in time for
dinner in Balikpapan.(Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
DAY 5 - BALIKPAPAN/
ONWARD JOURNEY
Bid farewell to Kalimantan as you are transferred to the airport for your
onward journey and continuing visit to Indonesia. (Breakfast).
Come and Discover
Indonesia Islands with us!
