Kalimantan
Kalimantan - Borneo
Sharing boundaries with the Sultanate of Brunei Darussalam and th Malaysian states of Sarawak and Sabah, Kalimantan occupies two-thirds of Borneo, the world’s third largest island.
Kalimantan is the land of the Dayak people who long ago were farmed as fearless warriors. Over 200tribes inhabit the island, but the well-known groups are the Kenyah and Kayan in the East, the Ngaju in the central region, and the Iban in the West. Travel down the great rivers, such as the Mahakam, in traditional bamboo rafts, motor longboats or klotok/canoes (river bus) or chartered houseboat to see up close Kalimantan’s indigenous inhabitans in their natural surroundings. Organized trip are available through travel operators in bigger cities.
The dense, tropical lowland rainforests of Kalimantan hold a diverse variety of exotic flora and fauna; 600 species if birds (including the hornbills that are sacred to the Dayaks), orangutans, proboscis monkey, clouded leopard, leaf monkeys, crab eating macaques and ant-eating pangolins.
Ancient Kingdoms
The oldest Hindu kingdom in Indonesia was the Kutai Kingdom located in what is now known as Tenggarong, 39 km from Samarinda, the provincial capital of East Kalimantan. Stone statues and inscriptions found on the banks of the Mahakam river date back from around 400 AD when Kutai was under the rule of King Mulawarman.
Into the Dayak Country
Rivers, such as Mahakam and Kayan, connect the coast with Dayak country in the island’s interior. Dayak families have strong communal ties, and live in great longhouse. A Dayak longhouse, called lamin in East Kalimantan, or betang in Central Kalimantan, may occupied by 20-30 families.
Visit authentic long-houses in Barong Tongkok, or get up close views of the forest and the Dayak people of Tanjung Isuy, Muara Muntai, Melak or Long Iram, while fresh water dolphins may just decide to keep you acompany as you venture upstream deepter into Dayak country. At Tanjung Isuy, a Dayak settlement around Lake Jempang, welcome rituals and dances are often put on for visitors.
Beauty is in the Eye of The Beholder
The art of the Dayak produces superb decorative and religious design that are painted or carved on longhouse, masks and religious structures. Apart from their weaving and basketwork, the Dayak’s beadwork is well-known for its color and intricacy. Most traditional markets carry Dayak handicrafts which are cheaper than at art shops, but travelling to different regions will be rewarded with original item.
In some Dayak tribes, the women, especially of the older generation, still wear heavy earings and have long extended earlobes. Their hands and feet are covered in elaborate tattooing. Pattern have different meanings and some may be a protection againts evil. On which part of body the tattoos are applied also vary according to a person’s status in the community.
Tropical Wilderness and Beauty
In the upper reaches of Mahakam river, the 5,000 acre orchid reservation Kersik Luwai has around 72 different species of orchids including the very rare balck orchid, Cologenia Pandurata. The reserve is encircle by a wide expanse of pure white sand that covers an area of 20 ha.
The Makassar Strait between Borneo and Sulawesi shelters a diverse ecosystem in a tiny archipelago. At Derawan, sea turtle (green, hawksbill, scarlet and star fruit turtles) come on shore at night to lay their eggs. Surrounded by a shallow lagoon and the reefs, MAratua and Sangalaki has over 500 species of hard and soft corals, manta rays and turtles.
Land of a Thousand Rivers
On the Southeast coast of Kalimantan, Banjarmasin is a bustling trading city crisscrossed with many waterways fed by the Barito river. Wooden houses are constructed on poles and connected to each other by wooden walkways. Floating markets a common sight in many towns. Selling fruits, vegetables, traditional snacks and beverages, they provide a glimpse of the kind of life the local live. Kuin market near the Trisakti Harbour is a colorful market where activities begin at daybreak and lasts until about nine in the morning.
Downstream on the Barito, you’ll reach Kaget and Kembang island, home of Kalimantan’s unsual primate, the proboscis monkey and a variety of birds. Dawn and dusk are the only times you may get a chance to see them.
Banjarmasin is also known for handicrafts and most notably for its semi precious and precious stones, mined in the surrounding areas.
Rattan and bamboo weaving are from the Tapin district while handicrafts made of gold, silver, brass and iron are from the Hulu Sungai Selatan region.
Meet Hairy, Orange Apes
Orange Hairy Ape - Kalimantan
In Central Kalimantan, the Kaharingin religion is still practiced by the more isolated Dayaks of the region, which are the Ngaju, Kahayan, Kalai, Maanyan, Ot Danum and Tumon. The Tiwah or funerary ritual is an interesting series of rites that involve cleaning the bones of the deceased for their smooth journey to paradise, and animal sacrifices that ensure prosperity and good health for the living. The cleansed bones are then held inside a sandung, a tomb built like a betang.
Several of the most important wildlife rehabilitation centers are found in Central Kalimantan. Tanjung Puting National Park and its three camps,Tanjung Harapan, Pondok Tanggul and Camp Leakey are where tamed orangutans are rehabilitated and taught to readapt to their natural environment. The area is also the site of bountiful pearl divings. Kijing and Temajoh islands in West Kalimantan are also ideal for diving, fishing and sailing.
Goldmining at Kasongan uses both the traditional panning method and modern machinery.
Crossing The Equator
Pontianak, the provincial capital is right on the equator and has a monument to show it. Indonesia’s longest river, the Kapuas river (1143 km) also winds through in West Kalimantan
