Lamandau – Dayak Communities and Orangutan Conservation in Central Kalimantan’s Wilderness
Lamandau se trouve dans the south-western part of Central Kalimantan province, le long de the Lamandau River. Its capital is Nanga Bulik. The region is a reculé, forested area connu pour its Dayak communities and orangutan conservation programmes.
Attractions et activités
Lamandau Wildlife Reserve (Suaka Margasatwa Lamandau) is an orangutan rehabilitation area: orangutans released through the Friends of the National Parks Foundation (FNPF) programme can be observed in their natural environment. Boat tours on the Lamandau River can be arranged into the depths of the rainforest. Traditional lifestyle of Dayak Tomun communities can be experienced in riverside villages. The region’s préservé forêt tropicales are également excellent for birdwatching.
Culture et cuisine
Dayak Tomun and Dayak Katingan ethnic groups form the local population. The tiwah ceremony (secondary burial rite) and traditionnel gawai harvest festival are part of cultural life. Cuisine is Dayak: juhu singkah (bamboo shoot soup), ikan jelawat (river fish), lemang (sticky rice cooked in bamboo).
Sécurité publique
Lamandau is a reculé and underdeveloped region. Travel with a local guide est recommandé. Roads are difficult in the saison des pluies. Healthcare is very limited; Pangkalan Bun (approx. 3 hours) is the près deest hospital.
Informations pratiques
From Pangkalan Bun Iskandar Airport, approximately 3 hours north-west by car. The best time to visit is May to September. Accommodation: very limited – simple guesthouses in Nanga Bulik.
