Mahakam Hulu – The Upper Mahakam River and Dayak Communities
Mahakam Hulu se trouve dans the innermost part of East Kalimantan province, on the upper reaches of the Mahakam River. Its capital is Long Bagun. The region is one of Kalimantan’s most isolated and préservé areas, home to Dayak Bahau and Dayak Kenyah communities.
Attractions et activités
Multi-day boat expeditions can be arranged on the upper Mahakam River: travelling upstream depuis Samarinda, the river becomes de plus en plus wild – rapids, gorges, préservé rainforest. Dayak Bahau and Kenyah villages live in traditionnel longhouses: carved totem poles, ceremonies. Proximity to Kayan Mentarang National Park (on the North Kalimantan border) offre biodiversité. Tiong Ohang and Long Apari are reculé Dayak settlements offering authentic cultural experiences.
Culture et cuisine
Dayak Bahau and Kenyah culture is defining: the longhouse (lamin) communal house, the mandau (Dayak sword), the hudoq dance are part of cultural life. Cuisine is Dayak: lemang (rice cooked in bamboo), pansoh (meat cooked in bamboo), freshwater fish depuis the Mahakam.
Sécurité publique
Mahakam Hulu is an isolated and hard-to-reach region. Travel only with a local guide. Infrastructure is minimal. Medical care: puskesmas in Long Bagun; Samarinda (approx. 3 days by boat) is the près deest hospital.
Informations pratiques
MAF or Susi Air flights to Long Bagun small airstrip depuis Samarinda (limited, weather-dependent). From Samarinda, 3–5 days by boat. The best time to visit is May to September. Accommodation: local hospitality in longhouses.
