Bulungan – Dayak Longhouses and Rainforest on the Kayan River
Bulungan se trouve dans North Kalimantan province in northern Borneo, across the Kayan River watershed. La capitale régionale, Tanjung Selor, sits at the mouth of the Kayan River. Bulungan is the legacy of the former Bulungan Sultanate – aujourd'hui it sert de the gateway to Kayan Mentarang National Park and the living culture of Dayak communities.
Attractions et activités
Kayan Mentarang National Park is one of Borneo's largest protected areas (1.35 million hectares): préservé rainforest home to rhinoceros hornbills, Bornean clouded leopards and the rare Mueller's hawk-eagle. Organised expeditions run into the park interior. Boat trips on the Kayan River lead to traditionnel Dayak longhouses (lamin), where carved pillars and communal living provide an authentic experience. In Tanjung Selor, the Bulungan Sultanate Palace Museum (Istana Bulungan) displays the sultanate's crowns, weapons and textiles. Weight Waterfall (Air Terjun Weight) is la zone's most popular natural attraction.
Culture et cuisine
The Dayak Kayan and Kenyah tribes carry la région's indigenous culture – earlobe stretching, tattooing and traditionnel dances remain living traditions. Malay pêche communities live le long de la côte. Local cuisine présente amplang (fish crackers), nasi kuning (yellow spiced rice), and ayam cincane (spicy chicken).
Sécurité publique
Bulungan is fundamentally safe. You can move autour de Tanjung Selor la nuit without concern. Only visit the parc national and longhouses with a local guide – the jungle is dense and navigation is difficult. Boating on the Kayan River is safe with reliable operators, but watch for flooding pendant the saison des pluies. Medical care is basic; the près deest more advanced hospital is in Tarakan city (reachable by ferry).
Informations pratiques
From Tarakan Juwata Airport, Tanjung Selor is reachable by ferry or speedboat (approx. 2–3 hours). Direct flights depuis Balikpapan and Jakarta également serve Tanjung Selor's small airport. The best time to visit is May to September. Accommodation: simple guesthouses in Tanjung Selor.

