Kapuas Hulu – The Heart of the World: Rainforests and Dayak Longhouses in Borneo's Interior
Kapuas Hulu se trouve dans the easternmost part of West Kalimantan province, on the upper reaches of the Kapuas River, bordering Malaysian Sarawak. La capitale régionale est Putussibau. Kapuas Hulu represents the heart of Borneo: two vast parc nationals (Betung Kerihun and Danau Sentarum), Dayak Iban and Embaloh longhouses, and l'un des world's richest rainforests make it special.
Attractions et activités
Betung Kerihun National Park is one of Borneo's largest préservé rainforests – habitat of orangutans, Bornean clouded leopards, hornbills and rare orchids. Danau Sentarum National Park (Sentarum Lake) is a wetland lake system – the lake level changes seasonally, and aquatic faune sauvage is extraordinarily rich. Dayak Iban and Embaloh longhouse (rumah betang) villages peut être visité – traditionnel ceremonies, weaving and carving are living traditions. Boat tours on the upper Kapuas River.
Culture et cuisine
Dayak Iban culture is characterised by the headhunting past's memory and longhouse community life – the gawai Dayak festival (harvest celebration) is the biggest cultural event. Dayak Embaloh communities également live in longhouses. Cuisine is Bornean: pansuh (meat and vegetables cooked in bamboo), wadi (fermented fish), and tuak (palm wine) are local flavours.
Sécurité publique
Kapuas Hulu is safe but extremely reculé. Do not enter parc nationals without a local guide. River transport is the only option in many places – use reliable boat operators. Medical care is very limited; basic hospital in Putussibau, Pontianak (approx. 1 hour by flight) has the près deest more advanced hospital.
Informations pratiques
Putussibau Pangsuma Airport receives flights depuis Pontianak (approx. 1 hour). From Pontianak by car/bus, approximately 16–20 hours. The best time to visit is May to September. Accommodation: simple guesthouses in Putussibau.
