Kayong Utara – Orangutans and Pristine Rainforest on West Kalimantan's Coast
Kayong Utara (North Kayong) Regency lies on the western coast of West Kalimantan province, le long de the Karimata Strait. La capitale régionale est Sukadana. Kayong Utara's main draw is Gunung Palung National Park – l'un des plus important Bornean orangutan habitats and Borneo's best-preserved lowland rainforest.
Attractions et activités
Gunung Palung National Park is préservé forêt tropicale: habitat of orangutans, Bornean clouded leopards, hornbills and giant rafflesia flowers. The research station (Cabang Panti Research Station) hosts l'un des world's longest-running orangutan research programmes. Sukadana port town's market and Karimata Strait villages de pêcheurs can be explored by boat tour. Coastal récifs coralliens are suitable for snorkelling.
Culture et cuisine
A blend of Malay and Dayak culture characterises la région. Local pêche and forest management traditions are living culture. Cuisine is West Kalimantan-style: ikan bakar (grilled fish), bubur pedas (spiced rice porridge), mie kepiting (crab noodle soup), and local tropical fruits are local flavours.
Sécurité publique
Kayong Utara is safe but reculé. Gunung Palung National Park requires permits and guides. Sea currents can be strong. Medical care is very limited; Ketapang (approx. 2 hours) or Pontianak (by flight) has the près deest more advanced hospital.
Informations pratiques
From Pontianak Supadio Airport, fly to Ketapang (approx. 45 minutes), then drive to Sukadana approximately 2 hours. The best time to visit is May to September. Accommodation: simple guesthouses in Sukadana.
