About Gunung Mas

Gunung Mas – Dayak Gold Panners and River Life in Central Kalimantan

Gunung Mas Regency lies in the central part of Central Kalimantan province, on the upper reaches of the Kahayan River. The regional capital is Kuala Kurun. The region's name means Golden Mountain – traditional Dayak gold-panning activity has characterised the area for centuries. The traditional lifestyle of Dayak Ngaju communities along the Kahayan River and the tropical rainforests make it special.

Attractions and Activities

Boat tours along the Kahayan River lead to Dayak Ngaju longhouses (betang) – riverside villages maintain a traditional lifestyle. The Tewah burial ceremony (Tiwah) is the most important ritual of Dayak Ngaju culture: the ceremonial reburial of the deceased's bones into a sandung (bone house) – if fortunate, you may witness it. Bukit Rawi nature reserve has tropical rainforest with orangutans and Bornean wildlife. Traditional gold-panning sites along the river can be visited.

Culture and Cuisine

Dayak Ngaju culture is characterised by the Kaharingan belief system (ancient animist religion) and traditional ceremonies. Sandung bone houses are made with carved decorations. The cuisine is Bornean: juhu singkah (rattan-leaf vegetable soup), wadi (fermented fish), kalumpe (cassava-fish paste), and tuak (palm wine) are local flavours.

Public Safety

Gunung Mas is a safe rural region. Use reliable local boat operators for river tours. A local guide is needed in the rainforest. Road conditions vary; dirt roads may become impassable in rainy weather. Medical care is basic; Palangkaraya (approx. 3–4 hours) has the nearest more advanced hospital.

Practical Information

From Palangkaraya Tjilik Riwut Airport, approximately 3–4 hours north by car. The best time to visit is May to September. Accommodation: simple guesthouses in Kuala Kurun.

About Central Kalimantan

Central Kalimantan is the heart of Indonesian Borneo, where orangutans, peat forests, and Dayak culture offer a unique experience. The province is home to one of the world's largest orangutan rehabilitation centers, and klotok boat cruises on tropical rivers provide unforgettable adventure.

Where is Central Kalimantan?

The province is located in the central part of Borneo island. Palangkaraya is the capital, accessible by air from Jakarta and Balikpapan. Much of the region consists of peat forests and rivers, which serve as the main transport routes.

What to See?

1. Tanjung Puting National Park – Orangutans

Tanjung Puting National Park hosts the world's most famous orangutan rehabilitation center. At Camp Leakey and Pondok Tanggui stations you can observe Sumatran orangutans up close in their natural habitat. The park's protected area encompasses vast peat forests and swamps.

2. Klotok Boat Cruises

The klotok, a traditional wooden-roofed motorboat, is the most authentic way to reach Tanjung Puting on the Sekonyer River. During 1–3 day cruises you can spot proboscis monkeys, crocodiles, and tropical birds along the riverbanks.

3. Proboscis Monkeys

The long-nosed proboscis monkey (bekantan) is endemic to Borneo. They are often seen among the branches along the Sekonyer River. These monkeys can swim and live in mangrove forests.

4. Dayak Culture

Dayak indigenous culture is the soul of Central Kalimantan. Traditional longhouses, carved totems, and ceremonies offer insight into the region's ancient traditions. Several Dayak villages can be visited around Palangkaraya.

5. Peat Forests and Wildlife

The province's vast peat forests form a unique ecosystem. For wildlife observation – birds, reptiles, mammals – river tours and jungle walks are ideal.

When to Visit?

May–September is the dry season, ideal for river cruises and orangutan observation. During the rainy season (November–April) rivers are higher, but roads are harder to navigate.

How Long to Stay?

4–6 days recommended:

2–3 days: Tanjung Puting klotok cruise and orangutans
1 day: Palangkaraya and Dayak villages
1 day: Peat forest trek or river birdwatching

Summary

Central Kalimantan is a dream for orangutan enthusiasts and nature-focused travelers. Klotok cruises, Tanjung Puting, and Dayak culture together provide an experience you won't find elsewhere.

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