Properties in Naha Silat

Long Apari – The River's Source and the End of the Known World

Long Apari occupies a position at the absolute frontier of Indonesian territory – the uppermost district of Mahakam Hulu Regency, where the Mahakam River has its headwaters in the highlands near the Sarawak border and where the communities live in a degree of physical isolation that has few parallels in Indonesia outside of Papua. The journey from Samarinda to Long Apari takes several days by river – weeks during low water season when rapids and shallows make navigation difficult – and this extraordinary remoteness has preserved the traditional culture of the Dayak Kenyah, Dayak Kayan and Penan communities of the upper Mahakam in a way that is increasingly rare in modern Indonesia. The forest here is some of the most intact in all of Kalimantan – the combination of remoteness, community management and the formal protection of the Heart of Borneo conservation landscape creates conditions where the forest ecology has been far less disturbed than in the accessible lowlands. Wildlife surveys have documented significant populations of orangutans, clouded leopards, Bornean pygmy elephants and a diversity of forest species that require intact forest at landscape scale to maintain viable populations.

Tourism & Attractions

Long Apari offers the most extreme version of the upper Mahakam cultural and wilderness experience. The traditional communities here have maintained practices that have changed less over the past century than any other Dayak communities in East Kalimantan – the longhouse social structure, traditional tattoo culture, sape music, beadwork and the intricate knowledge of forest ecology that underpins their subsistence economy all persist in forms that researchers and cultural tourism visitors find extraordinary. The forest surrounding the headwater communities is at the frontier of Bornean wilderness – orangutan encounters in genuinely pristine primary forest, clouded leopard tracks, the dawn chorus of gibbons over an unbroken forest canopy. The border with Sarawak, where this part of the upper Mahakam connects to the Malaysian territory of the Heart of Borneo, creates geopolitical interest alongside the natural and cultural.

Real Estate Market

There is effectively no conventional real estate market in Long Apari. The communities' relationship to their land is entirely customary and communal – the concept of individual land ownership and commercial real estate transactions is simply not part of the social and economic framework here. Conservation finance – carbon credits, biodiversity credits, payments for ecosystem services – represents the closest thing to a "real estate" transaction applicable to Long Apari's assets, where the forest and its ecosystems have quantifiable value that can be converted to income for the communities who protect it.

Rental & Investment Outlook

Conservation finance from the extraordinary forest of the upper Mahakam headwaters is potentially very significant – the intact dipterocarp and montane forest of the Long Apari watershed stores enormous quantities of carbon and harbours species of global conservation significance. Properly structured REDD+ and biodiversity credit programmes, with full community consent and benefit-sharing, could generate meaningful income for the Long Apari communities while providing internationally recognised conservation outcomes. Expedition tourism – small groups of serious cultural and wildlife travellers willing to make the extraordinary journey – provides modest but real income for communities that offer the most authentic experience of traditional Bornean life available anywhere.

Practical Tips

Long Apari requires extraordinary commitment to reach – the multi-day river journey from Samarinda involves rapids, portages (carrying boats around impassable sections), jungle camping and physical demands that require expedition-level fitness and preparation. This journey should only be undertaken with experienced operators who have established community relationships throughout the watershed. Official permits from the relevant government authorities (camat-level registration, in some cases police reporting) are required and should be arranged in advance. The entire journey is conducted in the care and hospitality of the communities along the way – their goodwill is not just courteous to seek but operationally essential. The rewards for those who make the journey successfully are an experience that has almost no equivalent in the accessible world.

Mahakam Hulu – The Upper Mahakam River and Dayak Communities

Mahakam Hulu Regency lies in 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 pristine areas, home to Dayak Bahau and Dayak Kenyah communities.

Attractions and Activities

Multi-day boat expeditions can be arranged on the upper Mahakam River: travelling upstream from Samarinda, the river becomes increasingly wild – rapids, gorges, pristine rainforest. Dayak Bahau and Kenyah villages live in traditional longhouses: carved totem poles, ceremonies. Proximity to Kayan Mentarang National Park (on the North Kalimantan border) offers biodiversity. Tiong Ohang and Long Apari are remote Dayak settlements offering authentic cultural experiences.

Culture and 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 from the Mahakam.

Public Safety

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 nearest hospital.

Practical Information

MAF or Susi Air flights to Long Bagun small airstrip from 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.

East Kalimantan is Borneo's largest province, where the Derawan Islands' marine paradise, the Mahakam River's culture, and the new capital Nusantara converge. The region is world-famous for diving, sea turtles, and the stingless jellyfish lake.

Where is East Kalimantan?

The province is located on Borneo's eastern coast, along the Celebes Sea. Balikpapan and Samarinda are the main cities, both with international airports. Indonesia's planned new capital, Nusantara, is currently under construction in the province's northern part.

What to See?

1. Derawan Islands – Marine Paradise

The Derawan Islands are an archipelago with crystal-clear waters where sea turtles, manta rays, and sponges await. Kakaban Island's stingless jellyfish lake is unique: the jellyfish don't sting, and you can swim among them. Sangalaki Island is a nesting site for manta rays and sea turtles.

2. Kutai National Park

Kutai National Park is one of Borneo's oldest protected areas. Orangutans, Bornean elephants, and rare bird species live here. The park spans rainforests around Sangatta.

3. Mahakam River

Indonesia's third-longest river is the stage for Dayak and Banjar culture. River cruises offer sightings of dolphins, traditional villages, and floating markets. Tenggarong and Kutai Kartanegara are historically significant towns along the river.

4. Nusantara – The New Capital

Nusantara, Indonesia's planned new capital, is currently under construction in northern East Kalimantan. The implementation is in progress, and the region is becoming an increasingly important tourism and economic hub.

5. Balikpapan and Samarinda

Balikpapan is the oil industry center, but Kumala Beach and local gastronomy are also attractive. Samarinda is the gateway to the Mahakam River, from where river excursions depart.

When to Visit?

March–October is the dry season, ideal for diving at the Derawan Islands and river tours. The jellyfish lake is visitable year-round.

How Long to Stay?

5–7 days recommended:

• 2–3 days: Derawan Islands, diving, jellyfish lake
• 1–2 days: Mahakam River cruise
• 1 day: Kutai National Park
• 1 day: Balikpapan or Samarinda

Renting or Investing in East Kalimantan?

If you're considering renting or investing in property in East Kalimantan, these resources on our site can help you make informed decisions:

• Indonesian Property FAQ – answers to the most common questions about renting and buying
• Land Zoning Guide – understanding Indonesian land use regulations
• Indonesian Real Estate Terminology – key terms explained
• Property Guide – comprehensive guide to Indonesian real estate
• Living in Indonesia – essential guide for expats
• Balikpapan Guide – local insights and practical tips

Official Resources

For further information about East Kalimantan, these official sources may be helpful:

• Indonesia Travel – official tourism portal
• East Kalimantan Provincial Government – regional government information
• Bank Indonesia – currency and exchange rate data
• BMKG – weather and climate information
• Directorate General of Immigration – visa regulations for foreign visitors

Summary

East Kalimantan is where marine experiences meet river culture. The Derawan Islands offer world-class diving, while the Mahakam River provides an authentic Borneo experience.