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Dayak Longhouses

Duration : 5 days/4 nights, fully catered simple local food.

Visit three spectacular historic longhouses for an insight into the indigenous mountain Dayak lifestyle, traveling overland and by boat. Accommodation and food is simple. Available Wet season only

Day 1 PALANGKARAYA – TUMBANG MIRIH

9 am Departure from Palangkaraya by taxi, crossing the Rainbow Bridge over the Kahayan River and heading north to the township of Tewah, stopping along the way in villages to marvel at the outstanding painted and carved bone houses or sandungs. After a short stop for lunch, the journey continues along bumpy roads to the township of Tumbang Mirih, right at the junction of the Kahayan and Mirih rivers. Rest overnight in a small local guesthouse or losmen.

Day 2 TUMBANG MIRIH – TUMBANG KORIK

Another early departure, marked by a clamber down the steep bank to the canoe. Settle in for a few exciting hours of journeying up the Hampatung River, tributary of the mighty Kahayan. Laced by towering forest, littered with rapids and washed by strong waters, this exciting ride ends at the picturesque village of Tumbang Korik. Unfurl your legs and unload your bags in the ancient longhouse – walk through the village and explore the sandungs placed through out.

After lunch, take a short canoe ride down stream for a trek through the beautiful primary forest near the village. Clamber up slopes, through marshes and streams through this green shady world – watching out for the wildlife, the remarkable birds and the vines growing in great loops and tangled ropes from the tree tops. Have a cool evening swim in the rapids up stream from the village.

Day 3 TUMBANG KORIK – TUMBANG ANOI – TEWAH

Set off early for this long exciting day. Again, travelling by traditional motorised canoe, descend the Hampatung and enter the Kahayan River, turning north, up stream to the ancient village of Tumbang Anoi. You will see the remains of a longhouse, the site of a conference of Dayak tribes from all Kalimantan called by the Dutch over 120 years ago. During this meeting a treaty was signed which ended the head hunting commonly practised in those days. Visit the new longhouse built to commemorate the treaty signing, and look at the village and its collection of sandungs. Re-board the canoe for your journey south, beyond Tumbang Mirih and on through the magnificent canyon called Batu Suli. Named for a huge boulder standing upright at the waters edge, this beautiful stretch of the river is a holy place for the local Dayak tribes. Enter Tewah and check in to a simple losmen for a rest. Have a simple meal.

Day 4 TEWAH – TUMBANG MALAHOI

Set off early by road for the third longhouse in the village of Malahoi. Continuously occupied for more than 22 generations, this longhouse is made traditionally of bark and has a collection of sandungs, sapatu or totem poles, and the tiny guardian spirits, and other fascinating artifacts. Clamber up the notched poles and admire the carved harumai or protective animal atop the supporting posts.
Take a sunset stroll though the village, keeping an eye out for the many old and beautiful carvings. Meet the longhouse residents and enjoy a shared dinner, listening to their stories and experiences, and enjoying some of their traditional singing, music or dances.

Day 5 TUMBANG MALAHOI – PALANGKARAYA

Pack up and board your car for the final, long road journey to Palangkaraya, arriving approx 5 pm.

Note : if you have time, it is recommended to stay a further day and night in each of Tumbang Korek and Tumbang Malahoi, to get to know the villagers better, and take your time to soak up the village life.

A longer trek of 1-2 days (approx 22 kms over rough terrain) is possible from Tumbang Korek to Tumbang Mahuroi, returning by the Kahayan River to see Tumbang Anoi, Batu Suli and Tewah.

This trip should be booked in advance, to give time to make arrangements for the villages and transport.

PRICE may vary depending on road and river conditions and availability of transport

Including transfers from airport, all travel and accommodation as specified, food on trip. Food available in the villages is very simple, and some extra food will be taken along.

Excluding airfares to Central Kalimantan, optional extra tours

Tours may take alternative routes depending on the season and other factors, as due to low water levels in some seasons, some upper river excursions may be made by road transport.

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