Within
this pristine paradise something extraordinary always lies around the
next bend. From the exotic orangutan deep in the thick jungles, the
mysterious Dayak villages who retain age-old traditions and way of life,
to pure boating thrills along its countless rivers. Not only inland,
the splendors of Kalimantan also lie beyond its seas which are filled
with countless amazing creatures, perfect for those who enjoy diving,
snorkeling, and underwater photography.
So,
whether it’s for the cross Borneo trek adventure, encounter with the
amazing creatures of the wild, or witnessing the traditional life of the
Dayak, Kalimantan will definitely ensure great experiences. Here is a
glimpse among some of the things you can look forward to:
1 | Orangutan and other Rulers of the Rainforests
Without a doubt, the most illustrious creature that roams the legendary
jungles of Kalimantan is the Orangutan. Regarded as one of the most
intelligent primates, these gentle beasts use a variety of sophisticated
tools and have been extensively studied for their learning abilities.
Unlike their Sumatran counterpart, Borneo’s Orangutans are relatively
larger and have rounder faces, while the male adults develop wide cheek
fanges as they grow older.Aside from orangutans, the thick jungles of Kalimantan are also home to many other amazing wildlife such as: the Proboscis Monkeys, Honey Bears, Long tailed Macaques, Arowana Fish, Hornbill Birds, Kancil Deer, Wild Boars, and a whole lot more.
The
orangutans and other amazing wildlife of Borneo can be found in
numerous National Parks and Nature Reserves on the Island. In Central
Kalimantan, these include: Camp Leakey and Tanjung Puting National Park, Sebangau National Park, The Lamandau River Wildlife Reserve, and Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Center. In west Kalimantan, there are: Mount Palung National Park, lake Sentarum National Park, and Betung Kerihun National Park. They can also be found at the Kutai National Park in East Kalimantan and Kayan Mentarang National Park in North Kalimantan.
2 | The Fascinating Dayak Traditional Way of Life
The indigenous people inhabiting the
dense tropical rainforests of Borneo are collectively called the Dayaks,
but in fact they comprise many tribes that are diverse in culture as
well as in language.Although many Dayaks have modernized and converted
to Christianity and Islam, however, the majority still adhere to their
own ancestral belief. This is an ethnic group that has long been
shrouded in myth and stories such as that they are fierce headhunters
and warriors while the women are so enchanting that men are spellbound
to never leave them.
Apart
from all myths and stories, the Dayak are a fascinating ethnic group
that still retain age old traditions and ways of life wearing their
colorful costumes, live in traditional longhouses, their enchanting
music and dances, as well as cultural ceremonies. Moreover, you can
actually unveil their shroud of mysteries and experience yourself how it
is to be a Dayak by staying in some of the traditional villages such as
the at the Pampang Cultural Park in East Kalimantan, the Longhouses by the Kapuas River, Loksado in South Kalimantan, and much more.
3 | Singkawang and the Festive Cap Go Meh Celebration
While the Dayak Culture may be the main feature of Kalimantan, one can never overlook Singkawang,
an amazing little city in West Kalimantan dubbed as the City of the
Thousand Chinese Temples. Unlike other towns in Indonesia, Singkawang
has a distinct oriental atmosphere with hundreds of Chinese temples
found around almost every corner of town.
Normally a quiet city, Singkawang comes alive each Chinese New Year, reaching its climax at Cap Goh Meh,
or the fifteenth day of Chinese New Year, closing the celebrations. For
this event, Chinese from around the region, including those from Java
and Sumatra but also from Singapore and Malaysia flock to Singkawang to
celebrate the event with family and friends.During these celebrations
the Tatung or Chinese shamans will perform their supernatural prowess to
the thousands gathered along the streets, while remaining totally
unharmed. Endowed with supernatural powers, these Tatungs pierce their
bodies with huge nails and other sharp metal objects and can even bend
swords with their chests and stomach.
4 | Amazing Underwater Splendors of Derawan Islands
With abundant wonders spread across the
mainland you may think that this huge piece of land may offer only a
little off its vast coastline. Well, guess again, for in fact Kalimantan
has some of the best diving destinations in the world.
Situated just off the coast of Berau Regency in East Kalimantan, the Derawan Islands are considered the third best dive destination in the world.
Warm, isolated islands with soft white sandy beaches fringed with
waving palm trees, pristine seas that change color from green to deep
blue, and an amazing underwater life of giant turtles, dolphins, manta
rays, dugongs and barracudas, stingless jellyfish and sometimes,
whales, Derawan is indeed everyone’s dream of the perfect tropical
paradise.
Comprising a total of 31 islands, the most fascinating feature here is the atoll of Kakaban Island where you can swim with thousands of unique and truly rare stingless jellyfish. Other divers’ darling here is the waters around Sangalaki Island which
is filled with some of the most fascinating sea creatures such as Manta
Alfredi (PariHantu), which only exists in Derawan, Barracudas,
Stingrays, giant squids and more. Meanwhile the waters around Maratua Island
are the habitat of cuttlefish, lobsters, ghostpipe fish, blue-ring
octopus, nudibranch, pigmy seahorses, ribbon eels, scorpion fish, and
other sea dwellers.
5 | The Cross-Borneo Trek
For those who long for the authentic
off-the-beaten path experience, Kalimantan offers one of the world’s
greatest and probably most overlooked adventure-travel routes. East and
West Kalimantan are divided by the Mueller Mountain Range which also
serves as the headwaters for Indonesia’s two longest rivers: The Mahakam River and Kapuas Rivers (the
world’s longest island river). Thus, by travelling up the Mahakam
River, hiking over the Mueller Mountain Range, and travelling down the
Kapuas River it is possible to cross the world’s third largest Island
from one side to the other, forming a single Cross-Borneo Trek. This
three-part Jungle-river extravaganza takes you into the very heart of
Borneo, stitching together virtually everything Kalimantan has to offer,
from wildlife to culture to pure adrenalin. (Indonesia.travel)
No comments:
Post a Comment
your comments are now being moderated