Explore The Heart of Borneo

On September 1995, Indonesia Ministry of Forestry determined the Betung Kerihun National Park. Located in Putussibau and Embalih, West Kalimantan, this park covers approximately 5,5% of the total area of West Kalimantan (about 800,000 hectares) . The species diversity of flora and fauna in this Park is abundant

The indigenous inhabitants of this region are also including a variety of Dayak tribal groups, namely, Dayak Iban, Tamabaloh, Taman Sibau, Kantu, Kayan Mendalam, Bukat Mendalam, Bukat Mateluani, and Punan Hovongan. Many interesting tourist attractions could be found in Betung Kerihun National Park. Along with its high biodiversity of flora and fauna and the beautiful tropical landscape,  this park is made attractive by the vibrant cultural richness of the community living inside as well as outside the park boundaries.

For ecotourism development , there are three broad zones of the park recommended,  i.e:  Embaloh (educational tourism), Sibau (eco-community based tourism) and Bungan (adventure tourism).

As a mega-biological diversity area,  Betung Kerihun National Park has  numerous sites and activities of interest, such as :

For the Botanically inclined…..Admist the dense jungles of Betung Kerihun National Park, many new plant species have been discovered, including Musa Lawitiensis and Pinaga bifidovariegata mogea. The Park is also home to the largest flower in the world, Rafflesia, as well as the Corpse Flower (Amorphophallus). These alone as well as the potential for more discoveries, have become attractions for plant researchers and other botanical enthusiasts.

For the animal lovers……..The diversity of fauna in Betung Kerihun National Park offers ample opportunities for observing birds, fish, primates and other large mammals in their natural habitat. Mineral springs which called “sepan” by the local people, are strategic spots for watching and photographing wild animals. Various animals, such as deers, pigs, and bears, routinely visit these springs in search of the mineral rich water, especially during the dry season. These locations have already been mapped with digitized system for convenience visitors who wish to reach these spots.

Visitor can do trekking, caving, and, with advance arrangemen, kayaking, canoeing or white-water rafting, as well as cultural tourism in Tanjung Lokan, Bangun and other settlements scattered around  the park.

Local indigenous expertise in managing their natural resources and forests is reflected in cultural attraction with a distinct flavor of Dayak tribal traditions.

Traditional Ceremonies and Music
A diverse collection of traditional art from the seven ethnic of Dayak tribes around the Betung Kerihun National Park always accompanies ceremonies and rituals, such as gawai, guest receptions and weddings. Gawai Festival, a traditional ceremony after rice harvest,  is always held once every year by local Dayak tribe.

Handicrafts
Sumpit (blowgun),mandau (machete), baskets, mats and other woven crafts are being used as traditional tools in everyday lives of local people in Borneo.  Tourists can see the production of these and other ethnic-flavored art creations directly.

Experience the Daily Life of Local Communities
For the local people, hunting, fishing, shifting cultivation and gathering forest products are parts of daily routine. Visitor could take part in the daily life of local communities . These experiences could become interesting lessons in traditional values in management of forests and naturals resources.

Borneo adventure is a unique experience for the interpid. The pristine tropical rainforest will provide a majestic backdrop for any activity in this park.

Trekking into the jungle
Every outdoor lovers could try various trail options to hike through the primary forests or up to the tops of mountains, such as Mount Lawit (1767 m) and Mount Kerihun (1790 m), in the tropical forests of Kalimantan.  Mount Kerihun is one of the 19 mountains in the world that sit on the Equator and will provide a new challenge for ardent mountain climbers.

Explore the Caves
In the eastern parts of the Betung Kerihun National Park, located the largest and longest limestone caves, such as : the archeologically important Diang Kaung cave with its 5,000 year old cave paintings, the active Diang Arong cave with growing stalagmites and stalactites, and the Tolo cave, which has a vertical cave with a depth of more than 120 meters. These caves will be admire you with their amazing  natural creations, shaped in the innards of the Earth.

Braving the Rapids
The upper reaches of the Kapuas River, which is the longest in Indonesia and the fifth longest in the world, are filled with ranging rapids. True outdoor lovers can test their whitewater rafting skills on numerous rapids, including the Lapan rapids which sparns a distance of approximately one kilometer, is rated at class III-IV in the difficulty, with a climax at the class V+ Matahari rapids.