Central Borneo - Orangutans, Dayaks and Nature Cultural Immersion Experience
19 – 25 May 2026
On May 19 2026 something very special happens in the city of Palangkaraya in Central Borneo. The opening of the Isen Mulang festival begins. This festival celebrates the rich cultural heritage of the Dayak people , as many different tribes come from all over the province to express their culture through dance, music, sport, arts and crafts.
I will be heading back to attend this festival for the 7 th time and I invite you to join me.
But it’s not just the festival that we will experience.
We will get to see the beautiful, endangered Orangutans, visit Dayak villages, cruise up ancient waterways and witness the way the indigenous people live close to nature.
Palangkaraya is one of the friendliest, welcoming places on the planet!
Highlights:
- Spectacular performances of traditional dances by many different
- Dayak tribes
- Cultural Competitions including
- Traditional Boat Races along the Kahayan River
- Costume parade showcasing intricate traditional attire
- Karungut singing, traditional storytelling through music
- Traditional sport such as martial arts, catching fish by hand and blowpipe competitions
- Opportunity to purchase Dayak handicrafts such as rattan bags, beaded jewelry and wood carvings.
- Dayak cuisine such as ketupat Kandangan and sambal rias.
- Street parade involving hundreds of colourful floats with music and performers in traditional costume
- Many opportunities to meet and interact with the friendly local people
- Cruise up the Kahayan river on a river boat to see Orangutans and other wildlife, surrounded by rainforest and nature.
- Visit traditional floating Dayak villages alongside the river
- Learn about the Kaharangan traditional Animist Dayak beliefs
- Explore the back alleyways of the “Banjar” people who live on the river in the city of Palangkaraya
There will be many opportunities to see the Orangutans in their natural environment as we will spend two nights on a boat cruising up the ancient waterways, surrounded by beautiful forest, stunning sunsets and witnessing river life.
This cultural experience is a wonderful opportunity to learn about the ways of the indigenous people, the true custodians of the land in a very authentic environment, in their villages away from where tourists venture.
This adventure will be suitable for photographers but also anyone wishing to experience an unforgettable cultural experience.
We will also attend the display of many boats adorned in Dayak motifs sailing up the river with young dancers and singers performing to try and win the first prize. We will have our own boat on the river so we can get the best opportunities to see the color and fun of this event. There are also many other activities such as Blow Pipe competition, fireball football, catching fish with bare hands, dayak food cooking competitions, fashion show and tourism competition.
But the main feature of the festival is the traditional dancing, music, and vibrant costumes as performers wear traditional Dayak attire made from bark , adorned with intricate beadwork and feathers.
You will witness dynamic dance movements which combine slow, graceful hand gestures and energetic footwork, reflecting the harmony between humans and nature.
Movements mimic the actions of the hornbill bird which is significant in Dayak culture .
The dance is accompanied by traditional instruments such as the Gendang, Kecapi and Gong. Rhythms range from steady beats to more intense tempos, mirroring the narrative of the dance.
Dancers use shields, swords, spears representing the warrior spirit of the Dayak people.
The dance often depicts tales of bravery, unity and respect for the environment, and fosters a sense of pride and cultural preservation.
For those in Bali we fly to Palangkaraya on the morning of the 19 th of May and arrive around mid day, and the start of our adventure.
For others joining from Jakarta we will meet in Palangkaraya.
We spend four days in the city of Palangkaraya staying in a four star hotel, close to all the action of the Isen Mulang festival, which runs all day and into the evening.
Then we board our house boat where we will stay for 2 nights and 3 days, heading back to Bali or Jakarta on the 25 th afternoon.
Includes:
- 4 nights at 4 star Hotel
- All food
- All local transport
- Local Guide fees
- Two nights on house boat
- Park fees
Excludes:
- Domestic Flights from Bali or Jakarta
- Alcohol & Tips
- Travel Insurance
If you have any questions or wish to book, please contact David directly on WhatsApp at +62 8111331255 or via email at davidmetcalf312@gmail.com.
$500 USD deposit (or the equivalent in rupiah) is required to secure your place, refundable if the tour does not proceed for any reason.
PRICING
US $2, 300 / Person based on sharing a room ( if available ) or US $2,700 for your own room (Please note it may be necessary to share a room on the boats depending on the numbers of people we take on the tour.)
