Into The Heart of Borneo - An Immersive Cultural Journey to Dayak Country – West Kalimantan
15 – 27 June 2027
Journey deep into the ancient rainforests of West Kalimantan, where one of Indonesia’s most remarkable indigenous cultures continues to thrive. This is not simply a tour of traditional villages—it is a rare opportunity to experience the living culture of the Dayak people through genuine relationships, meaningful conversations and unforgettable encounters.
Designed for photographers, cultural travellers and adventurous explorers, this immersive journey takes you beyond the tourist trail and into the heart of Borneo, where you’ll spend time in traditional Dayak communities, visit longhouses, travel along the region’s great rivers and experience a way of life shaped by centuries of living in harmony with the rainforest.
A highlight of our journey is attending the Gawai Harvest Festival, one of the most important celebrations in the Dayak calendar. This colourful thanksgiving festival marks the completion of the rice harvest and brings entire communities together through traditional ceremonies, music, dancing and feasting. It is a wonderful opportunity to witness the deep spiritual significance of rice in Dayak culture and to celebrate alongside the local people rather than simply observe from the sidelines.
One of the most inspiring aspects of this journey is the opportunity to spend meaningful time with a new generation of Dayak youth leaders who are passionately working to protect their forests, defend their customary lands and preserve the cultural identity of their people.
Through their inspiring community initiatives, you’ll gain first-hand insight into the challenges facing indigenous communities in modern Borneo, and the remarkable efforts being made to ensure that traditional knowledge, language, customs and values are passed on to future generations.
A particular highlight will be spending time with young leaders involved in Sekolah Adat—traditional Customary Schools established and led by Dayak communities themselves. These schools play a vital role in teaching younger generations about their cultural heritage, oral history, customary law, traditional ceremonies, forest knowledge, weaving, music and the deep spiritual relationship between the Dayak people and their ancestral lands. Rather than simply observing village life, you’ll become part of it.
Together with Dayak children and community members, you’ll venture into the surrounding rainforest to learn how generations have sustainably gathered food, medicinal plants and forest resources. You’ll discover traditional knowledge that has been passed down over centuries before preparing and sharing a meal cooked together in the forest using fresh ingredients gathered from the land.
Food is central to every culture, and throughout the journey you’ll discover the rich flavours of traditional Dayak cuisine. You’ll learn about indigenous ingredients, cooking methods and the importance of sharing food within the community while enjoying home-cooked meals prepared by village families.
Music and dance are woven into the fabric of Dayak life. During the journey you’ll experience vibrant traditional dance performances, ceremonial music and storytelling that reflect the history and spirituality of the Dayak people. One particularly memorable experience will be listening to the hauntingly beautiful sounds of the sape, Borneo’s traditional lute, whose gentle melodies have accompanied healing rituals, storytelling and moments of reflection for generations.
Our journey also takes us into the spectacular and little-visited Kapuas Hulu region, one of Indonesia’s most beautiful and untouched landscapes. This remote corner of West Kalimantan receives very few international visitors and is home to pristine lakes, ancient rainforests, traditional Dayak longhouses and peaceful river communities where life continues much as it has for generations. The stunning scenery, rich biodiversity and authentic cultural encounters make Kapuas Hulu one of the true hidden gems of Borneo.
Throughout the journey you’ll enjoy authentic interactions with local families, village elders, artisans and community leaders, discovering the symbolism behind Dayak art, architecture and ceremonies. Every experience has been designed to foster genuine cultural exchange and respectful engagement with the communities that welcome us.
For photographers, the opportunities are exceptional—from colourful Gawai celebrations and traditional longhouses to environmental portraits, rainforest landscapes, remote lakes, village life and intimate cultural moments that few visitors ever have the privilege to witness.
This is a journey built on respect, authenticity and cultural immersion. Through long-established local friendships and trusted community partnerships, we are privileged to offer experiences that simply cannot be found on conventional Borneo tours.
If you’re looking for more than a sightseeing holiday—if you want to celebrate with local communities, walk through ancient rainforests, learn from inspiring indigenous leaders and experience the true heart of Borneo—this promises to be one of the most rewarding and meaningful journeys you’ll ever undertake.
Journey Highlights
- Attend the vibrant Gawai Harvest Festival, celebrating the rice harvest through traditional ceremonies, dancing, music and community feasts.
- Spend meaningful time with Dayak youth leaders working to protect their forests, customary lands and cultural identity.
- Visit Sekolah Adat (Customary Schools) and learn how indigenous knowledge and traditions are being passed to the next generation.
- Stay in and visit traditional Dayak longhouses and remote rainforest communities.
- Explore the spectacular Kapuas Hulu region—one of Borneo’s least-visited and most beautiful wilderness areas, with pristine lakes, rainforest and authentic Dayak villages.
- Walk into the rainforest with Dayak children and families to gather traditional forest foods and medicinal plants.
- Cook and share a traditional meal in the forest using locally sourced ingredients.
- Discover the unique flavours and traditions of authentic Dayak cuisine.
- Experience traditional Dayak dance, music and storytelling.
- Listen to the enchanting sounds of the sape, Borneo’s traditional healing instrument.
- Meet village elders, artisans, musicians and community leaders.
- Learn about Dayak spirituality, customary law, ceremonies and traditional ecological knowledge.
- Outstanding opportunities for documentary, portrait, cultural and landscape photography.
- Small-group travel focused on authentic cultural immersion, meaningful human connections and responsible tourism.
This is far more than a cultural tour. It is an invitation to celebrate, learn and live alongside the Dayak people—to experience their festivals, walk through their forests, share their meals, listen to their music and stand beside a new generation committed to protecting both their ancestral lands and one of the world’s greatest rainforests.
We require a 50% deposit to secure your place.
Please contact me directly if you wish to join , via email davidmetcalf312@gmail.com / davidmetcalfphotography22@gmail.com or WhatsApp +62 8111331255
PRICING
$ 3500 USD per person
Includes: 12 nights accommodation
Domestic flight Pontianak-Putussibau
All food
Air conditioned vehicle
Local guides
Donation to support Dayak conservation and culture initiatives
Park fees
Donation to local communities we visit
