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East Kalimantan, the
second largest province in Indonesia, is a major
producer of oil and timber and the most industrially
advanced province in the island of Kalimantan. It
is also the home of the original inhabitants of
Kalimantan, the Orang Gunung or Mountain People.
The tribes are collectively called Dayak, although
this name is not embraced by the various tribes
themselves, who prefer to be known by separate
tribal names such as Iban, Punan and Banuaq.
The tourist attractions in East Kalimantan is
unlimited and will surely thrilled foreign tourists.
Local tribes
traditionally live in communal longhouses called
Lamin or Umaq Daru. They are built on wooden
piles which can sometimes be as tall as three
meters high as protection against wild animals
and flooding. The Punan, known as nomadic
hunters, still move around the jungles and
only use the longhouse at the height of the
rainy season. Steeped in tradition, the
interior of the longhouse is typically divided
into separate family quarters with a communal
area connecting each of the quarters and
therefore each of the families. It is in these
communal areas that village meetings are held
and ceremonies performed, thereby reinforcing
the strong tribal bonds that have kept the Dayaks
alive in the face of rapidly advancing 20th
century technology.
Placed in front of
longhouses are guardian statues to protect them
against evil spirits who bring disease and bad
fortune. Such longhouses, however, are steadily
disappearing and many that remain have been
converted into meetings halls or stages for dance
and music performances. The more remote and
traditional tribes-people have pierced earlobes,
which over the years have become stretched by the
weight of heavy gold or brass rings, and beautifully
elaborate tattoos. Local jewelry and designs are
intricate and powerful, often containing messages
to be passed down from generation to generation.
There are many
famous places of interest in East Kalimantan.
The most common starting points for many journeys
and adventures inland are Balikpapan and Samarinda,
the famous provincial capital city, because of the
regular flight services from Jakarta. Traveling
along the extensive Mahakam River system, which
has carved its way through the jungles and flatlands
constantly reshaping and nourishing the land, is
definitely a must for visitors seeking fascinating
adventures. River boats slide unobtrusively through
heavily siltladen waters where plants and animals
feed and drink along these nourishing shores with
the wild orchids dripping off trees. Nature lovers
will find East Kalimantan a paradise. Bekantans
(Proboscis monkeys), orangutans, crocodiles,
clouded leopards, crab eating macaques, giant
butterflies and the legendary hornbill are all
found living here. A 5,0000 acre Orchid Reservation
close to the village of Kersil Luwai cultivates
27 different species of orchid including the
very rare Cologenia Pandurata or black orchid.
This area is popular among the foreign visitors.
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