West Kalimantan: The Kapuas River

The Kapuas River at Indonesia Borneo Island is the Longest in Indonesia, and second in the world. The Kapuas River as a Highway into the hinterland can bring you to the Dayak Tribes, with a wealth of ecological and cultural treasures that survive deep within the rainforest jungle of Indonesia ’s largest island. With its legacy of Chinese, Malay, Hindu, Muslim, and Dutch influences, we discover a virtual mosaic of traditions flourishing in the bustling seaports and riverside cities of Borneo. 

Kalimantan ’s dense jungle and wide terrain of wetlands have traditionally kept the region isolated from all but the adventurous travelers, and along the upper reaches of the rivers, you can discover the rich Dayak Culture. The indigenous Dayak settlements along the Rivers of Kalimantan is an ideal way to experience the incredible culture, where village elders practice traditional medicine and mark their status with intricate body tattoos and remarkably heavy ear adornments, we will be warmly welcomed guests in their traditional longhouses. At Borneo you can enjoy a sightful experience of traditional culture and grand diversity of exotic flora and wildlife from black orchids to fresh water dolphins and orangutans, and venture ashore for captivating jungle explorations and unforgettable encounters in our village visits.

Pontianak lies on the Kapuas river where many houses are built over the water and are connected with each other by wooden bridges. Small boats sail up and down the river to transport people and goods from one place to another. Pontianak is known as a producer of oranges, although the fruits are actually grown in the Tebas district, 300 kilometers north of the city. Pontianak has some attractive tourism objects. The city is located on the equator, at the north of the rivers Kapuas and Landak. 

The Kapuas is 1,143 kilometers long. It is the most important river in the area, and can be navigated by small boats weighing up to 1.000 tons up to Putussibau, the capital of the Kapuas Hulu regency, 814 kilometers from Pontianak. A small motorboat can even go further upstream. 

Pontianak's links with various other cities inside the province and outside are smooth.
From Bengkayang, one can travel into the hinterland and meet the Bekati people, one of the Dayak sub-tribes living in West Kalimantan. 

The Sompu Waterfall is not less attractive. It is three meters high and is surrounded by dramatic scenery. It can be reached either over land or over the Kapuas river. An inscribed stone is found in the Nangmahap district, near Pahit, on the Tekaret river. It is believed to date from the fifth century and bears the relief of the phallus symbol as well as inscriptions in Palawa script, proclaiming some of the tenets of Buddhism. The stone is rather huge. The highest part is 9.90 meters tall. It is 5.10 meters wide and the circumference is 15 meters.

Putussibau is the capital of the Kapuas Hulu regency, 816 kilometers from Pontianak. It is can be reached by boat over Kapuas river. The river between Pontianak and Putussibau can be navigated by boats weighing up to 1,000 tons. Small motorboats or canoes can sail as far as Sibau village, further upstream. Cane races are occasionally held by the Dayak people. Near the villages Nanga Bunut and Nanga Embaluh, lakes are found, such as Sriang, Luar, Sentarum, Bekuan, Geneli, Tang, Merekas and Kemeryan. The mountains Betung, Uluselua, Harung and Piabung are also found in this region. A Dayak longhouse is found at Melapi village, and stone axes from prehistoric times can be seen in Naga Belang.

The Kapuas River Adventure Tour Expeditions are a collection of exploratories and Indonesia dream destination journeys that reflect the particular passions and favorite places.

Photo Source:www.wisatamelayu.com

Article Source:www.borneotourgigant.com