On the first day, around 3:25 pm, we picked up Denys from the airport and took him to the homestay he had chosen. Later, at approximately 6 pm, we gathered for dinner. Although we had initially planned to attend the Festival Opening of the Isen Mulang Parade, our exhaustion from the day’s journey led us to return to the homestay after dinner. This decision was made to ensure we were well-rested and ready for the activities planned for the following day.
On the second day, as we had planned, we headed to the Isen Mulang Parade around 8 am. During the parade, Denys snapped lots of photos, capturing the vibrant traditional costumes and dances typical of Central Kalimantan. Each regency in Central Kalimantan put on their best performances. I almost forgot to mention, the Isen Mulang Parade isn’t just about showcasing Dayak culture, it’s also a celebration of the diverse cultures and customs of other tribes in Indonesia, reflecting the melting pot that is Central Kalimantan. After the parade, around midday, we grabbed lunch and then made our way to the Kahui Project as we had planned, to photograph two Dayak models dressed in their traditional finery.
On the third day of our trip, we headed to Kaja Island, where we got to see Orangutans in a pre-release setting. Here, they’re gradually introduced to the wild before being fully released. Our visit was strictly boat-bound to minimize any disturbance to these amazing creatures, and we followed some rules to ensure their safety. We arrived around 10 am, catching the Orangutans at breakfast time, already fed by the rangers. We were lucky to spot quite a few of them. Around noon, we drove for about four hours to reach Keruing Village in Katingan Regency, where we received a warm welcome from the locals. They greeted us with a traditional welcoming ceremony called Tampung Tawar, offering us blessed water for a safe and fortunate journey. Afterward, we had local treats like Pisang Goreng (fried bananas) and enjoyed some coffee. Following our visit, we made our way to Punggu Alas in Sebangau National Park, where we spent the night in a cozy jungle homestay, fully immersed in the natural beauty around us.
On the fourth day of our trip, after breakfast, we headed into the Punggu Alas forest to snap some photos and videos for the ranger, as Denys had asked. We also managed to squeeze in an interview with the ranger and went on a forest trek to check out the local flora and fauna, hoping to spot some wild Orangutans in the Sebangau National Park. Although we saw plenty of wildlife during our trek, the Orangutans were nowhere to be found, probably because it wasn’t fruit season and there wasn’t much for them to munch on. But we weren’t about to give up. During lunch in the forest, we got a call on the ranger’s walkie talkie saying there was an Orangutan near our camp! We wolfed down our food and raced over, catching a quick glimpse of the Orangutan munching on young leaf shoots before it disappeared into the bush. It was quite a sight, especially since it’s not common for them to eat like that. We only got a brief look because the Orangutan was so active and feisty, making it hard to get a good view. After that excitement, we decided to head back to camp. Later in the afternoon, around 3:30 pm, we hopped on a boat and cruised over to the lake of Punggu Alas, spending the rest of the day soaking in the serene scenery before returning to camp for the night.
On the fifth day of our trip, it marked our farewell to Punggu Alas. We started the day with breakfast before checking out and heading back to Palangkaraya city. Upon our arrival, we relaxed over coffee, reminiscing about our journey. Afterwards, we spent some time scouting locations for tomorrow’s photo shoot. Our fifth day was mainly dedicated to traveling, leaving little else to recount.
As our trip neared its end on the sixth day, we returned to the spots we scoped out yesterday for a photoshoot with the models. The morning was a blast, especially shooting at the bustling roundabout in Palangkaraya city park where we garnered quite an audience. Once the photoshoot wrapped up, we kicked back with some coffee, chatting freely about our journey. Lunch was passed over at Denys’ suggestion due to another commitment he had, marking the end of our tour.
In my perspective, the essence of the Isen Mulang Parade lies in its dedication to upholding the rich tapestry of traditional values, customs, and cultures intrinsic to Central Kalimantan. Amidst the backdrop of modernity, it’s truly inspiring to witness indigenous communities ardently preserving their heritage. This concerted effort not only ensures the continuity of age-old traditions but also serves as a poignant reminder to the younger generation, particularly the Dayak People, of the significance of their cultural legacy and the importance of staying connected to their roots.
From my perspective, Punggu Alas possesses a distinct allure, primarily attributed to the presence of genuinely wild orangutans, a notable departure from their captive counterparts. Unlike other locations, visitors won’t encounter feeding platforms here, as it’s strictly forbidden to provide sustenance or engage in physical interaction with the orangutans or other wildlife, all in the interest of preserving their natural habitat. While numerous captivating anecdotes exist about Punggu Alas, they can only be truly appreciated through firsthand exploration, underscoring the necessity of a visit to fully grasp its beauty and narratives. The vast majority of the forest within Punggu Alas remains pristine, evident in its dense and verdant landscape. Despite encountering challenges such as past forest fires and instances of illegal logging in certain areas, Punggu Alas not only champions environmental sustainability but also contributes significantly to the empowerment of local communities residing in its vicinity.
Although I lack expertise, I have much to articulate regarding my humble opinion, yet regrettably, I cannot seize this opportunity to do so about my profound connection to Dayak culture and the breathtaking nature of Kalimantan. Being a Dayak, born and bred on this island, fills me with immense pride. Even amidst the bustling urban landscape, the essence of Dayak culture remains palpable, with our values, traditions, and customs lovingly upheld.
However, it’s when we venture into the tranquil depths of the rural hinterlands that the true spirit of Dayak culture reveals itself in all its glory. There, amidst the pristine beauty of nature, our ancestral wisdom thrives, woven intricately into the fabric of everyday life.
As for the natural splendor of Kalimantan, while it grapples with the challenges of modernity—such as mining and deforestation for commercial gains, and the occasional natural calamity—its innate beauty remains a hidden gem, waiting to be discovered. Yet, amidst these trials, there exists a collective endeavor among those enlightened souls who recognize the intrinsic value of preserving and restoring Kalimantan’s ecological heritage. Their efforts, driven by a profound understanding of nature’s importance, serve as beacons of hope for a brighter, more sustainable future.
