Having a trip in Central Kalimantan will be a fun journey for you who seeks authentic experience. Kalimantan is a place with so many different unique things, from foods to its people, it shows the diverse environment of Central Kalimantan. There is also this one unique house that originates from Kalimantan, it’s called Rumah Betang/Huma Betang or in English, the Betang Longhouse. But today, the main spotlight goes to the Toyoi Longhouse. Located in Tumbang Malahoi, Gunung Mas Regency, the Toyoi Longhouse is one of few Longhouses that is still relatively authentic to the original longhouse. 


Where does the name come from? The name Toyoi comes from the ancestors of the family, that name then is adopted as the name of the Betang, to show who owns it. Just like any other longhouses, Rumah Betang was also a communal housing, there can be 4 up to 6 families living in a single longhouse. Can you imagine how many people that is, isn’t that impressive?

This Longhouse has been renovated twice during its lifetime. The floor inside the Toyoi Longhouse is made of Ironwood, but back then, the one that was used was the Yellow Balau.

The Toyoi Longhouse was built in 1896, there’s been 7 generations of families that live here. This particular Longhouse is privately owned by them, and is not owned by the village. There are other Betang Longhouses that can be found throuought the village, but most of them are abandoned. 

There’s 5 guest rooms inside, the rooms are very simplistic because that’s the most authentic way to experience living at Betang Longhouse. 

If you look up, you can see 2 holes that serve 2 purposes, the first one is used for ventilation and the second use is to tell time.

Did you know that this Longhouse was used as a defense post during the Dutch colonization of Indonesia? It just shows how old this Betang is.

Just because the Toyoi Longhouse is the main focus, that doesn’t mean the village is not as unique and beautiful as the Betang. Here inside the village, you will come across many interesting things, let us see what makes it special! 


You can find the Pantar Monument, this monument is believed to be the bridge that connects the human realm to the other side. Near the Pantar Monument, you can also see another monument, the Sandung. 

This monument is used to store the bones of people who have passed away. This is a tradition that is still commonly found in Central Kalimantan. And then, there is Pasa Patahu. Pasa Patahu is a monument that is used as a worshiping place for the people that believe in Kaharingan belief. Back during the Covid-19 Pandemic Lockdown, the people of Malahoi village asked for protection at this Monument and miraculosly, the villagers claim that no fatalities occurred. When the lockdown ended, the villagers offered many offerings as a way to show their thanks and gratitude to the beings and ancestors who had protected them during the Pandemic. 

Come on! book a trip and visit the Toyoi Longhouse, your trip here will be an enjoyable one. Let go of your worries, relax your mind and body, and experience the authentic countryside life in Malahoi. I promise you, your trip here will be an unforgettable one. Explore Kalimantan, explore Indonesia, come visit us!

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