Into the Heart of the Jungle

Live with the Dayak People of West Borneo

Deep in the lush rainforests of Kalimantan – the Indonesian part of Borneo – lies the remote village of Putussibau. This is the gateway to the homeland of the Dayak people, the island’s Indigenous inhabitants. On this unique journey, you’ll immerse yourself in one of Indonesia’s oldest cultures, stay in traditional longhouses, and explore some of the most pristine nature the country has to offer.

Your adventure begins in Jakarta, from where we fly to Pontianak, the capital of West Kalimantan. From there, we either take a short domestic flight (1.5 hours) to Putussibau, or embark on a more rugged 12-hour overland journey through remote and challenging terrain.

In Putussibau, we travel by boat even deeper into the jungle to remote villages where we’ll stay in a traditional Dayak longhouse – a wooden communal home raised on stilts and shared by several families. Here, you’re not just a visitor – you’re part of the household.

Live alongside Dayak families and witness how traditions meet modern life.

Discover ancient customs: woodcarving, tattooing, and making jewelry with Dayak women, known for their strikingly long earlobes adorned with heavy earrings.

Join traditional dance lessons, learn local weaving techniques, and taste authentic Dayak cuisine prepared with wild plants, river fish, and jungle herbs.

If the timing is right, we may be invited to join a traditional ceremony or dance performance.

The Dayak way of life is under pressure. Vast parts of their rainforest home are being cleared to make room for palm oil plantations, which supply ingredients found in many products consumed worldwide – from packaged snacks to cosmetics. Illegal logging is another major threat, with valuable timber sold for furniture and flooring.

You’ll meet local environmental activists, who share their stories and take us on a journey through protected forest areas. In small canoes, we explore jungle rivers, spotting exotic birds and wildlife. Our local guides – Dayak themselves – translate, explain customs, and provide deep insights into daily life, traditions, and conservation efforts.

We continue our journey down the Kapuas River by canoe, stopping in other Dayak villages along the way. What does life look like in these remote places? Are there schools, markets, or jobs? In one village, we visit a small school where children meet European visitors – often for the first time.

Our guide and host is a local from Putussibau who works closely with his community. He is our trusted partner on the ground, ensuring your visit directly benefits the families and villages we stay with.

Travel with us to Kalimantan – not just to see, but to connect, learn, and be part of something truly meaningful.