Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Longhouse by 4WD adventure






Go back in time with us to see a traditional Dayak longhouse. Driving the rain muddied roads in comfortable, new 4 WD vehicles, it can take about 6 hours, depending on the weather.

Along the route we stopped at a riverside village where we saw several canoes being built in the traditional way. First, the craftsman finds the right tree and hollows it out, then forms and burnishes the keel, later adding planks to the side. Finally, it is brightly painted.

After our long trip on muddy roads, the longhouse village put on a welcome ceremony, and later sang and danced. Climbing up the notched tree trunk, which serves as the staircase, we found our simple rooms and strung up mosquito nets. The longhouse is made of huge ulin or ironwood posts, and the walls of bark. Power is limited to a few hours at night.

While our cook prepared supper, we enjoyed animated conversations with the local people, keen to get to know more about their guests.

Early morning our local guide arranged a trek through a rubber jungle, including wading through peat coloured streams, and watching as the latex oozed out of the bark into bamboo sections.

Exploring the village's outstanding carvings and sandungs, or bone houses, and then visiting the kaharingan, or traditional religion temple, was a unique experience. Invited by locals to attend a ceremony to send some children off to the capital for higher education, we had truly engaged in their lives.

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Natural treasures of Borneo from the Rahai'i Pangun







This trip exceeded out expectations - wonderful food, great staff. Fantastic boat with a good blend of cultural and natural experience. We appreciate the way you are working with the local communities. This was a great trip to assist with learning the natural history of Kalimantan. The birds were great, especially the hornbills and colourful kingfishers. Seeing the orangutans, proboscis monkeys, and other primates was very special. It is a trip we would love to experience again" Paul, Ohio, USA

“The beauty of the river, the night sky, the morning mist, and quaint little villages, were all very special. Also the caring attitude of the staff helps to make this a special experience. It is important that the beauty and biodiversity of Kalimantan be preserved for future generations. What better way to do this than to introduce people to these world class natural wonders “Cathy, Ohio, USA

Monday, July 14, 2008

A dance welcome





There are so many different activities to enjoy from the Rahai'i Pangun.
Climb to the top of Bukit Tangkiling for a panorama of the flat lowlands stretching all the way to the horizon in all directions.
Visit the old village of Bukit Rawi and see traditional dancing by enthusiastic children, happy to introduce you to the energetic and dramatic Dayak dance performance. Admire the brightly coloured murals and carvings on the village sandung or bone house.
Relax on deck as evening draws near and the stunning sunsets unfold over the mirror calm river waters. Enjoy freshly prepared local cuisine on deck and admire the brilliant stars before turning into your comfortable cabin.

"Thank you for a fabulous trip! It was the perfect combination of luxury and adventure. I'll be back again" Jo Perrens, Australia