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EtnoJourney
Nature Trails

The Sungai Utik Longhouse and Customary Forest

Kapuas Hulu & Sintang, West Kalimantan

Photo: Hendrojkson · CC BY-SA 4.0

Duration
4 days
Group size
Max. 8 people
Category
Nature Trails
Difficulty
Challenging
Good stamina needed; long treks, steep terrain or remote conditions.
Language
Indonesian, English

About this journey

Four days in an Iban longhouse in Kapuas Hulu: the customary forest, the river and how residents care for them.

Sungai Utik village in Kapuas Hulu lies about six hundred kilometres from Pontianak. Its longhouse, built in 1973 partly from Bornean ironwood, stands two metres above the ground on stilts. For the Iban here the forest is a mother: a source of food, medicine, building material and identity. With residents you walk the customary forest and the Sungai Utik river, learn how the forest is divided into areas that may be harvested and areas that are protected, and discover local crafts and traditional music. Evenings are spent on the longhouse gallery, where stories are told and decisions are made together.

Hosted by the local community in Kapuas Hulu & Sintang

What you'll experience

  • Stay in an Iban longhouse
  • Trek the customary forest with residents
  • Explore the Sungai Utik river
  • Learn how the community manages its forest

Itinerary

  1. Day 1

    Putussibau to Sungai Utik

    Drive to Sungai Utik, welcome at the longhouse, evening on the gallery.

  2. Day 2

    Customary forest

    Half-day trek with residents, learning food and medicinal plants, afternoon in the gardens.

  3. Day 3

    Sungai Utik river

    River trip by boat, riverside lunch, an evening of music and stories.

  4. Day 4

    Departure

    Farewell breakfast and return to Putussibau.

What's included

  • 3 nights in the longhouse
  • All meals
  • Transport from Putussibau
  • River boat
  • Local guide from the community
  • Contribution to the village fund

Not included

  • Flights to Putussibau from Pontianak
  • Travel insurance
  • Personal expenses and souvenirs
  • Tips for guides and hosts (optional)

Before you go

Practical notes so your trip is comfortable and your hosts feel respected.

What to bring

  • Broken-in hiking boots
  • Leech socks or gaiters
  • Insect repellent
  • Light rain jacket
  • Dry bag for camera and phone
  • Personal medication and a small first-aid kit

Local etiquette

  • The customary forest is protected by customary rules; take no plants or animals
  • Stay with your community guide and never walk the forest alone
  • Take off your shoes before entering a home
  • Ask before photographing people, homes or ceremonies

Getting there

Fly to Pontianak, then take a limited connecting flight to Tebelian Airport in Sintang or Pangsuma Airport in Putussibau. Overland from Pontianak is long: about 8–10 hours to Sintang and more to Putussibau.

Meeting point

Bandar Udara Pangsuma, Putussibau, Kapuas Hulu

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