Location : Rumah Adat Betang Panjang Semangkok II & Rumah Adat Lung Linge Hatung, Kecamatan Putussibau Utara, Kabupaten Kapuas Hulu, Kalimantan Barat, Indonesia.
Guest written by Dr Kelvin Chong.
Next up we crossed over the Mendalam watershed, using nothing but bamboo raft ferries.
We first visited Desa Datah Diaan, home to the Kayan tribe. The Kayan tribe, just like their relatives here in Sarawak, had abandoned the longhouse in favor of small family units.
Rumah Adat Lung Linge Hatung
This particular day there was a cock fight close to the village with over 50 visitors and locals alike surrounding a pen. I left after just one (brutal) round. Lastly we visited the exceptional Taman village of Semangkok. The main longhouse was built in the 1960’s, and uniquely is over 7 metres tall. Wooden enforcements had to be built over the front of the longhouse as I notice mothers and elder siblings keep a sharp eye out for naughty, wandering toddlers.
Rumah Adat Betang Panjang Semangkok II
The long drawbridge connecting the village to the main land was particularly nervous too, dangling over the rapid mendalam streams with no side railings. We were even told of stories of unfortunate visitors accidentally toppling over the bridge.
This was a really eye opening trip. Without a doubt I would love to travel back again in the nearest future.
Next up: Highlight of my trip at Danau Sentarum National Park
Also please check out our posts on