Borneo – Bali Prima Holidays

Exotic Island, Adventure and Tropical Rainforest

Kalimantan is the Indonesian portion of the island of Borneo. It comprises 73% of the island’s area. The non-Indonesian parts of Borneo are Brunei and East Malaysia. In Indonesian, the term “Kalimantan” refers to the whole island of Borneo which its name derived from Brunei.

Etymology

The name Kalimantan, which is often spelled Klemantan, was derived from the Sanskrit word Kalamanthana, which means “burning weather island”, or island with a very hot temperature, to describe its hot and humid tropical climate. It consists of the two words kal[a] (time, season, period) and manthan[a] (boiling, churning, burning). The word Kalamanthana is spelled Kalmantan, and then the indigenous people fixed it into Klemantan.

Etymology

Marine Tradition

Some areas on the coast of the archipelago have a tradition of sea feast. The tradition was carried out as an expression of gratitude for the sea catches they got. In addition, the ceremony was also carried out as a hope that there would always be abundant yields, and blessings of salvation for the fishermen who were at sea.

The tradition of kenduri laut is also an embodiment of the views of the life of the archipelago who highly value nature. Humans are an inseparable part of nature because in nature human life depends. Therefore, it has become the duty and responsibility of humans to maintain relationships that are in harmony with nature.

Apart from ritual processions, the kenduri laut tradition is also enlivened by celebrations. A celebration of sea festivity was held the next day after the traditional ritual procession. The event was enlivened by various competitions, such as dragon boats and kites. There are also art performances, both by local art groups or from outside the area that are deliberately invited to make the atmosphere more vibrant.

Isen Mulang Art & Culture

Isen Mulang Boat

Isen Mulang Art & Culture

Isen Mulang Boat

Indigenous Culture

Borneo’s indigenous peoples, known collectively as Dayaks, belong to many different tribal groups each with its own dialect, customs, laws, culture and territory, they speak about 140 languages and dialects. For thousands of years, they have lived in harmony with the rainforest in remote communities based on mutual reliance and responsibility. Although their headhunting past is still joked about, today many are working to integrate ancient lifestyles with the demands and opportunities of modern life. Pictured here is the Chief of NG Lalang Longhouse at Skrang River, in southwestern Sarawak.

A trip to Authentic Borneo should be high on the priority list of ‘things to do‘ for the adventure traveller who thrives on off the beaten track travel destinations, a trip back in time compared to developed parts of the world where one can meet beautiful people, get amongst nature, see rare species of flora and fauna such as the Freshwater Dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris) and Proboscis Monkeys (Nasalis larvatus), Hornbills ((Bucerotidae) and rare species of Black Orchids (Colongenia Pandurata) if one takes a river boat trip or enters the forest. Kalimantan still retains all the hallmarks of Authentic Borneo and remains relatively untouched in the heartland.

Wild Life & Rain Forest

Borneo is estimated to be home to around 222 mammals (including 44 endemic – meaning they are not found anywhere else in the world), 420 birds (37 endemic), 100 amphibians and 394 fish (19 endemic). At least 15,000 plants, of which 6,000 are found nowhere else in the world, can be found in the swamps, mangroves, and lowland and montane forests of the island. The Heart of Borneo is home to around 10,000 of these.

Borneo’s incredible biodiversity

Borneo’s tropical rainforests and climate provide the ideal conditions for a wide variety of species to thrive. Dipterocarp trees hold the greatest insect diversity on Borneo – as many as 1,000 species can be found in just 1 tree.

They are also home to thousands of plants, lichens and fungi, which form the base of a food chain that nurtures a wide array of species. This web of life is at the heart of Borneo’s tropical rainforests.

Borneo’s role in the discovery of evolution

Borneo has lured scientists for over 150 years, and has played a key role in the discovery of evolution. Alfred Wallace’s theories of natural selection were inspired by his travels on the island in the 19th century.

Since that time, scientists have busied themselves discovering and naming new species. The latest research suggests that they will continue doing so for decades to come – if the forests are not wiped out first.