Bukit Raya National Park

Taman Nasional Bukit Raya

A remote mountain national park featuring the region's highest peak (Bukit Raya) and primary dipterocarp forests. It's excellent for trekking and observing endemic wildlife, though it requires more effort to access than Tanjung Puting.

Things to do

• Bukit Raya Summit Trek — A challenging multi-day trek to Central Kalimantan's highest peak at 2,278 meters, offering panoramic views of primary dipterocarp forest and the surrounding mountain ranges.
• Primary Dipterocarp Forest Exploration — Navigate through old-growth rainforest with towering hardwood trees to spot endemic wildlife including sun bears, clouded leopards, and orangutans in their natural habitat.
• Wildlife Observation at Dawn — Join guided early-morning treks to observe endemic birds, gibbons, and other fauna when they are most active, with experienced local guides who know animal behavior patterns.
• River Trekking and Waterfall Visits — Follow mountain streams through the forest to discover remote waterfalls and pristine natural pools where you can cool off during strenuous hikes.
• Botanical Survey Walks — Participate in guided walks focusing on medicinal plants, rare orchids, and endemic flora used traditionally by Dayak communities.
• Night Forest Walks — Experience nocturnal wildlife including flying insects, nocturnal mammals, and unique sounds of the rainforest under expert guide supervision with flashlights.
• Park Headquarters Visitor Center — Learn about the park's ecology, conservation efforts, and endemic species through displays and information sessions before beginning your trek.

Food to try

• Ikan Bakar (Grilled Fish) — Fresh local river fish seasoned with turmeric, garlic, and chili, then grilled over open flame and served with sambal and lime at park lodges.
• Ulat Sagu (Sago Grubs) — Protein-rich beetle larvae traditionally harvested from rotting wood, either fried until crispy or cooked in coconut milk, considered a delicacy among Dayak guides.
• Nasi Kuning (Yellow Rice) — Rice cooked in coconut milk with turmeric and served with vegetables, a staple meal provided at park accommodations and base camps.
• Sayur Dayak (Dayak Vegetable Soup) — A warming soup made with wild jungle vegetables, bamboo shoots, and local herbs that porters and guides prepare on multi-day treks.
• Cacah (Spiced Shredded Meat) — Dried game meat shredded and cooked with spices, traditionally prepared by local communities and sometimes available at base camp meals.

Local customs & good to know

• Hire Local Dayak Guides — Employ experienced Dayak guides who possess deep knowledge of forest trails, wildlife behavior, and cultural history while supporting local communities economically.
• Respect Sacred Forest Sites — Ask guides about culturally significant areas and avoid disturbing locations important to indigenous communities; some forests hold spiritual significance.
• Learn Basic Indonesian Phrases — Guides primarily speak Indonesian and local Dayak languages, so learning key phrases like 'terima kasih' (thank you) and 'berapa jauh?' (how far?) enhances communication.
• Participate in Camp Meals Together — Share meals with guides and porters, as communal eating is culturally important and provides opportunities to learn about their lives and forest knowledge.