“We Tana Olen call this place ". Philius, the Dayak elder explained" In the Kenyah Dayak language means forbidden forest -. Shall destroy "
The people of Tana Olen are spiritually linked to their home and love the forest as much as they love their children." We like to take young people to the river to hunt and fish and teach them the old ways, "continued Philius. "This includes dressing in traditional costumes for ceremonial dancing and singing long into the night. When we dance and sing, we believe this is a way to connect with our ancestors, and we can feel their presence." For the Dayaks, everything has a meaning.
I met in the village of Philius Setulang, North Kalimantan, on the edge of a vast forest area about 100 kilometers virgin Malaysian border. This forest is original, primary rainforest, believed to be aged about 150 million years. There are unique native forest plant species in this region not found elsewhere on the island of Borneo. In fact, many botanists have visited this part of Kalimantan and believe there are herbs and plant species living in forests that have yet to be identified and discovered. Many of these plants hold the health and medicinal benefits
The view of Setulang town from above. | Photo by David Metcalf
Visitors to Tana Olen consist of most families and small groups, but recently a group of 80 people came from a university UK to study and document not only plants and species, but indigenous people as well.
empower young people
Philius spoke to me in a group with other village elders about their concerns for the younger generation: "We think that young people are losing touch with the forest and their culture because they take the opportunities and move into the cities, "he said." because there is no secondary school here they go to the city or further Malinau to attend high school, separated from us at a young and impressionable age. "After graduation of the call is to live in the city. Back in the village there are very few job opportunities
Hope for the younger generation. | Photo by David Metcalf
The village elders are trying to change now through a community project called Jungle Camp Eco, which aims to encourage more tourists, researchers and protective forests of nature to visit. Philius hope that young people will return to the village as English-speaking guides and take people into the forest on tours.
"This is their heritage. This is where they belong," says Philius. "We have developed the Jungle camp activities and the project is picking up as more people come to hear about it.
There are great opportunities for a low-key, low-impact tourism project here, which will lead to more work in the hospitality and transportation services. This is our vision for young people ".
Deep in the jungle
I am very pleased to begin my journey and see for myself what a 150 million years-old forest looks like. I assume Setulang village in a long canoe. The trip took two hours and we sailed a series of quick mini that we are deep in the jungle. The cool, damp forest clung to the banks, and as we cruised under low overhangs the jungle, I felt in love with the nature of a pure and happy way.
Upon arrival, I was pleasantly surprised to see my accommodation for the night was a solid wood hut. The Eco Jungle Camp was very modern and even was equipped with a western toilet. Built by local villagers, the camp can accommodate about 12 people. The river and the forest were our sources of food during our stay; fruits and vegetables are picked fresh and everything we brought with us was rice and coffee.
Remon was our guide for the next three days, and I absorbed as much as possible of his knowledge of the forest and resources of Dayak Kenyah. On our treks, Remon seemed to glide through the forest with nimble feet, which made my big white feet look clumsy as I tried to follow. When it came time to cross the river, he jumped from rock to rock with ease and grace. In comparison, being a stranger to the city, I fell and slid my way through the wet rocks, with a little nervousness and absolutely no thanks. I am yet to meet a Dayak with shoes! Remon escorted us through the undergrowth and rough completely naked jungle trails.
He told us about his business in the tropical dense rainforest, where he goes for long periods only, connecting with the spirits of the forest. "You should always be careful in the jungle. You must remain vigilant and recognize and respect the dangers. When I go, I am not alone; I am guided by the hornbill, a bird native to Kalimantan "
The beauty of the rainforest |. Photo by David Metcalf
the future of Dayak Kenyah and many other Dayak tribes is uncertain Kalimantan is under increasing pressure from mining interests, palm oil operations and forestry companies, whose motives are commercially driven.
as advances in many villages as Setulang encroaching, the local community believes that the establishment of an ecotourism program and attract tourists is the best durable solution for their long-term future. If more people come, there is no reason to maintain the protected area as a wilderness area and keep commercial enterprises at bay. Sitting in a small jungle camp deep in the forest makes a powerful connection with nature, indigenous Dayaks, and a personal journey
In summary :. Tana Olen
province North Kalimantan
population 525000
How s 'go there
Fly to Tarakan, North Kalimantan, continue by boat (three hours) to Malinau or take a scheduled flight in a small plane from Tarakan in Malinau. Malinau Setulang is an hour by car or motorcycle. Setulang to spend the night, the next day go by canoe (two hours) to Tana Olen Eco Jungle Camp.
What to bring
Sunscreen, hat, mosquito repellent, sleeping sheet (silk is best), sarong, light shirt sleeve (evening) and lightweight long pants, hiking shorts, quick-dry shirt, pen and notepad, travel-light hammock.
Where to sleep
Setulang Homestay, North Kalimantan
Eco Jungle Camp North Kalimantan - Tana Olen
www. davidmetcalfphotography.com/setulang- adventure
Contact David Metcalf for details: davidmetcalf3@mac.com
What
Jungle activities Tana Olen forest camp with guide, smooth ride, long walk to the big tree option (eight hours), trek to a waterfall, learn to fish and hunt with the Dayaks, learn traditional crafts. Safe and ideal for children.
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