"We have this place Tana Olen call" Philius, the Dayak elder explained. "In Kenyah Dayak language this means forbidden forest -. Forbidden to destroy"
The natives of Tana Olen are spiritually connected to their home and love the forest as much as they love their children. "We enjoy the young take to chase up the river and to fish and teach the old ways," said Philius. "These include in traditional costumes for ceremonial dancing and singing late into the night dressing. When we dance and sing, we believe that this is a way to connect with our ancestors, and we can feel their presence." For the Dayak, everything has a meaning.
I met in the village Philius Setulang, North Kalimantan, on the edge of a vast area of virgin rainforest about 100 kilometers from the border with Malaysia. This forest is original, primary rainforest, estimated to be around 150 million years old. There are unique forest plant species native to this area not elsewhere on the island of Borneo found. In fact, many botanists have visited this part of Kalimantan and believe there are types of herbs and plants live in the woods, the yet to be identified and discovered. Many of these plants keep health and medical benefits
The view Setulang village from above. | Photo by David Metcalf
visitors Tana Olen consist of mostly families and small groups, but recently a group of 80 people came from a university in the UK to study and document not only the plants and species, but the locals as well.
Empowering Youth
Philius said to me in a group with other elders from the village on the concerns that they have for the younger generation: "We, young feel to the forest and their culture lose because they take advantage of opportunities and move to the cities, "he told me. "Because there is no high school here, they go to Malinau city or further away in high school to attend, separated from us at a young and impressionable age." After studying the stimulus is to live in the city. Back in the village there are very few employment opportunities
hope for the younger generation. | Photo by David Metcalf
The elders of the village try to change that now by a community project called Eco Jungle Camp, which promote more tourists, researchers and forest, aims it from coming conservationists and visit. Philius hopes that the boys return to the village as an English guide and revved people in the forest.
"This is their legacy. This is where they belong," says Philius. "We have Dschungelcamp developed activities and the project is increasing as more people come to hear about it.
There is much room for a low-key, low-impact tourism project here, which is lead to more work in catering and transportation services. This is our vision for the young people. "
deep in the jungle
I was very curious about my travel to go and see for myself what looks for a 150-million year old forest. I have been in a long dugout from Setulang village. The trip took two hours and we navigated a series of mini-rapids as we headed deep into the jungle. The cool, damp forest clinging to the banks, and as we cruised at low overhang of the jungle, I felt the spell of nature in a pure and blessed manner.
Upon arrival, I was pleasantly surprised to see my accommodation for the night was a solid wooden hut. The Eco Jungle Camp was very modern and even came equipped with a western toilet. Built by local villagers for the camp around 12 people. The river and forest were our sources of food during our stay; Fruits and vegetables were freshly picked and everything we brought with us was rice and coffee.
Remon our guide for the next three days, and I added, as much as I could, with his knowledge of the forest and the ways of the Dayaks Kenyah. On our tours, Remon appeared with nimble feet to glide through the forest, my big white feet seem made clumsy as I tried to hold. When it was time to cross the river, which he omitted from rock to rock with ease and grace. In comparison, to be a foreigner out of town, I stumbled and slid my way across the wet rock, with a little nervousness and absolutely no mercy. I am yet to meet a Dayak with shoes! Remon accompanied us completely barefoot through the jungle and rough jungle tracks.
He told us about his undertakings in the tropical, dense rainforest, where he goes alone for a long time to connect with the spirits of the forest. "You must always be careful in the jungle you must remain vigilant and recognize and respect the risks if I go, I'm not alone;.. I'm out of the hornbill, the native bird of Kalimantan"
the beauty of the rainforest. | Photo by David Metcalf
The future of the Kenyah Dayak and many other Dayak tribes is an uncertain one as Kalimantan coming under increasing pressure from mining interests, palm oil operations and forestry companies, their motivations are driven commercially.
as progress in many villages as Setulang accesses, feels the community that an ecotourism program the device and a magnet for tourists, the best long-term and sustainable solution for the future. If more people come, there is more reason to keep the area protected as a wilderness area and to keep trading companies at bay. Sitting in a small jungle camp deep in the forest makes a strong connection with nature, the indigenous Dayak, and a personal journey
Fast Facts :. Tana Olen
Province: North Kalimantan
Population: 525000
Driving
fly take to Tarakan, North Kalimantan, continue by boat (3 hours) to Malinau or regular airline in a small plane from Tarakan to Malinau. Malinau to Setulang is an hour by car or motorcycle. Stay the night in Setulang, the next day go by dugout canoe (two hours) to Tana Olen Eco Jungle Camp.
sunscreen, hat, insect repellent, sleeping sheet (silk is best) What to bring , sarong, long sleeved light shirt (for the evening) and lightweight long pants, hiking shorts, quick-dry shirt, pen and notebook, travel light hammock.
Accommodations
Setulang Homestay, North Kalimantan
Eco Jungle Camp North Kalimantan - Tana Olen
www.davidmetcalfphotography .com / setulang- Adventure
Contact David Metcalf for more information: davidmetcalf3@mac.com
What to do
Jungle Camp activities in Tana Olen with forest guide, soft trekking, optional long way to the big tree (8 hours), hike to a waterfall, learn to fish with the Dayaks and hunt, learn traditional crafts. Safe and ideal for children.
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