Barong Tongkok is a small village in southern East Kalimantan to the west of Samarinda. It is situated close to the Middle Mahakam River and is a good place to visit the Dayak Tunjung people and Kersik Luwai Rainforest.
Barong Tongkok is particularly known for the famous black orchid, which can be seen in the Kersik Luwai Rainforest, along with a ton of wildlife. The village is okay for spending the night when exploring this region of the Middle Mahakam, but anything beyond that would be a stretch.
There are a few waterfalls in the region worth looking at along with a string of Dayak villages. These include the Jentur Gemuruh waterfall and the Pepas Eheng Dayak village, with its old Long House. It is worth a visit to watch various products being made, such as rattan furniture and Tunjung Dayak statues.
One of the main attractions in the region is the Linongangmapan ancient megalith, which lies on the road to Tering.
Getting There & Away
The most convenient way to get to Barong Tongkok is via boat from Samarinda, although it takes a couple of days. You can also bus it here as far as Melak, but will need a car the rest of the way. Samarinda Airport is the gateway town to this region, while Balikpapan (farther south) has the main airport. It’s a 2-hour flight from Jakarta.
Things to Do
Barong Tongkok Attractions
- Barong Tongkok Long House
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One of the largest long houses in the region features dozens of families and handicrafts production.
Side trips from Barong Tongkok
- Kersik Luway National Park
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This lovely park is mainly visited for its black orchids and orangutans. it’s around 25kms from barong tongkok.
- Ombau Asa Waterfall
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A pretty waterfall 40kms from barong tonkok on the way to eheng.
Events
- Tering Lama Festival
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Takes place every year featuring dayak bahau and hudoq ceremonies, around 50kms from barong tongkok.