The Middle Mahakam is the center section of the mysterious Mahakam River that winds its way across the southern part of East Kalimantan. The middle portion of the river is less touristy than the Lower Mahakam.
It takes a long time to get to the Middle Mahakam by boat as it doesn’t really start going until the town of Muara Pahu, 150kms or so from Samarinda. Heading further inland from Muara Prahu, you eventually come to the more remote part of the Mahakam, although you’d need a good few days to get this far by boat.
There are many Kenyah and Benuaq villages from here right up to Long Bagun, where the Upper Mahakam starts. From here, the river cuts through lofty gorges and primary rainforest. The Dayak people inhabit the forest and river around Middle Mahakam and are a major tourist attraction. There are all sorts of wildlife to see around here but a guide is absolutely essential.
Getting There & Away
Samarinda is the main gateway to the Mahakam River, where boats depart from nearby Loa Janan. It is the East Kalimantan provincial capital and has flights from Jakarta that take 2 hours, as well as from Balikpapan further south. It’s a two-day boat ride from Loa Janan to Melak at the Middle Mahakam.