Tanjung Isuy is a popular little village on a lake of the Mahakam River. This river is the second longest in Borneo and is popular for boat trips from the East Kalimantan provincial capital of Samarinda.
The village lies around 150kms west of Samarinda on the banks of Lake Jempang, a sizeable lake amid many others in one of the largest stretches of the river. Traditional Benuaq Dayak longhouses are a common sight of Tanjung Isuy and provide accommodation for visitors.
The main highlight of a visit to Tanjung Isuy is the striking nearby lowland rainforest where all sorts of animals and plants reside, including lizards, monkeys, and many species of birds. Women can often be seen weaving the local ulap doyo fiber for making handicrafts. Nearby Mancong, also on the lake, is known for its old longhouse, the Grand Lamin.
Getting There & Away
Samarinda is the gateway to Tanjung Isuy (150kms to the east) and comes with an airport and a ferry terminal. Flights come in from Jakarta as well as from Balikpapan (the nearest major airport) in the south of East Kalimantan. Flight time from Jakarta is 2 hours. Buses run from Samarinda to Tenggarong from where ferries run to Tanjung Isuy.
Things to Do
Tanjung Isuy Attractions
- Benuaq Dayak Grave
-
Tanjung isuy’s main appeal is it locale and atmosphere on the water and although specific attractions are thin on the ground, the grave of the village’s original chief is worth a look.
Side trips from Tanjung Isuy
- Mancong
-
Just 15kms away, this small village is also famed for its location on the lake along with the grand lamin longhouse.
- Ohong Creek
-
Features a huge collection of birds and monkeys and is well within reach of tanjung isuy.
Events
- Ehek Jempang
-
A yearly festival in tanjung isuy in may which focuses on the local dayak benuaq tribe and their traditions.