The Upper Mahakam is the most remote part of the huge Mahakam River in East Kalimantan. It’s good for boating and taking in the unique flora and fauna of the region, along with the tribes people.
This part of the river roughly goes from Long Bagun at the end of Middle Mahakam all the way up to Long Lunuk. The only real way of exploring is by boat as the land is so convoluted and lacks highways and infrastructure. The Middle Mahakam, and especially the Lower Mahakam, in contrast is positively touristy.
It takes several days to travel up to the start point by boat from Samarinda although is well worth the effort for adventurous types. The curious Dayak people live amid the dense jungle of Upper Mahakam, practice body tattooing and are warm and friendly. Huge ancient trees, black orchids, and freshwater dolphins and orangutans are just some of the plants and animals accessible up here.
Getting There & Away
The most convenient way to get right into the Upper Mahakam is to fly to Long Lunuk (Data Dawai Airport) from Samarinda by Cessna. Boat tours can then be done from there via Loa Janan, Muara Pahu, Melak, and Long Bagun - about a week’s journey. Balikpapan’s Sepinggan International Airport is the nearest major airport, several hundred kilometers and a two or three-day boat or road journey to the south.