Lestari

Where Rivers Meet Traditions: Exploring Dusun Betung

BorneoGaze - August 12, 2025

Authors: Queena Tyra Ramadhani

Supervisor : Samulani, S.Pd

Tucked away in the heart of Central Kalimantan’s Katingan Regency, Dusun Betung is a destination waiting to be discovered. Surrounded by the tropical wilderness of Borneo, this charming village offers more than just scenic beauty—it’s a place where nature, culture, and tradition live in harmony.

Nature at Its Purest

Dusun Betung is embraced by lush rainforests and expansive peatlands, home to unique flora and fauna found only on the island of Borneo. A river runs gracefully through the village, serving as both a lifeline and a main route of travel for the community. At sunset, the water shimmers with golden-orange hues, turning the village into a canvas of natural wonder.

Culture and Traditions Alive

The village is home to the Dayak people, who proudly preserve their ancestral traditions. Visitors may be lucky enough to witness mangenta—a harvest thanksgiving ceremony—or enjoy the rhythms of traditional Dayak dance. The soothing sound of gongs and the delicate strumming of the sape’, a traditional string instrument, create an atmosphere that feels both festive and deeply spiritual.

Adventures Await

For those with an adventurous spirit, Dusun Betung has plenty to offer. Glide along the river in a traditional wooden boat, casting your gaze over untouched forests. Try your hand at fishing, or learn how locals catch fish using bubu—a woven fish trap that has been used for generations. You can also explore local plantations to discover the plants that sustain village life.

Handicrafts and Flavors to Remember

Dusun Betung is also a haven for artisans. Here, locals skillfully weave rattan, pandan, and bamboo into beautiful crafts adorned with distinctive Dayak patterns—perfect keepsakes to take home. And no visit is complete without savoring the local cuisine: smoky grilled fish with special spices, fragrant nasi jaha (sticky rice cooked in bamboo), and the golden sweetness of freshly harvested wild honey.

A Future of Sustainable Tourism

With its rich natural beauty and vibrant cultural heritage, Dusun Betung holds great promise as a sustainable eco-cultural tourism destination. Developing tourism here means not only protecting the environment but also empowering the local community, ensuring that this hidden gem continues to shine for generations to come.

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