Travel

Danum Bahandang: Where the Forest Stains the River Red

BorneoGaze - February 20, 2026

Authors: Azarya O. F., Bidari, R. S., Khairil F., & Sintia

Editor : R. F. Nugraha

Photo by : Pemerintah Kota Palangka Raya

Imagine a river tinted reddish-brown, like a cup of steeped tea, winding quietly through tropical forest while a cool breeze drifts across the water’s surface. This is Danum Bahandang, a natural destination hidden within Palangka Raya, Central Borneo.

Located in Sei Gohong Village, Bukit Batu District, Danum Bahandang lies about an hour’s drive from the city center via Tjilik Riwut Road. The final stretch—roughly three kilometers along a sandy road—leads visitors deeper into the forest, where the river quietly reveals itself between dense green foliage.

Rooted in Nature

The name Danum Bahandang comes from the Dayak language, meaning “red water.” The name is literal. The river’s distinctive tea-like hue is not caused by pollution or waste, but by the peat soil that dominates the surrounding landscape.

Peat forms from layers of decaying leaves, wood, and organic material that have accumulated over thousands of years. As rainwater filters through these layers, it absorbs tannins—natural organic compounds that also give tea its amber color. The result is a river that appears reddish near the surface and deep brown in its depths, a rare and fascinating natural phenomenon shaped by time and ecology.

Forest Calm and Simple Pleasures

The environment around Danum Bahandang remains lush and relatively well preserved. Towering trees frame the riverbanks, and the air feels cooler beneath the forest canopy. The setting offers an alternative to crowded tourist sites—an ideal place for visitors seeking relaxation with friends or family.

Activities here are simple yet meaningful. Visitors can camp along the riverbank, swim in designated areas, or float gently downstream. For those who cannot swim but still wish to enjoy the water, tire floats are available for rent. Though located in a forested area, small vendors operate nearby, offering food and basic goods to travelers.

Photo by : TripAdvisor

Photo by : Jadesta

A Personal Encounter with “Red Water”

Seeing Danum Bahandang for the first time can be surprising. The reddish surface shimmers under sunlight, while deeper sections appear dark brown, almost mysterious. The name “red water” is not poetic exaggeration—it is a visible reality.

The atmosphere is calming and refreshing. Despite its secluded location, the river does not feel isolated. Instead, it feels alive yet peaceful, where the sounds of water and forest replace the noise of traffic and city life.

A Hidden Gem of Central Borneo

Danum Bahandang may not display the blue or crystal-clear waters often associated with famous rivers, but its uniqueness lies precisely in its color and ecological story. The reddish-brown current, shaped by ancient peatlands, sets it apart from more conventional tourist destinations.

Combined with its natural forest surroundings, the river offers visitors a quiet retreat—far from the hustle and bustle of urban life. For those seeking rest after long days of work, it provides a space to refresh the mind and reconnect with nature.

As interest in ecotourism grows, Danum Bahandang stands as one of Central Borneo’s hidden treasures. With its rare peat-stained waters, fresh forest air, and tranquil setting, it offers more than recreation—it offers understanding. Here, visitors not only enjoy the scenery but also learn about peatland ecosystems and the natural processes that shape this remarkable landscape.

In the heart of the forest near Palangka Raya, Danum Bahandang flows steadily on—dark as tea, rich with history, and quietly unforgettable.

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