Meet hairy, orange apes
In Central Kalimantan, the Kaharingan religion in still practiced by the more isolated Dayaks of the region, which are the Ngaju, Kahayan, Kapuas, Kalai, Maanyan, Ot Danum dan Tumon. The tiwah or funerary ritual is an interesting series of rites that involve cleaning the bones of the deceased for their smooth journey to paradise, and animal sacrifices that ensure prosperity and good health for the living. The cleansed bones are then held inside a sandung, a tomb built like a betang.
Several of the most important wildlife rehabilitation centers are found in Central Kalimantan. Tanjung Putting National Park and its three camps, Tanjung Harapan, Pondok Tanggul and Camp Leakey are where tamed orangutans are rehabilitated and taught to readapt to their natural environment. The area is also the site of bountiful pearl divings. Kijing and Temajoh Islands in West Kalimantan are also ideal for diving, fishing and sailing.
Goldmining at Kasongan uses both the traditional panning method and modern machinery. (photo: andimanwno.wordpress.com)
