The Mahakam River river rises in the mountains of central Indonesian Borneo (Kalimantan) and flows about 400 miles (650 km) east-southeast to the Makassar Strait, in a wide delta. The chief town along its course is Samarinda, capital of Kalimantan Timur (East Borneo) province.

Semayang and Melintang lakes

Mahakam River is the largest river in East Kalimantan. The Mahakam originates in the Muller mountain ranges where it flows south-eastwards, meeting the River Kedang Pahu at the city of Muara Pahu. From there the river meanders eastward through the Mahakam lakes region, which represents an extremely flat tropical lowland area surrounded by peat land. Some thirty shallow lakes are situated in this area, connected to the Mahakam through small channels. Downstream of the connection with the Semayang and Melintang lakes, the Mahakam meets three other main tributaries (River Belayan, Kedang Kepala, and Kedang Rantau) and flows south-eastwards through the Mahakam delta, towards the Makassar Strait.
The mighty Mahakam river which flowing from the very centre of the mainland passing through the towering gorge and thick primary untouched rainforest is the main river system on where the indigenous Dayak are reside for generations while preserving their very native way of life and culture.

Dayak culture

You can explore the rich Dayak culture, visit their villages, come the their long houses and dance together with them. The indigenous East Kalimantan Dayak are famous of their colorful dance and art. Tatoo making and long earlobe are among the well preserved culture beside their unique long houses. The hinterland of the Mahakam is also rich of floral and faunal life. The Mahakam River is important as it hosts rare water birds and the Irrawaddy Dolphin, which is called Pesut by local people.