Tering

Tering is a small Dayak village in the Kutai Kartanegara Regency of East Kalimantan, located on the upper reaches of the Mahakam River. It is one of the upriver Dayak communities accessible from Tenggarong or Samarinda by multi-day river journey. The village is home to the Dayak Bahau people, who maintain traditional longhouses and customs.

Tering is a stop on Mahakam River expeditions, offering visitors a chance to experience traditional Dayak life in a remote setting. The surrounding area is forested and sparsely populated, with the river as the only transport link.

The climate is tropical with year-round temperatures of 24–33°C.

Tering is accessible only by longboat from Tenggarong (4–6 hours upriver) or from other Mahakam River settlements. Most visitors arrive as part of a multi-day river tour from Tenggarong or Samarinda.

The village is walkable. Trails connect Tering to neighbouring Dayak settlements. A guide is recommended for navigating between villages.

• Dayak Longhouse: Traditional communal longhouse with intricate carvings and murals depicting Dayak cosmology.

• Mahakam River: The scenic riverway that sustains the village — sunrise and sunset views are stunning.

• Rice Terraces: Traditional Dayak ladang (shifting cultivation fields) surround the village.

• Traditional Crafts: Women weaving and men carving in the longhouse.

• Cultural Immersion: Learn about Dayak Bahau traditions, blowpipe hunting, and forest medicine from village elders.

• Jungle Trekking: Guided walks through the surrounding forest to learn about edible and medicinal plants.

• River Swimming: Clean, cool waters of the Mahakam River.

• Photography: Traditional architecture, river scenery, and daily village life.

Meals are provided by the homestay host — typically rice, freshwater fish, jungle vegetables, and sambal. Dayak cuisine uses bamboo shoots, wild ferns, and local spices. Bring backup snacks and instant noodles.

River water requires purification — bring bottled water or purification tablets. Coffee and tea are served by the host.

Basic homestay accommodation in the longhouse (sleeping mat on the floor, no running water, basic toilet). Rates are typically Rp 150,000–250,000/person/night including meals. Bring a sleeping bag, mosquito net, and insect repellent.

Dayak handicrafts such as beadwork, woven baskets, and carved wooden items can be purchased directly from villagers. Cash only — no shops or ATMs in the village.

• Tenggarong: Downriver — the former sultanate capital.
• Mancong: Another Dayak longhouse village on the Mahakam.
• Mahakam River: Continue upriver deeper into the Dayak highlands.