KRAYAN, EXOTIC AND PRISTINE HIGHLAND TOURISM
Behind the hilly terrain, bordering Sabah, Malaysia, lies Krayan. The highland region of North Kalimantan, which is quite isolated due to inadequate infrastructure, promises natural beauty, rich culture and history and has extraordinary tourism potential. This article recounts a small part of that richness, which the author compiled based on stories from the sources he met.
The Beauty and Richness of Krayan from the Top of the Hill
The hill of Yuvai Semaring (± 1,100dpl) is one of the favorite visiting areas in Krayan. From the top of the hill located in Krayan Induk sub-district, tourists can clearly see all of Krayan which consists of five sub-districts. Tourists can enjoy the beauty of sunrise or sunset from the top of this hill if it is not covered by fog.
Climbing this hill takes about 30 - 45 minutes, depending on the ability of tourists. For hikers it is possible to go up in about 15-20 minutes. Around the first 300 meters, stairs have been built by the villagers. While the rest is still a fairly narrow, steep and fairly slippery dirt path.
"Yuvai Semaring himself is a figure greatly admired by the people of Krayan. He was a hero to the Lundayeh Dayak community in Krayan during his time," Alex Balang, our tour guide, begins. Yuvai Semaring is also known as the guardian and signal to the Long Bawan community when enemies come to attack from various directions.
The signal signaled for men to be ready to face the enemy and for children and women to hide. It is said that Yuvai Semaring is also known as someone who is very good at carving. So many people put machete sheaths or machete handles in front of his cave to be carved. Surprisingly, no one has ever seen his figure. People only hear his voice from the top of the hill in the morning and if there is an enemy attack.
Alex explains, "the cave where Yuvai Semaring lives is on this hill, right under our feet." To this day, the cave where Yuvai Semaring lives is preserved by the community and is called Yuvai Semaring Hill or Buduk Yuvai Semaring (in the local language) and is used as a tourist attraction. Yuvai Semaring's name is also immortalized as the name of the airport in Long Bawan, Krayan.
Preserving Traditional Culture
The common livelihood of the Dayak Lundayeh people is farming, especially organic rice. However, growing organic rice is only done for one season. Researchers also proved that the soil in this region cannot be planted with such rice more than once.
In Lembudud Village, West Krayan District, in a wooden stilt house, Makda Elisa explained the activities carried out by the Mada Fudut Weaving Group in the form of weaving and weaving. Both of these activities were initially carried out for household needs. But it turns out that there are many enthusiasts for the craft so that it is now one of the sources of community income.
Mahda explains, "The raw material for the weaving is wild grass that can be found on the streets," Temar is the local language. The natural process of making one item can take up to two weeks from the time the grass is collected. Everything is processed in the stilt house and with simple tools.
"We need weaving tools to increase production," Makda added. Incredibly, the work of the women of this weaving group has been recognized nationally, even internationally.
This local culture continues to be passed on to the younger generation. Angel, a sweet girl with light yellow skin, is 8 years old and in the second grade of elementary school. Gingerly, Angel plays with her hands on the weaving machine, demonstrating her ability to weave threads. "We must teach this weaving from a young age," Mahda emphasized.
History Left Behind as a Story for Generations
When entering the forest area and exploring the countryside in Krayan, there are many historical relics that have been believed by local people for hundreds of years. In Pak Rupai village, Krayan sub-district, Alex introduced us to "Grandpa Melud", as he is known. At 73 years old, "Grandpa Melud" is still strong and eager to explain the stories found in the forest.
"The crocodile is a symbol of might or power, a sign of victory after a war for our ancestors," he explained an area of inscriptions they call Ilung Buaya. The crocodile symbol was made by the ancestors from earth, and can still be found in certain areas of the forest.
It is said that after a war and if they win, the ancestors will hold a victory party. Neighboring villages were invited to the feast and they provided several jars of drinks. While partying, they made the crocodile inscription, which could take weeks or even months to make.
There are also ancient graves made of stone. "These graves are specially made for nobles who have no descendants. All their treasures are also planted in it because no one inherited them," Grandpa Melud said about Batu Perupun. The depth of this grave can reach 4 meters, and it is entirely covered by stones taken from the river, and only filled by one nobleman.
The Arit Stone depicts another story from the lives of our ancestors. On this stone are carved all kinds of things, such as humans and animals. The carvings depict their life stories. These carvings used to be made in granaries as well.
Another hereditary story about Flower Water is located in Tang Paye Village, West Krayan District. The water that comes out of this mountain never stops, even in the dry season. People believe that the water coming out of the shower can cure several diseases. "If we wash our face from the Flower Water we can stay young," Alex added.
The whole story above is only a small part of the beauty and richness that exists in Krayan. Due to time constraints, only a few have been told. Come on, don't hesitate! Visit Krayan and enjoy the wonders that nature has to offer.