Tanjung Isuy Travel Guide

The village clusters along the lake shore with a main landing where boats arrive and leave; longhouses and dwellings run along the water, and a tiny market or collection of stalls sits close to the landing. Travellers usually base themselves in a longhouse or a simple riverside guestroom near the pier.

Costs: $25-50 per day - Basic longhouse accommodation is very affordable; transfers by river add to travel costs.

Safety: Generally safe - The village is peaceful but river travel can be hazardous in storms, so check boat schedules and weather.

Best Time: June-August - The period around June to August is relatively drier and best for boat travel and wildlife viewing.

Tanjung Isuy sits on Lake Jempang, one of the broad lakes in the Mahakam River basin in East Kalimantan. The village is part of a landscape of waterways and lowland rainforest where riverboats are the normal way to move between settlements.

The community is Benuaq Dayak and longhouses remain central to village life; visitors often see women weaving ulap doyo fiber and can sometimes stay in guest beds in the main longhouse. The area has a long history tied to river trade and Dayak culture rather than urban development.

Visiting feels like stepping into a riverside village rather than a tourist town: houses line the shore, small footpaths lead into the forest and village life revolves around the landing. Tanjung Isuy is primarily a stopover on longer Mahakam trips rather than a place with many standalone attractions.

Tanjung Isuy is worth visiting for authentic longhouse hospitality and the chance to see traditional ulap doyo weaving up close. It serves as a convenient and atmospheric stop on Mahakam River journeys from Samarinda and a gateway to nearby lowland rainforest and birdlife. The setting on Lake Jempang makes for peaceful waterside walks and easy boat access to neighbouring villages such as Mancong.

Tanjung Isuy has a tropical rainforest climate with heavy rain much of the year; river conditions and visibility for wildlife are best when monthly rainfall is lower. Plan boat travel in the relatively drier months to reduce the risk of cancelled or uncomfortable journeys.

Tanjung Isuy is reached primarily by river from Samarinda or Tenggarong; road access ends at river ports, with boats covering the last stretches. Plan for transfers and overnight stops when coming from major airports.

• By Air: Balikpapan (BPN): Balikpapan Sultan Aji Muhammad Sulaiman Airport (BPN) is the nearest major international gateway; from there take a bus or shared minivan to Samarinda then onward by road or river. Expect several hours of road travel to the Mahakam river ports, then a boat transfer to Tanjung Isuy.
• By Air: Samarinda (AAP): Samarinda has regional flight connections and is the direct gateway for Mahakam river trips; from Samarinda travel by road to the riverside terminals at Tenggarong or smaller landings and catch a local boat to Tanjung Isuy. Boat legs vary by service and can take several hours; fares on local boats are typically in the range IDR 50,000-200,000 depending on speed and distance.
• By Water: riverboat from Tenggarong or Samarinda: Regular riverboat services and chartered longboats run along the Mahakam system; scheduled boats are slower but cheaper, while private hires are quicker. Book through operators in Samarinda or local agents at the river terminals.
• By Road: bus to the river ports: Buses and minibuses run from Samarinda and neighbouring towns to the river ports near Lake Jempang; from there you must transfer to a boat. Road fares are modest (local currency) and timetables vary, so allow extra time for connections.

Water is the primary transport mode between villages; once ashore you mostly walk. Expect simple footpaths and occasional motorbikes for hire.

• Walking: The village is compact and easy to explore on foot; footwear that copes with muddy paths is useful after rain.
• Boat / longboat: Local boats connect Tanjung Isuy with Mancong and river ports; they are the common way to move between settlements and to reach birding creeks.
• Ojek / motorbike: Motorbike taxis are sometimes available for short trips inland from the landing, but availability is limited and depends on local demand.
• Chartered tours: Arrange multi-day river trips and guided wildlife excursions through agents in Samarinda or via boat operators at the landing.

Meals are informal and communal: longhouse hosts and small village stalls serve simple rice-based dishes, smoked or grilled fish and local vegetables. Bring snacks for the journey and expect limited variety; special dietary needs may be hard to accommodate in the village.

Nightlife is minimal and consists of communal longhouse evenings, local music or gatherings during festivals. There are no bars or clubs; nights are quiet and best suited to early sleepers.

Souvenir options are limited but authentic: look for ulap doyo textiles, simple woven goods and small handicrafts sold by village women. For a wider range of handicrafts and supplies, buy in Samarinda before setting off.