Lomplai Dayak Wehea A Living Tradition in the Forest of Borneo
If you ever find yourself in East Kalimantan, there is one experience you should not miss. It is called Lomplai, a tradition of the Dayak Wehea Tribe that feels simple at first, but stays with you long after you leave.
Lomplai is not a performance. It is a way of life. It shows how people live close to nature, how they work together, and how they care for each other and the forest around them.
A Journey That Begins on the River
The community moves together upstream along the Wehea River. Some use traditional boats, others small motorized canoes. It is not a quiet trip, but it feels calm. You hear water, laughter, and conversations flowing at the same pace as the river.
The destination is Laq Pesyai. Here, people gather what the forest offers, ketete, rattan, and wild fruits. But more than that, they reconnect with the land that has always supported them. If you join, you will not feel like an outsider for long. You will feel included, simply by being there.
Life in the Forest Feels Different
Once they arrive, everyone naturally knows what to do. The men begin building simple shelters and placing jeyea along the riverbanks. These bamboo flags quietly mark their presence. At the same time, the women prepare food. The smell of cooking spreads through the air, and before long, people sit together, sharing meals.
There is no rush here. Just small moments that feel real. You might find yourself sitting on the ground, eating together, listening to stories, and realizing how rare this kind of connection has become.
When the River Carries the Raft
In the late afternoon, the energy shifts. A bamboo raft is placed into the river and slowly begins its journey back toward the village. People gather around, some watching, some getting ready to jump in. If you can swim, you are welcome to join. Climb onto the raft, feel the water, and take part in sekguet. It is playful, full of laughter, and a little chaotic in the best way. But even in this moment, there is respect. The raft must stay intact. Nothing is broken or thrown away. It is a reminder that even joy has its boundaries.
More Than Rules, It Is About Respect
During Lomplai, there are simple things to keep in mind. Take care of yourself and others. Help when you can. Keep the space safe. If you bring a camera or phone, protect it from the water. But more than rules, it is about attitude. Come with respect, and you will be welcomed with warmth.
Why Lomplai Feels So Meaningful
What makes Lomplai special is not just what you see, but what you feel. You see people moving together, working together, laughing together. You see a community that still holds onto its values in a quiet, steady way.
Through this tradition, the Dayak Wehea Tribe show that life can be lived in balance with nature. Nothing feels forced. Everything feels natural.
An Invitation to Experience It Yourself
If you are looking for something real, something you cannot find in a typical यात्रा, Lomplai is worth the journey. Come with curiosity. Come with respect. And allow yourself to slow down. Because in the end, Lomplai is not just something you watch. It is something you feel, something you carry with you, long after you leave the forest of Born