Sometimes you don't have to go far to explore Indonesia. Just go to Taman Mini and you'll get the vibes from Sabang to Merauke... Including this West Kalimantan one!
I have a little habit that I always enjoy: walking around Taman Mini while feeling the energy of each traditional house. And for some reason, that day my steps stopped at one place that stood out, the West Kalimantan Traditional House.
The building is tall, handsome, and full of details. The yellow color stole the show, the stairs rising up as if to say, “Come up, meet me.” The style of the stilt house is really distinctive.
•🏠 Long House, Long History
This house represents the long house of the Dayak tribe - a form of communal house inhabited by many families. But it's not just a place to live, this longhouse also has social, cultural, and even spiritual functions for the Dayak people...
Once inside, the atmosphere immediately changes... The floor was shiny dark wood, tall poles supported the roof firmly, and in the corner of the room, I found decorations of traditional shields and weapons arranged beautifully on a bamboo wall... It was like being thrown back in time...
• 🎭 Equatorial Cultural Stage
Not far from the main house, I found a stage with a name that made me smile: Equator Cultural Stage. On both sides of the stage are beautiful Dayak murals - colorful and depicting a cultural spirit that never dies.
The venue is usually used for dance performances, traditional music and cultural exhibitions... Unfortunately, when I was there, it was deserted. But that's exactly what made me savor the atmosphere more deeply. It was quiet, but full of meaning.
• 🌉 Wooden Bridge & Brown Pond
One of my favorite spots ? The small wooden bridge that divides the brown pond. It's very aesthetic for photos, but also has a philosophical function : uniting the social and cultural spaces of the two sides of the building... Perhaps it is also a reflection of the harmonious life of the people of West Kalimantan, despite their different ethnicities and beliefs.
• 🌿 Sitting Still, Listening to Nature
At the back of the house, there is a large open space with rows of rattan benches and a gentle breeze... I sat there for a while. Sometimes something as simple as that can make my heart calmer than scrolling through social media all day.
• 📸 Tips for Those of You Who Want to Come Here
If you're looking for a healing place that's not mainstream in Jakarta, you should definitely stop by this West Kalimantan traditional house. Not only for content, but also to add insight and love for Indonesia's diversity. Here are some tips from me:
- Come in the morning or afternoon, so it's not hot and the photos are good.
- Don't forget to stop by other traditional houses too, a mini Indonesia-wide cultural trip!
• ✍️ Cover: Not Just a House, But a Story
This trip made me realize that every traditional house is not just an aesthetic building, but also a keeper of stories, values, and identity. And this West Kalimantan house, with all its details, managed to make me feel closer to the land of Borneo... without the need to take a plane.
Sometimes, to “go on an adventure”, we just need an open heart and a light step.
Have you ever stopped by the West Kalimantan traditional house at TMII yet? Or have another story about your favorite traditional house? Share it in the comments...👇✨