Tiwah: The Sacred Dayak Funeral Ritual You Can Witness in Borneo

TheIndonesia.co - Deep in the lush heart of Borneo, amidst the emerald rainforests and winding rivers of Central Kalimantan, lies a tradition so sacred, so spiritual, that few outsiders have had the privilege to witness it. Known as Tiwah, this elaborate Dayak funeral ceremony is not merely a cultural performance—it is a profound spiritual journey, a tribute to ancestors, and a powerful expression of communal identity.

Thanks to the efforts of the Gunung Mas Regency Government in Central Kalimantan, the once private and deeply spiritual Tiwah Massal (mass Tiwah ceremony) is now being gently introduced to the world as a form of cultural tourism, allowing respectful visitors a rare window into the soul of Dayak culture.

What Is Tiwah?

Tiwah is a traditional secondary funeral ceremony practiced by the Dayak Ngaju, one of the major Dayak tribes in Central Kalimantan. Unlike Western funerals that mark the final farewell, the Tiwah is a second burial. It is performed months or even years after a person has died and been temporarily buried. In this ceremony, the bones of the deceased are exhumed, cleansed, and then reinterred in a specially constructed mausoleum called a sandung.

But Tiwah is not just about moving bones. It’s a deeply spiritual journey, designed to guide the souls of the deceased to Lewu Liau—the Dayak afterlife—where they are reunited with their ancestors. The rituals involve sacrifices of animals, particularly buffaloes and pigs, communal feasting, traditional music, and days of chanting and prayer led by Basir, the Dayak priests or spiritual leaders.

According to Antara News Agency, as described by Jaya Samaya Monong, the Regent (Bupati) of Gunung Mas, Tiwah is more than a funeral—it is “a spiritual legacy, a celebration of life, kinship, and respect for the ancestors.” It is a rite of passage not just for the deceased, but for the living, reinforcing the social fabric of the community and the Dayak philosophy of harmonious coexistence with nature and the spirit world.

Who Performs Tiwah?

Tiwah is most commonly performed by the Dayak Ngaju people, the largest Dayak subgroup in Central Kalimantan. Other Dayak groups such as the Dayak Ma'anyan and Dayak Ot Danum may have similar traditions, but Tiwah is most closely associated with Ngaju spiritual practices.

In recent years, due to the high cost of organizing a Tiwah—especially the expense of animal sacrifices—it has become common to hold Tiwah Massal, or mass Tiwah, where multiple families come together to perform the ceremony for several deceased relatives at once. This communal approach is not only practical, but also enriches the ceremony with shared energy and deeper meaning.

Tiwah as a Tourism Attraction

Recognizing the cultural and spiritual significance of Tiwah, the local government of Gunung Mas Regency has taken steps to include it in their official tourism calendar. In 2025, the government provided Rp81 million in financial support to a mass Tiwah ceremony held in Tumbang Kuayan village, Rungan Barat district. This funding, allocated from the local budget (APBD), was used to help cover the cost of animal sacrifices and logistical needs.

The hope, according to Regent Jaya, is that Tiwah will become a regular, scheduled event that foreign and domestic tourists alike can witness—with the utmost respect and cultural sensitivity.

“This is not just about tourism,” he says. “It’s about preserving a rich cultural heritage and allowing communities to continue expressing their spiritual traditions while also benefiting economically from respectful tourism.”

At the recent ceremony in Tumbang Kuayan, 18 families honored 28 deceased ancestors through the Tiwah ritual. According to Meby, the ceremony’s organizing committee leader, the event’s success was thanks to the cooperation of local families, the support of the local government, and, as he humbly put it, “the blessings of Ranying Hatala Langit” (God of the Sky in the Dayak religion).

What to Expect as a Visitor

As a foreign visitor attending a Tiwah ceremony, you should prepare for an immersive cultural experience unlike any other. Tiwah typically lasts several days, and includes:

• Opening procession with traditional Dayak music and dance
• Ritual animal sacrifices, performed respectfully and with prayers
• Communal feasting, where visitors may be invited to share meals
• Traditional rituals, including the cleansing of bones and prayers for the soul’s journey
• Spiritual chants, music, and offerings
• Cultural performances, including Dayak dances, storytelling, and blowpipe demonstrations
• It’s crucial to approach the ceremony with reverence and respect. Dress modestly, always ask before taking photos, and follow the lead of local guides and elders.

How to Get There

Gunung Mas Regency is located in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia, on the island of Borneo. The capital of the regency is Kuala Kurun, which serves as the main hub for exploring the surrounding Dayak villages.

Here’s how to get there:

• Fly to Palangka Raya
  The nearest major city with an airport is Palangka Raya, the capital of Central Kalimantan. You can fly there from Jakarta or Surabaya via domestic airlines such as Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air, or Citilink.
• Travel by Land to Kuala Kurun
  From Palangka Raya, travel by car or minibus to Kuala Kurun, a journey of approximately 4 to 5 hours. Roads are generally accessible year-round, though conditions can vary during the rainy season.

Visit Tumbang Kuayan or Other Villages

Depending on where the Tiwah is being held, you may need to travel further by car or boat to reach the village. In the case of the 2025 Tiwah Massal, the event was in Tumbang Kuayan, in Rungan Barat district.

It’s highly recommended to coordinate your visit with a local tour operator or cultural liaison familiar with Dayak customs, to ensure a meaningful and respectful experience.

When to Go

Tiwah ceremonies are not held on a fixed date—they depend on local decisions, community readiness, and funding. However, with the growing support from the Gunung Mas Government, there are plans to make mass Tiwah events part of the official tourism calendar, likely to occur annually or biannually.

To attend one, contact Gunung Mas tourism offices, local NGOs, or experienced tour operators specializing in Kalimantan cultural tours.

Responsible Tourism Tips

Visiting a sacred ceremony like Tiwah comes with responsibilities. Here are some tips:

• Be respectful: This is a religious ceremony, not a performance.
• Follow local guidance: Always listen to local hosts or guides about where to stand, when to speak, and what to avoid.
• Ask before taking photos: Some rituals may be off-limits for photography.
• Dress appropriately: Modest clothing is a must.
• Support the local economy: Buy local crafts, stay in local homestays, and eat local food.

By being a responsible guest, you help ensure that traditions like Tiwah continue to thrive.

A Living Heritage

As modernization spreads across Borneo, the Dayak people are working to preserve their sacred traditions. Tiwah is not just an echo of the past—it is a living cultural heritage, a vibrant reminder of a worldview that sees life, death, and the spirit world as deeply interconnected.

For the people of Gunung Mas, supported by a progressive local government, Tiwah represents both a spiritual obligation and a powerful cultural asset. And for those lucky enough to witness it, it offers something few travel experiences can: a glimpse into the sacred.