HIGHLIGHTS

• Travel along the Rungan River aboard a "luxury style" river boat with private cabins.
• Observe amazing wildlife including orangutan, proboscis monkeys, hornbills, red langurs and brahmini kites.
• Visit Palangkaraya city and see their way of life.
• Visit Dayak villages and see the painted bonehouses.
• Optional day's trekking in the Sebangau National Park

EXPEDITION OVERVIEW

Embark on an 8-day journey to Palangkaraya, the largest town in Central Kalimantan, for an immersive experience encompassing wildlife encounters and cultural immersion. This expedition offers opportunities for extensive wildlife viewing and cultural activities, including a visit to a traditional Dayak bonehouse. For those seeking further adventure, an optional extra day allows for a trek through the vibrant Sebangau National Park. This expedition provides a comprehensive insight into life in Palangkaraya, fostering a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by orangutans due to deforestation.

EXPEDITION GOALS
Our goal is to provide our guests with a unique experience while observing wild and semi-wild orangutans in their natural habitat. We will provide you with a safe platform to observe other wildlife that Borneo has to offer including proboscis monkeys, gibbons and more. We will also provide you with comprehensive information about the destination you are in, so that you are fully informed of your surroundings. Our joint efforts with The Orangutan Project continues to support conservation programs in both Borneo and Sumatra. Each guest's fare includes the cost of a one year orangutan adoption. 

WHAT TO EXPECT
You are embarking on an adventure to places and amongst people whose lives are very different from your own. Many aspects of life in Indonesia will seem unusual. Remember that these are often the same aspects that make an area an exotic and attractive destination. While boat expeditions are considered easy, no trek is easy, even those rated "easy or moderate". In addition to the personal physical challenges you may face, travel conditions can present unexpected obstacles, such as rough and bumpy roads and changeable weather. To prepare for this "pack" a flexible and relaxed attitude. Bring a spirit of adventure and inquiry, a healthy sense of humour and a willingness to encounter the unexpected and you will find your trip to Indonesia the adventure of a lifetime!

ITINERARY

*Subject to change due to local conditions

Day 1: Arrival in Jakarta

Upon arrival in Jakarta, you will be transferred to the FM7 Resort Hotel for your overnight stay.

Day 2: Jakarta - Palangkaraya

This morning, you will take a flight from Jakarta to Palangkaraya in Central Kalimantan. Upon arrival, your local guide will meet you and escort you to your hotel. After checking in, embark on a tour to discover the provincial capital of Palangkaraya. Highlights include the Museum, the old town, a traditional stilted wooden village along the river, travel by three-wheeled becaks, and exploration of the local markets and handicrafts. Enjoy a riverside lunch of grilled fish before taking a canoe ride on a local lake, offering potential wildlife sightings. Overnight at Swiss Belhotel Palangkaraya (B,L).

Day 3: Cruise Day 1: Palangkaraya - Pulau Kaja - Bukit Rawi

At 8.00 am we transfer you to the tiny village of Sei Gohong where we board local canoes to observe orangutans on the beautiful forested island of Pulau Kaja. The island is managed by the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation or BOSF. After observing orangutans in their island habitat, we then return to Palangka Raya for lunch at the Dayak restaurant. Boarding vehicles, we travel to the historic town of Sigi to see the magnificent painted sandungs and learn about the history. Later we stop at a village oyster mushroom farm before transferring to the boat to start the cruise downstream. We moor overnight in a quiet location.(B,L,D)

Day 4: Cruise Day 2: Tumbang Nusa - Purin or Grey Sedge Weaving & Village visit

In the early morning, we will use motorised canoes to visit the extensive blackwater Lake Bagantung, a unique peatland swamp ecosystem. Then, the boat continues the cruise downstream to Tumbang Nusa village. On arrival, we will have a walking tour in the village to see some of their traditional livelihoods. First the grey sedge or ‘purun’ weaving and handmade straw cooperative, made from rushes growing naturally in the canals and lakes, stingless bee honey production, and to see the display of swallow bird’s nest. Finally, we will see the production process of local fish being made into fish floss and crackers. The boat will continue to cruise downstream, passing the large forested Salat and Badak Islands, spotting orangutans as we pass. The boat will stop and find a quiet place to tie up overnight. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Cruise Day 3: Pilang - Rattan Weaving

Early morning, the boat continues downstream to the village of Pilang where we take a short walk around the village where our guide will also point out some local medicinal plants. We then have a walking tour in the village to see some of their traditional livelihoods. We will receive a tampung tawar or a Dayak welcoming ceremony and over a special tea and coffee, with traditional Dayak cakes such as apam and untuk-untuk, we will be entertained with a kacapi (two stringed instrument) performance. Watch the local lady at her rattan weaving process. Escaping the heat of the midday sun, we will return to the boat for lunch. Transfer to the Swiss Bel Hotel for the night. (B,L)

Day 6: Sebangau National Park - Trekking

At 8:30 am, you will be picked up from your hotel and taken to Kereng Bangkirai Port, where you will register at the Sebangau National Park Authority for park entry. Accompanied by a National Park Ranger, you will be transferred by motorized canoe across the black waters of Sebangau Lake, continuing up the Sebangau River. The canoe journey will proceed as far as river conditions allow, after which you will disembark and begin trekking through the forest. This trek offers the chance to see endemic vegetation and wildlife such as proboscis monkeys, hornbills, ant nests, wild orangutans and their nests, monitor lizards, and more. Walking through the peat swamp forest can be challenging, especially with high water levels, but a rough trail is available. Upon completing the walk, you will return to the National Park Camp, which features a small tower offering scenic views of the landscape. Enjoy a simple packed lunch and relax before returning to your boat for the journey back to Kering Bangkirai at 3:00 pm. You will then be transferred back to your hotel, the Swiss Belhotel Palangkaraya, for your overnight stay. (B,L) 

Day 7: Palangkaraya - Jakarta

This morning, you will be transferred to Palangkaraya airport for your flight back to Jakarta, connecting with your late afternoon or evening flights for your onward travels. The tour concludes upon departure from Palangkaraya. (B)

Please note: Additional accommodation can be arranged on Day 7/Day 8 in Jakarta should you require it.

Please ensure that if departing for home or onward travels on Day 7/Day 8 that all departing flights are booked for mid to late PM to allow enough connecting time from your Palangkaraya flight.

TRIP EXTENSIONS
Why not think about seeing more amazing locations in Indonesia after your orangutan expedition? For more details about some of the exciting trip extensions on offer to other parts of Indonesia please contact us.

INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS

INCLUSIONS

• Domestic airfares (20kgs is the maximum allowance)
• Accommodation in Jakarta (twin share - single supplement available)
• Accommodation in Palangkaraya and fan cooled cabin on river boat. Optional upgrade to AC cabin if available.
• Meals as noted in the itinerary (B,L,D)
• National Park fees
• Airport transfers
• Captain and assistants
• Experienced local guides
• One orangutan adoption for one year in partnership with TOP

EXCLUSIONS

• International airfares and any expenses due to flight delay or cancellations
• Visas and visa fees
• Travel Insurance
• Personal expenses - alcohol, laundry, phone calls
• Tipping
• Excess baggage fee if over 20kgs