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

Our 8 day Palangkaraya Experience will take you to the largest town in Central Kalimantan. This expedition provides you with plenty of wildlife viewing, cultural experiences and the option to spend an extra day and trek through the lush and bountiful Sebanngau National Park. You will even visit a traditional Dayak bonehouse. This expedition will give you an excellent insight into all facets of life in Palangkaraya and you will gain a deeper understanding of the plight of the orangutan 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 : Arrive in Jakarta
Upon arrival you will be transferred to the FM7 Resort Hotel for your overnight stay.

Day 2 : Jakarta - Palangkaraya
This morning you will fly from Jakarta to Palangkaraya in Central Kalimantan where you will be met by your local guide and transferred to your hotel. After checking in you will be taken on a tour to explore the provincial capital of Palangkaraya. You will visit the Museum, the old town, a stilted wooden village over the river, travel in 3 wheeled becaks and see the traditional markets and handicrafts. You will have a lunch of grilled fish beside the river, then take a canoe ride on the local lake with possible wildlife sightings. Overnight at Swiss Belhotel Palangkaraya (B,L)

Day 3 : Cruise Day 1 Palangkaraya- Pulau Kaja - Bukit Rawi
This morning at 8am you will be met at your hotel and transferred to your wonderful luxury boat. 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 BOS. After observing orangutans in their island habitat, we then transfer to BOS’s nearby Education Centre in Nyaru Menteng for more information on their activities. Returning to Palangkaraya harbour, we board the Rahai’i Pangun for lunch and a short cruise through the city upstream. Boarding vehicles, we travel to the historic towns of Bukit Rawi and Sigi to see the magnificent painted sandungs, receive a Dayak welcome and learn about the history. We then return to the boat to start the cruise downstream to moor overnight in a quiet location.(B,L,D)

Day 4 : Cruise Day 2 Lake Begantung -Tumbang Nusa - Sedge Weaving
In the early morning, we will use motorised canoes to visit the extensive blackwater Lake Bagantung. This is a unique peatland swamp ecosystem where we have the opportunity to spot birds, other wildlife and fishing activities by the villagers. Returning to the boat, we continue 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. Later the local honey farm is visited. The boat will continue to cruise downstream, passing the large forested Selat and Badak Islands, where it may be possible to spot orangutans. We then find a quiet place to tie up overnight. (B,L,D)

Day 5 : Cruise Day 3 - Pilang - Rattan Weaving
Early in the morning, the boat continues downstream to the village of Pilang where we take a short walk in the forest area near the village to see the process of rubber tapping (Mamantat) and rattan harvesting (Manetes). Our village guide will also point out some local medicinal plants growing in the forest. We then have a walking tour in the village to see some of their traditional livelihoods. Watch the local ladies at their rattan weaving process and meet the villagers. 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. Escaping the heat of the midday sun, we will return to the boat for lunch. The boat cruises up stream, passing the orangutan island for your last glimpse. Entering the Nusa canal and its forested banks, we pause to tie up for the night in a quiet location.(B,L,D)

Day 6 : Sebangau National Park - Trekking
Hotel pick up at 8.30am for the trip to Kereng Bangkirai Port where we will register at the Sebangau National Park Authority for entry into the Park. Accompanied by a National Park Ranger we will then be transferred to a motorised canoe for a 40 minute canoe ride across the beautiful black water of Sebangau Lake and continue to travel up the Sebangau River. We will travel as far as possible by canoe (which will depend on river depth) until such time as we disembark and start trekking into the forest to see the endemic vegetation and hopefully the likes of proboscis monkeys, hornbills, ants nests, wild orangutan and their nests, monitor lizards and many others. Walking through the peat swamp forest is challenging, especially when water levels are high, but there is a rough trail to walk on. On completion of this walk, we return to the National Park Camp where this a small tower which can be climbed for beautiful views of the landscape. Enjoy a simple lunch box and relax. Return to your boat for the return journey to Kering Bangkirai at 3.00pm. You will then be transferred back to your hotel - Swiss Belhotel Palangkaraya for your overnight accommodation. (B,L)

Day 7 :  Palangkaraya - Jakarta
This morning you will be transferred to Palangkaraya airport for your flight back to Jakarta. Transfer to your late afternoon/evening connecting flights or onward travels. Tour ends (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
• 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