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 you 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 : Palangkaraya - Cruise Day 1
This morning you will be met at your hotel and transferred to your wonderful luxury boat, in Palangkaraya harbour to start your journey. Cruise past the stilted and floating houses of the provincial capital and continue upstream along the forest lined river, passing villages. We stop at the village of Petuk Katimpun and walk along boardwalks to visit a small library foundation. The boat continues upstream to a beautiful black water lake system, where we take canoes at sunset. Later we find a quiet location for overnight. (B,L,D)

Day 4 : Cruise Day 2 - Bapallas Island- BOS - Sei Gohong
Today the boat will move up the Rungan River as you enjoy breakfast. On arrival to Bapallas Island; a pre-release island operated by the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation, you will take a motorised canoe to observe orangutans. Then continue on to the BOSF Education Centre where adult orangutans are waiting to be placed on the pre-release islands. Learn about the BOSF rehabilitation programs. After returning to the boat, enjoy a leisurely lunch on board while cruising to Sei Gohong. The boat will continue upstream passing Kaja and Bangamat islands, Orangutan pre-release islands. Here we transfer to small canoes to have closer observation of the orangutans before heading for a refreshing swim in the black water lake, if river water level is sufficient. Return to the boat for dinner and overnight in a quiet location. (B,L,D)

Day 5 : Cruise Day 3 - Sei Gohong - Kanarakan
Today you will start with an early morning short transfer to Tangkiling Hill by car, to visit Dayak cultural spirit houses and climb to the top of the hill. After breakfast, we depart for Kanarakan, passing the orangutan islands. In Kanarakan, we are met by the village elder and Dayak Ngaju welcoming ceremony. We then stroll around with him to see the village home gardens, rubber field and rubber tapping demonstration along with other village livelihoods. We visit to the elder’s house and enjoy traditional spiced coffee while sharing stories. We will return to boat for lunch and cruise downstream to Sei Gohong. Have dinner and later overnight in a quiet location on the river. (B,L,D)

Day 6 : Cruise Day 4: Bukit Rawi - Palangkaraya

After breakfast, the boat cruises to the village of Tanjung Sanggalang on the Kahayan River. Transfer to cars for the short trip to Bukit Rawi and Sigi, where we see the ancient Dayak painted sandungs and watch a traditional dance. Board the boat for your final cruise to Rambang Harbour in Palangkaraya. You will then be transferred to your hotel, Swiss Belhotel Palankaraya for your overnight accomodation. (B,L)

Day 7** (or Day 8 if Optional Day 7 selected): Palangkaraya - Jakarta
This morning you will be transferred to Palangkaraya airport for your flight back Jakarta. Transfer to your late afternoon/evening connecting flights or onward travels. Tour ends (B)

OPTIONAL - Day 7 : Sebangau National Park - Trekking Additional Cost of $250.00 pp (AUD)
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 beauitful 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 Palankaraya for your overnight accommodation. (B,L)

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