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, you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to a comfortable boat. You will then travel to the small village of Sei Gohong, where you will board local canoes to observe orangutans on the protected forested island of Pulau Kaja, managed by the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation (BOS). After observing the orangutans in their natural island habitat, you will visit BOS’s nearby Education Centre in Nyaru Menteng for further information about their conservation efforts. Returning to Palangkaraya harbor, you will board the Rahai’i Pangun for lunch and a brief upstream cruise through the city. Later, you will travel by vehicle to the historical towns of Bukit Rawi and Sigi to witness the impressive painted sandungs, experience a traditional Dayak welcome, and learn about the area's history. Finally, you will return to the boat to begin your downstream cruise and moor for the night in a peaceful location. (B,L,D)

Day 4: Cruise Day 2: Lake Bagantung - Tumbang Nusa - Sedge Weaving

In the early morning, you will travel by motorized canoe to explore the extensive blackwater Lake Bagantung, a unique peatland swamp ecosystem offering opportunities for birdwatching, wildlife spotting, and observing local fishing activities. Returning to the boat, the cruise continues downstream to Tumbang Nusa village. Upon arrival, a walking tour of the village will showcase traditional livelihoods, including the grey sedge or ‘purun’ weaving and a handmade straw cooperative utilizing rushes from the canals and lakes. A visit to a local honey farm is also included. The boat will then proceed downstream, passing the large forested Selat and Badak Islands, where there's a chance to see orangutans. The boat will moor overnight in a tranquil spot. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Cruise Day 3: Pilang - Rattan Weaving

Early in the morning, the boat travels further downstream to Pilang village. A short walk in the nearby forest will reveal the processes of rubber tapping (Mamantat) and rattan harvesting (Manetes), with your village guide also pointing out local medicinal plants. A walking tour of the village will follow, providing insights into traditional livelihoods. Observe local women engaged in rattan weaving and interact with the villagers. Enjoy a special tea and coffee break with traditional Dayak cakes like apam and untuk-untuk, accompanied by a performance on the Kacapi (two-stringed instrument). To escape the midday heat, you will return to the boat for lunch. The boat will then cruise upstream, offering a final view of the orangutan island. Entering the forested banks of the Nusa canal, the boat will pause to moor for the night in a quiet location. (B,L,D)

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