This specially crafted expedition combines the unique experience of visiting the Tanjung Puting National Park with a Palangkaraya Rungan River cruise aboard a fabulous riverboat to see the orangutan release islands.
From wonderful boats to small dugout canoes, wide rivers to deep forests, and small fishing towns to traditional Dayak villages, the Central Borneo adventure has it all. Be immersed in local culture and all facets of life in Borneo as you gain a greater understanding of the orangutans plight.
EXPEDITION GOALS
We want our guests to have a truly unique and connected experience, and to have the pleasure of observing wild and semi-wild orangutans in their natural habitat.
Orangutan Odysseys will provide you with a safe platform to observe the incredible wildlife of Borneo, including orangutans (of course), proboscis monkeys, hornbills, red leaf monkeys, gibbons and more. Its also our goal to educate and inspire our guests so that you become future stewards for the destination, its natural environment, and the survival of the orangutan.
In driving this legacy we have partnered with The Orangutan Project to support their conservation programs across Borneo in Sumatra. Each guest's fare includes the cost of adopting an orangutan for one year.
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. Whilst 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!
8 days - 15th to 22nd October 2021
*Subject to change due to local conditions
Day 1 - 15th October: Arrive in Denpasar, Bali.
Today you will be met at Denpasar airport and transferred to your Bali hotel for your overnight stay. This evening the group will meet for a tour briefing and details about tomorrow's departure.
Day 2 - 16th October: Bali to Pangkalan Bun - Tanjung Puting National Park
Early this morning you will fly from Bali to the Central Borneo town of Pangkalan Bun. On arrival, you will be met at the airport by our local OO guides. You will then be taken to the Port of Kumai where you will board our klotoks (riverboat) and start your journey up the Sekonyer River into the National Park. We will continue to cruise slowly up along the river in search of orangutans and other amazing wildlife, possibly a crocodile or storm stork, until we reach our overnight parking spot near crocodile lake. (B,L,D)
Day 3 - 17th October: Crocodile Lake - Pesalat - Rimba Lodge:
This morning we will wake to the sound of the jungle and enjoy breakfast on the peaceful river. We then start cruising slowly back down the river in search of more of the jungle's wildlife and hopefully some wild orangutans. It's then off to Pesalat Plantation station, where you will get to plant some trees to help the Friends of the National Park Foundation to regenerate the forest. From there, you will be back on the boat for lunch followed by check-in at Rimba Lodge. This afternoon we take a walk through the local Tanjung Harapan village to see what village life is like. We will then head back to the boat and travel along the river, stopping along the way to watch the fabulous proboscis monkeys in action on the riverbanks. Overnight in Rimba Lodge. (B,L,D)
Day 4 - 18th October: Tanjung Puting - Kumai - Airport - Palangkaraya
This morning after breakfast we will board the boat once more and cruise our way back out of the National Park, stopping along the way to see more wildlife. We will reach Kumai around lunchtime where our cars will be waiting to transfer us to the airport for our flight to Palangkaraya (capital of Central Borneo). In Palangkaraya we will meet our local guides and be transferred to the Rungan Sari Resort for our overnight stay. (B,L,D)
Day 5 - 19th October: Palangkaraya - River Cruise Day 1: Kaja Island - Tanjung Pusaka
After an optional early morning walk in the adjacent forest, you will be transferred by car to Pulau Kaja near Tangkiling to observe orangutans on this pre-release island. We then transfer by car to Palangka Raya to board the Rahaii Pangun in the harbour. We will depart the harbour cruising downstream to Tanjung Pusaka village. In the evening, we will explore the village to see the fisherman village, village cattle raising, and a demonstration of Pencak Silat, traditional martial art performance. Join the village school group as they practice and have a go yourself! After finishing this excursion, we return to the boat and stay overnight in the area. (B,L,D)
Day 6 - 20th October: Cruise Day 2: Lake Bagantung & Tumbang Nusa
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 and other wildlife. Then, the boat will continue to 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. The boat will continue to cruise downstream, passing the large forested Selat and Badak Islands. It may be possible to spot orangutans here. The boat will stop and find a quiet place to tie up overnight. (B,L,D)
Day 7 - 21st October: Cruise Day 3: Pilang
This morning, the boat will continue to travel 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. We will then return to the boat for lunch and cruise upstream. In the afternoon you will leave the riverboat and be transferred to the Rungan Sari for your overnight accommodation. (B,L)
Day 8 - 22nd October: Palangkaraya - Bali
This morning you will be transferred to the airport for your flights back to Denpasar, Bali. In Denpasar, you will transfer to your connecting flights home or onward travels. Tour ends. (B)
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.
Please note: Additional accommodation can be arranged for day 8 in Bali should you require it. Please ensure that if departing for home or onward travels on day 8 that all departing flights are booked for early to late PM to allow enough connecting time from your Palangkaraya flight.
INCLUSIONS
EXCLUSIONS