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Orangutan Cruise Expedition

8 Days / 7 Nights

Palangka Raya - Tanjung Puting National Park - Pangkalan Bun

From £2,460 per person

Destination Highlights

Discover the Natural Wonders of famed Tanjung Puting National Parks from Borneo comfortable river boats. Relax on board while navigating the Majestic Rivers of Central Kalimantan. Every cruise benefits local communities and foundations.

Palangka Raya

Palangka Raya, the capital of Central Kalimantan, is a city that offers access to the natural wonders of the province. It is the starting point for the Jungle River cruises, which take you on a journey through the lush rainforest and offer a glimpse of the diverse wildlife that inhabits the area.

Pangkalan Bun

Pangkalan Bun is the capital of Kotawaringin Barat regency in Central Kalimantan. It's a 30-minute drive from the airport Kumai, the gateway to Tanjung Puting National Park, known for orangutans and probis monkeys.

Experience Highlights

Itinerary

Palangka Raya - Pulau Kaja - Bukit Rawi

We will meet you either on arrival at the airport or in your hotel lobby. In the morning, transfer 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 (BOS). After observing orangutans on their island habitat, we then transfer to BOS’s nearby Education Centre in Nyaru Menteng for more information on their activities.

Returning to Palangka Raya 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.

Meals: lunch, dinner

Lake Begantung - Tumbang Nusa - Sedge Weaving

In the early morning, take motorised canoes to visit the extensive blackwater Lake Bagantung. This is a unique peatland swamp ecosystem where you have the opportunity to spot birds and other wildlife. Then, the boat continues the cruise downstream to Tumbang Nusa village. On arrival, you 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.

Return to the boat for dinner and overnight in a quiet location.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Pilang

Early 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 upstream, 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.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Pangkalan Bun - Kumai - Tanjung Harapan

In the morning, transfer to the port of Kumai to board on the river cruise. Each boat is a renovated traditional Klotok, or wooden river boat, measuring about 18m by 3m, with a comfortable upper deck where you can view the rain forest as it glides by. The boats have 3 air conditioned ensuite cabins below deck. Your cabin is fully equipped with sheets, towels and toiletries. Delicious Asian fusion meals are eaten around the dining table on deck. The boat crew includes the boatman, a cook, assistant cook, and English speaking guide.

En route to the Tanjung Puting National Park, we stop first at Tanjung Harapan, a rehabilitation center for orangutans. After a short walk in the forest to the platforms, witness the orangutans' feeding time. Later, in the peaceful late afternoon, slowly explore the quiet river to observe the proboscis monkeys and possibly fireflies in season among the nipa palms along the riverside. Dinner and overnight on the boat.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Forest Walk - Camp Leakey

After breakfast, the klotok slowly cruises up the river, spotting wildlife in the forested river sides. The klotok then turns off the muddy Sekonyer River as lunch is served. It slowly makes its way along the pure black waters of the side creek to access Camp Leakey. Dense vegetation is reflected perfectly in the tannin waters. Camp Leakey is where the older orangutans are reintroduced into the rainforest. On arrival, we take an easy forest walk to see the original research station and historical display and to see feeding time. Overnight on board.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Pondok Tangguy - Tanjung Harapan

During your early breakfast, the klotok cruises slowly downstream following the black water canal, spotting wildlife in the forested riversides and then turning into the muddy Sekonyer River. We are headed for Pondok Tangguy, the rehabiltiation centre for new ex-captive orangutans, to see feeding time. In the afternoon we visit Tanjung Harapan rehabilitation centre, witness feeding time and take the opportunity to hike further into the forest. Overnight on the boat.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner

This is a private itinerary and can be tailored to your needs.

Accommodations

Rahai'i Pangun

Rahai’i Pangun is a 22 x 6 meter traditional Kalimantan river boat, transformed into a stunning vessel for orangutan cruising by expert Indonesian designers and local craftsmen. It features 4 cabins (2 Superior Large and 2 Double), each with ensuite and air conditioning, accommodating up to 8 passengers. Enjoy spacious upper deck dining and scenery from comfortable seating, while cabins include innerspring mattresses, reading, and basic toiletries. With charging sockets and waterproof blinds, the boat ensures a comfortable experience, supported by a crew and an English-speaking guide.

Bedroom on Rahai'i Pangun Kalimantan River Boat

Orangutan Cruising with Rahai’i Pangun - Traditional Kalimantan River Boat

What's Included?

Airport transfers
English speaking guides
Full board meals
3 night cruises in Palangka Raya
3 night cruises in Pangkalan Bun
1 night accommodation in Mercure Grand Kecubung Hotel
Visit to BOS Foundation
Activities as mentioned in itinerary
Every journey booked with Plesir, you are sponsoring a local child to go to school

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