5 Days / 4 Nights Orangutan & Dayak Village Cruise

Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation

Itinerary

Day 1: Palangka Raya – Orangutan Islands – Bukit Rawi - Rahai’i Pangun - (LD)

We will meet you either on arrival at the airport or in your hotel lobby. At 8 am we transfer you 40 minutes 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 Palangka Raya and board the Rahai’i Pangun for lunch as the boat cruises through the city. After lunch, we board the car for the short excursion to the historic Dayak towns of Bukit Rawi and Sigi. Here we learn more about Dayak religion and rituals and admire the magnificently carved and painted totem poles marking the ossuaries. We return to the boat for dinner. The boat will cruise upstream to find a quiet mooring place for overnight.

Day 2: Lake Begantung – Tumbang Nusa – Sedge Weaving (Bld)

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, the 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.

Sedge Weaving - Borneo

Day 3: Pilang - Rattan Weaving (BLD)

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 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.

Day 4: Purun Island - Tanjung Pusaka – Cruising (BLD)

Early morning, the Rahai’i Pangun sets off upstream. Our first stopover is Purun Island, where we’ll take canoes from the nearest village and watch as this water plant is harvested for weaving. Continuing upstream, we visit the village of Pusaka, where we learn the local self-defence or shadow boxing exercise. Try it yourself! Farewelling the villagers, we return to the boat for our cruise upstream towards Palangka Raya. Quiet overnight on the river.

Day 5: Sebangau National Park – Departure (BL)

After an early breakfast, pack your bags and farewell the crew tp prepare for your final excursion to the Sebangau National Park. For this adventure, we transfer by car to Kereng Bangkirai village, a journey of 40 minutes. Here we join a canoe to travel a half hour across the amazing reflections of Lake Sebangau to the tiny Koran River. We will visit the information centre established there and walk along boardwalks provided for visitors to more easily explore the area to catch sight of birds and perhaps wild orangutans. We will take a picnic snack with us. Returning across the lake, we drop you to your hotel or to the airport. Tour ends.

Includes :

Airport and other transfers as indicated, cabin accommodation, English speaking guide, meals and drinks during the cruise, off-boat tours and service tax.

Excludes :

Airfare, airport tax, porter, optional off boat tour, alcoholic and soda drinks on board

Itineraries are samples only. Cruise itineraries are subject to the starting port and to seasonal river conditions, but all offer the same experiences. Dry season conditions may cause alterations to the itineraries. Private charter itineraries may be tailor-made to your timetable and special interests.

Our boat: Rahai’i Pangun

The Rahai’i Pangun is 22 x 6 meter traditional Kalimantan river boat known as a bis air, converted into the beautiful boat for orangutan cruising she is today. Our design and specifications were implemented by teams of Indonesian master boat designers and engineers, using local craftsmen.

The Rahai’i Pangun is currently under refurbishment and will offer 4 cabins from March 2023: 2 Superior Large Cabins with ensuite and air conditioning, and 2 Double Cabins with ensuite and air conditioning, catering for a maximum of 8 passengers. The upper deck is spacious and comfortable, where our famous meals are served and where you can enjoy the passing scenery from the sofas or deck chairs.

The cabins are fitted with innerspring mattresses, reading lights, sheets, pillows, bedcovers, towels, and basic toiletries. The cabin windows have mosquito netting and sliding shutters for privacy. Cameras and phones can be charged on board, and the viewing deck and all cabins have sockets. The deck has waterproof blinds with clear inserts for rainy periods. We serve the same highly praised food as on our other boats. Four crew accompany each cruise as well as an English-speaking guide, to make this trip into the jungle memorable and comfortable.

For more information
Contact:
Dive Discovery
@
1 800 886-7321
(415) 444-5100
or
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