7 Days Palangkaraya Boat Trip and Banjarmasin Wildlife Adventure

Kalimantan

Duration

7 Days

Tour Type

Specific Tour

Group Size

10 People

Languange

English

Overview

Tour Categores: Cruise, Wildlife, Nature, Culture

This tour offers a relaxing and immersive journey through the heart of Kalimantan, starting in Palangkaraya and continuing with a 3D2N Rahai’i Pangun cruise along scenic rivers, where travelers experience close encounters with orangutans and explore traditional Dayak villages while enjoying the tranquil river atmosphere. After ending the cruise in Palangkaraya, the journey continues overland to Banjarmasin, a city famous for its vibrant river culture. Here, guests discover local life and wildlife through a dedicated river adventure before concluding the tour with departure from Banjarmasin, leaving lasting impressions of Borneo’s rich nature, culture, and river-based traditions.

Hotels

Palangkaraya

Swiss-Belhotel Danum Palangkaraya – Deluxe Room

Palangkaraya Cruise

Boat

Palangkaraya

Swiss-Belhotel Danum Palangkaraya – Deluxe Room

Banjarmasin

Swiss-Belhotel Borneo Banjarmasin – Deluxe Room

Highlights

Itinerary

Upon arrival at the Tjilik Riwut Airport, you will be picked up by your driver and/or guide and will be transferred to your hotel in Palangkaraya. This is a transfer only, no stops included.

Accommodations:Swiss-Belhotel Danum Palangkaraya - Deluxe Room (inclusive of breakfast)

Transport: Tjilik Riwut Airport - Swiss-Belhotel Danum Palangkaraya (transfer)
Distance: 20
Duration: 00:45
Car with local driver between the points mentioned above. This is a transfer only, no stops included.

Jungle river cruises start from Palangkaraya - Central Kalimantan. River cruises take you to view pre-release orangutan islands. Besides the Orangutan sightseeing, there is also time to visit Dayak villages on the route. Central Kalimantan is dominated by the Dayak people, the indigenous inhabitants of Borneo with their unique culture. The boat consists of: 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 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.

Cruises depart Saturdays (3-day cruises) and Tuesdays (3 and 4-day cruises) from Palangka Raya harbor at 8.30 am. The nearest airport is in Palangka Raya.

PALANGKA RAYA – PULAU KAJA - RAHAI’I PANGUN - TANJUNG PUSAKA (L,D)
We will meet you either on arrival at the airport or in your hotel lobby. At 7.30 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 harbor, we board the Rahai’i Pangun to start the cruise downstream to Tanjung Pusaka village. In the evening, we will explore the village to see the fishing activities, village cattle raising, and a demonstration of Pencak Silat, a 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.


NOTES:
- Please do not wear bright-colored clothing when viewing the orangutans. Professional cameras and other large-size cameras, such as SLRs, require special permits when photographing the orangutans.

- 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.
Airport and other transfers as indicated, cabin accommodation, English-speaking guide, meals and drinks during the cruise, donation, excursion as per itinerary.
Airfare, airport tax, porter, optional off boat tour, alcoholic and soda drinks on board.

What to bring

3D2N Rahai'I Pangun Relaxing Orangutan & Dayak Village Cruise (Formerly 2N River Cruise Start in Palangkaraya)
Sport Shoes, sunblock, extra clothes, camera, hat, personal equipment, etc.

TUMBANG NUSA – PURUN or GREY SEDGE WEAVING & VILLAGE VISIT (B,L,D)
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 continues the cruise downstream to Tumbang Nusa village. On arrival, we will have a walking tour of 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.


Airport and other transfers as indicated, cabin accommodation, English-speaking guide, meals and drinks during the cruise, donation, excursion as per itinerary.
Airfare, airport tax, porter, optional off boat tour, alcoholic and soda drinks on board.

What to bring

3D2N Rahai'I Pangun Relaxing Orangutan & Dayak Village Cruise (Formerly 2N River Cruise Start in Palangkaraya)
Sport Shoes, sunblock, extra clothes, camera, hat, personal equipment, etc.


PILANG - RATTAN WEAVING - DEPARTURE (B,L)
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 of 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. Check-out is 2 pm and vehicles will be waiting to transfer you to the airport or to your hotel of choice.

Accommodation: Swiss-Belhotel Danum Palangkaraya - Deluxe Room (inclusive of breakfast)

Transport: Airport and other transfers as indicated, cabin accommodation, English-speaking guide, meals and drinks during the cruise, donation, excursion as per itinerary.
Airfare, airport tax, porter, optional off boat tour, alcoholic and soda drinks on board.

What to bring

3D2N Rahai'I Pangun Relaxing Orangutan & Dayak Village Cruise (Formerly 2N River Cruise Start in Palangkaraya)
Sport Shoes, sunblock, extra clothes, camera, hat, personal equipment, etc.

Today you will leave Palangkaraya, you will be picked up by your driver and will be transferred to Banjarmasin. This is a transfer only, no stops included.

Accommodation: Swiss-Belhotel Borneo Banjarmasin - Deluxe Room (inclusive of breakfast)

Transport: Palangkaraya - Banjarmasin (transfer)
Car with local driver between the points mentioned above. This is a transfer only, no stops included.

Start your day early with a scenic journey by motorized boat to Lokbaintan Village, home to the vibrant and traditional floating market. Here, you'll witness local traders—mostly women in wooden canoes—selling fruits, vegetables, and other goods directly on the river, offering a rare glimpse into the daily life and culture of South Kalimantan. After experiencing this unique river-based commerce, return to your hotel for breakfast and enjoy some leisure time for relaxation or exploring the surroundings until the next part of the adventure.

In the afternoon, set off on an afternoon river cruise along the Barito River, heading toward Proboscis Monkey Island, a protected area home to the iconic long-nosed proboscis monkeys, endemic to Borneo. You'll also have a brief stop at a nearby riverside village to interact with locals and see traditional ways of life.
Finally, return to your hotel in the early evening, having experienced the rich cultural and natural beauty of Banjarmasin.

Accommodation: Swiss-Belhotel Borneo Banjarmasin - Deluxe Room (inclusive of breakfast)

Banjarmasin River Life & Wildlife Adventure

Transport: Motorized boat, English speaking guide.
Meals, Tipping, Other personal expenses.

Today you will leave Banjarmasin Hotel, you will be picked up by your driver and will be transferred to Airport. This is a transfer only, no stops included.

Transport: Banjarmasin Hotel - Syamsudin Noor Airport (transfer)

Car with local driver between the points mentioned above. This is a transfer only, no stops included.

Important notes/observations

  • Please note starting February 14, 2024, Bali will impose a retribution fee of IDR 150,000 or approximately USD/EUR 10 for every tourist. This fee, applicable to all visitors, is intended to enhance Bali’s tourism infrastructure. The government is in discussion to provide the following payment methods, including the Love Bali mobile app, payment at the airport, or payment upon arrival at accommodations; however, specific details are pending. The fee is a one-time charge, applicable upon entry or throughout the travel period, with a uniform rate for adults and children.

    Please note, in Indonesia and Malaysia, drivers are Indonesian/Malaysian speaking, and do only speak very limited English (a few words), thus, are not guides. Expect them to merely communicate the starting time, find a toilet stop, and stop on request, but nothing further. Of course, they will be happy to assist pax where possible, assist with luggage, and ensure they have a great and safe journey.

 

  • Guides are always available at a surcharge. A 24/7 assistance number with English speakers is always available to clients and mentioned on their documentation.
    Please note that triple rooms in Indonesia and Malaysia are not full triple rooms in most cases. An extra foldable bed or a mattress on the floor is common. If you would like to know the specifics for this trip per accommodation, please contact us.

 

  • Please kindly find a variety of notes and guidelines about your quotation/trip by clicking here. We strongly advise you to read this document. This includes information on key dates which may impact the trip, driving distances, and much more.

Included/Excluded