Borneo: Orangutans & Dayak Heritage of the Kahayan River

Your adventure begins this morning with a transfer from Palangka Raya to the riverside village of Sei Gohong, gateway to the upper Kahayan River. Before boarding your expedition vessel, travel by traditional canoe to Pulau Kaja, a protected island sanctuary managed by the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation. Here, you'll have the opportunity to observe rehabilitated orangutans living in a natural forest environment while learning about the vital conservation work helping prepare them for life in the wild. Returning to Palangka Raya, enjoy a lunch showcasing local Dayak cuisine before continuing to the nearby villages of Bukit Rawi and Sigi. A traditional Dayak welcome offers an introduction to the region's rich cultural heritage, with the opportunity to view beautifully decorated sandung—ornate ancestral ossuaries unique to the Dayak people. Later this afternoon, board your comfortable river vessel and settle into your cabin as your cruise begins. As the boat glides downstream through the peaceful waters of the Kahayan River, enjoy dinner onboard before spending your first night anchored in the tranquillity of the Bornean rainforest. NB* Due to the unpredictability of flight schedules we highly recommend arriving in Palangkaraya the day before departure. Ask us about pre-tour accommodation options.

Meals:  L,D

Rise early to explore the tranquil blackwater waters of Lake Bagantung by motorised canoe. Surrounded by peat swamp forest, this unique wetland ecosystem supports an abundance of birdlife and provides a fascinating insight into the traditional fishing practices that continue to sustain local communities. Back aboard the vessel, cruise to the Dayak village of Tumbang Nusa, where generations of residents have relied on the surrounding wetlands for their livelihoods. Meet local artisans producing intricate woven handicrafts from purun sedge, visit a community honey farm and discover how locally caught fish are transformed into traditional products enjoyed throughout the region. This afternoon, continue downstream along the Kahayan River, passing the forested islands of Selat and Badak. Managed by the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation, these protected islands provide a safe habitat for rehabilitated orangutans, and there may be opportunities to spot them among the riverside forest as you cruise past. This evening, the vessel anchors in a peaceful location surrounded by the rainforest.

Meals:  B,L,D

Wake to another peaceful morning on the Kahayan River as the vessel continues to the Dayak village of Pilang. Join a guided walk through the community, learning about traditional medicinal plants and the natural resources that have long sustained village life. A warm Dayak welcome offers the chance to experience local hospitality while enjoying freshly prepared tea, coffee and traditional cakes accompanied by a performance of kacapi, a distinctive two-stringed musical instrument. You'll also have the opportunity to watch skilled artisans weaving rattan by hand, with locally crafted souvenirs available to purchase. After lunch onboard, begin cruising back upstream, once again passing the protected orangutan islands where there may be another opportunity to observe these remarkable primates in their forest habitat. Later, visit the riverside village of Tanjung Pusaka to experience a traditional cultural performance and learn about rubber tapping, an important livelihood that has supported communities along the Kahayan River for generations. This evening, return to the vessel and enjoy dinner as the boat anchors in a quiet riverside location for your final night aboard.

Meals:  B,L,D

Enjoy a final morning on the Kahayan River as the vessel cruises upstream to the village of Bereng Bengkel. Visit a local canoe workshop to see the traditional craftsmanship that has supported river communities for generations, before exploring nearby vegetable gardens that continue to play an important role in village life. Returning to the vessel, settle in for your final cruise along the Kahayan River as lunch is served onboard. Arriving back in Palangka Raya during the afternoon, it's time to farewell the crew and your fellow travellers before transferring to the airport or your hotel, bringing your Central Kalimantan river expedition to a close.

Meals:  B,L