Borneo: Orangutans & Dayak Heritage of the Kahayan River

Your expedition begins with an 8.30 am transfer from your hotel to the village of Sei Gohong. From here, board a traditional canoe for the short journey to Pulau Kaja, an island sanctuary managed by the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation, where rehabilitated orangutans can be observed in a natural environment. Returning to Palangka Raya, enjoy lunch at a local Dayak grilled fish restaurant before continuing to the villages of Bukit Rawi and Sigi. Here, receive a traditional Dayak welcome and admire the beautifully painted sandungs, the distinctive memorial houses that form an important part of Dayak cultural heritage. Later, transfer to your expedition vessel and settle into your cabin. Dinner is served onboard as the vessel begins cruising downstream, before mooring in a peaceful location for your first night on the river. NB* Due to the unpredictability of flight schedules you are required to arrive in Palangka Raya the day before departure. Ask us about pre-tour accommodation options.

Meals:  L,D

Start the day with an early morning excursion by motorised canoe across the blackwater of Lake Bagantung, where you'll explore the unique peat swamp ecosystem and observe local fishing activities. Continue to the village of Tumbang Nusa to discover traditional Dayak livelihoods. Visit local artisans weaving baskets and handicrafts from purun sedge, learn about honey production, and see how locally caught fish are transformed into floss and crackers using traditional methods. Back onboard, continue cruising downstream past the forested Selat and Badak Islands, managed by the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation. There may be opportunities to spot orangutans among the lush riverside vegetation before the vessel moors in a secluded location for the evening.

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning, continue downstream to the village of Pilang, where a guided walk offers an insight into daily life within the community. Along the way, your guide will introduce some of the medicinal plants used by the Dayak people, along with other traditional livelihoods that remain an important part of village life. At a local home, receive a traditional Tampung Tawar Dayak welcome before enjoying tea, coffee and local cakes, including apam and untuk-untuk. As you relax, enjoy a performance of the kacapi, a traditional two-stringed instrument, and watch local women demonstrate the intricate art of rattan weaving. There will also be an opportunity to purchase handcrafted woven products directly from the village. Return to the vessel for lunch before cruising upstream, passing the orangutan islands for another opportunity to observe these remarkable primates in their natural environment. Later, arrive at the village of Tanjung Pusaka to enjoy a traditional cultural performance and learn about the local practice of rubber tapping. The vessel moors in a peaceful location for your final evening on the river.

Meals:  B,L,D

Rise early as the vessel begins cruising upstream to the village of Bereng Bengkel. Visit a traditional canoe building site and the village vegetable farms, gaining a final insight into local life along the Kahayan River. Farewell the community before returning to the vessel for the final cruise to Palangka Raya. Enjoy lunch onboard as the journey comes to an end, arriving at the port at approximately 4.00 pm. On arrival, transfer to either Palangka Raya Airport or your hotel.

Meals:  B,L