Wild Borneo: Sebangau National Park & the Katingan River

Your expedition begins this morning with an early transfer (approx 8am) from Palangka Raya to the village of Sei Gohong, where you'll board a traditional canoe for a visit to Pulau Kaja. Managed by the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation, this protected island is home to rehabilitated orangutans as they prepare for their return to the wild, offering an inspiring introduction to the region's important conservation work. Continuing overland to Pakahi, board your expedition vessel and settle in as your journey along the Katingan River begins. Enjoy lunch onboard while cruising downstream through one of Central Kalimantan's remote river systems before reaching a quiet overnight mooring near the entrance to Sebangau National Park. NB* Due to the unpredictability of flight schedules you are required to arrive in Palangkaraya the day before departure. Ask us about pre-tour accommodation options.

Meals:  L,D

This morning, cruise to the mouth of the Punggualas Canal, where traditional canoes await for the journey into Sebangau National Park. Travel quietly along the narrow canal before, conditions permitting, setting out on a guided walk through the forest with an experienced local guide. Sebangau is home to an extraordinary diversity of wildlife, including wild orangutans, proboscis monkeys and numerous bird species. As with any true expedition, wildlife encounters are never guaranteed, with each visit shaped by the conditions and the movements of the animals themselves. Returning to the vessel, enjoy lunch as you continue downstream along the Katingan River, passing dense rainforest and small riverside villages. Later, explore a beautiful blackwater lake system by local canoe, learning about the Katingan Mentaya Project and its forest rehabilitation and conservation initiatives while keeping watch for birds, proboscis monkeys and other wildlife along the waterways. Before returning to the vessel, gain an insight into traditional river life as local fishermen check their fish traps and visit the busy fish market. If available, there may even be the opportunity to purchase fresh giant river prawns for dinner. This evening, the vessel anchors in a quiet location for the night.

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning, continue downstream along the Katingan River, passing dense rainforest and small riverside communities before arriving at the village of Tampelas, the southernmost destination of your expedition. Receive a warm welcome from the local community before joining a guided walk through the village, offering an insight into everyday life in this remote part of Central Kalimantan. Returning to the riverside jetty, enjoy a traditional dance performance presented by the village children. Later this afternoon, board local canoes for a peaceful excursion across Danau Burung Lake as the sun begins to set. Surrounded by the sights and sounds of the rainforest, this tranquil setting offers another opportunity to observe birdlife and other wildlife, although, as with every expedition, sightings can never be guaranteed. Return to the vessel for another relaxing evening anchored on the Katingan River.

Meals:  B,L,D

Begin the day with an early morning canoe excursion along the Nusa River, a peaceful waterway where there may be opportunities to observe birdlife and gain an insight into local river traditions, including freshwater prawn harvesting. After breakfast, return to Tampelas Village to visit the local school and learn about the community's solar-powered fish farming project. Before departing, enjoy a farewell lunch prepared by the villagers, featuring local dishes and regional flavours. This afternoon, cruise upstream towards Sebangau National Park. After dinner, set out by canoe on a night excursion through the waterways, where your guide will search for some of the forest's nocturnal wildlife before returning to the vessel for the evening.

Meals:  B,L,D

Rise early for a final birdwatching excursion in Sebangau National Park, when the forest is at its most active. Returning to the vessel, continue cruising to the riverside village of Jahanjang, where there is time to stretch your legs on a guided walk and meet members of the local community. Enjoy a final lunch onboard as the vessel completes the last stretch of the journey to Pakahi. From here, transfer by road to Palangka Raya, where your expedition concludes at approximately 5.00pm at either the airport or your hotel, bringing your Central Kalimantan river expedition to a close.

Meals:  B,L