Highlights
Wonderful rich and varied birding!
Lots of very special and unique birds and wildlife, including astounding mammals, from Orangutans to Proboscis Monkeys
Excellent reserves and birding areas at National Park, lowland rainforests, and along marvelous rivers
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable birding journey through the heart of Borneo, exploring the rich avian diversity from South Kalimantan to Central Kalimantan. This tour will take you deep into the tropical rainforests, wetlands, and river systems that make this region a prime destination for bird enthusiasts.
Starting in South Kalimantan, you'll explore lush forest reserves and expansive peat swamps that provide a home to a variety of rare and endemic species. Here, you might spot the critically endangered Bornean Ground Cuckoo, the elusive White-crowned Shama, or the striking Black-winged Starling. South Kalimantan is also home to the vibrant Proboscis Monkey, which can often be seen alongside exotic bird species.
As you travel northward to Central Kalimantan, you’ll encounter even more remote and pristine habitats. This area is known for its vast tropical rainforests and the unique wetlands of the Tanjung Puting National Park, which is famous for its Orangutan sanctuaries. The region is rich in bird species like the Bornean Pitta, Storm’s Stork, and Rufous-crowned Babbler. The Central Kalimantan Rainforest, with its unique flora and fauna, offers excellent opportunities to catch sight of both migratory and endemic species.
The tour will also include scenic boat trips along rivers and lakes, where birdwatchers can enjoy sightings of waterfowl like Kingfishers, Herons, and Ibis while taking in the breathtaking landscape of Borneo’s rainforests. With each stop, you'll gain insights into the local conservation efforts and the importance of protecting these critical habitats for the future of the region’s birdlife.
This tour promises an unparalleled adventure through one of the world’s most biodiverse regions, where every moment spent in nature offers the thrill of discovering new species and appreciating the beauty of Kalimantan’s wildlife. Whether you're a seasoned birdwatcher or a beginner, this experience will immerse you in the splendor of Borneo’s natural treasures.
Included
Ground transportation
All meals and accommodation
Cruise boat
EET guide plus a local guide with 4 - 8 participants
All park, conservation and entrance fees
Gratuities to local guides and drivers
Excluded
Flights to and from start/end location
Travel Insurance
Items of a personal nature
Alcoholic beverages
What to Expect
Food
We usually have early breakfasts and some before-breakfast birding since it is best to begin birding at daybreak. Some lunches will be picnic style to maximize our time in the field. In the evenings, we eat at the hotel or lodge where we are staying and review the list of birds and other wildlife that we have encountered, as well as discuss the following day’s activities.
Accommodation
During the tour we stay in moderate to excellent accommodation.
Walking
Walking conditions will be generally easy to moderate. Time permitting, there may be an optional steeper walk to higher altitudes on the Mount Kinabalu trail for the friendly warbler. Trails anywhere may be muddy depending on how recently it has rained.
Boat trips
We will take boat trips along the Kinabatangan River.
Climate
Be prepared for hot, humid and sunny weather at low altitudes, with showers in the afternoon. It is recommended to take a light rain-jacket or poncho, although we try to avoid birding in any rain worse than a light drizzle. It will likely be cool at higher elevations on Mount Kinabalu.
Bring mosquito repellent or mosquito-proof clothing because bugs can be a problem, especially at low elevations in moist humid conditions. Leeches can be a nuisance, but can usually be deterred with insect repellant. You will need to bring a hat and sunblock, especially on the boat trips on the Kinabatangan River.
DAY 1. Arrival - Loksado
Arrival at Syamsudinor airport, directly drive 4 hrs to Loksado village. Spend the night at the resort. (L,D)
5 DAYS MARATUA ISLAND PARADISE
Day 01: BERAU, MARATUA ISLAND (--D)
Upon arrival at Tanjung Redep airport, meeting service and transfer to harbor to boarding a boat and cross the Sulawesi Sea to Maratua Island. Check in at Resort, afternoon possibility for snorkeling the sea in front of the resort or chilling the white palm beach and enjoy the blue lagoon sea scenery. Dinner at resort
Day 02: MARATUA (BLD)
Breakfast at Resort, free at own leisure from this paradise destination at the sea side your can enjoy scanery of the white palm beaches and blue lagoon sea, possibility for snorkeling the coral reefs in front of the resort or soaking the swimming pool, kayaking the salt lake near the resort, or cycling the mangrove forest or Bajau fishermen’s villages at the island, dinner and overnight at Maratua Island Resort.
Day 03: MARATUA ISLAND, KAKABAN, SANGALAKI ISLANDS (BLD)
Breakfast at Resort, by speed boat to Kakaban Island known of its mangrove fringed yelly fish lake, surrounded by green mangrove forest. For Divers, The Dive points around the islands as the barracuda Point has sharks, leopards fish, tunas, snappers and offcourse large schools of barracudas, the Blue Cave point is a cave of about 120 meters long with at the end a Blue sea light, and is only for the experienced divers. From the Dive points the Gorganian Forest view is amazing. Continue to Sangalaki Island which is called the Capital of The Mantas Rays, many kinds of exotic fish could be seen in this area like the Mantas, Napoleons, purple sea horses, tunitates, dwarf scorpion fishes, and not to forget the Coral Sea Garden which is still in tact. In the night we could explore the Turtle bay. Dinner and overnight at Sangalaki Resort.
Day 04: SANGALAKI, WHALE SHARK, DERAWAN (BLD)
Early breakfast, by speedboat to the whale shark point, where you can swim with the giant tame sharks, continue to Derawan, free at own leisure, dinner at local restaurant, overnight at Lodge or Resort
Day 05: DERAWAN, BERAU (B--)
After breakfast free at own leisure start our trip cross the sea by boat to Berau for your flight to your next destination.
Rate : IDR 12.800.000 per pax minimum 2 pax Rp 25.600.000
Tour Rate Include:
Berau Transfer to Maratua Island, surrounding the Islands Maratua, Kakaban and Sangalaki, visit whale shark point, transfer to Derawan island transfer to Berau
Accommodation 2 Nights at Maratua lodge / Resort, 1 Night at Sangalaki Resort, 1 Night at Derawan Resort / Lodge
Meals (BLD) Drinks (Aqua, Tea, Coffee)
English Speaking Guide
Entrance fees, parking fees, donations
Tour Rate Exclude :
Airfares
Insurance
Soft & Alcoholic drinks
Personal expenses
Everything which is not mentioned in the trip itinerary