Borneo: Orangutan and The Dayak Longhouse
7 Days from
$3,950 USD
>Land Tour and Cruise
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If you're looking for a truly unique and immersive adventure, the combination of an Orangutan and Dayak Longhouse tour in Kalimantan, Borneo offers a perfect blend of wildlife exploration and cultural discovery. Start your journey by heading to the heart of Borneo’s rainforests, where you’ll have the rare opportunity to see orangutans in their natural habitat. Kalimantan is one of the last places on Earth where these incredible great apes can still be observed in the wild. You’ll visit rehabilitation centers and conservation areas, such as the Tanjung Puting National Park or the Mawas Reserve, where experts work tirelessly to protect and reintroduce orangutans to the wild. As you hike through lush jungles and cruise along the rivers, you may witness these gentle primates swinging through the trees, a sight that will undoubtedly leave you in awe. Following the wildlife experience, your journey will take you deeper into the culture of Borneo. A visit to a Dayak Longhouse offers a fascinating glimpse into the traditions and lifestyle of the indigenous Dayak people. These unique communal houses, often built high on stilts, are home to extended families, and inside, you’ll learn about their customs, ancient rituals, and arts. The Dayak are known for their rich heritage of intricate wood carvings, traditional tattoos, and vibrant ceremonies, many of which you’ll have the chance to witness firsthand.
You’ll experience local hospitality as you interact with the villagers, watch them perform traditional dances, and maybe even try your hand at some of their crafts. Depending on the season, you could also see rituals like the famous "Gawai Dayak," a harvest festival, or participate in cooking traditional dishes. This tour not only highlights the natural beauty and rich biodiversity of Borneo but also allows you to connect with the deep-rooted cultural traditions of its indigenous peoples. Whether you’re an animal lover, a culture enthusiast, or simply an adventurer looking for something different, the Orangutan and Dayak Longhouse tour offers an unforgettable experience that touches both the heart and the soul.
Highlights
Cruise on Jungle Waterways
Get close to Orangutan
Visit pristine rainforest in search of the amazing orangutan
Travel up jungle rivers to witness proboscis, ebony and grey macaque monkeys
WHAT TO EXPECT
You are embarking on an adventure to places and amongst people whose lives are very different from your own. Many aspects of life in Indonesia will seem unusual. Remember that these are often the same aspects that make an area an exotic and attractive destination. Whilst boat expeditions are considered easy, no trek is easy, even those rated "easy or moderate". In addition to the personal physical challenges you may face, travel conditions can present unexpected obstacles, such as rough and bumpy roads and changeable weather. To prepare for this "pack" a flexible and relaxed attitude. Bring a spirit of adventure and inquiry, a healthy sense of humour and a willingness to encounter the unexpected and you will find your trip to Indonesia the adventure of a lifetime!
DAY 1. PANGKALAN BUN – KUMAI – TANJUNG HARAPAN
Upon arrival at Pangkalan Bun Airport you will be picked up by our local staff and transfer you to the port of Kumai to board on the Wow Borneo boat. Each boat is a renovated traditional Klotok, or wooden river boat, measuring about 18m by 3m, with a comfortable upper deck where you can view the rain forest as it glides by. Delicious Asian fusion meals are eaten around the dining table on deck. The boat crew includes the boatman, a cook, assistant cook, and English speaking guide. En route to the Tanjung Puting National Park, we stop first at Tanjung Harapan, a rehabilitation center for orangutans. After a short walk in the forest to the platforms, we witness feeding time at 15.00. Later, in the peaceful late afternoon, we will slowly explore the quiet river to observe the proboscis monkeys and possibly fireflies in season among the nipa palms along the riverside. Dinner and overnight on the boat.
DAY 2. FOREST WALK – CAMP LEAKEY
After breakfast, the klotok slowly cruises up the river, spotting wildlife in the forested river sides. The klotok then turns off the muddy Sekonyer River as lunch is served. It slowly makes its way along the pure black waters of the side creek to access Camp Leakey. Dense vegetation is reflected perfectly in the tannin waters. Camp Leakey is where the older orangutans are reintroduced into the rainforest. On arrival, we take an easy forest walk to see the original research station and historical display and to see feeding time at 14.00pm. Overnight on board.
DAY 3. PONDOK TANGGUY - TANJUNG HARAPAN
During your early breakfast, the klotok cruises slowly downstream following the black water canal, spotting wildlife in the forested riversides and then turning into the muddy Sekonyer River. We are headed for Pondok Tangguy, the rehabiltiation centre for new ex-captive orangutans, to see feeding time at 9 o’clock.
In the afternoon we visit Tanjung Harapan rehabilitation centre, witness feeding time at 3pm and take the opportunity to hike further into the forest.
Overnight on the boat (B,L,D)
DAY 4. SEKONYER RIVER – TUMBANG MALAHOI LONGHOUSE
Enjoy breakfast on board. The boat slowly cruises along the Sekonyer River. This is the last opportunity for wildlife spotting along the mangrove riversides. We transfer to Kumai port then we will transfer you about 8 hours drive with comfortable car transfer direct to Tumbang Malahoi. Simple lunch on the way. On arrival, a welcome ceremony will be performed before settling into your room at the longhouse and resting. Later join the family of the longhouse for dinner. Gather after dinner to talk with the elders about the history of this longhouse and everyday life here, the culture and traditions.
[B/L/D] Simple accommodation in the Longhouse
DAY 5. JUNGLE WALK – MUSICAL PERFORMANCE
After breakfast, a local guide will take you trekking in the forest near the longhouse to see ironwood or rubber tree plantation areas. See how to take latex from the trees and listen to the Dayak agricultural philosophy. After lunch together at the longhouse with the family, visit a Kaharingan (the Dayak traditional religion) temple. Enjoy the evening with musical performance and dance. Learn some stories behind some particular dances and play traditional music instruments. [B/L/D] Simple accommodation in the Longhouse
DAY 6. PALANGKA RAYA – HOTEL CHECK IN
After breakfast, stroll around the village to see the bonehouses erected by families near their houses and learn more about the burial ceremonies. Many totem poles remain, particularly stunning are the hornbill poles, or ‘highways to Heaven’ for the departed souls. returning to the Longhouse, for a final meal. After this, we pack the bags and say goodbye to our hosts. On arrival in Palangka Raya, check into your hotel and enjoy a swim after the long road journey.
INCLUSIONS
All domestic airfares (20kgs is the maximum baggage allowance)
Accommodations througout (twin share basis). Single supplement available
Meals as noted in the intinerary (B,L,D)
Riverboats in both locations including safety equipment.
National park fees - all locations
Airport transfers and private cars
Experienced local guides (english speaking)
EXCLUSIONS
International airfares and any expenses due to flight delay or cancellations
Visas and visa fees
Travel Insurance
Personal expenses - alcohol, laundry, phone calls
Tipping
Excess baggage fee if over 20kgs