Sebangau National Park cruise is an unforgettable adventure into one of Indonesia's most unique and biodiverse ecosystems. Located in Central Kalimantan, Borneo, Sebangau is home to vast peat swamp forests and a rich variety of wildlife. The park is a haven for nature lovers, offering an incredible opportunity to explore the jungle via boat along its winding rivers and canals. As you cruise through the Sebangau River, you’ll be surrounded by lush greenery, towering trees, and the sounds of wildlife echoing through the forest. Keep an eye out for rare species, such as the endangered Bornean orangutans, proboscis monkeys, and the various bird species that call the park home. The cruise allows you to venture into the heart of the park, with the waterway acting as a natural passage through this remote and pristine landscape.
The experience is not just about wildlife sightings, but also immersing yourself in the serenity of the park’s natural beauty. The slow, peaceful ride along the river gives you time to appreciate the tranquil surroundings and the incredible biodiversity of the region. Sebangau National Park cruise also offers a deeper understanding of the importance of the park in protecting the peat swamp forest ecosystem. The Sebangau River itself is crucial for sustaining the local environment, playing a key role in both the park's biodiversity and the local communities that depend on its resources. For eco-tourists and adventure seekers alike, the Sebangau National Park cruise is a must-do experience, providing not only incredible views and wildlife encounters but also the chance to contribute to conservation efforts and raise awareness about the fragility of this unique habitat.
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!
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
DAY 1. ORANGUTANS ON THE RUNGAN RIVER – BAUN BANGO
Starting this trip, we pick you up from the airport or your hotel in our air-conditioned private charter car. From here we travel to Sei Gohong and board a simple local canoe to see the beautiful orangutan islands, home to rehabilitated orangutans before their release into the wild operated by Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation (BOSF). We watch from a distance that will not disturb this process as they adapt to the natural forest environment of the island. After observing orangutans in their island habitat, we then transfer to BOS’s nearby Education Centre in Nyaru Menteng for more information on their activities. Lunch in a local Dayak grilled river fish restaurant.
Returning to the car, we continue our trip to Baun Bango on the Katingan River (2 hours). Here we board the Spirit of Kalimantan for a welcome drink and snack as the boat heads downstream to find a quiet mooring on the river.
Dinner and overnight on board the Spirit of Kalimantan.
Itinerary
DAY 2. LAKE JELAMPANGEN – JAHANJANG
Early morning, we board local canoes for a trip to the vast peat water Lake Jelampangen. Entering along narrow canals used by fishermen. Watch out for birdlife.
Mid-afternoon, we visit the tiny village of Jahanjang and stroll along the walkways to meet the people and learn about their livelihoods, including cattle farming, which is improving village incomes. We then take the opportunity to walk to the beautiful calm Lake Bulat behind the village to watch the sunset reflected in the mirror waters. After a snack there, we return to the boat for dinner and overnight.
DAY 3. SEBANGAU NATIONAL PARK
Today we continue downstream to the mouth of the small tributary, Punggualas River, the beginning of our forest adventure. Early morning, we transfer to small canoes to travel the narrow river course to reach the park information and research site managed by the National Parks Authority. Explore the camp, meet the ranger, and talk briefly about the camp’s activities. Venture along the boardwalks adjacent to the centre, walking deep into the dense forest, keeping an ear and eye out for wildlife, for orangutans, proboscis monkeys or macaques. Return to the boat for lunch.
In the cool afternoon, we set off for a short forest trek to track wild orangutans and later to spot night wildlife as we return to the boat for dinner and overnight. Note that this is a challenging trek through wet and uneven peat swamp forests to follow and spot wild orangutans, which we cannot guarantee. You may also see the rare clouded leopard or hear gibbon songs.
Optional dinner and overnight in the forest cabin or onboard the Spirit of Kalimantan. [B/L/D]
DAY 4. TELAGA
The boat continues the journey downstream and we stop at villages to see their traditional fishing industry. Lunch is served as we cruise. Keep an eye for the iconic hornbills crossing the river. Reaching the larger village of Telaga, we walk around with a local guide to meet the people to see traditional livelihood activities. Buy some locally fished giant prawns or other available fish and the cook will prepare them for dinner!
Return to the boat which will move down river to find a quiet location near Klaru River to enjoy the sunset and moor overnight. Overnight onboard. [B/L/D]
DAY 5. KLARU RIVER - JAHANJANG – PALANGKA RAYA
Wake with the dawn for a stunning wildlife experience as we board village canoes to explore the black water Klaru River. Within RMU’s Katingan Project forest rehabilitation area, we learn more about their REDD+ project.
We make our way upstream to a site to watch birds, proboscis monkeys and a variety of other wildlife and walk along the boardwalks into the forest for further opportunities to see wildlife. After this experience, we return to the boat for the 4-hour cruise upstream to Jahanjang for transfer to cars for the return trip to Palangka Raya (approx 3.5 hours by road).[B/L] TOUR ENDS
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