Orangutan Cruise Tanjung Puting and Sebangau National Park
9 Days from
$4,950 USD
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The Orangutan Cruises in Sebangau and Tanjung Puting National Parks in Indonesia offer travelers an immersive way to explore the rainforest and spot orangutans in their natural habitats. Both parks are rich in biodiversity and provide a unique opportunity for wildlife enthusiasts to experience the beauty of Indonesian ecosystems while supporting conservation efforts for the endangered orangutans. We start our journey from Sebangau National Park.
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. The boats have 3 air conditioned ensuite cabins below deck. Your cabin is fully equipped with sheets, towels and toiletries. 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 – KUMAI – PANGKALAN BUN AIRPORT
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 to Katingan river. 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.
DAY 5. SEBANGAU NATIONAL PARK – TELAGA KLARU RIVER
The Spirit of Kalimantan cruises to Punggualas, where canoes are waiting to make the transfer into the National Park. Make sure you wear your walking shoes and bring mosquito repellent. We take a 40 minutes canoe ride along the canal into the dense forest. Alighting, we then make a short trek deeper into the forest with an experienced guide to spot some of the wildlife that makes this forest home. Observations of orangutans, sun bears, wild boar or clouded leopard are possible but cannot be guaranteed. After the exertion of trekking through the Sebangau Forest, we make the short return canoe trip to the Spirit of Kalimantan for a cool drink. As a delicious lunch is served, the boat cruises downstream 2 to 3 hours along the wide muddy river with forested riversides and passing tiny, subsistence villages, to our southernmost destination – the nearby Klaru River. At the river mouth, we are joined by some local canoes to explore this beautiful black water lake system. We pass RMU’s Katingan Mentaya Project forest rehabilitation area, and learn more about their REDD+ project as we quietly cruise upstream to a site to watch birds, proboscis monkeys and a variety of other wildlife. Marvel at the reflections here, especially during the rainy season.
DAY 6. TELAGA VILLAGE – TAMPELAS LAKE
After breakfast this morning, we will explore the village of Telaga. Here we take a walk through this isolated and surprisingly busy outpost. Learn how they survive with such a simple lifestyle and visit their busy fish market. Buy some of their giant river prawns for Lunch (if there are any available). Return to the boat, Enjoy your lunch on board as we make the 2 hour cruise to Tampelas, where we visit the tiny village of Tampelas and stroll along the walkways to meet the people and learn about their livelihoods, including fish farming, which is improving village incomes. We then take the opportunity to walk to the beautiful calm Lake Tampelas 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. [B/L/D]
DAY 7. TAMPELAS -PAKAHI– PALANGKA RAYA
Wake with the dawn for a stunning wildlife experience as we cruise 4 hours upstream to Pakahi for transfer to cars for the return trip to Palangka Raya. [B/L]
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
DAY 8. FLIGHT PALANGKA RAYA - JAKARTA
Today you will transferred to the aiport for your flights home or onward travel (B) TOUR ENDS