Orangutan Cruise and Longhouse | BORNEOTREK ECO TOUR

Borneo: Orangutan and The Dayak Longhouse

7 Days from

$2,950 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.

Tour overview

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.

Itinerary

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.

Includes :

Transfer from and to the airport or hotels at start and end of the tour, all other transport, accommodation and activities as indicated on the itinerary, all meals during the trip, and English speaking and local guides.

Excludes :

Airfare, airport tax, alcoholic and soda beverages, optional tours, personal insurance

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What to Expect

Overview

The Borneo tour is a moderately paced tour. We usually start the day with an early morning, before-breakfast walk, as it is best to begin birding at daybreak in the tropic. The days are 12 hours long so dawn and dusk are around 6am and 6pm respectively. There is a lull in bird activity in the afternoon, and midday breaks are usually scheduled.

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.

Featured Wildlife

While we cannot guarantee sightings of the birds or mammals listed below, we believe that encountering these species is quite likely during this tour.