Begin your Indonesian adventure in Kalimantan as you sail the rainforest waterways, cruising by tiny villages and jungle islands. Amidst the dense jungle foliage look for orangutan, proboscis monkeys and tropical birds as well as stopping in local fishing villages to learn the traditions of the people.
After a stopover in Bali you’ll board your next vessel – a handcrafted pinisi, for your epic voyage amongst the remote islands of Indonesia. Take a walk on Komodo Island where you can view the fearsome Komodo Dragons. Snorkel in some of the world’s most beautiful reefs alongside sea turtles and whale sharks. Guided by your dedicated local crew, each day will bring unforgettable island and underwater adventures.
Why book this trip?
Search for Wild Orangutans: Cruise on a traditional riverboat through Kalimantan and look out for orangutans living free in their natural rainforest habitat.
Authentic Local Experiences: As many of the villages you will visit can only be reached by boat you’ll get a glimpse of real village life, learning their customs and crafts.
Komodo Dragons: Observe the world’s largest lizard on the island of Komodo, these huge reptiles are only found in southeastern Indonesia.
Unforgettable Marine Adventures: Snorkel colourful reefs off untouched paradise islands. Swim with turtles, tropical fish, rays and sharks.
Day 1, Palangkaraya – Pulau Kaja – Bukit Rawi
We recommend you arrive into Palangkaraya the night before – you can fly from Bali or Jakarta. You’ll be met in your hotel and transferred to Sei Gohong village where you’ll board small local canoes to search for orangutan on the forested island of Pulau Kaja. You’ll return to Palangkayraya where you’ll boat your river vessel. After lunch you’ll travel to Bukit Rawi and Sigi for a Dayak welcome and a history tour, before mooring for the evening.
Accommodation: Rahai’i Pangun
Wildlife in Indonesia
Indonesian Wildlife
Indonesia has some of the highest levels of biodiversity and endemicity in the world, due to its distribution over a vast and sprawling archipelago.
In the early morning mist head out on motorized canoes to explore Lake Bagantung, a unique blackwater peatland swamp where you can spot birds, wildlife, and local fishing activities. In Pusaka village, try the local self-defense or shadow boxing exercise. Then, return to the boat and continue downstream to Tumbang Nusa village. The boat will pass the forested Selat and Badak Islands, where orangutan sightings may be possible.
Accommodation: Rahai’i Pangun
Orangutans
There are just three orangutan species left in the wild, the Bornean, Sumatran and Tapanuli. This "person of the forest" is the largest arboreal mammal and the only great ape in existence in Asia. With long arms that may reach two metres in length, shaggy reddish-brown fur and grasping hands and feet, the orangutan swings slowly through the tree canopy of Borneo. When night approaches they make nests of vegetation to sleep in and occasionally smaller ones during the day to rest.
Your journey will continue downstream to Pilang village, where you’ll walk through the nearby forest to observe rubber tapping (Mamantat) and rattan harvesting (Manetes). Your guide will point out medicinal plants before a village tour to see traditional crafts and rattan weaving. Enjoy tea, coffee, and Dayak cakes while watching a Kacapi performance. By midday, you’ll return to the boat for lunch continue to cruise down the river.
Accommodation: Rahai’i Pangun
Whales
Encounters with the Ocean’s Giants
One of the most memorable experiences, catching eye-contact always brings a sense of understanding between the two species, creating a connection and memory that will last long after your encounter ends.
In the early morning you’ll visit the villages of Pusaka followed by Tundai – where you’ll float on the blackwater lake learning about the unique fishing practices of this village. In the late morning you’ll disembark the Rahai’i Pangun and be transferred to the airport for your flight to Bali.
Accommodation: Hilton Garden Inn
The Best Place to See a Wild Orangutan
Seeing orangutans in the wild is one of the most magical experiences in Borneo. Find out where the best place is to see orangutans in the wild in Borneo and Sabah.
This morning you’ll fly onwards to Labuan Bajo where you’ll meet your tour leader and be transferred to your ship. You’ll settle into your cabin and take your first underwater snorkelling adventure. You’ll have the chance to observe the world’s largest lizard, the impressive Komodo Dragon. Komodo Island also has some exceptional coral reefs, and this spot is favoured by sea turtles so this is a great chance to swim with these gentle creatures.
Accommodation : Ombak Putih
Days 7-8, Exploring Beaches & Volcanoes
Discover the uninhabited island with a pink beach, swim, paddle board and snorkel above the spectacular red-hued coral reef. Watch as an active volcano creates bubbles on the sea floor and later explore the crater.
Accommodation : Ombak Putih
Days 9-10, Swimming with Whale Sharks & Moyo Island
This is your chance to swim with the giants of the sea! There are of course no guarantees, but the whale sharks have learned that leftovers are readily available near the fisherman’s platforms, so can often be found in the area. On Moyo Island take a refreshing dip in the aquamarine waters of the Jitu Waterfall.
Accommodation : Ombak Putih
Days 11-12-13, Island Exploration,Traditional Dancing & Disembarkation
Encounter another active volcano and visit a small village. You’ll visit Komodo National Park, this time to learn about the coral restoration program. For your final night on your elegant boat, you’ll enjoy a BBQ beneath the stars. At Melo Village you’ll witness a traditional Caci dance, you’ll enjoy a final lunch on the ship before you disembark and head to the airport to catch your international flight home.
Accommodation : Ombak Putih
Where to go in Indonesia
Where to go in Indonesia
A sprawling archipelago with more than 17,000 islands, 300 ethnicities and countless idyllic landscapes, Indonesia is increasingly ever-intriguing to explore
A traditional Kalimantan river boat converted into a orangutan cruising vessel. It has just four simple guest cabins with a capacity of eight passengers. The boat features a spacious upper deck and terrace for searching the surrounding riverside branches for wildlife.
Hilton Garden Inn
Ideally located close to the airport perfect for early flights but also within easy reach of Kuta Beach and the Beachwalk shopping Centre. Relax by the landscaped pool or enjoy some Indonesian cuisine at the Garden Grille. Enjoy a restful night’s sleep in a Perfect Sleeper bed.
Ombak Putih
This handcrafted vessel is a UNESCO listed pinsi - a traditional Indonesian vessel that has been transformed into a comfortable island cruiser. With just 12 cabins, a large salon, two decks there is plenty of room to relax and enjoy the scenery. The ship is equipped with snorkeling and fishing gear, paddle boards and kayaks for all your Indonesian adventures.
