Katingan River & Sebangau National Park - Borneo River Cruise
The Katingan River and Sebangau National Park represent Central Kalimantan’s wildest frontier. Here, over 6,000 wild orangutans inhabit one of the planet’s most pristine peat swamp ecosystems—a landscape of blackwater rivers, ancient forests, and extraordinary biodiversity. Unlike rehabilitation sites, these orangutans are completely wild, offering authentic encounters in their natural habitat. Trek through dense jungle to hidden blackwater lakes, explore WWF conservation projects, and experience the profound silence of forests untouched by mass tourism. This is Borneo as few ever see it.
5-day cruise option is available. Please contact us for more information.
Highlights
• Wild Orangutan Encounters - Sebangau National Park harbors over 6,000 completely wild orangutans—the world’s largest lowland population. Watch them build day nests in the canopy, forage naturally, and move freely through pristine peat swamp forest with zero habituation to humans. This is authentic wilderness.
• Blackwater Lake Exploration - Paddle across the haunting beauty of Klaru Lake, a rare natural lake hidden deep in Central Kalimantan’s forests. Its tea-dark waters create perfect mirror reflections of ancient trees, while wild orangutans move overhead and proboscis monkeys leap between branches.
• Conservation in Action - Visit BOS Foundation’s Pulau Kaja rehabilitation island and learn about WWF’s groundbreaking REDD+ projects protecting this pristine ecosystem. Witness how local communities and international organizations work together to preserve one of Earth’s most critical carbon-storing forests.
Your journey begins with a transfer at 8:00 am from your hotel or the airport in our air-conditioned car. From here we travel to Sei Gohong village and board a simple local canoe to see the beautiful orangutan island, home to rehabilitated orangutans before their release into the wild. The island is managed by the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation or BOSF. We travel by road 3 hours to Pakahi to board the Spirit of Kalimantan for a welcome drink and lunch as the boat heads downstream to find a quiet mooring for the night near the Sebangau National Park entrance. (L/D)
Early morning, the Spirit of Kalimantan cruises to the mouth of the Punggualas Canal, where canoes are waiting to make the transfer into the National Park. Make sure you wear your walking shoes and long sleeves, and bring mosquito repellent. We take a 40-minute canoe ride along the canal into the dense forest. Alighting, if conditions permit, 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, various monkey species and proboscis 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 for 2 to 3 hours along the wide muddy river with forested riversides and passing tiny, subsistence villages, the village of Telaga. Here 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.
The boatman will check his fish traps. Learn how they survive with such a simple lifestyle and visit their busy fish market. Buy some of their giant river prawns for dinner (if there are any available). Return to the boat, which will find a quiet mooring place for the night. (B/L/D)
Early in the morning, the boat cruises downstream for 2 hours along the wide muddy river with densely forested riversides, passing tiny, subsistence villages, to our southernmost destination – Tampelas. On arrival, receive a warm welcome from the villagers. Walk around the village and meet the people. We then walk back to the jetty for a dance presentation from the village children. Late afternoon we joined the local canoes to Danau Burung Lake to enjoy the sunset. Return to the boat for the night. (B/L/D)
Early in the morning, we join canoes for a magical ride to the nearby Nusa River for a special bird-watching experience. Marvel at the reflections here, especially during the rainy season. Stop along the way to see how prawns are harvested from the river, and to see various other bird habitats.
On return to the boat for late breakfast, we walk to the school along the village boardwalks and then stop at the solar fish farming project. Back to the jetty, we share a delicious lunch ‘from the forest and river’ with the villagers, until it’s time to say farewell and return on board for dinner and, for the cruise upstream to the Pungualas River for another visit to the Sebangau National Park, but in the meantime, relax and enjoy lunch and the cruise. Late afternoon, get set to experience an amazing nighttime canoe expedition. Paddle upstream to spot the night denizens of the dense forest. Return to the boat for sleep. (B/L/D)
(NOTE: 4-day cruise finish after lunch. Enjoy your last lunch on board while cruise upstream to Pakahi Port. Your car awaits to transfer you to Palangka Raya (3 hours) arriving at approx 5pm.
Very early morning we have a bird watching experience in the Sebangau Park. We then cruise to the village of Jahanjang for a walk and to meet the people there. Return to the boat for your final lunch onboard. Return to the boat and enjoy your last lunch on board as we make the final short cruise. On arrival in Pakahi, transfer to Palangka Raya by car (3 hours) arriving at 5pm). (B/L)
Itineraries are subject to change.
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WOW Borneo's intimate fleet of traditional riverboats offers an authentic way to explore the rainforests and waterways of Kalimantan. Blending locally crafted heritage with modern comforts, each small vessel features air-conditioned cabins, welcoming open-air spaces, and experienced local crews, providing immersive wildlife encounters, cultural experiences, and environmentally responsible journeys through some of Borneo’s most remote and biodiverse landscapes.
The Spirit of Kalimantan
The Spirit of Kalimantan is an elegant four-cabin river cruiser designed to combine authentic Bornean character with modern comfort. Ideal for exploring the remote waterways of Central Kalimantan, the vessel features spacious air-conditioned ensuite cabins, a fully screened saloon, open-air viewing decks, and a rooftop observation area for panoramic jungle views. Thoughtfully designed for relaxation and discovery, it offers a comfortable base for immersive wildlife encounters, cultural experiences, and scenic cruising through some of Borneo's most untouched landscapes.
Rahai’i Pangun
Rahai’i Pangun is a beautifully restored heritage riverboat that combines the charm of traditional Bornean craftsmanship with modern comfort. Once a working cargo and passenger vessel, it has been transformed into an intimate eco-cruiser featuring four comfortable air-conditioned cabins, inviting indoor and outdoor living spaces, and a spacious upper viewing deck. Designed for relaxed exploration, the vessel offers an authentic way to discover Central Kalimantan's rivers, wildlife, and local culture while enjoying thoughtful amenities and a warm onboard atmosphere.
Kumai
Kumai is an intimate eco-cruiser that blends traditional Bornean boatbuilding with modern sustainable design. Originally a high-prowed fishing boat, it has been beautifully transformed into a comfortable six-guest vessel featuring solar-powered systems, three air-conditioned ensuite cabins, and inviting outdoor living spaces. Ideal for exploring the rivers and rainforests of Central Kalimantan, Kumai offers a relaxed and environmentally conscious way to experience Borneo's remarkable wildlife, pristine waterways, and rich natural beauty.
The Spirit of Lamandau
The Spirit of Lamandau is a modern river cruiser designed to deliver an intimate and comfortable journey through the waterways of Central Kalimantan. Accommodating just a small number of guests, the vessel features spacious air-conditioned ensuite cabins, inviting communal lounges, expansive viewing decks, and solar-powered systems for environmentally responsible cruising. Combining modern comforts with authentic river exploration, it offers an ideal base for discovering the remarkable wildlife, rainforest, and culture of Tanjung Puting National Park.
Sekonyer
Sekonyer is a traditional klotok riverboat offering an authentic and intimate way to explore the jungles of Kalimantan. This 18-metre vessel combines classic Bornean boat design with modern comforts, featuring three air-conditioned ensuite cabins, solar-powered systems, and a welcoming open-air upper deck furnished with rattan seating and dining areas. Perfect for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers, Sekonyer provides a relaxed and immersive journey through Tanjung Puting National Park, bringing guests closer to Borneo’s extraordinary landscapes and wildlife.
Combination Cruise & Add-On Tours Available. Please Contact us for More Information.
Inclusions
• English speaking guides
• All meals, snacks and non-alcoholic drinks during the cruise
• All side trips and tours on your itinerary including entry fees to national parks and reserves, and payments to villages
• All ground transport including transfers to and from your hotel or airport (only on the first day and last day of your trip)
Exclusions
• Airfares
• Hotels
• Travel insurance (mandatory)
• Alcoholic beverages
• The cost of items you may wish to purchase, such as handicrafts during village visits
• Gratuities for your guide and crew (not compulsory but always welcome)
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