Orangutan & Dayak Village - Borneo River Cruise
Our Kahayan River cruise combines wildlife conservation with authentic cultural immersion. Visit Pulau Kaja where rehabilitated orangutans prepare for life in the wild, then journey upstream to Dayak villages where traditional ceremonies, crafts, and daily life continue as they have for generations. This isn’t staged tourism—it’s genuine connection with both nature and culture, supported by comfortable river travel and expert local guides who bring every moment to life.
4-day cruise option is available. Please contact us for more information.
Highlights
• Orangutan Encounters - Watch rehabilitated orangutans in their pre-release habitat at Kaja and Selat islands, observing them before their return to the wild—a rare glimpse into a conservation success.
• Cultural Immersion - Experience authentic Dayak Ngaju village life through traditional crafts, forest livelihoods, local music, and genuine interactions with communities who welcome you into their world.
• Natural Beauty - Cruise through blackwater rivers where perfect reflections create mirror-like scenes, spotting proboscis monkeys, hornbills, and the diverse wildlife that makes these waterways special.
Your journey begins with a transfer at 8:30 am from your hotel or the airport to the village of Sei Gohong. Board a canoe to visit Pulau Kaja, an island sanctuary managed by the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation, where you can observe orangutans in a natural setting.
Return to Palangka Raya for a special lunch at a Dayak grilled fish restaurant.
Next, travel to Bukit Rawi and Sigi to receive a traditional Dayak welcome and see the beautifully painted sandungs. Afterwards, we transfer to the boat to check into your cabin. Drinks and dinner are served onboard. The boat cruises downstream, mooring overnight in a peaceful location. (L/D)
Early in the morning, explore the blackwater Lake Bagantung by motorised canoe, observing the unique peatland swamp ecosystem and local fishing activities.
Continue to Tumbang Nusa village, where you’ll see the traditional livelihoods of the Dayak people, including lake sedge weaving, a honey farm and the process of turning local fish into floss and crackers.
The boat will continue downstream, passing forested Selat and Badak Islands, managed by BOSF, with a chance to spot orangutans in the lush mangroves. Moor overnight in a secluded area. (B/L/D)
Early morning, the boat continues downstream to Pilang village. Here we take a stroll through the community. Our guide will point out some local medicinal plants and some other traditional livelihoods. Stopping at a local house, we will receive a tampung tawar or a Dayak welcoming ceremony, and over special tea and coffee, with traditional Dayak cakes such as apam and untuk-untuk, we will be entertained by a kacapi (two-stringed instrument) performance. Here, we can also see some village ladies at work on their rattan weaving. There are some woven products made there for purchase. Escaping the heat of the midday sun, we will return to the boat for lunch.
The boat will then cruise upstream, again passing the orangutan islands for your last glimpse of these iconic animals. We are heading to the village of Tanjung Pusaka to see a traditional performance and watch as the villagers demonstrate rubber tapping. We moor overnight in a quiet location for dinner. (B/L/D)
(NOTE: 3-day cruise end after lunch. A car will be waiting for the 45-minute trip to the airport or your hotel)
Early morning, the Rahai’i Pangun sets off upstream to visit the village of Bereng Bengkel, where we visit the local canoe building site and vegetable farms. Farewelling the villagers, we return to the boat for our final cruise to Palangka Raya. Lunch is served on board. The boat will arrive in port at approximately 4pm. (B/L)
TOUR END
A car will be waiting to transfer you to the airport or to your hotel.
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)
River Boat
Our Associates Include
