AUD$4,180 from Jakarta (Twin Share) - Minimum 2 people
$560.00Single Room Supplement
There really is nothing like giving back. In this specially crafted expedition you will visit the habitat of the great orangutan and at the same time help protect the environment for generations to come. Since 2009 Orangutan Odysseys has raised in excess of $1,000,000 for The Orangutan Project. Orangutan Odysseys will continue sponsoring orphaned orangutans, protecting more rainforest through the Safeguard program (a jungle patrol system that prevents poachers and illegal loggers), and providing cash donations.
The Tanjung Puting and Palangkaraya Odyssey combines the unique experience of visting the Tanjung Puting National Park and famed Camp Leakey and feeding stations within. Then travelling to Palangkaraya to continue your travels up the river aboard a "luxury" river boat and visiting the orangutan islands and visitors centre at Nyaru Menteng.
This expedition will give you an excellent insight into all facets of life in Borneo and gain a deeper understanding of the plight of the orangutan due to deforestation. You will garner a greater understanding of life in Borneo and the life of an orangutan in Borneo, as you visit two of the islands most important orangutan populations. From luxury boats to small dugout canoes. From wide rivers to deep forests and from small river towns to traditional Dayak villages, this 11-day adventure provides it all.
EXPEDITION GOALS
Our goal is to provide our guests with a unique experience, to observe wild and semi-wild orangutans in their natural habitat. We will provide a safe platform to observe the wildlife that Borneo has to offer; including proboscis nose monkeys, gibbons and more. We will also provide you with comprehensive information throughout the expedition so that you fully understand your surroundings.
Furthermore, Orangutan Odysseys has partnered with The Orangutan Project which supports conservation programs in Borneo in Sumatra. Each guest's tour fare includes the adoption of an Orangutan for one year.
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 a destination exotic and attractive. Whilst boat expeditions are considered easy; no trek is easy, even those rated "easy or moderate". In addition to the personal and physical challenges you may face, travel conditions can present unexpected obstacles, such as rough and bumpy roads and changeable weather. To prepare, "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!
*Subject to change due to local conditions
Day 1: Arrive in Jakarta
You will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel in Jakarta (FM7) for your overnight stay.
Day 2: Jakarta - Pangkalan Bun - Tanjung Puting National Park
This morning you will fly from Jakarta to the Central Borneo town of Pangkalan Bun. On arrival, you will be met at the airport by our local OO guide. You will then be taken to the Port of Kumai where you will board our klotok and start your journey up the Sekonyer River into the National Park. Later, you will visit feeding station #1 and see your first orangutans. Afterwards, you will board our klotok and travel along the river looking for proboscis monkeys. Overnight on the klotok. You will be provided with a mattress, pillow and mosquito net. (B,L,D)
Day 3: Pondok Tanggui - Camp Leakey - Crocodile Lake
This morning, after breakfast, board the klotok and head to Pondok Tanggui (feeding station #2) for the morning feeding. After this, you will travel up the Sekonyer River to Camp Leakey, the oldest camp, set up for the orphaned orangutans. Upon arrival at Camp Leakey you will have lunch aboard the klotok. You will start your visit with a short trek in the surrounding forest and visit the information center. You are likely to see orangutans (or have them see you) near the boat. You will then head off to see the afternoon feeding. After enjoying feeding time and being given a tour of the surrounding forest area, it's back to the boat and cruising down the Camp Leakey River to Crocodile Lake where you will spend the night on board the klotok. You will most likely see other wildlife of Borneo such as gibbons and proboscis monkeys. You will be provided with a mattress, pillow and mosquito net. (B,L,D)
Day 4: Crocodile Lake - Pesalat Reforestation - Tanjung Harapan
Today you will travel up river to Pesalat Plantation where you will plant some trees to help regenerate the forest. After lunch you will take a tour of the local village, and in the afternoon you will slowly travel down river, stopping along the way to watch the proboscis monkeys on the riverbanks. As dusk falls we will travel back to Kumai harbour and enjoy a dinner along the river as we go. Overnight in Pangkalan Bun at Swiss Belinn hotel. (B,L,D)
Day 5: Pangkalan Bun - Palangkaraya
Today you will fly from Pangkalan Bun to Palangkaraya. Upon arrival you will be transferred to your resort hotel near Palangkaraya. (B,L)
Day 6 : Cruise Day 1 Palangkaraya- Pulau Kaja - Bukit Rawi
This morning at 8am you will be met at your hotel and transferred to your wonderful luxury boat. We transfer you to the tiny village of Sei Gohong where we board local canoes to observe orangutans on the beautiful forested island of Pulau Kaja. The island is managed by the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation or BOS. After observing orangutans in their island habitat, we then transfer to BOS’s nearby Education Centre in Nyaru Menteng for more information on their activities. Returning to Palangkaraya harbour, we board the Rahai’i Pangun for lunch and a short cruise through the city upstream. Boarding vehicles, we travel to the historic towns of Bukit Rawi and Sigi to see the magnificent painted sandungs, receive a Dayak welcome and learn about the history. We then return to the boat to start the cruise downstream to moor overnight in a quiet location.(B,L,D)
Day 7: Cruise Day 2 Lake Begantung -Tumbang Nusa - Sedge Weaving
In the early morning, we will use motorised canoes to visit the extensive blackwater Lake Bagantung. This is a unique peatland swamp ecosystem where we have the opportunity to spot birds, other wildlife and fishing activities by the villagers. Returning to the boat, we continue the cruise downstream to Tumbang Nusa village. On arrival, we will have a walking tour in the village to see some of their traditional livelihoods. First the grey sedge or ‘purun’ weaving and handmade straw cooperative, made from rushes growing naturally in the canals and lakes. Later the local honey farm is visited. The boat will continue to cruise downstream, passing the large forested Selat and Badak Islands, where it may be possible to spot orangutans. We then find a quiet place to tie up overnight. (B,L,D)
Day 8 : Cruise Day 3 - Pilang - Rattan Weaving
Early in the morning, the boat continues downstream to the village of Pilang where we take a short walk in the forest area near the village to see the process of rubber tapping (Mamantat) and rattan harvesting (Manetes). Our village guide will also point out some local medicinal plants growing in the forest. We then have a walking tour in the village to see some of their traditional livelihoods. Watch the local ladies at their rattan weaving process and meet the villagers. Over a special tea and coffee, with traditional Dayak cakes such as apam and untuk-untuk, we will be entertained with a Kacapi (two stringed instrument) performance. Escaping the heat of the midday sun, we will return to the boat for lunch. The boat cruises up stream, passing the orangutan island for your last glimpse. Entering the Nusa canal and its forested banks, we pause to tie up for the night in a quiet location.(B,L,D)
Day 9 : Sebangau National Park - Trekking
Hotel pick up at 8.30am for the trip to Kereng Bangkirai Port where we will register at the Sebangau National Park Authority for entry into the Park. Accompanied by a National Park Ranger we will then be transferred to a motorised canoe for a 40 minute canoe ride across the beautiful black water of Sebangau Lake and continue to travel up the Sebangau River. We will travel as far as possible by canoe (which will depend on river depth) until such time as we disembark and start trekking into the forest to see the endemic vegetation and hopefully the likes of proboscis monkeys, hornbills, ants nests, wild orangutan and their nests, monitor lizards and many others. Walking through the peat swamp forest is challenging, especially when water levels are high, but there is a rough trail to walk on. On completion of this walk, we return to the National Park Camp where a small tower can be climbed for beautiful views of the landscape. Enjoy a simple lunch box and relax. Return to your boat for the return journey to Kering Bangkirai at 3.00pm. You will then be transferred back to your hotel - Swiss Belhotel Palangkaraya for your overnight accommodation. (B,L)
Day 10: Palangkaraya - Jakarta This morning you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back to Jakarta. Upon arrival in Jakarta you can connect to your flight home or onward travels. Tour ends (B)
Please note: Additional accommodation can be arranged on Day 10 in Jakarta should you require it. Please ensure that if departing for home or onward travels on Day 10 that all departing flights are booked for early to late PM to allow enough connecting time from your Palangkaraya flight.
Guests have the option to stay Rimba Lodge overnight for one or both nights in Tajung Puting National Park. Please contact us for a quote.
INCLUSIONS
EXCLUSIONS