Discover Borneo’s exotic rainforest through an exclusive cruise
For adventure seekers and nature lovers, the call of the Borneo jungle is a strong one. The largest island in Asia, and the third largest in the world, Borneo is home to an immense array of tropical flora and fauna including a number of endangered species, such as the orangutan, proboscis monkey and pygmy elephant.
The new Borneo Jungle Cruise from Secret Journeys aboard the private Ruhui Rahayu vessel lets adventurers experience the region in all its glory gliding through the jungle waterways of Sebangau National Park in Central Kalimantan, venturing into the lost world of Joseph Conrad, visiting a refuge for the island’s largest population of wild orangutans, and more.
The rainforest
Guests start the journey in Nyaru Menteng visiting The Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation on ‘Orangutan Island’, home to rehabilitated orangutans prior to their release into the wild, watching from a distance so as not disturb their process of adapting to the natural forest environment. A final 2-hour drive travels downstream to Jahanjang on the Katingan River where guests board the Ruhui Rahayu for a welcome drink as the vessel heads upstream to a quiet location on the river for sunset and dinner.
On the second day of the journey, guests visit the village of Jahanjang and take the opportunity to walk to around the lake behind the village, paddle canoes, and stroll through the village to meet the local people and learn about their lifestyle. Returning to the Ruhui Rahayu the adventure continues as the Ruhui Rahayu goes downstream to the mouth of the Punggu Alas River where guests board canoes to pass through the forest canals to the forest lodge where they will be spending the night. After dinner at the lodge, explorers set off on an exciting guided nighttime wildlife spotting expedition keeping an eye out for the elusive clouded leopard.
The third morning is spent wandering through the dense forest then returning to the boat for lunch and cruising to Telaga to join with the nearby Klaru River. Within the Katingan Project forest rehabilitation area, guests learn more about the REDD+ project then, in the evening, quietly cruise upstream to a site to watch birds, proboscis monkeys and a variety of other wildlife. The next morning, guests rise early to continue the wildlife experience on the boat cruising deeper along the Klaru River marvelling at the perfect reflections and keeping watch for birds and wildlife. Guests enjoy the last lunch on-board as the boat returns to Jahanjang port to meet the transfer cars for the 4-hour journey back to Palangka Raya where comfortable hotel rooms await for a relaxing rest before continuing onward the next day.
The Ruhui Rahayu
This rustic, yet comfortable, 22-metre-long boat is only available for private charters and guests of the Borneo Jungle Cruise accommodating two adults and up to three children. Created by Gaye and Lorna along with its sister ship, The Spirit of Kalimantan, both vessels and the experiences they offer have helped pioneer ecotourism and local development in the region through modifying the boats and excursions for minimal impact on the environment and working closely with local villagers to provide new job training and opportunities.
Learn more about the new Secret Journey through the Borneo Rainforest, priced at US$1,250 per person, here.
