Spirit of KalimantanIndonesia/Spirit+of+Kalimantan

Rates from 1,030 USD/person
for a join-in cruise of 3 days/2 nights

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dream@secret-retreats.com

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Navigate down the Rungan River in the unspoilt jungles of Borneo aboard a traditional Kalimantan barge featuring three double cabins, an indoor sitting area and an upper viewing deck. Savour tantalising cuisine as your English-speaking guide introduces you the BOSF orangutan rehabilitation programs and black water lake systems, stopping along the way at local villages to learn about their indigenous Dayak culture.

Find the Secret Cruise to suit you
With a choice of private charter and scheduled cabin cruises there is a cruise to suit every itinerary on one of our Borneo wildlife river cruises. Contact the Secret Retreats concierge on dream@secret-retreats.com for assistance with planning and boking the perfect cruise itinerary for you. We can also help you with all your pre and post cruise plans, itineraries and places to stay!

Your Host and The Team


“Starting from Palangkaraya harbor, the cruise, past the stilted and floating houses of the provincial capital, continues upriver along the forest lined river, passing villages. In the early evening, take a canoe through the shimmering black water lakes. Keep an eye out for proboscis monkeys, hornbills, and Brahmini kites as the boat moves up the Rungan River. When we reach Bapallas Island, you will take a motorised canoe to observe orangutans, then continue to the BOSF Education Centre where adult orangutans are waiting to be placed on the pre-release islands. Learn about the BOSF rehabilitation programs.

Later on the way to Kanarakan, a tiny riverside village we will meet with Dayak Ngaju tribes (home gardens, rubber field, rubber tapping) and some other traditions. More than a cruise, you will book a lifetime experience.”


Relaxing Orangutan River Cruise (3 Nights)

This itinerary is a sample only and can be shorten to 2 nights. Our orangutan tours provide a balance between wildlife, flora and fauna, relaxing on the boat and the fascinating Dayak culture. Spot orangutans in their wild natural habitat, learn about the struggle of the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation’s to save this magnificent creature and the human and cultural aspect.

Day 1: Palangka Raya
Meet at Palangka Raya airport (or hotel) and transfer to our boat in Palangka Raya harbour to start your journey. Cruise past the stilted and floating houses of the provincial capital and continue upriver along the forest lined river, passing villages. In the early evening, take a canoe through the shimmering black water lakes. Keep an eye out for proboscis monkeys, hornbills, and Brahmini kites. Return to the boat for a quiet dinner in the midst of the jungle. [L/D]

Day 2: Bapallas Island – Kanarakan
The boat moves up the Rungan River as you enjoy breakfast. On arrival to Bapallas Island, take a motorised canoe to observe orangutans. Continue to the BOSF Education Centre where adult orangutans are waiting to be placed on the pre-release islands. Learn about the BOSF rehabilitation programs.(Only open in Saturday and Sunday)
Leisurely lunch onboard while cruising to Kanarakan, a tiny riverside village on the Rungan River. Arriving in the afternoon, welcomed by the village elder with Dayak Ngaju welcoming ceremony then stroll around the village with a local host to see the village home gardens, rubber field & rubber tapping demonstration, and other village livelihoods. Visit to the elder’s house and enjoy the traditional spices coffee while sharing stories.
Back to the boat and cruise down to Lake Tahai. Overnight. [B/L/D]

Day 3: Sei Gohong – Muara Rungan
Optional dawn canoeing to the lake for bird watching. Leisurely breakfast on board as the boat pass the orangutan pre-release island of Pulau Kaja.
Visit the village of Sei Gohong to meet the traditional medicine expert then a short walk to the nearby forest to find several plants that are used as traditional medications by the Ngajus. Back to the village and see a larger collection of the traditional medicines and discuss their functions with the locals.
Back to the boat and cruise down stream to Muara Rungan passing Katimpun village.
Overnight near Muara Rungan. [B/L/D]

Day 4: Bukit Rawi – Muara Rungan
After breakfast, the boat cruises to Tanjung Sangalang for check out and transfer to Palangka Raya airport
Tour ends. [B]
Includes: airport and other transfers as indicated, cabin accommodation, English speaking guide, meals and drinks during the cruise, off-boat tours and service tax.
Excludes: Airfare, airport tax, porter, optional off boat tour, alcoholic and soda drinks on board.
NB: Please do not wear bright coloured clothing when viewing the orangutans. Professional cameras and other large size cameras, such as SLR’s, require special permits when photographing the orangutan.



“WOW Borneo offers an intimate encounter with Kalimantan, its forests and wildlife, by working with the local Dayak people. Four boats are available for guided tours: Spirit of Kalimantan (3 cabins), Rahai’I Pangun (4 cabins), Sekonyer (3 cabins) and Kumai (3 cabins). All boats offer join-in cruises with departure on Tuesday and Saturday or private charters. All guided tours will enable you to discover the orangutan in its natural habitat and give you the opportunity to make a difference to their survival through the Borneo Orangutan Survival adoption program.”
Kim, the discoverer.




Cabins


The Cabins

4 luxury air-conditioned cabins (1 Superior Large and 3 Double cabins) all with ensuite bathrooms comfortably fitted out below deck.
Capacity maximum for 8 adults + 1 child in private charter.

Vessel Facilities and Highlights

Spirit of Kalimantan highlight
  • Air ConditioningAir Conditioning
    Gay FriendlyGay Friendly
    Eco FriendlyEco Friendly
    NatureNature
    RestaurantRestaurant
    Artisan VillageArtisan Village
    Traditional ArtsTraditional Arts
    Minority TribesMinority Tribes
    WildlifeWildlife
    OrangutansOrangutans

 

Useful Information

GENERAL
Cruising Areas: Rungan River, Central Kalimantan (Borneo)
Length: 22m
Beam: 5m
Number of Cabins: 3
Annual Docking: a few days in September
Time zone: (GMT+07:00) Jakarta
Currency accepted: IDR
Electricity voltage: 220V
Electricity plug type:
ACCESS
Transfers from Palangka Raya Airport or hotels to the boat are included.

CONTACT
CONTACT HERE



CONCIERGE
Your concierge is ready to assist you with planning and completing your reservation,
contact them on dream@secret-retreats.com

We Care

With a genuine love for Kalimantan and a vision rooted in making a difference in the developing world, the founders of The Spirit of Kalimantan have pioneered ecotourism and positive developments in the region. With a profound awareness of the fragile interrelationship between the rain forest and the livelihood of the Dayak people, The Spirit of Kalimantan continually seeks solutions that are in harmony with this powerful symbiosis. By modifying the traditional Dayak boat, the founders created a unique floating hotel, which enables guests to visit traditional villages and experience the flora and fauna of rain forest in-depth. Simul-taneously, the guests support the local village with little impact to the surrounding environment.

In addition, The Spirit of Kalimantan works closely with villagers in the development of the tourist industry, training and assisting them as guides, renting canoes, offering fishing trips and many other activities. The company also makes a regular contribution to the Borneo Orangutan Survival (BOS) foundation. The Spirit of Kalimantan offers guided canoe trips to the pre-release BOS islands to witness orangutans, and provides educational information to guests to raise awareness. The company has garnered international recognition for its eco-tourism efforts, receiving the Virgin Responsible Travel Best Cruise Operator award, as well as the Indonesia Travel and Tourism Award, “Leading Cruise Operator.

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