Spirit of Kalimantan Wildlife and Nature Cruises

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: Orangutan Island – Pakahi Port
Upon arrival at the airport, you will be met and transferred to Sei Gohong village. Here, board your traditional klotok boat and begin cruising upstream along the Katingan River. Along the way, observe riverside Dayak villages before arriving at Pulau Kaja—an island devoted to orangutan rehabilitation under the care of the BOS Foundation.

Here, you may observe semi-wild orangutans as they prepare for their eventual return to the forest. Later, continue by boat to Spirit of Kalimantan, where you will spend the night before entering Sebangau National Park the following morning.

Day 2: Sebangau National Park – Tampelas
Early in the morning, Spirit of Kalimantan cruises toward the mouth of the Punggualas Canal, where local canoes are ready for the journey into the National Park. Please come prepared with your own walking shoes, long sleeves, and mosquito repellent. A 40-minute canoe ride takes you along the canal and into dense forest.

If conditions permit, disembark for a short guided walk deeper into the forest in search of wildlife. Sightings may include orangutans, various monkey species, and proboscis monkeys, although these cannot be guaranteed.

After the excursion, return by canoe to the boat for a refreshing drink. Lunch is served as the vessel cruises downstream for approximately three hours along a wide, muddy river lined with dense forest and small subsistence villages, reaching the southernmost destination—Tampelas.

On arrival, receive a warm welcome from the villagers. Take time to walk through the village and meet the community before returning to the jetty for a dance performance by local children. Overnight on board.

Day 3: Tampelas – Klaru
In the early morning, set out by canoe for a serene journey to the nearby Nusa River, known for its excellent birdwatching opportunities. The calm waters create beautiful reflections, especially during the rainy season. Along the way, observe traditional prawn harvesting and visit areas rich in birdlife.

Return to the boat for a late breakfast before walking along wooden boardwalks to visit the village school and a solar-powered fish farming project.

Later, gather at the jetty to share a hearty lunch with the villagers, featuring ingredients sourced from the surrounding forest and river. After bidding farewell, reboard the vessel and continue cruising upstream toward the Klaru River. Dinner is served at sunset.

Day 4: Klaru – Pakahi
At first light, local canoes join the journey at the river mouth for an exploration of a striking blackwater lake system. The route passes through the forest rehabilitation area of RMU’s Katingan Mentaya Project, where you will gain insight into their REDD+ conservation efforts. As you glide quietly upstream, keep watch for birds, proboscis monkeys, and other wildlife.

Following this excursion, the boat continues upstream, retracing its course toward the entrance of Sebangau National Park.

In the late afternoon, prepare for a memorable nighttime canoe adventure. Paddle through the waterways in search of nocturnal wildlife inhabiting the dense forest. Afterward, return to the boat for your final night on board.