Borneo's orangutans: Houseboat in Kalimantan

We recommend a trip to Kalimantan from June to September. Please note that the country has high levels of precipitation and humidity in this region throughout the year.

When you arrive at Pangkalan Bun Airport, your guide will pick you up and take you to Kumai Harbor. Once you arrive, you’ll board the Klotok houseboat! Make yourself comfortable because this means of transport is also your accommodation for the next four days.

After about 20 minutes, you’ll leave the Kumai River and cruise down the much smaller Sekonyer River, which borders the Tanjung Puting National Park. The lush vegetation along the river bank initially consists of nipa palms and screwpines.

Tanjung Puting National Park is known for its spectacular ecological diversity. In addition to mangrove swamps and dense jungle, you’ll encounter rare primates such as orangutans, proboscis monkeys, and macaques.

Enjoy lunch and dinner on board the boat in the middle of the deep jungle.

Travel time from Pangkalan Bun Airport - Kumai: approx. 20 minutes / approx. 10 km

Overnight with full board on the Klotok houseboat

After breakfast, glide the Sekonyer River towards Camp Leakey. After about two hours of travel through secluded nature, you’ll discover numerous exotic animal species with the help of your guide.

Camp Leakey is home to the largest orangutan population in the world and famous for its research station dedicated to the tremendous majestic apes. Over the years, they have reintroduced around 200 orangutans into the wild. Today, the camp mainly serves as a feeding platform. However, the local rangers continue to monitor the orangutans medically.

In Tanjung Puting, only three feeding platforms provide the orangutans with other food because it limits their dependence on the feeding stations. Near one of these platforms, you’ll have the chance to get up close and personal with these fantastic animals.

In the afternoon, continue your river cruise aboard the houseboat. Have your camera ready because you can see many proboscis monkeys on the riverbanks at this time of day.

Overnight with full board on a Klotok houseboat

Wake up to the sounds of the jungle and enjoy a tasty breakfast aboard the houseboat. Today’s first destination is a feeding platform on the Pondok Tanguy River. Walk along a 700-meter-long wooden pontoon followed by a path surrounded by ferns and lush vegetation to get to the platform.

After spotting orangutans, return to the boat and continue downstream to the Pasalat Rainforest Station. Several institutions and NGOs work together to preserve the orangutans’ natural habitat in the area. After a short sightseeing drive to Tanjung Harapan Camp, visit the last feed platform in the park.

In the afternoon, it’s time for a stroll through Harapan village, one of the few settlements along the river. Meet local Malay families and get to know the locals’ everyday life in this remote region.

Overnight with full board on a Klotok houseboat

Today your adventure ends in the riverside landscapes of Kalimantan. After breakfast on board, you will return to Kumai, where a car transfer will take you to Pangkalan Bun Airport.

Travel time from Kumai to Pangkalan Bun Airport: approx. 20 minutes / approx. 10 km

The Klotoks are quaint but have everything you need for a jungle tour. In addition to a kitchen and a small bathroom, there’s a viewing deck where you can relax and watch river animals and nature during the day. In the evening, the deck converts into a night camp. You can also choose to book a houseboat with an air-conditioned cabin.

Closest city: Pangkalan Bun

Closest airport: Iskandar Airport

Duration of the trip: 4 days / 3 nights

Included

• 3 nights on a private Klotok houseboat in an air-conditioned cabin
• Full board
• English-speaking guide
• Sightseeing and boat trips according to the program, including entrance fees
• The starting price is valid during the travel period 01.09.21 - 27.12.21

Excluding

• International & regional flights

• Meals and drinks not mentioned in the scope of services

• Excursions (visits, admissions, etc.)

• Tips and personal expenses

• Travel insurance