Transborneo: Trekking and canoeing in the heart of wild Kalimantan
In summary
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Sports
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Duration17 days
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LevelAdvance
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DestinationIndonesia / Borneo
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AgeFrom the age of 18
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CO₂-Emissions472.43 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
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Languages
English
In a few words
In the heart of Borneo 's lush jungle, this private journey takes you into the little-known and fascinating world of Indonesian Kalimantan , a territory steeped in tribal history and ancient legends . You'll travel up the island's great rivers , the lifeblood of these isolated lands, to the edge of the Müller Mountains , on the border with Malaysian Sarawak.
In this haven of extreme nature, between primeval forests , karst peaks , deep caves and traditional longhouses , the immersion is total. This little-traveled east-west crossing connects the Kapuas and Mahakam basins, in an environment where humankind still blends into the vast vegetation.
An adventure that is sometimes demanding, but of rare intensity, punctuated by navigation, walking and above all encounters : Punan, Kenyah, Iban or Taman Dayaks , peoples with a strong and living culture, perpetuating age-old traditions.
A unique, off-the-beaten-path exploratory journey for those who dream of returning to the essentials , in mythical lands.
The highlights
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Adventure with a capital A: jungle, rivers, nights in tents in the heart of a mythical island
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Off the beaten track, explore the jungle of Betung Kerihun Park and its orangutans
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Meetings with the Dayaks: authentic sharing and discovery of their unique culture
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
In figures
Trekking
- Average duration/day: 6h
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 4h
Management
English
Private stay with:
- English-speaking local guide
- Team of porters/cooks (only for equipment and food, not for your personal belongings)
Program
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Welcome to Kalimantan
- Transportation Car - 03h - 130km
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
You will be met at Kalimantan airport by your English-speaking guide and transferred to Samarinda. The rest of the day is free.
Day 1 -
Majestic Mahakam River
- Transportation Boat - 23h - 120kmper day
- Accommodation Motor cruise ship
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
This morning, you'll board a traditional wooden boat and slowly make your way up the Mahakam River. This 3-day cruise offers a chance to observe the local way of life and admire the banks of the Mahakam. Comfort aboard your traditional wooden barge is relatively basic: two decks with a maximum capacity of 175 passengers. A small restaurant serving Indonesian cuisine is available on board.
Days 2 to 4 -
Crossing "rapids"
- Transportation Boat - 07h - 180km
- Accommodation Staying with a local resident
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Today you'll take a speedboat to navigate some fast-flowing rapids. This section offers magnificent views of the surrounding jungle and the villages along the Mahakam River. Arrival in Tiong Ohang at the end of the day.
Day 5 -
Lush vegetation
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 6h per day
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Today you begin the most adventurous part of the journey. A motorboat will take you to the point where the Mahakam River is little more than a torrent, and from there you will begin a 7-day trek (4-7 hours of walking per day) westward into Kalimantan. You will hike through primary rainforest and cross the Müller Mountains. During these 7 days, you will fish and explore the jungle with your Dayak travel companions.
Days 6 to 12 -
Intrepid Bogan River
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Accommodation Staying with a local resident
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
The day is dedicated to paddling down the Bongan River, located upstream from the Kapuas River, the longest in Indonesia at 1,143 km. The first impressive rapids mark the route taken by gold prospectors along the banks. Then the river narrows, and it becomes necessary to get out of the dugout canoes to help push or pull them. The Dayaks are experts at this, leaping from rock to rock. In some places where the water is shallow, the canoe must be carried along the cliffs amidst lush jungle. Along the way, you'll admire the rainforest of Kalimantan, small farmlands, hills, and Dayak huts. You'll arrive in Tanjung Lokang at the end of the day. It's the last Bahan Dayak village before the vast jungle and Betung Kerihun National Park. Here, craft enthusiasts will be delighted: woven rattan baskets, Dayak machetes, blowguns, and more.
Day 13 -
New "fasts"
- Transportation Boat - 08h - 140km
- Accommodation Staying with a local resident
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
You continue down the Bongan River by "long boat" to Putusibau.
Day 14 -
Descent of the Kapuas
- Transportation Bus - 08h - 380kmper day
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Morning visit to Putusibau, then transfer to Sintang and Pontianak. You will embark on an 8-hour journey each day using public transport, allowing for total immersion in the local culture.
Days 15 to 16 -
See you very soon in Borneo!
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Free time until the transfer to the airport.
Day 17
Accommodation
Access
You will be met at Kalimantan airport by your English-speaking guide. Transfer to the airport at the end of your stay is also included.
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- English-speaking local guide
- Team of porters/cooks (only for equipment and food, not for your personal belongings)
- Land and river transfers necessary for the smooth running of the tour (private & air-conditioned vehicle, motorized canoes, speedboat, public barge, etc.)
- Accommodation with full board (except for day 1)
- Site entrance fees, donations & trekking permits
- Camping equipment
The price does not include
- International and domestic air travel
- Airport taxes and any visa fees
- Travel insurance & assistance
- Drinks (alcohol & sodas), personal expenses & tips
- Occasional/potential costs in case of "force majeure"
- Anything not mentioned in "exclusions"
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
• Visa on arrival (VOA - 30 days renewable):
○ Price: 500,000 IDR (+500,000 IDR for the 30-day extension).
○ To be obtained directly at the airport upon arrival.
○ Requires a passport valid for at least 6 months after the date of entry and a ticket to leave the territory.
○ Allow 1 hour for the protocol.
• Online visa (30-day e-visa):
○ Available on the official website: https://evisa.imigrasi.go.id/
○ Allows entry into Indonesian territory within 90 days of obtaining it.
○ Allows you to avoid the queue for purchasing the visa at the airport.
○ Upon arrival, you will go through the automatic gates (follow the E-visa/Evoa signs) by directly scanning your passport.
○ A confirmation email will be sent to you once the visa is activated.
Health and Vaccines
• Health advice: We are not doctors, it is recommended to consult a healthcare professional for appropriate recommendations.
• Health form: To be completed in advance online or on site by scanning the QR code.
Payment and Withdrawals
• Credit cards accepted almost everywhere (Indonesia is part of the G20).
• ATMs available in all major cities.
• Bring cash for warungs and small shops.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
- Camping equipment
Equipment to bring
- Toiletries
- Headlamp or torch
- Sleeping bag
- Waterproof bags
- Waterproof pouches (protects passport, money, electronics from moisture)
- Tropical mosquito repellent (DEET or equivalent)
- Small first aid kit (mosquito repellent, plasters, disinfectant, personal medication, motion sickness tablets)
- Wipes / hand sanitizer
Clothing to bring
- Long clothes
- Gloves
- Trekking shoes
