Borneo Jungle River IV

Duration: 10 Days/09 Nights

Grade: Easy

The second largest river in Indonesia, the Mighty Mahakam River is at once the major highway, a cultural tour and a wildlife spotting expedition. It is also the only major river with public transportation all the way into the heart of Borneo, making its 930 kilometers length entirely accessible. Travelling up this jungle river is a journey in the fullest sense of the word. One heads away from the industrial center of Samarinda and slips deeper and deeper into the jungle, and into Borneo’s past. There are many opportunities for exploration, from towns and longhouses to huge lakes, wetlands and jungle rivers. This is a place that rewards travelers with time on their hands and hence the ability to jump off the boat and wait for the next one, even if it means staying overnight. This is off the beaten track travel of the highest order. Outside the summer season, you will probably not see another foreigner for your entire trip.

Day 01 ARRIVAL IN BALIKPAPAN – BUKIT BANGKIRAI – SAMARINDA

Meet at airport and directly driving to Bukit Bangkirai to observe Borneo tropical rainforest by soft jungle trekking and climbing the canopy bridge to view the forest from above. Afterwards, proceed to Samarinda for overnight at hotel. Free at your own leisure. (L,D)

Day 02 SAMARINDA – MELAK – TERING – LONG BAGUN

After breakfast, we will drive to Samarinda airport to catch the flight to Melak. Arrive at Melak and directly transfer to Tering for catching the public speedboat crossing upward the Mahakam River to reach Long Bagun. Arrive in Long Bagun and proceed to a homestay for overnight. (B,L,D)

Day 03 LONG BAGUN – MAHAKAM HEADWATERS – TIONG OHANG

Get a full day trip by public boat to cruise the headwaters of Mahakam River through amazing rapids while sightseeing beautiful view of rainforest and waterfall as well as people unique activities at riverside. Lunch will be served en route, dinner and overnight at homestay. (B,L,D)

Day 04 TIONG OHANG – MAHAKAM HEADWATERS – LONG APARI

After breakfast at homestay, we will get motorized canoe crossing the Mahakam headwaters to reach Long Apari, the last village in Mahakam River. On the way, we can enjoy the magnificent panorama of dense tropical forest and wildlife on riverside. In the afternoon, we can explore the daily life of Dayak people and long eared woman with tattoos if we are lucky. Lunch will be served en route, dinner and overnight at local house. (B,L,D)

Day 05 LONG APARI – JUNGLE TREKKING

After breakfast at local house, we will be trekking in the heart of Borneo crossing rivers, hills, rocks, and wilderness. Lunch will be served en route, dinner and overnight at the camp on riverside. (B,L,D)

Day 06 JUNGLE TREKKING – MAHAKAM HEADWATERS – TIONG OHANG

After breakfast at the campsite, we will be trekking down to the village and taking the boat for crossing downward the Mahakam headwaters into Tiong Ohang for check in to the homestay. (B,L,D)

Day 07 TIONG OHANG – MAHAKAM HEADWATERS – LONG BAGUN – TERING

After breakfast, we will then boarding the public speedboat for crossing downward the Mahakam headwaters into Tering. On the way, we will enjoy the beautiful view of rainforest, rock, waterfall, and wildlife on riverside. Arrive at Tering and proceed to homestay for check in. (B,L,D)

Day 08 TERING – KERSIK LUWEY – EHENG – TANJUNG ISUY

After breakfast, we will visit the Kersik Luwey reserve to see the rare black orchid and other flora on the zone. Next, proceed to Eheng village to explore an old and impressive longhouse with its unique ornament and shape while observing the Tunjung Dayak daily life. We will then continue the trip to visit Jantur Inar for exploring the rainforest with its beautiful waterfall. Afterwards, we will be driving across mountainous landscape into low land forest to reach Tanjung Isuy village for check in to a homestay. (B,L,D)

Day 09 TANJUNG ISUY – MANCONG – MUARA MUNTAI – SAMARINDA

After breakfast, we will get the motorized canoe crossing the Jempang Lake of which we will have the opportunity to view plenty of water bird species and fishermen floating houses as well as the romantic Ohong River where proboscis monkeys, monitor lizards and other wild animals are hanging around at riverside. In Mancong, we will explore an exotic longhouse and Benuaq Dayak daily life. We will then proceed to Muara Muntai to explore the exotic village with the long wooden bridge which is made of iron wood linking all the roads and alleys of the hamlet. Afterwards, proceed to Kuyung for catching our car to drive to Samarinda for overnight at hotel. (B,L,D)

Day 10 SAMARINDA – DEPARTURE

Breakfast at hotel and free at your own leisure till the proper time for transferring to airport for your flight to next destination.  (B)

Included:

• AC land transportation
• Public speedboat in Mahakam River
• Public houseboat in Mahakam River
• Motorized boats
• Accommodation based on twin share:
  02 Nights at 3 stars hotel in Samarinda
  01 Night at homestay in Long Bagun
  02 Nights at homestay in Tiong Ohang
  01 Night at local house in Long Apari
  01 Night at jungle camp
  01 Night at homestay in Tering
  01 Night at homestay in Tanjung Isuy
• Entrance fee, donation & refreshments
• English speaking guide
• Meals as stated on program, indicated as (B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: dinner)
• Flight ticket for Samarinda – Melak (one way)

Excluded:

• Airfares
• Airport taxes and extra baggage fees
• Travel insurance
• Expenses incurred due to Force Majeure
• Personal expenses