Borneo Jungle Trekking II

Borneo Jungle Trekking – Duration: 10 Days/09 Nights – Grade: Moderate

Borneo Jungle Trekking – The Meratus mountain area is a native forest area located in the province of South Kalimantan, ranging from the northern to the southern and bordering with its neighbor province of East Kalimantan. The mountain range has been established as a protected area called the “Green Belt” since the Dutch Colonialism. It is home to diversity of flora and fauna, including the endemic species of Borneo, several species are in danger of becoming extinct and need to be protected to ensure their preservation. This mountain range is unique for trekking and expedition through connected trails that lead travelers to mostly virgin forest combined with sightseeing the Bukit Dayak people who are still maintaining their ancestor belief and traditional way of life shows on dances and ritual in special occasions. Travelers can go in and out the forest over available pathways, climb up and down the hills, crossing bamboo bridges and rivers, or lodging at longhouse in remote villages. The trekking trails range between 2 hours until weeks in length, depending on the routes are chosen, camping in the forest may be required and stay overnight in the longhouse of native villages is also nice. The rainforest trails are not dangerous with careful, but mud and leaches make the trek difficult when it rains. Leeches however really no problem is since tobacco and mosquito repellent are really worth to kick them out.

Day 01 ARRIVAL IN BANJARMASIN – DIAMOND DIGGING – RIAM KANAN LAKE – SULTAN ADAM FOREST PARK

Meet at airport and directly transfer to Cempaka village to explore people dig hole and take the material out to find rough diamond in a traditional diamond digging. Next, driving to Aranio port to catch our boat crossing the Riam Kanan Lake for enjoying the rainforest and mountainous scenery, floating fishing ponds, as well as the wildlife on the lakeside. Return to the port and then driving to Sultan Adam Forest Park for check in to the resort. We can spend the afternoon with tea or coffee while enjoying the beautiful view of Meratus Mountain landscape from the resort. (L,D)

Day 02 SULTAN ADAM FOREST PARK – BATU HAPU CAVE – NAGARA – KANDANGAN

Breakfast at the resort while enjoying the misty of Meratus Mountain and the sound of the nature. We will then leave to Batu Hapu village to explore the cave with remarkable panorama that has graced the stalactite and stalagmite. We will then driving to Nagara village to get our boat crossing the river into Nagara lake for observing water buffaloes swim to the stall and villagers’ unique activities, as well as the romantic sunset outlook. Afterwards, driving to Kandangan town to stay overnight at the hotel. (B,L,D)

Day 03 KANDANGAN – KIYO VILLAGE – DATAR ALAI

After breakfast at the hotel, we will drive to Kiyo Village to start the trekking into Datar Alai crossing longhouse, villager farmlands, cinnamon and rubber trees, primary rainforest, hills, hanging and suspended bamboo bridges, rivers and cascades. Lunch will be served en route, dinner and overnight at the campsite. (B,L,D)

Day 04 DATAR ALAI – JUMANTIR

Breakfast at campsite and then trekking up to Sungai Karuh waterfall while exploring vegetation and animals on our trail. Next, we will be trekking uphill for about 2 hours to Jumantir by crossing dense primary rainforest. Lunch will be served en route, dinner and staying overnight at the campsite on riverside. (B,L,D)

Day 05 JUMANTIR – MOUNT BESAR PEAK

After breakfast, we will be trekking uphill through mossy trees and orchids to reach the peak of mount Besar, the roof of South Borneo of which we can see beautiful panorama of Borneo dense jungle from above. Lunch will be served en route, dinner and overnight at the camp on the top of the mountain. (B,L,D)

Day 06 MOUNT BESAR PEAK – KATUAN

After breakfast and packing up our stuff, we will be trekking down the peak into Katuan for about 5 hours. On our trail, we will hear and see plenty of gibbons jump on trees. We will set a campsite in the middle of the jungle to be more exploring the fascinating atmosphere of the nature, where both diurnal and nocturnal animals play role for the balance of ecology. Lunch will be served en route, dinner and overnight at the campsite. (B,L,D)

Day 07 KATUAN – HARATAI WATERFALL

Breakfast at campsite and then proceed to Haratai waterfall crossing primary and secondary rainforest, hills, hanging and suspended bamboo bridges, villager farmlands, rivers and cascades, longhouses, cinnamon and rubber trees. In the afternoon, we can refresh our body by swimming in the pond of waterfall. Lunch will be served en route, dinner and overnight at the campsite. (B,L,D)

Day 08 HARATAI WATERFALL – LOKSADO

After breakfast, we will be trekking down to Loksado crossing secondary rainforest, hills, hanging and suspended bamboo bridges, villager farmlands, rivers and cascades, longhouses, cinnamon and rubber trees. Arrive at Loksado and then proceed to check in to the lodge. (B,L,D)

Day 09 BAMBOO RAFTING – SUNGAI RUTAS – BANJARMASIN

After breakfast, we will get the adventure trip of bamboo rafting across beautiful landscape of tropical rainforest along the Amandit riverside. We will then drive to Sungai Rutas village to get our boat crossing the romantic river to spot wildlife such as proboscis monkeys, long tailed macaque, silvery langurs, birds, monitor lizards, and other wild animals on the riverside as well as the daily activities of local people. Afterwards, proceed to Banjarmasin for staying overnight at hotel. (B,L,D)

Day 10 FLOATING MARKET – DEPARTURE

Early in the morning, we will leave to floating market for exploring the unique culture of Banjarese that trade commodities from boat to boat, then return to hotel crossing Banjarmasin River while sightseeing people activities at riverside, free at your own leisure till the proper time for transferring to airport for your flight to next destination. (B)

Included:

• AC land transportation
• Motorized boats
• Bamboo rafting
• Accommodation based on twin share:
  • 01 Night at resort in Sultan Adam Forest Park
    06 Nights at bivouac/tent
    01 Night at Loksado Lodge
    01 Night at 3 stars hotel in Banjarmasin
• Entrance fee, donation & refreshments
• English speaking guide
• Meals as stated on program, indicated as (B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: dinner)
• Tent/bivouac
• Porters on trekking (only carrying supply)

Excluded:

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