Wild Orangutan & Mahakam Wetland

Duration: 06 Days/05 Nights

Grade: Easy

Orangutan means man of forest, this Asian ape is indeed truly a tree-dweller (arboreal). Recent genetic evidence has led to the re-classification of Bornean and Sumatran orangutans as separate species: Pongo pygmaeus and Pongo abelii respectively. Orangutans have distinctive body shapes with very long arms that may reach up to 2m in length. They have a coarse, shaggy reddish coat and grasping hands and feet. They are highly sexually dimorphic, with adult males being distinguished by their large size, throat pouch and flanges on either side of the face, known as cheek pads. Orangutans are particularly sensitive to habitat encroachment. The largest fruit eaters on earth require an extensive territory about 500 hectares per adult. Because fruit trees are widely dispersed in the rainforest, orangutan can not survive in groups, which would quickly deplete the trees. They are supplemented by bark, shoot, flowers, insect and honey. The orangutans’ great weight prevents them from foraging over long distances. They mostly travel only some 400 meters a day. Males live a solitary life while the females keep one or two youngsters nearby, chasing their offspring away when the children reach about four years of age. Every evening, each adult builds a temporary overnight nest high in tree.

Day 01 ARRIVAL IN SAMARINDA – KABO VILLAGE – KUTAI NATIONAL PARK

Arrive at Samarinda airport with morning flight and directly driving across villages, rainforest, and mountainous landscape to reach Kabo village for crossing up the river to Prevab camp of Kutai National Park and then trekking to the jungle to spot wild orangutans, monkeys, birds, insects, etc. Lunch will be served en route, dinner and staying overnight at the jungle guesthouse. (L,D)

Day 02 KUTAI NATIONAL PARK

After breakfast, we will be trekking in different path of  the jungle to spot more wild orangutans and other wildlife. Return to the camp for lunch and take a rest. In the afternoon, we will trek again but in the different trails to observe the magnificent flora and fauna of the national park. In the peaceful evening, we will have a night trekking for observing nocturnal animals such as tarantula, insects, birds, and others. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and staying overnight at the jungle guesthouse. (B,L,D)

Day 03 KUTAI NATIONAL PARK – DELTA SANGATTA – SAMARINDA

Breakfast at the jungle guesthouse and then crossing downward the river into Delta Sangatta to spot estuarine crocodile, proboscis monkeys, silvery langurs, monitor lizards, and other wild animals that hang around the riverside. Afterwards, proceed to Samarinda for overnight at hotel. (B,L,D)

Day 04 SAMARINDA – MAHAKAM RIVER – MUARA MUNTAI

After early breakfast at hotel, we will proceed to boat station for cruising the Mahakam River with public houseboat, here you can explore the local people way of life, the riverside civilization that certainly different with our normal life on the land. The houseboat is a public traditional wooden boat with two decks, the first deck for carrying goods and economy class with capacity about 100 passengers and the second deck is for executive class with capacity of 75 passengers. The economy room is more open both sides and no mattress while the executive served mattress, with communal room, no cabin and no AC. At the back side, there are some Borneo style toilets and simple restaurant providing Indonesian food, tea, coffee, and snacks on the first deck. The boat will stop sometimes to pick and drop passengers or loading some supplies. During the cruising, we will have opportunity to explore the wildlife on riverside. Arrive at Muara Muntai and directly check in to the homestay. Lunch will be served en route, dinner and overnight at homestay. (B,L,D)

Day 05 MUARA MUNTAI – MANCONG – KUYUNG – SAMARINDA

After breakfast, we will explore the exotic of Muara Muntai village with the long wooden bridge which is made of iron wood linking all the roads and alleys of the hamlet. Next, proceed to Mancong by 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. Afterwards, proceed to Kuyung for catching our car to drive to Samarinda for overnight at hotel. (B,L,D)

Day 06 DEPARTURE

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

Included:

• AC land transportation
• Public houseboat in Mahakam River
• Motorized boats
• Accommodation based on twin share:
  02 Nights at Prevab camp in Kutai National Park
  02 Nights at 3 stars hotel in Samarinda
  01 Night at homestay in Muara Muntai
• Entrance fee, donation & refreshments
• English speaking guide
• Meals as stated on program, indicated as (B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: dinner)

Excluded:

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