Overview of the capital of centre of Kalimantan, Indonesia

Central Kalimantan is the biggest province on the island, covering 153,800 square kilometers, most of which is jungle. The northern area is mountainous and difficult to reach. The central area is dense tropical forest. The southern area is swampy and has many rivers. The climate is hot and humid. The tree Dayak sub-tribes who inhabit this province are the Ngaju, Ot Danum, and Ma’anyan Ot Siang. The Ngaju are nomadic, adhering to old Kaharingan religion, which is a form of ancestor worship mixed with elements of animism. With approximately 6,000 people, the Ot Danum is the largest among the tree subtribes. The Ot Danum live in longhouses which sometimes have as many as 50 rooms. The women are known for their skill in plaiting rattan, palm leaves, and bamboo. Like other Dayaks, the men are good hunters, using simple tools. The art of Central Kalimantan clearly bears the marks of Kaharingan religion, which is the traditional belief of the Dayaks in the hinterland of Central Kalimantan. Building styles, statues and carvings have been influenced by the Chinese, and Hindu-Javanese. Aside from their aesthetic properties, many objects are appreciated for their magic value.

A traditional rungkan has been cleverly remodelled into a comfortable 5 cabin, 3 bathroom cruise vessel which departs regularly on journeys along the Kahayan and Rungan Rivers in Central Kalimantan. Named the Rahai`i Pangun, meaning big development in the local Dayak language, she is pioneering eco tourism here.

At 23m in length and 6m across, with 5 cabins below deck,and large viewing decks above, she plies the strong flowing waters at a graceful rate of 8 Knots. Passing serenely along the reflected jungle river banks, she makes her way past orangutan release islands and small communities. Guests relax on sofas as the timeless scenery slips by. Meals are made freshly on board, and are a fusion of local Dayak, Indonesian and Thai food. The emphasis is on taste, freshness and variety. Its a gourmet experience, according to many of our guests. Getting here is an easy hop of just over an hour from the international airport in Jakarta and after a short transfer to the boat, you can enjoy the tranquil scenes in this image

5 Days / 4 Nights
Jungle River Cruise and Relax on a jungle river journey + explore essential Borneo - Palangka Raya - Centre of Kalimantan
Start / Finish: Palangka Raya airport.
Tour Code: KNLR-BIRCT-5D
Departure: 1st and 5th of the month. Details email us please.

Itinerary
DAY 1: Arrived Palangka Raya
Upon arrival in palangka raya airport, Tjilik Riwut airport (PKY), picked up and transfer to Rungan sari resort for approx 1 hours. Check in and rest.

Resort Overview
The Rungan Sari Resort & Meeting Center is a sanctuary of style and tranquility. It offers a relaxing natural environment that appeals to all the senses. Rivers, forests and tropical countryside await your exploration, while a swimming pool, tennis court and other facilities invite you to relax or break a sweat. The restaurant indulges your taste buds with scrumptious local and international cuisine in a menu exuding spice and flair. The Rungan Sari Resort & Meeting Center has all the comforts of a three-star hotel. It offers 24 bedrooms and a capacity to accommodate 48 guests comfortably. King-size and twin beds are available. There are many river cruises and other tourist activities around Rungan Sari

DAY 2–
After breakfast, pick up from hotel and transfer to your comfortable cruise boat, the Rahai’i Pangun in the Palangkaraya Harbour. Cruise past the stilt house villages and continue the journey along the jungle lined river, passing villages and pausing to observe orangutans on Hampapak Island, a Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation (BOSF) Release Island. A handful of adult orangutans live on this island, and due to health, may never be released into the wild.

Enjoy afternoon tea before taking canoes to explore ox bow lake system, look out for proboscis monkeys and the magnificent hornbill birds. Return to the Rahai’i Pangun for evening meal and quiet night in the midst of the jungle.

DAY 3 –
Early morning, the Rahai’i Pangun moves up river to moor near Pallas Island, another BOSF Release Island, which was made famous by the Orangutan Island series on Animal Planet recently. Spend time observing these unique creatures in the trees along the river banks as they descend to the platforms for feeding time. An orangutan expert will accompany us on board. He will recognise individuals and give insights into their histories and also explain the BOSF rehabilitation program in more detail.

The Rahai’i Pangun continues its way up stream, along a particularly pretty waterway, later passing yet another release island, this time, Pulau Kaja. Keeping moving, we continue upriver to a small riverside village. The villagers will welcome you with a traditional ceremony of dance and music, and later you can walk around this tiny hamlet, which has no road access to other towns.

DAY 4–
Early morning, we set off down river, mooring near Kaja Island to observe some of the 50 released orangutans on the island during feeding time. These were the first to be introduced to the islands up to 10 years ago, and will be the first to be released into the wild. A feature of the island are the many babies.

Continue to Tangkiling harbour. Transfer by car for an optional climb up near by Tangkiling Hill, for a wonderful view of the vast, flat peat swamps and the meandering Rungan River.

Later visit the BOS Foundation’s Education Centre in Nyaru Menteng. Accompanied by experienced technicians, observe young orangutans behind glass in the socialization cages and watch a film about BOSF work in rehabilitating orangutans to the wild in Central Kalimantan.

Return to the boat by canoe and continue our journey to the mouth of the Rungan River, and some distance up the Kahayan River, to Bukit Rawi, arriving mid afternoon. Walk through this historic town and learn about the Dayak ancestral bone houses, or Sandungs, and the Tiwah or funeral ceremony. Dinner on board, and later enjoy an evening of traditional entertainment.

DAY 5 –
After breakfast, cruise back to Palangkaraya, enjoying breakfast along the way. Your cruise ends here.

10.00, check out of boat, for visits either to the traditional market or the museum which features a very good exhibition of the Dayak birth, life, death ritual artifacts.

12.30 enjoy a traditional Dayak grilled fish lunch at the Kampung Lauk riverside restaurant and then transfer to airport.

15.30 fly to Surabaya with Batavia Air.

Included:
airport and other transfers as indicated, cabin accommodation, 1 Night at Rungan Sari Resort, English speaking guide, meals and drinks during the cruise, service tax.

Excluded:
Airfare, airport tax, porter, BOS Centre off boat tour, alcoholic and soda drinks on board.

Itineraries are samples only, and are subject to seasonal river conditions.

Garuda Indonesia is the recommended airline and these itineraries are designed to connect with their schedules. Cruises may be tailor made to your timetable and take different routes depending on weather and river conditions, but all cruises offer the same experiences. Due to seasonal low water levels, some upper river excursions may be unavailable.

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