Kalimantan: Orangutans & Dayak Longhouse

Arrive at Pangkalan Bun Airport, the main entry point to Central Kalimantan, where a local guide and driver will be waiting for the transfer to Kumai Port. Board a traditional klotok houseboat for a scenic cruise along the Kumai River, entering the smaller Sekonyer River after around 20 minutes, marking the border of Tanjung Puting National Park. Watch the vegetation along the riverbank shift from Nipa palm to Pandan trees as the boat cruises deeper into the park, renowned for its ecological and biological diversity, with mangrove swamps, rainforest and dense jungle home to rare primates including orangutans, proboscis monkeys and macaques. Lunch and dinner are served on board, surrounded by the beauty of the surrounding nature. Overnight aboard the houseboat.

After breakfast, continue upriver to Pondok Tanggui, the park's second orangutan rehabilitation center, for the 9am feeding session, with time to take photos before returning to the houseboat at 10am to continue on to Camp Leakey, the highlight of the national park. Along the way, pass a black river alive with wildlife, from birds and primates to fish and crocodiles, with lunch prepared by the boat's own cook. On arrival at Camp Leakey, visit the Information Center to learn about Dr. Birute Galdikas' study of the park's orangutans, ongoing since 1971, before trekking into the forest in the early afternoon to see another orangutan feeding. Return to the boat by late afternoon and cruise down to the Nipa Palm area, where thousands of fireflies light up the trees at dusk and proboscis monkeys, found only in Borneo, gather in large groups along the riverbanks, an excellent photo opportunity. There is also a chance to spot orangutans picking fruit from the pandan trees at this time of day. Dinner is served on board. Overnight aboard the houseboat.

After an early breakfast on board, transfer by private car to Lopus Village, a journey of around five hours, with lunch served en route at a local restaurant. On arrival, explore the village on a sightseeing walk, with the rest of the afternoon free. In the evening, after dinner, be welcomed by the Dayak Tomun people with their traditional Bagondang ceremony, with the chance to join in the dance while rice wine is served. Retire for the night to sleep in a traditional longhouse. Overnight in a traditional longhouse.

After breakfast, continue by car to Kudangan Village to see more of the region's traditional longhouses, before the drive back to Pangkalan Bun, another five hours, with lunch served en route at a local restaurant. On arrival in Pangkalan Bun, transfer directly to the hotel to check in, with the rest of the evening free. Overnight in Pangkalan Bun.

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and the rest of the morning at leisure, before the transfer to Pangkalan Bun Airport for the onward flight home.