Borneo River Cruise in Palangka Raya, Indonesia
A traditional Rungkan has been cleverly remodeled 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.
A. Rahai`i Pangun
A traditional Rungkan has been cleverly remodeled 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 20m 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.
B. Spirit of Borneo
Our newest boat is smaller, and perfect for families. With 2 double
cabins and 3 additional bunks, all air-conditioned, this boat has
hot water showers, fully self-contained kitchen with a comfortable
open plan air conditioned sitting area. Outside is a sitting area,
and upstairs a lounge deck, where you can stretch out on pillows and
enjoy the passing scenery. Optional extras are private chef and
guide.
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 sub tribes. 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.
Here's the official Antara Indonesian News Agency report on
George Soros' visit to Central Kalimantan. The Rahai'i Pangun was
used by the party to overnight on the Kahayan River during the
group's excursion to the down river village of Tundai.

Soros on Rahai`i Pangun and visits Kalimantan forest
Antara News, Sunday, July 25, 2010 02:37 WIB
Palangkaraya, Central Kalimantan (ANTARA News) - Noted US fund
manager George Soros conducted a natural tourism visit to a number
of tropical forest locations in Central Kalimantan.
Soros was welcomed by Central Kalimantan Governor Agustin Teras
Narang at Cilik Riwut airport on Saturday noon.
"I am visiting Central Kalimantan to observe its forests and peat
land in my capacity as a United Nations envoy for the environment,"
Soros said.
He said that he would obtain a lot of information directly in the
fields. Not only that, Soros said he would also get information
directly from the locals staying in the forest surrounding.
"During my tropical forest trip I will get information directly from
the field. I myself is a United Nations envoy for the environment
and was assigned by the UN secretary general," Soros said.
In the meantime Central Kalimantan governor Agustin Teras Narang
said Soros was interested in the local government`s policy,
particularly on forest and peat land.
"Soros admitted that the Central Kalimantan government pay attention
to the sustainability of forest and peat land," the governor said.
5 Days / 4 Nights
Relaxing Mid Week Jungle River Cruise
Start / Finish: Palangka Raya airport.
Tour Code: KNLR-BIRCT-5D
Departure: every 1st and 3rd week of the month - see details
schedules 2011 below
Itinerary
Day 1: ARRIVAL PALANGKARAYA – START CRUISE
Meet at Palangkaraya Airport and transfer to the Rahai’i Pangun in
Palangkaraya harbor to start your journey. Cruise past the stilted
and floating houses of the provincial capital and continue upriver
along the jungle lined river, passing villages and orangutan
islands. In the early evening, take a canoe through the shimmering
black water lakes. Keep an eye out for proboscis monkeys, hornbills,
red langurs and Brahmini kites. Return to the Rahai’i Pangun for
dinner and a quiet dinner in the midst of the jungle.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Cabin Boat
Day 2: MARANG – KANARAKAN
The Rahai’i Pangun moves up the Rungan River, passing the village of
Tangkiling and the orangutan release island of Pulau Kaja, to
Kanarakan village. Walk through the village with a local host to see
how people live and work in these isolated communities. Canoe ride
in lakes and return to overnight near the village.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Cabin Boat
Day 3: KANARAKAN – TANGKILING
The boat makes its way down stream, again passing the orangutan
island and making its way to Palas Island.
Optional tour Transfer by canoe to the BOS Orangutan Foundation’s
Education Centre in Nyaru Menteng. Accompanied by experienced
technicians, observe baby orangutans behind glass in the
socialization cages and watch a film of BOS projects in Central
Kalimantan. Cost : US$ 25 per person donation to the BOS Orangutan
Rehabilitation Project Transfer by canoe to Tangkiling Hill to see
the village ‘patahu’ at the sacred Batu Banama rock, and then to
climb the hill for a view of the vast, flat flood plains and catch
the sunset. Return to the boat for dinner and quiet mooring on the
river.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Cabin Boat
Day 4: TANGKILING – BUKIT RAWI
Today, relax and the enjoy the trip 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. Option to visit the nearby village of Sigi to see uniquely
carved ‘sandungs’. Dinner on board, and later enjoy an evening of
traditional entertainment.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Cabin Boat
Day 5: PALANGKARAYA – AIRPORT TRANSFER
Early morning cruise to Palangkaraya, enjoy breakfast on the way.
Depending on flight departure times, transfer to the airport may be
by taxi. Transfer from the boat to the airport, stopping by at the
handicraft market (if time permits).
Meals: Breakfast.
Cruises may be joined along the route and tailored to your timetable.
| January 2012 3-7 mid-week 17-21 mid-week |
February 2012 7-11 mid-week 21-25 mid-week |
| March 2012 6-10 mid-week 20-24 mid-week |
April 2012 3-7 mid-week 17-21 mid-week |
| May 2012 1-5 mid-week 15-19 mid-week |
June 2012 5-9 mid-week 19-23 mid-week |
| July 2012 3-7 mid-week 17-21mid-week |
August 2012 7-11 mid-week 21-25 mid-week |
| September 2012 4-8 mid-week 18-22 mid-week |
October 2012 2-6 mid-week 16-20 mid-week |
| November 2012 6-10 mid-week 20-24 mid-week |
December 2012 4-8 mid-week 18-22 mid-week |
Flights into Palangkaraya:
Garuda Indonesia
CGK-PKY 0700-0840; 1545-1725; PKY-CGK 0915-1050; 1800 - 1935
Lion Air
CGK-PKY 1915-2055; PKY-JKT 0700-0840
Sriwijaya Air
CGK-PKY 0825-1000; PKY-JKT 1125-1300
CGK=Jakarta - PKY=Palangka Raya.
Please email us to receive Borneo Indonesia River Cruise Trip Dossier
PLEASE NOTE WELL – This are sample programs only and are subject
to quickly changing river and weather conditions. Timing may vary
depending on starting port of tour. All activities referred to in
this itinerary will be covered during the time on board, though the
order may vary, and the villages mentioned in the itinerary may be
different. Personal itineraries will be made for each trip.
Other trips that we offers in Palangka Raya, the itinerary, trip
schedules and prices is upon request by
email:
1. Rahai’i Pangun Jungle River Cruises 2 days 1 night
2. Rahai’i Pangun Jungle River Cruises 3 days 2 night
3. Rahai’i Pangun Jungle River Cruises 4 days 3 night
4. Rahai’i Pangun Jungle River Cruises 5 days 4 night
5. 7 day Jungle River Cruise and Longhouse
6. 7 dayJungle River Cruise and Loksado Bamboo Rafting
7. Tumbang Malahoi Longhouse 4 days
8. 10 day Kahayan and Longhouse Tour
9. Tundai Village Home stay 3 days 2 nights
10. 14 days Orangutans, Nature, River Boats and Diving Islands of
Kalimantan
11. Traditional Food of Central Kalimantan 10 days
Note:
Weekend Cruises – 3 days
depart every Saturday of the Month (Saturday – Monday)
Garuda
Indonesia is the recommended airline and these itineraries are
designed to connect with their schedules.
Note:
1. Please specify details number tour participants, tour code, cabin
type, start and end date service based on cruise schedules above,
flight assistance (if any) etc in your email request.
2. Single occupancy – plus 50% single rate
3. Children under 12 years sharing a cabin with their parents, 50%
single rate. Children under 3 years are free.
Quick Links:
-
Sailing Yacht Tour S/V - 2 Days - 3 Days
-
Orangutan Tanjung Puting Tours - 3 Days
- Borneo Orangutan Trip - 4 days
-
Orangutan Borneo Tour - 5 Days
-
Orangutan Camp Leakey Tours - 6 Days
-
Orangutan Trip and Beyond - 10 Days
-
Adventure Indonesia - 30 Days
- Orangutan Tanjung Puting and Palangka Raya Essential River Cruise - 10 Days
- Kahayan Jungle River Cruise and Dayak Longhouse Tour - 10 Days
- Orangutan Tanjung Puting, Yogyakarta and Bali Trips - 12 Days
- Orangutan and Keluang Bay Turtles Conservations - 7 Days
- Indonesia Customized Trip - 13 Days
-
Orangutan - Toraja - Lombok Island Tours Expedition - 12 Days

