Borneo Odyssey: Discovering Floating Markets, Mahakam River, and Kutai Park (10D/9N)
Join us on an extraordinary expedition into the heart of Borneo, where you'll navigate lush rainforests aboard traditional houseboats and motorized canoes. Immerse yourself in local culture at the bustling Banjarmasin floating market, cruise along the Mahakam River, and explore the breathtaking Kutai Reserve. This adventure promises unforgettable encounters with Borneo's unique wildlife, including the elusive orangutans, Dayak tribes, proboscis monkeys, and the rare "freshwater" dolphin.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Banjarmasin - The Venice of Borneo
Welcome to Pontianak! This unique city sits right on the equator, and we'll whisk you away to the Swissbel Hotel in Banjarmasin. After check-in, we'll embark on a river trip to Alalak Island and pass through the city's bustling canals. An evening of relaxation awaits.
Meals: Not Included
Accommodation: Swissbel Hotel Banjarmasin – Deluxe room
Day 2: Banjarmasin - Lok Baintan Floating Market - Balikpapan
Rise early at 4:15 am to experience the enchanting Lok Baintan floating market, a 90-minute boat ride from the hotel. Witness hundreds of canoes laden with local fruits and vegetables. After returning to the hotel for breakfast, we'll transfer you to the airport for a flight to Balikpapan. This city, once a humble fishing village, now boasts vibrant markets and stunning beaches.
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Swissbel Hotel Balikpapan – Deluxe room
Day 3: Balikpapan - Samarinda - Mahakam River
Enjoy breakfast before we transfer you to Loa Janan, a 2.5-hour drive by car. Here, you'll board a houseboat for a thrilling adventure along the Mahakam River. The houseboat offers a unique and comfortable way to experience the region. You'll dine on delicious meals and rest aboard the boat.
Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
Accommodation: A. Luxury Houseboat AC / B. Standard Houseboat AC
Day 4: Muara Muntai - Mancong - Tanjung Isuy - Muara Pahu
After breakfast, we explore Muara Muntai's wooden village and cross Jempang Lake by motor canoe to reach Mancong. Along the way, you'll have opportunities to spot monkeys and exotic birds. In Mancong, we'll be welcomed with a traditional Dayak ceremony. Later, we cruise to Tanjung Isuy before returning to the houseboat for dinner.
Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
Accommodation: A. Luxury Houseboat AC / B. Standard Houseboat AC
Day 5: Muara Pahu - Kedang Pahu River - Mount Bayan - Terbisak
Arriving at Muara Pahu, we'll travel upstream on the Kedang Pahu River by canoe. Our destination is Mount Bayan, where we'll visit the Terbisak Dayak village, known for its unique Longhouse and Dayak tribe traditions. Along the riverbanks, spot wildlife like otters, leaf monkeys, proboscis monkeys, and birds. In the afternoon, we'll explore the blackwater peat swamp forest at the delta of the Belowan River, a potential location to spot freshwater dolphins.
Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
Accommodation: A. Luxury Houseboat AC / B. Standard Houseboat AC
Day 6: Melak - Eheng - Ombau Asa
We'll arrive in Melak and journey by Jeep or minibus to Eheng, visiting the old Dayak Tunjung Longhouse. A visit to Kersik Luway provides the opportunity to explore the forest and potentially spot the famous black orchid. In the afternoon, we'll head to Ombau Asa waterfall for some refreshing swimming. Return to Melak and reboard the houseboat for a trip downstream to Tenggarong.
Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
Accommodation: A. Luxury Houseboat AC / B. Standard Houseboat AC
Day 7: Tenggarong - Sangatta
In Tenggarong, we'll visit the former palace of Sultan Kutai Kertanegara, home to an impressive collection of heirlooms and Dayak art. Next, we embark on a six-hour drive to Sangatta, where you'll check in at Kutai Permai Hotel for dinner and rest.
Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
Accommodation: Kutai Permai Hotel
Day 8: Sangatta - Kutai National Park
An early start by motor canoe takes us up the Sangatta River into Kutai National Park. There, we'll embark on jungle treks to observe wildlife and the stunning rainforest flora. Return to the Prefab Orangutan Research station for lunch, rest, and another trek. Spend the night in the heart of the jungle at the Prefab Research station.
Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
Accommodation: Jungle Lodge Kutai NP
Day 9: Kutai Reserve - Delta - Sangkima - Samarinda
After breakfast, we'll navigate the Sangatta River's delta, exploring the mangrove forest for Longnose Monkeys, birds, and crocodiles. We'll return to Sangatta for lunch before driving to Sangkima, home to an ancient, massive hardwood tree and diverse vegetation. Continue to Samarinda, where we'll have dinner and stay overnight at a hotel.
Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
Accommodation: Senyiur Hotel
Day 10: Samarinda - Balikpapan - Departure
Enjoy breakfast and leisure time in Samarinda before we transfer you to Balikpapan airport for your onward flight. Thank you for exploring Borneo's wonders with Come2Borneo. Sampai Jumpa!
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: -
What's included?
- Flights: Flight tickets Banjarmasin - Balikpapan.
- Banjarmasin Tour: 2-day Banjarmasin tour with a private guide.
- Adventure: 8-day Mahakam River & Kutai Park adventure with a private English-speaking guide.
- Accommodation: Accommodation in various locations, including houseboats, hotels, and jungle lodges.
- Meals: Meals, as mentioned in the itinerary.
- River Trips: Boat trips for river exploration.
- Donations and fees: Donations and entrance fees.
- Accommodation Type: Twin shared accommodations.
What's excluded?
- Flights: International flights, Domestic Flight.
- Visa fees
- Additional beverages: Additional beverages such as soft drinks, juice, and alcohol.
- Personal expenses: Personal expenses, including tips, laundry, telephone calls, and alcoholic beverages.
- Insurance: Travel insurance (Highly Recommended).
- Extra costs: Extra costs arising from circumstances beyond our control, like flight delays or cancellations.
- Not Mentioned: Anything not explicitly mentioned in the "Tour Inclusions" section.
What to bring?
- Sports shoes (special trekking shoes not necessary, as walks are gentle)
- Sandals (with Velcro recommended)
- Synthetic socks
- Long pants (quick-drying material)
- Raincoat
- Sweatshirt
- Lightweight t-shirts (quick-drying material)
- Long-sleeved shirt (quick-drying material)
- Towel
- Mosquito repellent (unscented and effective)
- Personal medicines and hygiene essentials
- Malaria prophylaxis (recommended)
FAQs
Ready for an awe-inspiring Borneo adventure? Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of the Dayak tribes and witness the majesty of orangutans in their natural habitat!
Before you go, explore our Borneo Travel Information FAQs page for vital trip information. From transportation and accommodations to respecting local customs and responsible wildlife encounters, we've got you covered.
Join us in preserving Borneo's biodiversity and cultural heritage. Plan your dream trip now and experience the magic of Borneo!
Terms and Conditions
Before you embark on your exciting tour with us, we kindly request you to review our terms and conditions thoroughly. These guidelines set clear expectations and responsibilities for both parties involved in the tour booking process.
To access our comprehensive terms and conditions page for booking tours, simply click on the link provided below. We highly recommend dedicating some time to read through the terms attentively, ensuring a seamless and delightful travel experience.
We sincerely appreciate your choice in selecting Come2Borneo for your travel needs. Our team eagerly anticipates offering you an unforgettable tour experience filled with cherished memories.
Click the link to visit our Terms & Conditions page for booking tours.
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