Explore the Enigmatic Mahakam River (4D/3N)
Discover the hidden treasures of Borneo as you embark on a 4-day expedition along the captivating Mahakam River. Departing from the coastal city of Balikpapan, our adventure takes you into the heart of this mystical region.
Once a tranquil fishing village, Balikpapan is now a bustling city offering pristine beaches and vibrant markets. From here, you'll board a houseboat, your vessel for this unforgettable journey.
Over four days, you'll witness the raw beauty of Borneo's rainforests, catch glimpses of exotic wildlife, and immerse yourself in the traditions of the Dayak Benuaq tribe.
Our adventure concludes with a visit to the former palace of Sultan Kutai Kertanegara in Tenggarong, where you'll experience the rich cultural heritage of Borneo.
As you bid farewell at Balikpapan airport, you'll carry with you the memories of a journey into the heart of Borneo. Sampai Jumpa!
Itinerary
Day 1: Balikpapan - Samarinda - Mahakam
Welcome to Balikpapan, once a tranquil fishing village built by Bugis people, now a bustling port city. The city is renowned for its vibrant markets selling jewelry and gemstones, as well as its pristine white sandy beaches along the coast. Upon your arrival at Balikpapan airport, our friendly guide will be waiting to escort you to embark on a captivating journey along the Mahakam River aboard a comfortable houseboat. Your meals will be thoughtfully prepared and served on board.
Meals: Lunch - Dinner
Accommodation: Standard Houseboat with Air Conditioning
Day 2: Muara Muntai - Mancong - Tanjung Isuy - Muara Pahu
Our adventure begins with a brief visit to the Muara Muntai Wooden village, followed by a scenic crossing of Jempang Lake by motor canoe to reach Mancong. During this cruise, keep an eye out for glimpses of the lush rainforest and its diverse wildlife along the Ohong creek, including monkeys and a variety of bird species. Upon arriving in Mancong, you will be warmly welcomed with a traditional ceremony by the Dayak Benuaq, one of East Kalimantan's oldest Dayak tribes. In the late afternoon, you'll embark on a motor canoe journey to Tanjung Isuy for sightseeing before returning to the houseboat for dinner and a restful overnight stay. The houseboat will continue its journey upstream to Muara Pahu.
Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
Accommodation: Standard Houseboat with Air Conditioning
Day 3: Muara Pahu - Kedang Pahu River - Mount Bayan - Terbisak - Downstream
Today, you will reach Muara Pahu and embark on a captivating canoe expedition upstream along the Kedang Pahu River. The journey takes you to Mount Bayan, where you'll have the opportunity to visit Terbisak Village, famous for its Dayak Benuaq tribe's Longhouse. Approximately 100 residents continue to inhabit this unique community house, maintaining their traditional practices of dry rice farming and hunting. Afterward, you'll proceed downstream by canoe, offering a chance to immerse yourself in the exotic natural beauty and observe various wildlife, including otters, leaf monkeys, the endangered proboscis monkeys, and a rich array of birdlife. The adventure continues to the delta of the Belowan river, a pristine blackwater peat swamp forest with the possibility of spotting freshwater dolphins in the Kedang Pahu and Bolowan River. You'll return to the houseboat for a relaxing evening and a voyage upstream to Melak.
Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
Accommodation: Standard Houseboat with Air Conditioning
Day 4: Tenggarong - Balikpapan
Your journey concludes with a visit to Tenggarong, where you'll explore the former palace of Sultan Kutai Kertanegara. Inside, you'll find an impressive collection of heirlooms, ceramics, and Dayak art and culture items. Afterward, you'll be comfortably transferred by car to Balikpapan airport for your onward flight to your next destination. Sampai Jumpa!
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: -
What's included?
- Tour: 4D3N Mahakam River Cruise with a private English-speaking guide.
- Accommodation: 3 Nights' accommodation in a Standard Houseboat with air conditioning (Twin Shared).
- Donations and fees: Donations and entrance fees, permits.
- Meals, accommodations, and activities: Meals, accommodations, and activities as mentioned in the itinerary.
What's excluded?
- Flights: Domestic/international flights.
- Insurance: Travel insurance (highly recommended).
- Visa fees
- Beverages, personal expenses: Alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, and personal expenses.
- Additional expenses: Additional expenses arising from events beyond our control (force majeure).
- Not Mentioned: Anything not explicitly mentioned in the "Includes" 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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