Into the Mystical Heart of Borneo: A Paradise Adventure (7D/6N)
Are you ready for a 7-day expedition that will take you on an unforgettable journey into the heart of Borneo? This adventure is designed to reveal the island's three distinct highlights, each more captivating than the last. Get ready to explore lush jungles in search of wild orangutans, connect with some of the last remaining Dayak tribes, navigate pristine jungle rivers, and witness the awe-inspiring biodiversity of the rainforest. But that's not all – the east coast of Borneo is also home to one of the planet's most important biodiversity, where you'll have the incredible opportunity to swim alongside magnificent whale sharks and protected green turtles, all while staying in a beachfront bungalow on a stunning white sand beach.
This expedition falls within the moderate to challenging category, as it will take you into remote areas where nature reigns supreme, and unexpected delays can occur. It's tailor-made for adventurous souls who relish the thrill of the unknown. East Kalimantan Province, covering an area of 204,534 square kilometers and with a population of 4.5 million, awaits your exploration.
Teluk Sumbang Culture & Wildlife: The Merasa and Teluk Sumbang regions are blessed with exotic primary rainforests teeming with wildlife. During your journey, you may encounter endemic orangutans, sun bears, gibbons, clouded leopards, leaf monkeys, macaques, pangolins, tarsiers, lizards, and pythons. The local tribal cultures are rich in tradition, with deeply rooted spiritual beliefs and a traditional way of life that has stood the test of time.
Teluk Sumbang Accommodation: Your base in Teluk Sumbang is the Eco Beach Lodge, offering a unique back-to-basics experience. Electricity is available from 6 pm to 10 pm. The beachfront cottages provide stunning sea and jungle views, complete with mattresses for your comfort. Shared Indonesian-style cold-water showers and toilets are located within the lodge area. Please note that air conditioning is not available, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the natural surroundings.
Teluk Sumbang Weather: Get ready for a tropical climate with day temperatures ranging from 24°C to 35°C and night temperatures between 18°C and 24°C. Expect high humidity levels ranging from 80% to 90%. The region receives substantial rainfall, totaling approximately 4,000mm per year. The wettest months are October and June, while February and August bring drier conditions, although daily rain can still be expected during these months.
How to Get There: Berau Kalimarau Airport serves as your gateway, offering direct flights to Balikpapan and Tarakan, with connections to major cities such as Jakarta, Surabaya, Semarang, Tarakan, Berau, Palu, Makassar, Manado, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Kota Kinabalu. Samarinda Airport provides direct flights to Melak, Balikpapan, Berau, Tarakan, Nunukan, Long Apung, and Tanjung Selor, primarily served by ATR – Airvan planes.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival to Berau - Meresa Village
Welcome to Berau, an Indonesian marine paradise that unveils its treasures: pristine beaches, thriving coral reefs, untouched islands, and expansive forests. Once you touch down at Berau Airport, our friendly guide will be there to extend a warm welcome. Your journey continues with a scenic drive to Merasa village, where you'll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in this traditional community at your leisure. Embrace free time until the evening, when we come together for a delightful dinner and prepare for an overnight stay in a cozy guesthouse. Get ready to explore the wonders of Berau!
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse Merasa
Day 2: Merasa Orangutan Jungle Trek - Benua Baru Dayak Village - Talisayan
A simple breakfast marks the start of your day, and with it, your adventure unfolds! Your journey begins with a trip to the Lesan River, where you'll cruise upstream in a motor-canoe, a delightful 2-hour journey that takes you deep into the heart of Borneo's lush jungle. As you glide along the river, emerald-green foliage adorns the banks, welcoming you to this natural wonderland. Keep your senses sharp, for the riverbanks are home to a variety of wildlife including playful otters, curious monkeys, and a colorful array of bird species.
Your next stop is Pulau Bawan, known as Orangutan Island in the Lesan River. Here, you'll disembark for a short jungle trek, with possibilities to explore further if conditions allow. Marvel at the wonders of the jungle, which may include a visit to a waterfall, ancient Dayak tribe graves, and intriguing limestone caves.
Your journey then takes you to the Benuaq Baru Dayak Kayan village, a living testament to the extraordinary artistry of the Dayak people. This encounter offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in their culture and traditions.
Continuing onwards, your path leads to Talisayan, where a lunch at a local restaurant awaits. After your arrival, settle into your hotel, and in the evening, dinner will be served at another local restaurant, offering a taste of the region's culinary delights.
Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
Accommodation: Talisayan Hotel
Day 3: Talisayan, Biduk Biduk Lake Cermin, Teluk Sumbang
Your day kicks off with an early breakfast, ensuring you're energized and ready for the day's adventures. The first stop takes you to Talisayan harbor, where a "klotok," a traditional riverboat, awaits to take you to the whale shark spotting point. Here, you'll have the awe-inspiring opportunity to witness these magnificent creatures swimming nearby, a truly unforgettable experience. Depending on conditions, there might be a chance for a short sightseeing tour in Talisayang village, offering a chance to meet the Bajau tribe known for their expertise in fishing and bird nest collection.
Your journey then continues by car to Labuan Cermin Lake, also known as the mirror lake due to its unique dual-layered water – fresh on top and saltwater below. Surrounded by lush forest greenery, it's a serene and picturesque spot, perfect for swimming and snorkeling. A sumptuous lunch will be provided.
After your refreshing lakeside experience, your adventure leads you by car to Teluk Sulaiman. Get ready for an off-road journey, traversing dense forests as you make your way to Teluk Sumbang Bay in the southern part of the Berau district. As you journey, dinner will be served en route, and you'll eventually retire for the night in an eco-lodge, nestled in the heart of this pristine environment.
Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
Accommodation: Teluk Sumbang Eco Lodge
Day 4: Teluk Sumbang
Today is your well-deserved free day to relax and unwind in this picturesque paradise. You can bask in the warm tropical sun on the lodge's inviting beach, take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters, or explore the vibrant underwater world through some snorkeling. The choice is yours, but whatever you decide, it's bound to be a day of serenity and natural beauty.
Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
Accommodation: Teluk Sumbang Eco Lodge
Day 5: Kaniungan Island - Turtle Bay - Jungle Trek - Waterfall & Dayak Settlement
After enjoying a delicious breakfast at the lodge, your adventure continues as you board a traditional klotok boat. This short journey takes you to Kaniungan Island, where you'll have the incredible opportunity to meet the Bajau tribe and learn about their unique way of life. Here, you can also indulge in some more swimming or snorkeling amidst the stunning coral reefs that surround the island.
Next on your itinerary is Turtle Bay, where you'll have the privilege of observing graceful green turtles from the boat or, if you prefer, you can get up close and personal with these marvelous creatures through some snorkeling (remember not to touch them). In the late afternoon, you'll return to the Eco Lodge for a delicious lunch.
Afterward, gear up for a 3 km trek to the Dayak Basap settlement located at the enchanting Mangkaliat mountain plateau. This is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the traditional way of life of the Dayak people. Your adventure continues as you trek further into the heart of the lush rainforest to discover a breathtaking waterfall. As the day winds down, you'll return to the Eco Lodge, where a delightful dinner and a peaceful overnight stay await you.
Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
Accommodation: Teluk Sumbang Eco Lodge
Day 6: Kayaking Mangrove Forest - Trekking Mangkaliat Jungle
Following a hearty breakfast, get ready for another exciting adventure as you explore the mesmerizing mangrove forest from the unique perspective of a kayak. Keep your senses sharp as you watch for the distinctive proboscis monkeys and other fascinating wildlife that call this mangrove habitat their home.
Around midday, return to the eco lodge for a well-deserved lunch, refueling for the next part of your journey.
In the afternoon, it's time to delve deep into the rainforest of Mangkaliat mountain once again. Armed with curiosity and a keen eye, embark on a trek through this lush wilderness as you search for signs of the diverse wildlife that resides here. The rainforest is alive with the sights and sounds of its inhabitants, and with luck, you may have some captivating encounters.
As the day draws to a close, make your way back to the lodge where you'll spend a peaceful and comfortable night, surrounded by the natural beauty of Borneo.
Meals: Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner
Accommodation: Teluk Sumbang Eco Lodge
Day 7: Teluk Sumbang – Berau
As your remarkable journey in Borneo comes to a close, savor your final breakfast in this captivating paradise. Take some time to indulge in the tranquil surroundings or reflect on the incredible experiences you've had.
Later, it's time to bid farewell to the eco lodge and begin your journey back to Berau. The ride will take you on a scenic route through the diverse landscapes of Borneo, and it's a perfect opportunity to reminisce about your adventures.
The journey to Berau by car will be approximately 7 hours, so settle in for a comfortable ride. It's been a pleasure having you explore the wonders of the jungle with Come2Borneo. Sampai Jumpa! (Until we meet again!)
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation
What's included?
- Tour: 7D6N Mystic Borneo Paradise (English Guide).
- Accommodation: 1 Night at Merasa Local House, 1 Night at Hotel Talisayan, 4 Nights at Teluk Sumbang Eco Lodge.
- 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: International flights.
- Airfares: Airfares to and from Kalimantan Island.
- 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?
- Long wear
- Towel, soap and personal needs
- Torch/Flash light
- Waterproof bag (for documents and electronics)
- Sleeping Bag & Mosquito nets (optional)
- 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.
Explore the Derawan Archipelago's paradise islands, venture into the rainforests of Kutai National Park, and experience the traditional Dayak culture that defines the region.
