Day 1 – Arrival in Eastern Kalimantan
You will land in Balikpapan, a bustling port and a financial centre of the Eastern Kalimantan Province on the coast of Borneo. You will be greeted by your driver and transferred to your hotel in Balikpapan. Take some time to relax by the pool and ease into your journey before the adventures begin tomorrow.
Day 2 – Travel to your eco lodge and start spotting wildlife
After a delicious breakfast, you will leave the city behind and venture deep into the heart of the lush jungle. Built entirely from natural materials, the eco-lodge is run by a foundation devoted to orangutan conservation. These reddish-brown primates live both in the wild rainforest and on specially created islands around the lodge. In the afternoon, your first trek begins. Accompanied by an English-speaking guide, you will explore the rainforest surrounding the lodge, keeping an eye out for orangutans as well as other wildlife such as sun bears and wild macaques. Even during dinner, the wildlife remains close, as orangutans are often visible from the lodge itself. As night falls, let the soothing sounds of the jungle lull you into a restful sleep.
Day 3 – Jungle adventures and Sungai Hitam boat ride
The next morning you will continue your jungle adventures. Step aboard a local fishing boat for a gentle cruise along the jungle river. You can choose to set off either early in the morning, when mist rises from the water and the forest slowly awakens, or in the late afternoon, when the sun casts a golden glow across the river. As you glide along, keep a watchful eye for the rare and endangered proboscis monkeys, whose distinctive long noses and curious expressions are truly unforgettable. You may also spot other wildlife along the riverbanks, from agile macaques to colourful birds and even the occasional monitor lizard.
The local fishermen will guide you through the winding channels, sharing their knowledge of the river, its currents and the creatures that call it home. Listen as they explain the rhythms of life here and the ways the river sustains both people and wildlife. This serene journey offers a wonderful opportunity to experience the jungle from a unique perspective, with its sights, sounds and secrets unfolding around you at every turn.
Day 4 – Departure from Balikpapan
Sadly, your adventure in the untamed Kalimantan comes to an end today. After breakfast, your driver will pick you up from the lodge and transfer you to Balikpapan where you will continue with your travel arrangements.
Accommodation
