From Palangkaraya to Orangutan Island
Bite-sized trip
Day 1 – Arrive in Palangkaraya
Today, you will journey into the heart of Borneo, arriving at Palangkaraya airport, the capital of Kalimantan. Stepping off the plane, you’ll be greeted by warm, humid air and lush tropical greenery – you have made it to the jungle. From here, it’s about an hour’s drive to your resort, where you will be spending the next two nights. Along the way, you’ll pass sweeping forests, winding rivers and small villages with wooden stilt houses, where children happily play by the roadside. In the distance, the hills of Bukit Tangkiling rise above the landscape, creating a striking contrast against the flat lowlands. These peaks are considered sacred by the local Dayak people, whose deep cultural roots are closely tied to the natural world of Indonesia.
When you arrive at your resort, nestled among the rivers and forests, you’ll step into a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after your journey. Take a dip in the pool, relax in the tropical surroundings and tuck into a meal at the on-site restaurant.
Kalimantan – a hidden gem
Kalimantan is the Indonesian part of Borneo, shared with Malaysia and Brunei. It’s one of the more undiscovered parts of Indonesia, so you won’t find many tourists here. The dense rainforests, winding rivers and incredible biodiversity make this region a paradise for nature lovers. Orangutans, proboscis monkeys, gibbons, and thousands of bird species live here, among many other animals. The Dayak people are the traditional inhabitants of Kalimantan, and they have a deep connection with the land, rivers and forests that surround them. For generations, their way of life has revolved around nature with their spiritual beliefs, daily practices and traditions rooted in the jungle.
Day 2 – Spotting orangutans
After breakfast, you’ll be collected from your hotel to visit the base of the BOSF (Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation), one of the leading conservation organisations in Kalimantan, dedicated to protecting endangered orangutans and other rare wildlife. Here, you’ll board a traditional kelotok boat to Kaja Island, where you will go in search of orangutans from the water, a unique perspective where you can observe them in their natural habitat without disturbing the forest.
Day 3 – Departure from Palangkaraya
Enjoy your final breakfast this morning and a quick dip in the pool, as you’ll be heading off to your next destination in Indonesia. Continue your journey through Kalimantan and head on a four-day jungle cruise, visiting Tanjung Puting National Park, where you’ll likely encounter macaques, proboscis monkeys, and orangutans.
Accommodation
