Borneo: Dayaks & Orangutans in the Wild
In the heart of Kalimantan, freshwater dolphins and Dayak long houses along the mythical Mahakam.
Duration
15 days
From
€1,650/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
classique
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends
The spirit of travel
The Mahakam River and the Kutai National Park offer an immersive adventure in the heart of the lush nature of Kalimantan, on the island of Borneo. This itinerary is perfect for nature lovers, culture enthusiasts and those who wish to experience an authentic and environmentally respectful experience.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Welcome to Borneo!
Aéroport → Samarinda
Welcome by your English-speaking guide at Balikpapan or Samarinda airport and transfer to the hotel.
The rest of the day is free
On the Mahakam
Samarinda → Pela
Transfer by vehicle to Kota Bangun (4 hours drive), where you board a motorized canoe.
It then takes you to the village of Pela, along the Mahakam River (1 hour). On site, possibility to visit the freshwater dolphin museum.
In the evening, you will have the opportunity to participate in a badminton or football game with the local population.
Freshwater dolphins!
Pela → Tanjung Isuy
Early in the morning, you set off to observe dolphins at the confluence of Pela or in the Seamayang lake delta (2 hours).
Later, you cross the Jempang lake to the lakeside village of Tanjung Isuy, where you will be welcomed with a welcome dance (2 hours 30 minutes).
Immersion
The day is dedicated to meeting the local population and discovering the village and its surroundings.
This is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the customs and traditions of the indigenous people and learn more about Dayak ways.
Former "long house"
Tanjung Isuy → Muara Pahu
Early morning departure by motorized canoe towards Mancong village, via Ohong Creek (1h). During the journey, you have the opportunity to observe different tree species, as well as many monkeys and birds.
In Mancong, you visit one of the oldest Dayak "long houses" in East Kalimantan, then continue your navigation towards Muara Pahu (still along the Mahakam – 4h).
Dayaks Benuaq
Muara Pahu → Melak
In the morning, you take a motorized canoe and head along the Kedang Pahu river towards the foot of Mt Bayan (2 hours).
You visit the Dayak village of Terbisak, renowned for its superb "long house", which is home to Dayak Benuaq families. Around a hundred people still live in this communal house and continue to practice hunting and breeding in the traditional way.
You continue your journey upstream where diverse wildlife presents itself before your eyes (otters, monkeys, birds, etc.). You then reach the delta of the Belowan river, where swamps shelter freshwater dolphins (30 minutes). Continuing to Melak where you will spend the night (4 hours).
Dayaks Kenyah & Kayan
Melak → Datah Bilang
Morning transfer to the port, where you board a motorized canoe that takes you to the village of Rukun Damai, where Dayaks Kenyah & Kayan live.
You take the opportunity to explore the village's "long house" and immerse yourself in local customs and traditions. You then continue your journey upstream to Data Bilang.
Kaharingan & Hudoq
Data Bilang is a tribal village composed mainly of Kenyah Dayaks who migrated from the distant Kayan region. You will notably visit its very colorful "long house" and learn more about Kaharingan, the local religion which is a blend of Hindu beliefs and animism.
The Data Bilang region is also inhabited by Bahau Dayaks, known for their masked ceremonies, the Hudoq, which celebrate planting and harvest periods.
Return to Melak in late afternoon.
Dayaks Tunjung & Black Orchid
Route to Eheng by Jeep and vehicle, on the highlands. You will discover an old "long house" of a Tunjung tribe and continue towards Kersik Luway.
In the surrounding jungle, you may have the chance to spot the famous black orchid.
In the afternoon, possibility of making a stop at the Ombau Asa waterfall, where you will have the opportunity to swim.
Return to Melak in the evening.
Famous "mandaus"
Samarinda → Sangatta
Mid-morning visit to the Dayak knife museum – the famous « mandaus », which were notably used in the past to cut heads (30 mins drive). Then, you head towards the traditional village of Pampang (2 hours), where Kayan Dayaks present their vibrant culture to you.
Dayak art, represented by tattooing and characterized by fluid geometry whose influence dates back to the Dong Son era, mainly depicts scenes of daily life. Women with elongated ears are also the last witnesses of a culture that tends to fade away.
In the afternoon, transfer (4 hours) to the mushroom town of Sangatta.
Kutai National Park
Sangatta → Kutai National Park
Early in the morning, you travel up the Sangatta river by motorized canoe (30 min) to venture into the heart of the Kutai National Park.
After settling into the ecolodge, you begin a pleasant jungle walk to explore the local fauna and flora, particularly in search of orangutans in their natural habitat. Rest in the afternoon, then another hike in early evening to observe the nocturnal wildlife.
Kutai National Park
Mangroves
Kutai National Park → Samarinda
The morning is dedicated to exploring the surrounding mangrove (2 hours), where the fauna and flora are very diverse (crocodiles, proboscis monkeys, birds, etc.).
Return to Sangatta at the end of the morning, then transfer (5 hours) to Samarinda.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- International and domestic flights
- Visa and airport taxes
- Travel Insurance and Assistance
- Beverages and personal expenses
- Anything not mentioned
Included
- English-speaking local guide
- Ground transfers
- Transfers on lakes & rivers
- Full board accommodations
- Meals according to the itinerary
- Site entries and permits
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- More than 60 days before departure: 40% of the total price (deposit retained)
- Between 60 and 30 days before departure: 50% of the total price
- Less than 30 days before departure: 100% of the total price
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns tourists entering Indonesia. Entry requirements may change, and we recommend verifying the information with the official authorities of your country of residence and with the Indonesian embassy or consulate before your departure.
Passport
To enter Indonesia, your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months after your entry date and must contain at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn or altered pages).
Tourist stay without visa
Depending on your nationality, you may be eligible for a visa exemption for tourist stays in Indonesia. Entry requirements vary by nationality and should be verified with the Indonesian embassy or consulate of your country of residence.
The authorities may also request:
an exit ticket from the territory (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay.
Formalities on arrival
Before your arrival, it is recommended to complete the online arrival declaration via the official Indonesian customs and immigration portal (e-CD, Electronic Customs Declaration).
This form allows you to transmit to the authorities certain information necessary for entry into the territory:
passport information
flight details and itinerary
address of first accommodation in Indonesia
declaration of goods and currency carried
A confirmation QR code may be requested when passing through customs and immigration controls.
Health and vaccinations
No vaccine is mandatory to enter Indonesia, except in case of transit through a country at risk of yellow fever, in which case an international vaccination certificate may be required.
As a precaution, it is advisable to consult a doctor or vaccination center before departure. Vaccinations against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid and rabies are commonly recommended for stays in Indonesia. Antimalarial treatment may also be recommended depending on the regions visited (particularly outside Bali and major cities).
Travel with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay.
In some countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an authorization to exit the territory may be required according to the regulations of the country of residence.
Entry requirements by nationality
Entry conditions vary depending on nationality. Travelers should consult the Indonesian embassy or consulate of their country of residence for specific requirements.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to be insured for repatriation assistance and medical expenses abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to familiarize yourself with the specific contract developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, find out about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The complete insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that suits you best:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the agreement detailing all coverage and the procedures for filing a claim are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the procedures for reporting any claim. The participant must therefore keep this agreement with them for the entire duration of their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
A Visa on Arrival (35 USD) is required upon arrival, valid for an initial stay and extendable once. You can also obtain an e-VOA online before departure. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. Before booking, check the conditions applicable to your nationality with the consular authorities of your destination.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a quality tailored trip, plan between 140 and 230 euros per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transport and activities. International flights (700-1100 euros return) are additional. The archipelago allows you to combine beaches, volcanoes, jungle and culture at attractive rates.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We tailor each circuit to the travelers' profile. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our local English-speaking guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate stories.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until you get the perfect version. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) guarantee which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Borneo
Photographer of Indonesian volcanoes and trails, based in Yogyakarta
Before drawing up an itinerary, you have to observe, walk, listen to the locals and understand the place. Only then can an adventure trip remain authentic.
— Dominic
