The Transbornéo
Sail up the rivers of Borneo, from the Mahakam to the Kapuas, to meet the last Dayak peoples.
Duration
17 days
From
€1,795/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Style
Expeditions
Comfort
budget
Travelers
Solo, With friends
The spirit of travel
Return to the jungle lands of the great island of Borneo. A forgotten journey into the world of adventure in the heart of the Indonesian territory of Kalimantan, an island of ancient headhunters, legendary stories and fratricidal wars. What is the situation today?
As you travel up the course of the rivers and streams that play a vital role in the island's communication and economy, the jungle is immense. The foothills of the Muller mountains near the border with Malaysian Sarawak are very rarely visited. Karst peaks, towering trees, caves, steep paths, torrents and rivers with capricious courses and a few longhouses from the great era make up the universe of this legendary island.
Connecting the Kapuas and Mahakam basins, here is the adventure "sometimes extreme" that is proposed to you; a west-east crossing of one of the world's largest islands and the chance to still meet peoples as diverse as Dayak Punan, Kenyah, Kahayan, Bahan, Iban and Taman. Encounters in legendary lands…
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Welcome to Kalimantan!
Driving
Welcome to Kalimantan airport by your English-speaking guide and transfer to Samarinda.
The rest of the day is free.
Majestic Mahakam River
Boat
This morning, you board a traditional wooden public boat and slowly begin sailing up the Mahakam River. This 3-day cruise allows you to admire the lifestyle of local populations and the banks of the Mahakam.
The comfort on board your traditional wooden barge is relatively basic: two decks for a maximum capacity of 175 passengers.
On board, a small restaurant offering Indonesian food is at your disposal.
Crossing "rapids"
Rivière Mahakam → Tiong Ohang
You take a speed-boat today to cross some big rapids.
This passage offers magnificent views of the surrounding jungle and villages bordering the Mahakam.
Arrival in Tiong Ohang at the end of the day.
Majestic Mahakam River
Tiong Ohang → Bongan River
You begin today the most "adventurous" part of your journey. A motorized canoe takes you to the place where the Mahakam is barely more than a torrent and where you will then start a 7-day trek (4-7 hours of hiking per day) towards the west of Kalimantan. You walk through primary tropical rainforest and cross the Müller Mountains.
During these 7 days, you will fish and explore the jungle with your Dayak travel companions.
Intrepid Bogan River
Bongan River → Tanjung Lokang
Today is a day dedicated to going up the Bongan river, located in the upper part of the Kapuas river, the longest in Indonésie with its 1143 km. The first beautiful rapids line the route of gold seekers on the banks. Then the river narrows and you must descend and help push or pull the pirogues. The Dayaks are experts in this matter, jumping from rock to rock. In certain places, where the water is shallow, you must carry the pirogue along the cliffs in the middle of an exuberant jungle. On your way, you will admire the tropical forest of Kalimantan, small agricultural lands, hills and huts.
Finally, you arrive at Tanjung Lokang at the end of the day, it is the last Dayak Bahan village before the great jungle and Betung Kerihun National Park. Here, craft enthusiasts will be satisfied: woven rattan baskets, Dayak machetes, blowpipes, …
New "Fast-tracks"
Tanjung Lokang → Putussibau
You continue down the Bongan River in a "long boat" to Putusibau.
Kapuas River Descent
Morning visit to Putusibau, then transfer to Sintang and Pontianak. You depart for an 8-hour journey per day aboard public transport, which allows you total immersion in local culture.
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
- Possible airport taxes & visas
- Travel insurance & assistance
- Beverages, personal expenses & tips
- Occasional/Potential Fees in case of "Force Majeure"
- Everything that is not listed in "Included"
Included
- The services of an English-speaking local guide
- A team of porters/cooks (only for equipment and food, and not for your personal belongings)
- Land and river transfers necessary for the proper running of the itinerary (air-conditioned private car, motorized canoes, speed boat, public barge)
- Full board accommodations (except D/1)
- Site and trek permit entries
- Bivouac Equipment
- Liability Insurance
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
