Borneo Off the Beaten Tracks: From Balikpapan to Banjarmasin

Upon arrival at Balikpapan Airport, meet your English-speaking guide and transfer to Lekaq Kidau, a Dayak Kenyah village whose ancestors migrated from the remote Apokayan highlands in the 1970s in search of more hospitable lands.

Later, continue to Tenggarong to visit the former palace of the Sultan of Kutai Kertanegara. Inside, discover impressive collections of antiques, ceramics, and traditional Dayak art.

In the late morning, visit a museum dedicated to traditional Dayak knives, the legendary mandaus, once used in headhunting rituals (approx. 30-minute drive).

Continue to the traditional village of Pampang (approx. 2 hours), where the Dayak Kayan community showcases its vibrant culture. Dayak art, particularly tattooing, features flowing geometric patterns inspired by the ancient Dong Son era and often depicts scenes of daily life.

You will also meet women with elongated earlobes, among the last guardians of a fading cultural heritage.

In the afternoon, transfer (approx. 4 hours) to the frontier town of Sangatta.

Early in the morning, travel upriver by motorized canoe (approx. 30 minutes) into the heart of Kutai National Park.

After settling into your ecolodge, set out on a guided jungle walk to explore the rich flora and fauna, including the chance to encounter wild orangutans in their natural habitat.

After a short rest in the afternoon, head back into the forest at dusk to observe the fascinating nocturnal wildlife.

This morning is dedicated to exploring the surrounding mangroves (approx. 2 hours), home to a wide variety of wildlife including crocodiles, proboscis monkeys, and numerous bird species.

Return to Sangatta by late morning, followed by a long transfer (approx. 5 hours) to Samarinda.

Enjoy some free time before continuing your journey south across Borneo.

During this long overland drive (6–7 hours), pass through dense forests and palm oil plantations scattered across the inland hills. Along the way, stop in several Dayak villages to meet local communities.

Arrival in Batu Kajang in the late afternoon.

Early departure toward Muara Komam, where you board a motorized canoe to navigate along the dramatic limestone cliffs lining the Kandilo River.

Later, continue overland to Loksado, a small village surrounded by lush, untouched nature.

Spend the day trekking through the equatorial rainforest on the slopes of Mount Meratus.

Discover hidden waterfalls, cross bamboo bridges, and visit remote Dayak villages along the way. Return to Loksado in the afternoon.

In the morning, enjoy a unique bamboo rafting experience down the Amandit River.

At Muara Hariang, your vehicle will take you to the famous town of Martapura, known for its diamond industry. In Cempaka, observe local miners searching for raw diamonds using traditional techniques.

Continue to Banjarmasin by the end of the afternoon.

Banjarmasin is not only renowned for its diamonds but also for its iconic floating market, an essential part of Banjar culture.

Board a motorized canoe to explore the canals and witness this vibrant local trade firsthand. Return to your hotel in the afternoon.