Borneo: The Memory of Caves
A unique exploration of the decorated caves of Borneo, where the oldest rock paintings in the world reveal their thousand-year-old secrets.
Duration
16 days
From
€5,795/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Style
Expeditions
Comfort
rustique
Travelers
Solo, With friends, Couple
The spirit of travel
25TH ANNIVERSARY OF AZIMUTH ADVENTURE TRAVEL LTD
"EPHEMERAL" ITINERARY
FROM 19 OCTOBER TO 03 NOVEMBER 2026
LED BY LUC-HENRI FAGE
Speleologist, explorer and French filmmaker who discovered parietal art in Borneo
« If Europe was long perceived as the cradle of art, with the spectacular sites of Chauvet, Lascaux or Altamira, it is in Southeast Asia that the oldest rock paintings of humanity have been dated. And, in recent years, discoveries are multiplying! »
This statement by Luc-Henri Fage that you can read in an article in Dossiers de l'Archéologie (published in January 2021) aroused our curiosity and motivated us to learn more.
If, like us, you are naturally curious and adventurous at heart, then join us on this unique itinerary that will allow you to explore a little-known region of Borneo!
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Welcome to Borneo!
Transfer to the airport and flight to Balikpapan.
Garuda Indonesia / Jakarta – Balikpapan / 0835-1150
Pick-up at Balikpapan or Samarinda airport and transfer to Sangatta, a small mining town in northern Kalimantan, and the last civilized town before the forest.
After checking in at the hotel, first briefing with Luc-Henri and his team.
Marang Mountains
Transfer to the small village of Hambur Batu, where the Bengalon river crosses the road that runs through Kalimantan. You then get out of the vehicle to board motorized canoes that will take you up the river towards the Marang mountains.
First optional stop at Batu Adji, where you explore a large cave and upper galleries.
Arrival in the late afternoon at the foot of Gua ("cave" in Indonesian language) Tewet.
Tewet Cave
In the early morning, explore the Tewet Cave, discovered in 1999.
You reach it by a short walk through the forest, followed by a climb of approximately 70 m between jungle and rock (you will be secured on certain passages and the final pitch to access the cave). Exploration of the cave, which is a rock shelter of 200 m2 with breathtaking views of the surroundings. Discovery of rock paintings (the finest, according to Luc-Henri Fage), including 240 negative handprints, the tree of life, etc.
Return to camp in the afternoon.
Option for the best climbers: ascent of limestone pinnacles to Gua Pindi, which houses a few paintings, but above all offers lovely views and a good insight into what a tropical pinnacle karst landscape looks like.
Marang River
In the morning, you head towards a combe (steep and clayey slope) near Gua Tewet, to explore Liang Karim, a cave discovered in May 2003, renowned for its fantastic "honey tree" and a "tapir" (species that disappeared in the Pleistocene, that is at least 10,000 years ago!).
Early afternoon, you leave the camp.
The dugout canoes go up the Bengalon river and turn towards the pretty little Marang river. You progress in this way until Gua Keboboh, where the camp will be set up.
Keboboh Cave
Exploration of the Keboboh cave in the morning, which offers multiple entrances, particular fauna (cave insects, snakes, amphibians…), strange concretions and rocks with astonishing shapes, sculpted by water.
You will also pass by an old swiftlet nest hunters' camp.
In the afternoon, possibility to explore other caves in the surroundings, along an impressive cliff of karst peaks.
Sungai Cave
Today, you continue your journey up the Marang, with sometimes acrobatic passages for the boatmen, until reaching Gua Sungai (or "river cave"). Exploration of this lovely cavity traversed by a (small) underground river, full of pools, gours, cave fish, etc.
You then resume the pirogues. The river narrows, dead trees obstruct progress, rocks protrude. Depending on the flow, you will need to walk on a trail (which doesn't always follow the river), or stay in the pirogues. Majestic passages under limestone peaks, omnipresent forest (like a cathedral), sometimes it's a canyon…
At the end of the river, you notice it emerges from a cave. This is the bivouac site, Gua Tebo.
Tebo Cave
Incursion into Gua Tebo, swimming upstream in the underground river (depending on water flow).
This river originates from the other side of the Marang mountains.
There is also the possibility of climbing a karst peak.
Shy orangutans
Orangutans that have fallen victim to deforestation have taken refuge in the area you explored yesterday. With an excellent tracker, you set off again to discover a vast depression located east of Tebo.
Along the way, caves, marshes, tall grasses… Orangutans nest in the trees, shy creatures. An encounter is not guaranteed, but the walk is superb. You also tour a karstic depression. The mountains that dominate it are impressive.
In the afternoon, return by canoe to Gua Tangkorak. Access to the cave via an easy short walk. It is a large gallery, decorated with numerous concretions. A lateral gallery descends to a second entrance, which leads to a ceramic object stuck high up in the clay. At the entrance, there are some prehistoric paintings (the cave was excavated by archaeologists in 2003).
Return to Civilization
To Miau Baru
A large part of the day is devoted to the return, by canoe, towards civilization. Upon arrival at Hambur Batu, you are happy to board vehicles, which take you towards a Dayak village: Miau Baru.
On the way, visit to the Kongbeng peak, which overlooks an ocean of oil palms, and offers a surprising underground network. Climbing a peak, not easy to scale, offers an extraordinary panorama. Dayak music and dances in the evening.
Night in the communal house, decorated with polychrome wood paintings.
Dayak Civilization
Miau Baru is a traditional village inhabited by Dayak people from the Apo Kayan. Forty years ago, these tribes decided to leave the heart of Borneo to settle closer to modern civilization.
Many thought they had no future in Miau Baru, but the Dayaks managed to preserve their traditions, which they present to you this morning during an immersion in their culture.
Transfer to Merapun in the afternoon, where you board motorized canoes again heading towards the small Dayak village of Merabu.
Beloyot & Harto Caves
Early in the morning, you begin a walk of approximately 3 hours towards the Beloyot caves (formerly Harto), in the middle of one of the largest intact limestone forests in the world. Gua Beloyot is very interesting, as it contains many rock paintings over 30,000 years old. If you have a keen eye, you will also discover some unknown sculptures and fossils.
Return to Merabu in the afternoon.
Pic Nyadeng
Possibility of exploring the village of Merabu (which has had an exemplary policy by refusing deforestation and palm oil plantations) or climbing the peak of Nyadeng, which offers a beautiful view of the region.
Buffer day
If you have experienced no setbacks during the course of your journey, the day is devoted to visiting the surroundings of Samarinda: the museum of Dayak knives – the famous "mandaus", which were notably used in the past to cut heads (30 minutes' drive); you also head towards the traditional village of Pampang, 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. The long-eared women are also the last witnesses to a culture that tends to fade away.
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 flights
- Possible visa and airport taxes
- Insurance and travel assistance
- Alcoholic Beverages, Personal Expenses & Tips
- Everything that is not mentioned in "Inclusions"
Included
- Domestic flights Jakarta-Balikpapan round trip
- Supervision by Luc-Henri Fage, French explorer
- English-speaking porters and kitchen team
- Full board accommodation (in twin or double room) in Borneo
- Accommodation in B&B in Jakarta and Samarinda
- Ground transfers in private and air-conditioned vehicles
- River transfers by motorized canoes
- Site entries, trek permits & donations
- Bivouac equipment (tents, mattresses, mosquito nets & sleeping bags)
- Mineral water and energy supplement
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
