5 Days Discover Mahakam River Cuise
The Indonesian portion of Borneo, Kalimantan, is characterized by its stunning natural landscapes, including towering mountains, winding rivers, and lush jungles. It’s home to an incredible array of wildlife, including iconic species like orangutans, pygmy elephants, and proboscis monkeys.
The island’s indigenous communities, such as the Dayak people, have inhabited Borneo for centuries, contributing to its cultural richness. Traditional longhouses, vibrant festivals, and intricate handicrafts showcase the heritage of these diverse ethnic groups.
Borneo’s economy is heavily reliant on its natural resources, particularly timber, palm oil, and mining. However, conservation efforts are increasingly prioritized to protect its unique ecosystems and endangered species.
For travelers, Borneo offers a wealth of adventure opportunities, from trekking through pristine rainforests and diving in vibrant coral reefs to experiencing authentic indigenous cultures. Whether exploring its wilderness or immersing oneself in its cultural tapestry, Borneo promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of Southeast Asia.
Itinerary
When you have landed in Balikpapan airport, the guide will await you at the terminal, for a short meeting service and refreshing, before continue the journey by car or minibus to Samarinda, Loa Janan harbor, to board the houseboat as the mark to start the exciting experience of the Mahakam River Cruise upstream towards the Dayak tribe rain forest hinterland of Borneo. Overnight on houseboat
Short touring at Muara Muntai Wooden village, as the point for crossing Jempang Lake by motorized kayak to Mancong Dayak tribe longhouse settlement. During the canoe journey you could see untamed wildlife at Ohong creek like proboscis monkeys, macaque, leaf monkeys and lots of feathered jungle creatures. Harboring in Mancong village, YOU will be invited in the culture by a mystic ceremony of the Dayaq Benuaq tribe, at one of their Oldest Dayak Longhouse of East Kalimantan. in the afternoon, the trip continue by our kayak to Tanjung Isuy along the lake before sailing back
The boat will arrive early morning at the Jungle village Muara Pahu, enjoy your breakfast on board to see the river life culture activities of the village people from the boat. The motorized canoe will pick us up for a captivating adventure trip at the Kedang Pahu River to Mount Bayan rain forest area, where You will visit Terbisak as a small Dayak longhouse settlement which is still habituated by around 100 Dayak individuals traditional living of hunt and dry rice field cultivation as a natural heritage. On the way back, you will spot the intriguing nature and untamed wildlife as otters, leaf monkeys, proboscis monkeys and lots of birds, before entering the delta of the Belowan river stream as a black water peat swamp land, with chances to detect the Irrawaddy fresh water dolphins. Board the houseboat to proceed further upstream while having your dinner and overnight on board.
Early morning Melak town will Show up at the river bank, as a small fascinating trade point between the deep interior and coastal line of Kalimantan. drive through the rain forest highlands to Eheng village where about 35 families of the Dayak Tunjung tribe live in an old longhouse. Continue by car passing beautiful slopes and jungle valleys to Kersik Luway National park, as a flora treasure of wild orchid and pitcher plant species, if you are lucky the black orchid can be seen. In the afternoon we visit Ombau Asa jungle waterfall, before we return to the houseboat for cruising downstream the Mahakam River towards the Kutai Sultanate capital Tenggarong.
Breakfast on board when the boat arrives at Tenggarong, as the center of an old Borneo sultanate. The statutes at the river banks are the historic culture signs of the amazing assortment of legacies, ceramics, and Dayak’s craft, as part of the collection in the Palace of the Kingdom. The journey will continue downstream to Samarinda, before heading by car to Balikpapan airport where you can connect with your flight to your next destination.
