We will meet you either on arrival at the airport or in your hotel lobby. At 8 am we transfer you to the tiny village of Sei Gohong where we board local canoes to observe orangutans on the beautiful forested island of Pulau Kaja. The island is managed by the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation or BOS. After observing orangutans in their island habitat, we then transfer to BOS’s nearby Education Centre in Nyaru Menteng for more information on their activities. Returning to Palangka Raya harbour, we board the Rahai’i Pangun for lunch and a short cruise through the city upstream. Boarding vehicles, we travel to the historic towns of Bukit Rawi and Sigi to see the magnificent painted sandungs, receive a Dayak welcome and learn about the history. We then return to the boat to start the cruise downstream to moor overnight in a quiet location.

In the early morning, we will use motorised canoes to visit the extensive blackwater Lake Bagantung. This is a unique peatland swamp ecosystem where we have the opportunity to spot birds, the other wildlife and fishing activities by the villagers. Returning to the boat, we continue the cruise downstream to Tumbang Nusa village. On arrival, we will have a walking tour in the village to see some of their traditional livelihoods. First the grey sedge or ‘purun’ weaving and handmade straw cooperative, made from rushes growing naturally in the canals and lakes. Later the local honey farm is visited. The boat will continue to cruise downstream, passing the large forested Selat and Badak Islands, where it may be possible to spot orangutans. We then find a quiet place to tie up overnight.

Early morning, the boat continues downstream to the village of Pilang where we take a short walk in the forest area near the village to see the process of rubber tapping (Mamantat) and rattan harvesting (Manetes). Our village guide will also point out some local medicinal plants growing in the forest. We then have a walking tour in the village to see some of their traditional livelihoods. Watch the local ladies at their rattan weaving process and meet the villagers. Over a special tea and coffee, with traditional Dayak cakes such as apam and untuk-untuk, we will be entertained with a Kacapi (two stringed instrument) performance. Escaping the heat of the midday sun, we will return to the boat for lunch. The boat cruises up stream, passing the orangutan island for your last glimpse. Entering the Nusa canal and its forested banks, we pause to tie up for the night in a quiet location.

Early morning, the Rahai’i Pangun sets off upstream to visit the village of Pusaka, where we learn the local self-defence or shadow boxing exercise. Try it yourself! Farewelling the villagers, we return to the boat for our final cruise to Palangka Raya. Lunch is served on board. The boat will arrive in port at apporximately 3 pm. Tour ends