KATINGAN RIVER & SEBANGAU NATIONAL PARK

On arrival in Palangka Raya, we pick you up from the airport in our air conditioned private charter car. From here we travel to Sei Gohong and board a simple local canoe to see the beautiful Kaja and Bangamat orangutan islands, home to rehabilitated orangutans prior to their release into the wild operated by Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation (BOS). We watch from a distance that will not disturb this process as they adapt to the natural forest environment of the island. After return to land, we take lunch in a local Dayak grilled river fish restaurant. Driving an hour gets us to Bukit Batu, a rocky outcrop, for a short climb to see the vast flat surrounding landscape.  Return to the car to continue our trip to Jahanjang on the Katingan River (2.5 hours). Here we board the Spirit of Kalimantan for a welcome drink and snack as the boat heads upstream to find a quiet mooring on the river. Dinner and overnight on board the Spirit of Kalimantan.

Early morning, we visit the tiny village of Jahanjang and take the opportunity to walk to the beautiful calm Lake Bulat behind the village. Paddle through these perfect reflections on the lake. Then we continue our stroll through the village to meet the people and learn about their livelihoods, including the cattle farming, which is improving village incomes. Returning to the boat, we then cruise down to visit Karuing Village, for a stroll through this leafy pretty village to see the plant nursery set up by WWF, growing trees for reforestation and for orangutan food. Returning to the boat for lunch, we set off downstream to visit Talaga village to join afternoon activities in the village, including a visit to the fish farms.

Wake with the dawn for a stunning wildlife experience as we board village canoes to explore the black water Klaru River. Within RMU’s Katingan Project forest rehabilitation area, we learn more about their REDD+ project. We make our way upstream to a site to watch birds, proboscis monkeys and a variety of other wildlife, whilst marveling at the perfect reflections. Return to the boat for breakfast while we cruise upstream to the mouth of the small tributary, Punggualas River, the beginning of our forest adventure. We serve lunch on board before transferring to smaller canoes to travel the narrow river course to reach the park information and research site managed by the National Parks Authority and WWF. Here we settle into a private lodge. Each one can accommodate 2 people. Explore the camp and have a short talk on the activities in the camp. Then venture along the board walks adjacent to the center, walking deep into the dense forest, keeping an ear and eye out for wildlife. After dinner at the center, we set off on an exciting night wildlife spotting expedition, looking for the elusive clouded leopard. On return we look at the wildlife captured on film by camera traps set in the area.