• 5D4N Wild Borneo Explorer: Orangutan Encounters & Dayak Immersion

The 5D4N Wild Borneo Explorer is an unforgettable expedition into the heart of Central Kalimantan, seamlessly blending remarkable wildlife encounters with rich cultural immersion.

The adventure begins with a classic river cruise through Tanjung Puting National Park on a traditional Kelotok (wooden riverboat), where you will spot endemic wildlife like proboscis monkeys and visit legendary rehabilitation centers like Camp Leakey for up-close orangutan sightings.

Beyond the rainforest canopy and meaningful tree-planting activities, the journey continues with an authentic stay at the Dayak community of Lopus Village. Here, you will be welcomed into a local homestay to experience indigenous traditions firsthand, from cooking traditional meals over a bamboo fire and observing the tuak (rice wine) making process to learning ancient rattan weaving techniques, ensuring a truly immersive Bornean adventure.

Tanjung Puting National Park

INTRODUCTION

Tanjung Puting National Park is a national park in Indonesia located in the southeast part of West Kotawaringin Regency in the Indonesian province of Central Kalimantan. The nearest main town is the capital of the Regency, Pangkalan Bun. The park is famous for its orangutan conservation.

The orangutan species that live in Tanjung Puting National Park, Central Kalimantan, is Pongo Pymaeus, which is endemic to this island. The habitat continues to vanish at an extremely high rate. Taking all of this into account, orangutan rehabilitation centres have been established to ensure the survival of this animal.

Experience the Authentic Nature in Tanjung Puting

During this trip, we will cruise along the Sekonyer River, which runs in between rainforests— on a local traditional boat called Kelotok. The boat is equipped with basic accommodation, mattresses, and mosquito nets. There are western toilets, a basic shower facility, and a kitchen where the cook prepares our meals. We can call this our floating homestay because we will sleep and move from one spot to another by this boat.

Dayak Lopus Village – Dayak Culture Immersion

INTRODUCTION

Lopus is a community-based tourism site appointed by Lamandau Regency. It is one of the villages in the Delang district. Visitors have the opportunity to stay overnight in a homestay and explore the natural treasures of the area. Activities include river tubing, bamboo rafting, trekking through the forest, experiencing indigenous culture, learning to make handicrafts, cooking, and much more.

Tanjung Puting

  • Location

    West Kalimantan

  • Highlights
    • Orangutan sighting
    • Overnight on Kelotok
    • Planting tree
    • Dayak culture immersion
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Group Tour

Traveling solo? You don’t have to go alone! Check out our group tour calendar to see when we’re heading out next.

Private Tour

Prefer to travel with your own crew or on your own schedule? You can always request a private tour instead!

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Itinerary

A day-by-day plan.

  • DAY

    1

    Jakarta – Pangkalan Bun – Kumai – Tanjung Harapan Camp (B,L,D)

    Please plan to arrive in Jakarta one night prior, as our flight to Pangkalan Bun departs bright and early! Upon arrival in Pangkalan Bun, we will enjoy a hearty breakfast before transferring to the port of Kumai. Here, we will board our private Kelotok (traditional wooden riverboat) and officially begin our voyage into Tanjung Puting National Park.

    As we cruise gently down the Sekonyer River, we will navigate through unique estuarine habitats lined with lush mangrove forests. Our first major stop will be at Tanjung Harapan Camp to witness the incredible orangutan feeding time at 3:00 PM. Along the riverbanks, keep your eyes peeled for Borneo’s endemic, big-nosed proboscis monkeys, as well as long-tailed macaques, red leaf monkeys, silvered langurs, and a variety of tropical birds.

    After our unforgettable encounter with the orangutans, we will continue our scenic cruise, soaking in the fresh jungle air until it is time to dock for the night. We will sleep comfortably on the open-air top deck of our boat, where cozy bedding will be set up for us right after dinner under the stars.

  • DAY

    2

    Pondok Tanggui – Camp Leakey – Pondok Ambung (B,L,D)

    Our morning begins with breakfast on board before we cruise to Pondok Tanggui to witness the 9:00 AM orangutan feeding. The adventure continues as we make our way to the iconic Camp Leakey, the very place where Prof. Biruté M.F. Galdikas pioneered her orangutan studies in the early 70s. Along the river, we will be on the lookout for freshwater crocodiles and vibrant jungle life!

    After lunch, we will leave the boat behind at Camp Leakey and venture deep into the Borneo rainforest on foot. We will spend the afternoon hiking and spotting wildlife, making sure to be at the feeding station by 2:00 PM for one last magical encounter with the orangutans. As the sun sets, our journey leads us to Pondok Ambung, where we will embark on a night walk to discover the secret world of Borneo’s nocturnal animals.

  • DAY

    3

    Pesalat Reforestation – Kumai – Lopus Village (B,L,D)

    Our morning begins with a meaningful visit to Pesalat Reforestation. After a short trek, we will plant tree seedlings, directly contributing to the restoration of the orangutans’ natural habitat and healing the land. We will then enjoy a relaxing cruise back to Kumai over tea and coffee.

    Leaving the boat behind, we will embark on a four-hour journey into the heart of Dayak culture: Lopus Village. Arriving by mid-afternoon, we will explore the area and settle into our homestay. The afternoon becomes a culinary adventure as we watch the locals prepare ancient recipes over open bamboo fires, including Nasi Tembiku (sweet coconut rice steamed in pitcher plants) and Kompu (bamboo-roasted meats). A late afternoon stroll will reveal the village’s ancestral heritage through important monuments like the Jorong and Sandung.

    When evening arrives, the true cultural immersion begins. We will share a feast with our hosts and take part in the Ikat Tongang Ceremony, receiving woven bracelets as a symbol of our welcome and protection from harm. The night comes alive with the Bagondang ceremony, where we will sip traditional rice wine and dance alongside our new Dayak friends before heading back to our homestay for a well-deserved rest.

  • DAY

    4

    Explore Lopus village (B,L,D)

    Get ready to fully immerse ourselves in Dayak culture today! We will start at a traditional Rumah Betang longhouse before uncovering the secrets behind making Tuak (traditional rice wine) and its stronger distilled spirit, Arak. Next, we will get hands-on in a local workshop to learn intricate rattan weaving and the ancient art of making Kapuak fabric from beaten tree bark. If time allows, we will end the day with a walk across the river to a traditional Ladang (agroforestry farm) to marvel at the villagers’ brilliant, decades-old food preservation methods.

  • DAY

    5

    Lopus Village – Pangkalan Bun – Jakarta (B,L)

    We will enjoy one last breakfast together before packing up and checking out. From here, we will embark on a five-hour drive back to Pangkalan Bun, stopping to share a lovely meal at a local restaurant along the way. Upon our arrival, we will be dropped off at the airport for our flight back to Jakarta, carrying home unforgettable memories of our time in Borneo.

What’s included

Included

  • All transportation and transfer during the trip
  • 4 nights accommodation
    – 2 nights on the Kelotok boat
    – 2 nights in Lopus Village
  • Meals as stated
  • All permits, entrances, and administration fees
  • Local Guide

Not Included

  • Flights
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal expenses and medications
  • Gratuities