Rahai’i Pangun Orangutan & Dayak Village Cruise

Experience the ultimate Borneo orangutan cruise aboard the traditional Rahai’i Pangun houseboat. Our 4-day and 5-day river expeditions combine thrilling wildlife encounters with authentic Dayak cultural immersion in Central Kalimantan’s pristine waterways. Departing from Palangka Raya, this unforgettable journey takes you deep into Indonesia’s jungle heartland.

About Rahai’i Pangun Boat

The Rahai’i Pangun represents authentic Kalimantan river heritage. This 22 x 6-meter traditional bis air was meticulously converted by Indonesian master craftsmen into Central Borneo’s premier orangutan cruise vessel.

Accommodation Features

2 Superior Large Cabins with ensuite bathrooms and air conditioning
2 Double Cabins with ensuite facilities and air conditioning
Maximum 8 passengers ensuring intimate experiences
Innerspring mattresses, quality linens, towels, and basic toiletries
Reading lights and charging stations in all cabins
Mosquito netting and privacy shutters on all windows

Common Areas

Spacious upper viewing deck with comfortable sofas and deck chairs
Dining area serving acclaimed Indonesian and international cuisine
Waterproof blinds with clear viewing panels for rainy weather
Multiple electrical outlets for camera and device charging

4 Days 3 Nights Orangutan & Dayak Village Cruise

Day 1: PALANGKA RAYA – PULAU KAJA – BUKIT RAWI

We will meet you either on arrival at the airport or in your hotel lobby. At 8.00 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 BOSF. After observing orangutans in their island habitat, we then return to Palangka Raya for lunch at the Dayak restaurant. Boarding vehicles, we travel to the historic town of Sigi to see the magnificent painted sandungs and learn about the history. Later we stop at a village oyster mushroom farm before transferring to the boat to start the cruise downstream. We moor overnight in a quiet location.

Day 2: TUMBANG NUSA – PURUN or GREY SEDGE WEAVING & VILLAGE VISIT

In the early morning, we will use motorised canoes to visit the extensive blackwater Lake Bagantung, a unique peatland swamp ecosystem. Then, the boat continues 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, stingless bee honey production, and to see the display of swallow bird’s nest. Finally, we will see the production process of local fish being made into fish floss and crackers. The boat will continue to cruise downstream, passing the large forested Salat and Badak Islands, spotting orangutans as we pass. The boat will stop and find a quiet place to tie up overnight.

Day 3: PILANG – RATTAN WEAVING

Early morning, the Rahai’i Pangun continues downstream to the picturesque village of Pilang. Upon arrival, we take a short introductory walk around the village where our knowledgeable guide will point out local medicinal plants used in traditional Dayak healing practices.

Subsequently, we begin a comprehensive walking tour to explore the village’s traditional livelihoods and cultural heritage. First, we participate in the sacred tampung tawar, an authentic Dayak welcoming ceremony that honors guests with traditional blessings. Following this meaningful ritual, we gather for special tea and coffee accompanied by traditional Dayak cakes such as apam and untuk-untuk. During this time, you’ll be entertained with a captivating kacapi (two-stringed instrument) performance showcasing indigenous musical traditions.

Next, watch skilled local artisans demonstrate the intricate rattan weaving process, a craft passed down through generations. To escape the heat of the midday sun, we then return to the boat for a refreshing lunch aboard the Rahai’i Pangun.

After lunch, the boat cruises upstream on your Borneo orangutan cruise, once again passing the orangutan islands for your final glimpse of these iconic great apes in their natural habitat. Later in the afternoon, we head to the village of Tanjung Pusaka where we experience a vibrant traditional cultural performance. Additionally, you’ll observe as villagers demonstrate traditional rubber tapping techniques (getah harvesting) that have sustained communities for centuries.

Finally, we moor overnight in a tranquil riverside location for dinner under the stars.

We moor overnight in a quiet location for dinner.

Day 4: TANJUNG PUSAKA – CRUISE TO PALANGKA RAYA – DEPARTURE

Early morning, the Rahai’i Pangun sets off upstream to visit the village of Bereng Bengkel, where we visit the local canoe building site and vegetable farms. 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 approximately 4pm.

Note: Cruise itineraries are subject to the starting port and to seasonal river conditions, but all offer the same experiences. Dry season conditions may cause alterations to the itineraries. Private charter itineraries may be tailor-made to your timetable and special interests.

If you plan to use a large lens camera on your visit to Pulau Kaja, let us know. We will obtain in advance the relevant ticket issued by BKSDA (The Nature Conservation Agency of Indonesia).

Tour Price

Cabin Type	Price per person
Superior Large Cabin	Rp. 30,750,000 / USD 1,850
Double Cabin	Rp. 26,200,000 / USD 1,600

5 Days 4 Nights Orangutan & Dayak Village Cruise

Day 1: PALANGKA RAYA – ORANGUTAN ISLANDS – BUKIT RAWI – RAHAI’I PANGUN

We will meet you either on arrival at the airport or in your hotel lobby. At 8:30 AM, we transfer you 40 minutes to the tiny village of Sei Gohong. Upon arrival, 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 (BOS).

After observing orangutans in their island habitat, we then return to Palangka Raya. Subsequently, we board the Rahai’i Pangun for lunch as the boat cruises through the city. Following lunch, we board the car for a short excursion to the historic Dayak town of Sigi. Here, we learn more about Dayak religion and rituals while admiring the magnificently carved and painted totem poles marking the ossuaries.

Later in the afternoon, we return to the boat for dinner. Finally, the boat cruises upstream to find a quiet mooring place for overnight.

Day 2: LAKE BEGANTUNG – TUMBANG NUSA – SEDGE WEAVING

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.

Day 3: PILANG – RATTAN WEAVING

Early morning, the boat continues downstream to the village of Pilang. First, we take a short walk in the forest area near the village to observe the process of rubber tapping (Mamantat) and rattan harvesting (Manetes). During this walk, our village guide will also point out some local medicinal plants growing in the forest.

Next, we have a walking tour in the village to see some of their traditional livelihoods. Here, you’ll watch the local ladies at their rattan weaving process and meet the villagers. Afterward, 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.

To escape the heat of the midday sun, we will then return to the boat for lunch. Following lunch, the boat cruises upstream, passing the orangutan island for your last glimpse of these magnificent creatures. Eventually, entering the Nusa canal and its forested banks, we pause to tie up for the night in a quiet location.

Day 4: PURUN ISLAND – TANJUNG PUSAKA – CRUISING

Early morning, the Rahai’i Pangun sets off upstream. Our first stopover is Purun Island, where we’ll take canoes from the nearest village and watch as this water plant is harvested for weaving. Continuing upstream, we 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 cruise upstream towards Palangka Raya.

Quiet overnight on the river.

Day 5: SEBANGAU NATIONAL PARK – DEPARTURE

After an early breakfast, pack your bags and farewell the crew tp prepare for your final excursion to the Sebangau National Park. For this adventure, we transfer by car to Kereng Bangkirai village, a journey of 40 minutes. Here we join a canoe to travel a half hour across the amazing reflections of Lake Sebangau to the tiny Koran River. We will visit the information centre established there and walk along boardwalks provided for visitors to more easily explore the area to catch sight of birds and perhaps wild orangutans. We will take a picnic snack with us. Returning across the lake, we drop you to your hotel or to the airport.

Note: Cruise itineraries are subject to the starting port and to seasonal river conditions, but all offer the same experiences. Dry season conditions may cause alterations to the itineraries. Private charter itineraries may be tailor-made to your timetable and special interests.

If you plan to use a large lens camera on your visit to Pulau Kaja, let us know. We will obtain in advance the relevant ticket issued by BKSDA (The Nature Conservation Agency of Indonesia).