Moving away from the tours most requested by tourists, this 4-night expedition on the Mahakam River will allow us to live a fascinating adventure aboard houseboats and motorized canoes. With our specialized crew and guide we will enter the mouths of this river, which is the home of some Dayak settlements and thousands of endemic species of monkeys and water birds.
An area of tropical jungle characterized by its peaty black waters. This is a unique opportunity to see the “freshwater” dolphins that exist in a few areas of the planet. Get away from the world and dive into the wildest eastern Borneo.
Welcome to Balikpapan, a port city nowadays but once a fishing village built by Bugis people. You can find jewelry and gemstones sold at many markets, as well as nice white sandy beaches in the coast area.
Upon arrival at Balikpapan airport, you will meet our guide, who will transfer you to board the houseboat to begin an adventure along the Mahakam River. Meals are going to be provided on board.
Meals: Lunch – Dinner
Accommodation: Standard Houseboat with AC
You will do a short sightseeing trip at Muara Muntai Wooden Village, then cross Jempang Lake by motor canoe to Mancong. During the cruise you could see Rain Forest and wildlife at Ohong creek, like monkeys and birds.
Upon arrival at Mancong, you will be welcomed with a traditional ceremony by the Dayak Benuaq, one of the oldest Dayak tribes of East Kalimantan. In the late afternoon, you will go by motor canoe to Tanjung Isuy for sightseeing and return to Houseboat for dinner and overnight. The houseboat will cruise up to Muara Pahu.
Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Accommodation: Standard Houseboat with AC
Arrive at Muara Pahu and cruise upstream the Kedang Pahu River for more than one hour by canoe to Mount Bayan to visit Terbisak Dayak village, known for its longhouse of the Benauq Dayak tribe which is still habituated by about 100 Dayak people living in their community house, and traditions of dry rice fielding and hunting.
Continue downstream by canoe, along the river bank, you can see exotic nature and wildlife such as otters, leave monkeys, endangered proboscis monkeys, and birds. Move to the delta of the Belowan River as black water peat swamp forest land, with opportunities to spot the fresh water dolphins in the colliding stream of the Kedang Pahu and the Bolowan River. In the afternoon, return to the houseboat to continue upstream to Melak.
Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Accommodation: Standard Houseboat with AC
Arrive in Melak, then drive to Eheng by Jeep / Minibus, passing beautiful highland, to reach the old longhouse of Dayak Tunjung. Afterwards, visit Kersik Luway and explore the forest.
If you’re lucky, the famous black orchid can be seen. In the afternoon, move to Ombau Asa Waterfall, an exciting place for swimming. Return to Melak, then board the houseboat and go downstream to Tenggarong.
Meals: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Accommodation: Standard Houseboat with AC
Arrive at Tenggarong, visiting the former palace of Sultan Kutai Kertanegara. You will see the Sultan’s impressive collection of heirlooms, ceramics, and Dayak’s art and culture items. Afterwards, by car to Balikpapan airport for your onward flight to your next destination. Sampai Jumpa!
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation:
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Sustainable tour
Our own boats
Tanjung Puting National Park
Local specialized crew
Night treking included
Sustainable tour
Deluxe Boat
Tanjung Puting National Park
Local specialized crew
Night treking included
Sostenible Tour
Our own boats
Tanjung Puting National Parl
Local specialized crew
Nice atmosphere
A private speedboat adventure
Hotel accommodation
Rivers less visited by tourists
Birding
Special photographers
