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Kalimantan

Covered in triple-canopy rainforest, Kalimantan sits on the Indonesian portion of the island of Borneo. Because of its location, Kalimantan is off the beaten path, and as such offers a wealth of experiences, peoples, and wildlife. Among the inhabitants of Kalimantan are the Dayak peoples, some 200 tribes who are known for their survival skills and headhunting traditions. Within the park's confines are a wide range of wildlife, including orangutans, sun bears, macaques, and birds.

EXPERIENCES

Banjarmasin

The biggest city in Kalimantan, Banjarmasin is a city with a long and varied history. Visit the bustling markets to sample culinary delights and browse the gem and ruby bazaars.

Dayak Longhouses

Visit the rumah betang, or traditional longhouses of the Dayak tribe, for an inside look at their customs and medicine. Learn about their elaborate tattoos and ornate earrings—all of which serve a unique purpose in their culture. In order to access the area, visitors will travel in a long boat through the Sungai Mahakam’s rapids – an adventure in and of itself.

Diving

Within the placid waters of the Celebes Sea lie the islands of Derawan, Sangaliki, Manatua, Batu Payung and Radayan islands, all of which offer outstanding diving. Divers can glimpse various species of turtles, sea cows, coral -and even try their hand at pearl diving.

Orangutans

Arrive at Camp Leakey, a wildlife center where you will be able to observe the feeding of orangutans firsthand. Speak with top primatologists to learn about their work, which mainly involves the reintroduction of older orangutans into the rain forest. Trek into the rainforest with a forestry ranger to appreciate the flora and to view the wildlife, which include wild orangutans, gibbons, macaques and birds.

Pontianak

Pontianak is a city of canals. As the capital of West Kalimantan, it is home to the Equator Monument, State Museum and a floating market.

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MAJOR AREAS

Kalimantan Explorer

A refitted klotok, or traditional Indonesian boat that plied the trade routes of the Spice Islands for centuries, the Kalimantan Explorer has been renovated with recycled hardwoods and materials. The Explorer is decorated in a simple but practical manner, with a spacious cabin outfitted with air conditioning and a bathroom with hot water. The Explorer also possesses a large outdoor deck – a perfect way to explore the environs of the Tanjung Putting river.

Rahai'i Pangun

Based on the design of a rangkan, or traditional Kalimantan river boat, the Rahai’i Pangun was, over the span of two years, designed by a French marine architect and built by a British shipyard. The Rahai’i Pangun has five comfortable, spacious cabins, and an upper viewing deck, where guests can simultaneously savor their meals and the scenery of the river.

Rimba Ecolodge

Nestled in the forest at the edge of the Sekonyer River, Rimba Lodge is an eco-resort accessible only by boat. The lodge has 35 rooms built in elevated pavilions, 15 of which have air conditioning (the others have fans) and hot water. All rooms have double or twin beds and baths with western showers and toilets. A percentage of the lodge’s profit go towards environmental protection. In the forest surrounding the property, you can see as many as nine primate species, crocodiles, butterflies rare birds such as Storm’s storks and even endangered species including clouded leopards. The Lodge is just a few minutes by boat from the orangutan feeding station at Pondok Tangui.

Spirit of Kalimantan

Like the Rahai’i Pangun, the Spirit of Kalimantan is a modified rangkan, or traditional river boat native to the area. The Spirit boasts three air-conditioned cabins, each with a sitting area and comfortable, plush beds. The boat itself features an open-air deck and dining area, where guests are served meals prepared by an on-board chef. Activities aboard the Spirit include a journey to a Dayak village and a visit to one of the orangutan rehabilitation programs in Borneo.

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