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Rahai’i Pangun

A rustic Bornean riverboat sailing the forest-lined rivers of Kalimantan where few tourists venture.

Overview

The Rahai’i Pangun is a 72ft x 20ft traditional Kalimantan riverboat that has been converted into a beautiful liveaboard for cruising Borneo’s jungle-flanked waterways in the Indonesian province of Central Kalimantan. The design and specifications for the Rahai’i Pangun riverboat were implemented by master boat designers and engineers, using local craftsmen.

Life On Board

The wooden riverboat offers four simple but charming cabins on the lower cabin deck: two larger Superior cabins—one at the bow with its own private terrace—and two Double Cabins, all with en-suite bathrooms and air-conditioning. All of the cabins are wood lined with wall-to-wall windows and comfortable beds dressed with colorful eiderdowns and cushions.

The Upper Deck is spacious and comfortable. From here, you can enjoy dining, relaxing and wildlife spotting with your friends and fellow guests, while marveling at the uninterrupted panoramic views of the passing scenery from the sofas or deck chairs. You can expect delicious fusion-style Indonesian food prepared on board, using only fresh local ingredients.

Dayak People & Orangutans

The Rahai’i Pangun cruise will take you through forest-lined rivers to parts of Kalimantan where few tourists venture, to experience the lush, triple canopy rainforest, exotic flora, wildlife and culture. Because of its location, this exciting destination is well off the beaten path. The vessel was redesigned to fulfill a vision that helps keep local cultures and wildlife alive by enabling visitors to experience the natural environment and the Dayak communities in an eco-friendly way.

All activities, in the company of expert local guides, offer a balance between birdlife, wildlife and nature, as well as the fascinating culture of the Dayak people, whose 200 tribes who are known for their survival skills and headhunting traditions. In this land of spirits and mysticism, discover how the close but increasingly fragile interrelationship between the rainforest and the Dayak people has defined and shaped their way of life.

Spot orangutans in their natural habitat, learn about the struggle of BOS − the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation − to save this magnificent creature, as well as the human and cultural aspects of the BOS Foundation’s work. Take a guided canoe trip to the pre-release BOS islands to see these long-haired, orange-colored primates, which are found only in Borneo and on the Indonesian island of Sumatra.

They are highly intelligent and are close relatives of humans. After being rescued and rehabilitated as part of the BOS program, the next step for these great apes is their release into forests in the north of the province. With the Rahai’i Pangun, you can look forward to a magical journey in the company of your partner, your family or your friends as well as the new friends you will meet along the way.

Itineraries & Prices

All itineraries are subject to change due to seasonal weather conditions (and resultant variations in river and tributary water levels) affecting accessibility to locations. Thus navigation routes, times and excursions may need to be modified at the cruise captain’s or your guide's discretion.

1 / 2
3-Day
4-Day

3 Day - Relaxing Orangutan & Dayak Village

itinerary map

Embarkation

AM: 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.

PM: 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.

Rahai'i Pangun's Relaxing Orangutan & Dayak Village Downriver - Day One - Lunch On Board
Location
Palangka Raya Harbour
Day
1 / 3

Tumbang Nusa, Purun or Grey Sedge Weaving & Village Visit

AM: 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 and other wildlife. Then, the boat continues the cruise downstream to Tumbang Nusa village.

PM: 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. The boat will continue to cruise downstream, passing the large forested Selat and Badak Islands. It may be possible to spot orangutans here. The boat will stop and find a quiet place to tie up overnight.

Rahai'i Pangun's Relaxing Orangutan & Dayak Village Downriver - Day Two - Boat Side View
Location
Kahayan River
Day
2 / 3

Disembarkation

AM: Early morning, the boat continues downstream to the village of Pilang where we take a short walk around the village where our guide will also point out some local medicinal plants. We then have a walking tour in the village to see some of their traditional livelihoods. We will receive a tampung tawar or a Dayak welcoming ceremony and 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. Watch the local lady at her rattan weaving process.

PM: Escaping the heat of the midday sun, we will return to the boat for lunch.

Rahai'i Pangun's Relaxing Orangutan & Dayak Village Downriver - Day Three - Guests Relaxing on Deck
Location
Palangka Raya Harbour
Day
3 / 3
1 / 3

4 Day - Relaxing Orangutan & Dayak Village

itinerary map

Embarkation

AM: 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.

PM: 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.

Rahai'i Pangun's 4-Day Relaxing Orangutan & Dayak Village Downriver - Day One - Kanarakan Evening
Location
Palangka Raya
Day
1 / 4

Tumbang Nusa, Purun or Grey Sedge Weaving & Village Visit

AM: 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 and other wildlife. Then, the boat continues the cruise downstream to Tumbang Nusa village.

PM: 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. The boat will continue to cruise downstream, passing the large forested Selat and Badak Islands. It may be possible to spot orangutans here. The boat will stop and find a quiet place to tie up overnight.

Rahai'i Pangun's 4-Day Relaxing Orangutan & Dayak Village Downriver - Day  Two - Excursion on Boat
Location
Kahayan River
Day
2 / 4

Pilang, Rattan Weaving

AM: Early morning, the boat continues downstream to the village of Pilang where we take a short walk around the village where our guide will also point out some local medicinal plants. We then have a walking tour in the village to see some of their traditional livelihoods. We will receive a tampung tawar or a Dayak welcoming ceremony and 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. Watch the local lady at her rattan weaving process.

PM: Escaping the heat of the midday sun, we will return to the boat for lunch. The boat will then cruise upstream, again passing the orangutan islands for your last glimpse of these iconic animals. We are heading to the village of Tanjung Pusaka to see a traditional performance and watch as the villagers demonstrate rubber tapping.

We moor overnight in a quiet location for dinner.

Rahai'i Pangun's 4-Day Relaxing Orangutan & Dayak Village Downriver - Day Three - Visitors to Kanarakan Village
Location
Kahayan River
Day
3 / 4

Disembarkation

AM: 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.

PM: Lunch is served on board. The boat will arrive in port at approximately 4pm. 

Rahai'i Pangun's 4-Day Relaxing Orangutan & Dayak Village Downriver - Day Four - Sungai Rungan
Location
Palangka Raya
Day
4 / 4
1 / 4

Accommodations

Social Areas

Viewing Deck
Cabin
Breakfast
Bow
Open air deck
Double bed
Dining table on the deck
Sitting area on the bow

Suites & Cabins

Rahai'i Pangun's Double Cabin
2 Cabins

Double Cabin

Guests
2
Size
N/A
Beds
Double / Twin

The double cabins are suited mid-ship on the lower cabin deck and have great river and rainforest views through their large portrait windows. Tastefully wood-lined to reflect their surrounds, these cabins boast comfortable beds dressed with eiderdowns and cushions, and include both air conditioning and ensuite bathrooms with locally made natural soaps and other amenities.

Rahai'i Pangun's Superior Cabin
2 Cabins

Superior Cabin

Guests
2
Size
N/A
Beds
Double

The equally light-filled Superior cabins are located on the same deck but are more spacious, certainly the one to the bow which has a private terrace where guests can quietly enjoy the majestic view of the orangutan and its environs. These rooms similarly feature air-conditioning and private bathrooms that come with all the necessary toiletries, including natural soaps.

Technical Information

Deck Plan

Features

  • Air conditioning
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