Relax on a Jungle River Journey in Borneo, Palangkaraya, Indonesia River Cruises

The Rahai'i Pangun Jungle Cruise Boat

Launched in February 2008, the Rahai'i Pangun is the first eco tourism cruise boat in Central Kalimantan, pioneering a tourism industry in this 'off the beaten track' region of Borneo.

Named by the traditional elders after an historic vessel of the same name trading far and wide and bringing home riches, Rahai'i Pangun means big development.

Mother orangutan and baby on river island

Highlights are the relaxing pace, the comfort of the boat and the delicious, fresh food cooked by our on board chef. Leave the city behind, and enter this mystic, jungle world as you pass dense forested river banks, see orangutan islands and glimpse birds and other wildlife. Stopping to transfer to a small local boat to better explore the maze of black water lakes and canals is a great adventure.

Visits to riverside villages to see traditional lifestyles and livelihoods is the next highlight. Our past and continuing work in these villages to help develop sustainable lifestyles extends to working with them to ensure the protection of their unique forests and river scapes, and to develop their traditional dances and music.

Mid week cruises extend from Tuesday to Saturday and shorter weekend breaks start on Saturday.

Guests relaxing on the deck of the Rahai'i Pangun

Relaxing Mid week Jungle river cruise 5 day 4 night

Relax and take in the lush, exotic scenery along the slow, meandering rivers rarely seen by tourists. Glimpse the orangutans in their native habitat and experience traditional lifestyles.

Day 1:
Arrive direct from Jakarta and transfer to your comfortable cabin in the Rahai’i Pangun. Join us on the viewing deck for a welcoming drink and begin your journey along the forest lined rivers. Steaming through Palangkaraya city and its original boardwalk villages on the river edge, we proceed to the Rungan River and moor in a peaceful location.

Day 2: From our overnight mooring, we continue along a beautiful stretch of river, perfect reflections in the water, fishing activities, and glimpses of bird life and animal life in the verdant jungle. We continue on the boat to a traditional village and learn about the local livelihood activities, from tapping rubber, to carving their machete handles, weaving rattan mats and bags, to building canoes and drying fish.
Our village mooring is adjacent a blackwater lake. Leave the boat in the evening by canoe, and quietly enter the lakes, using the torchlight to spot nocturnal animals.

Day 3:
Returning down river, meandering pass the orangutan release islands to the riverside village of Marang. Leave the boat to see Dayak spirit houses and a holy rock, representing the boat of the spirit world. Continue steep climb up Tangkiling Hill for a view over the plains and river. Alternative option for the less energetic visit St Joseph Convent and climb to see pathway lined with life size depiction of the Stations of the Cross.
Return to the boat for another delicious evening meal.

Day 4
Continue cruise down river to the village of Bukit Rawi. Enjoy a full day cruise with a leisurely breakfast and lunch before arriving at the historic town of Bukit Rawi. Take an afternoon walk through this interesting village and learn about the Ancestral bone houses, called Sandungs and the funeral ceremony called the Tiwah. See rattan weavers making mats and baskets.
Rejoin the boat for the final evening under the stars entertained by local musicians and dancers. .

Day 5:
Cruise back to Palangkaraya and enjoy some souvenir shopping before checking out and travelling to the airport.

There are 5 comfortable cabins, accommodating a maximum of 11 people.
Tour includes all food, freshly cooked on board, all off boat tours, guide on board and transfers to and from the airport.

All of our detailed itineraries are subject to river conditions, as the water levels vary constantly and rapidly, causing occasional changes to our routes.

Gourmet food is served on board

Access to and from the boat, and local canoe transport is very basic.

Hallway to your comfortable cabins below deck

The cabins are fully screened against mosquitoes and other insects, and are all fan cooled.

All food is freshly prepared on board to high standards. European breakfasts are served, and for the other meals, the cuisine is Asian fusion using traditional local ingredients for light, fresh and varied meals.

Banama Tinggang traditional carved spiritual boat

Our prices include all airport transfers, accommodation, food and guides and off boat tours.

Prices do not include airfares to Palangkaraya, porters, or alcoholic beverages on board. Additional nights spent in the area in hotels are also extra.

Our customer service is helpful and responsive, and we are happy to customise tours to make this cruise a unique experience.