Orangutan Encounter and Dayak Culture Immersion in Indonesia

PANGKALAN BUN – KUMAI – TANJUNG HARAPAN CAMP Iskandar Airport at Pangkalan Bun is the closest airport to Tanjung Puting National Park. Upon arrival in Pangakalan Bun, we will take a car ride and head to Kumai where we will board our Kelotok and start our journey into the Tanjung Puting National Park. Cruising through Sekonyer River, the estuarine habitat with unique vegetation called mangrove, before making our first stop at Tanjung Harapan Camp to see Orangutan feeding at 3 p.m. Meanwhile, we may also see the Proboscis Monkey – the endemic monkey in Borneo with a big nose, and the long-tailed Macaque, Red-leaf Moneky, Silvered Langur, and birds along the riverside. After watching the Orangutan, continue cruising, enjoying the fresh air while the boat docks. We will stay on the top floor. The bedding will be set up after dinner.

PONDOK TANGGUI – CAMP LEAKEY – PONDOK AMBUNG (B,L,D) After breakfast, cruise the river to Pondok Tanggui. The feeding time for the Orangutan is at 9 a.m. After that, we will head to Camp Leakey, the legendary Orangutan Rehabilitation Camp, where Prof. Birute MF. Galdikas started her study in early 1971. During the cruise, we may spot freshwater crocodiles and other wildlife. After lunch, we will depart from Camp Leakey and spend the rest of the day hiking through the Borneo rainforest, searching for wildlife found in the forest. At 2 p.m., we will still have one more chance to spot the Orangutan at its feeding station before we head down to Pondok Ambung to watch the nocturnal animal.

PESALAT REFORESTATION – KUMAI – LOPUS VILLAGE (B,L,D) After breakfast, we will start cruising down to Pesalat Reforestation for tree planting. We will have a short trek to the tree seedling area. This activity aims to grow trees for the Orangutan and other living animals. Also, it aims to help rehabilitate the land after the wildfire and over-logging in the past. Then, we will continue our cruising journey back to Kumai while enjoying our tea and coffee. Arrive in Kumai; we will continue our journey to Lopus Village. The journey will take about 4 hours. Arrive at Lopus Village around 3-4 pm, go sightseeing around the village, and enjoy the community’s welcome ceremony. Check-in into our homestay, and we will see how traditional dishes are being prepared – from cooking rice on a leaf with a bamboo fire; Nasi Tembiku, a sweet rice cooked with coconut milk in a pitcher plant; Kompu, a traditional way of cooking chicken or fish with a bamboo fire. After that, we will have time to walk around the village to see the old house, Jorong and Sandung. After dark, we will gather with locals and have a traditional meal together. The community will also hold the Ikat Tongang Ceremony, where every visitor will be given a bracelet to symbolize acceptance of the village and hope for a good experience during the visit. As well as protection from the devil. After dinner, we will enjoy the welcoming ceremony called Bagondang. Guests who get served rice wine will join the dance with the Dayak people. After the ceremony, back to homestay and rest.

LOPUS VILLAGE (B,L,D) Today, we will explore deeply about the Dayak culture! We will start from Rumah Betang, a traditional house of Dayak where some of the walls are made from tree bark. After that, we will also see the tuak-making process. Tuak is a nice wine that ferments sweet rice with herbs and spices. It is very important for Dayak and is often seen in ceremonies. Tuak is also used as a welcoming drink. The next process of tuak is Arak, which has a higher alcohol content – like vodka or spirits. Next is the handicraft class. Dayak is well-known for making handicrafts such as rattan weaving for various equipment and accessories. We will learn rattan weaving and kapuak, an old fabric made from tree bark. The tree is peeled, and the bark is hit and smeared until soft to obtain a sheet of kapuak. If we still have time, we can enjoy the walk across the river to Ladang, an old agroforestry. It is incredible how the villagers can secure food for their families using basic methods. They still have rice stored for over 40 years.

LOPUS VILLAGE – PANGKALAN BUN – HOTEL (B,L,D) After breakfast, let’s experience Menyumpit- blowpipe with the village’s expert. He can do more than two shots in one breath. Continue with local games, Balogo, a traditional fun game with a stick and tree seed. After lunch, prepare to check out, and we will return to Pangkalan Bun. The drive will take about five hours. Lunch will be served en route in the local restaurant. Arrive at Pangkalan Bun, and savour the local cuisine for dinner. Stop at the local souvenir shop, check-in at the hotel, and rest.

PANGKALAN BUN (B) Enjoy the last morning in Kalimantan! Wake up, have your breakfast, and free program until the time to leave for the airport. Get ready to check out and drop off at the airport. I hope you had a great trip!