Luxury Borneo & Derawan Odyssey: Exclusive Orangutan Houseboat & Whale Shark Tour 9 Days
9 Days
Up to 0 days
8 people
English
About this activity
Luxury Borneo & Derawan Odyssey: Exclusive Orangutan Houseboat & Whale Shark Tour – 9 Days 8 Nights
Begin an extraordinary journey from Bali through the rainforests and tropical islands of Indonesian Borneo. This Luxury Borneo & Derawan Odyssey – 9 Days 8 Nights combines an unforgettable Borneo Orangutan Tour in Tanjung Puting National Park with Snorkeling with Whale Sharks near Talisayan and private island exploration across the Derawan Archipelago.
Cruise through the jungle aboard a traditional Liveaboard Houseboat, enjoy guided Jungle Trekking, and observe orangutans in their protected natural habitat. Afterward, travel through Berau to discover Labuan Cermin Mirror Lake, stay near Maratua Island Resort, swim in Stingless Jellyfish Lake Kakaban, and look for Green Turtles at Sangalaki. Designed as an Exclusive Private Trip, this adventure offers wildlife, comfort, and remote island beauty in one seamless journey from Bali.
A Luxury Wildlife and Island Adventure from Bali
This eight-day Luxury Safari begins with a flight from Bali to Kalimantan, where your private guide welcomes you and assists with the journey to Tanjung Puting. Here, you will board a traditional wooden houseboat and cruise along a peaceful river surrounded by dense tropical rainforest.
During your private Borneo Orangutan Tour, visit renowned rehabilitation and feeding areas inside Tanjung Puting National Park. Guided jungle walks provide opportunities to observe orangutans, proboscis monkeys, macaques, tropical birds, and other native wildlife. In the evening, relax aboard your comfortable Liveaboard Houseboat while the sounds of the rainforest create an unforgettable atmosphere.
Exclusive Orangutan Houseboat Experience
The houseboat journey offers a distinctive way to explore Borneo’s protected rainforest. Your crew prepares meals onboard, while an experienced local guide leads each wildlife excursion and Jungle Trekking activity.
This part of the tour follows responsible tourism principles. Small-group arrangements, local guides, and carefully planned wildlife visits support Eco-friendly and Sustainable Travel practices. As a private experience, the schedule also offers greater comfort and flexibility than a standard shared tour.
Whale Shark Talisayan and Labuan Cermin Mirror Lake
After completing the orangutan safari, continue by air toward Berau, the gateway to East Kalimantan’s remote coastline and islands. The journey then leads to Whale Shark Talisayan, where guests may have the remarkable opportunity to enjoy snorkeling with Whale Sharks in their natural environment.
You will also visit Labuan Cermin Mirror Lake, a beautiful hidden lake famous for its remarkably clear water and unique layers of fresh and salt water. Surrounded by forest, this peaceful destination adds another distinctive natural experience to the journey.
Whale sharks are wild animals, so sightings and swimming opportunities cannot be guaranteed.
Private Island Hopping in Kalimantan
The adventure continues with Island Hopping Kalimantan through the Derawan Archipelago. Travel by private boat across clear tropical waters and explore some of the region’s most celebrated marine destinations.
Swim among harmless jellyfish at Stingless Jellyfish Lake Kakaban, explore coral reefs around Maratua, and visit Sangalaki, an island well known for manta rays and Green Turtles. Depending on sea conditions and the selected accommodation, guests may stay at a comfortable waterside property or near a Maratua Island Resort.
A Bespoke Private Journey Through Indonesian Borneo
This Bespoke Itinerary brings together two very different sides of Kalimantan: the ancient rainforest of Tanjung Puting and the turquoise waters of the Derawan Islands. Private transfers, selected accommodation, guided wildlife encounters, and private boat excursions create a smooth and comfortable travel experience.
Ideal for couples, families, wildlife enthusiasts, and private groups, this Exclusive Private Trip offers a rare combination of orangutans, whale sharks, jungle rivers, mirror-like lakes, tropical islands, sea turtles, and extraordinary marine life—all arranged in one remarkable eight-day journey from Bali.
Highlights
- Begin your complete Borneo adventure from Bali with domestic flights included
- Cruise through the rainforest aboard a private traditional liveaboard houseboat
- Observe orangutans in their natural habitat at Tanjung Puting National Park
- Visit famous orangutan feeding stations, including Camp Leakey
- Enjoy guided jungle trekking with an experienced local wildlife guide
- Spot proboscis monkeys, macaques, tropical birds, and other native wildlife
- Experience snorkeling with whale sharks near Talisayan
- Swim in the crystal-clear waters of Labuan Cermin Mirror Lake
- Stay at a comfortable tropical island resort around Maratua or Derawan
- Explore the Derawan Archipelago by private boat
- Swim among harmless stingless jellyfish in Kakaban Lake
- Snorkel above colorful coral reefs around Maratua and Kakaban
- Look for green turtles and manta rays around Sangalaki Island
- Enjoy a private and flexible itinerary with personalized service
- Combine rainforest wildlife, remote islands, and marine adventures in one luxury journey
Included/Excluded
- Return domestic flights from Bali according to the itinerary
- Checked baggage allowance according to the airline’s policy
- All airport transfers and private ground transportation
- Hotel accommodation throughout the journey
- Private liveaboard houseboat accommodation in Tanjung Puting
- Private boat tours around Derawan, Maratua, Kakaban, and Sangalaki
- Private boat excursion to the Talisayan whale shark area
- Visit to Tanjung Puting National Park
- Orangutan feeding-station visits and guided jungle trekking
- Visits to Muara Muntai, Mancong, Tanjung Isuy, Muara Pahu, and Terbisak
- Private transfer from Samarinda to Balikpapan Airport
- Visit to Labuan Cermin Mirror Lake
- Snorkeling with whale sharks, subject to natural conditions
- Visit to Stingless Jellyfish Lake Kakaban
- Snorkeling around Maratua and the Derawan Archipelago
- Visit to Sangalaki Island, known for green turtles and manta rays
- Snorkeling equipment
- English-speaking local guides
- Professional boat captains and experienced crews
- Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner according to the itinerary
- Mineral water during tours and boat excursions
- National park and attraction entrance fees
- Harbor, conservation, and local government fees
- Airport and travel assistance throughout the journey
- International flights to and from Indonesia
- Indonesian entry visa and passport-related expenses
- Travel and medical insurance
- Personal expenses, such as laundry, souvenirs, telephone calls, and minibar purchases
- Alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, and meals not listed in the itinerary
- Diving activities and diving equipment
- Tips for guides, drivers, houseboat crews, and boat crews
- Hotel room upgrades or additional nights
- Excess baggage and airline seat-selection fees
- Optional tours and activities not mentioned in the itinerary
- Medical expenses or emergency evacuation costs
- Additional costs caused by flight delays, cancellations, severe weather, sea conditions, government restrictions, or other circumstances beyond our control
Itinerary
Wake up to the sounds of the rainforest and enjoy breakfast aboard the boat. Visit the orangutan feeding station at Pondok Tanggui before continuing to Camp Leakey, the renowned orangutan research and rehabilitation centre. Trek through the tropical rainforest with your guide and observe orangutans, other wildlife, and exotic plants. Return to the klotok for dinner and an overnight stay.
Cruise back to Kumai and transfer to Pangkalan Bun Airport for your flight to Balikpapan. Upon arrival, travel by private vehicle to Loa Janan Harbour. Board an air-conditioned houseboat and begin your journey along the Mahakam River. Dinner and overnight aboard the houseboat.
Flight: Pangkalan Bun–Balikpapan
Visit Muara Muntai, a traditional riverside village known for its extensive wooden walkways. Continue by motorized canoe across Lake Jempang and through Ohong Creek, where monkeys, birds, and other wildlife may be seen.
Arrive in Mancong and visit one of East Kalimantan’s oldest Dayak Benuaq longhouses. Subject to local availability, guests may receive a traditional welcome from the community. Continue to Tanjung Isuy before returning to the houseboat. Overnight cruise toward Muara Pahu.
From Muara Pahu, travel by motorized canoe along the Kedang Pahu River to Mount Bayan and Terbisak Village. Visit an inhabited Dayak Benuaq longhouse and learn about the community’s traditions, daily life, farming, and cultural heritage.
On the return journey, explore the riverbanks and blackwater forest around the Bolowan River. Wildlife sightings may include otters, leaf monkeys, proboscis monkeys, and tropical birds. There may also be an opportunity to spot endangered Irrawaddy dolphins, locally known as Pesut Mahakam. Return to the houseboat and cruise downstream toward Samarinda.
Arrive at Samarinda Harbour and transfer by private vehicle to Balikpapan Airport. Fly to Berau, then continue by road to the harbour. After lunch at a local restaurant, travel by speedboat to Maratua Island. Check in at the resort and enjoy a relaxing evening.
Flight: Balikpapan–Berau
Enjoy a free day at Maratua Island. Relax at the resort, swim in the clear tropical water, snorkel around the nearby coral reefs, or simply enjoy the island’s peaceful beaches and beautiful lagoon scenery.
Travel by boat to Sangalaki Island, one of the region’s best-known locations for manta rays and green turtles. Enjoy snorkeling among tropical fish and healthy coral reefs, with the possibility of encountering manta rays in their natural habitat.
Visit the local turtle conservation area, subject to its operational schedule, and learn about efforts to protect green turtles and their nesting grounds. Continue to Kakaban Island and swim in its famous brackish-water lake, home to several species of stingless jellyfish. Return to Maratua Island in the late afternoon for dinner and an overnight stay.
After breakfast, depart Maratua Island by boat and continue by private vehicle to Berau Airport. Arrive in time for your onward flight. This marks the end of your Borneo adventure.
Domestic flights included: Bali - Pangkalan Bun–Balikpapan –Berau.
On the back: Berau - Balikpapan - Bali
Important note: Wildlife encounters, including orangutans, manta rays, turtles, proboscis monkeys, and Mahakam dolphins, depend on natural conditions and cannot be guaranteed. The itinerary may be adjusted due to flight schedules, weather, river conditions, local regulations, or operational requirements.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Where does this 9-day Borneo tour begin and end?
The tour begins at Pangkalan Bun Airport in Central Kalimantan and ends at Berau Airport in East Kalimantan. We can also help arrange connecting flights from Bali, Jakarta, or another Indonesian destination.
2. Are domestic flights included?
Yes. The package includes the following domestic flights:
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Pangkalan Bun to Balikpapan
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Balikpapan to Berau
Flights to Pangkalan Bun and onward flights from Berau are not included unless otherwise stated in your booking.
3. What type of accommodation is provided?
During the journey, guests stay aboard a traditional klotok in Tanjung Puting, an air-conditioned houseboat on the Mahakam River, and a resort on Maratua Island. Accommodation standards vary because some areas are remote.
4. Does the houseboat have air conditioning?
The Mahakam River houseboat has air-conditioned sleeping facilities. However, the traditional klotok in Tanjung Puting normally uses an open-air sleeping area with mattresses, pillows, mosquito nets, and basic shared facilities.
5. Is a private bathroom available?
Bathroom facilities aboard the boats are generally simple and may be shared. The Maratua Island resort provides a private bathroom unless a different room category is selected. Please contact us before booking if a private bathroom is essential.
6. Is this a private tour?
The land transfers, guided visits, and boat arrangements can be organized privately for your group. However, flights and some resort services are shared with other passengers and guests.
7. Is it guaranteed that we will see orangutans?
Orangutans are frequently seen near the feeding stations at Pondok Tanggui and Camp Leakey. However, they are wild animals, so sightings and the number of orangutans cannot be guaranteed.
8. Can we see Mahakam freshwater dolphins?
There is an opportunity to see the endangered Mahakam freshwater dolphin, locally known as Pesut Mahakam, around Muara Pahu and the surrounding river systems. Sightings depend on river and wildlife conditions and cannot be guaranteed.
9. Are manta rays and turtles guaranteed at Sangalaki?
Sangalaki is well known for manta rays and green turtles. Nevertheless, encounters depend on weather, currents, sea conditions, and natural animal movements.
10. Is Kakaban Jellyfish Lake safe for swimming?
Yes, visitors can normally swim and snorkel among the stingless jellyfish. Guests must follow local conservation rules, avoid touching or lifting the jellyfish, and refrain from wearing sunscreen before entering the lake.
11. Can non-swimmers join this tour?
Yes. Non-swimmers can enjoy the river cruises, Dayak villages, rainforest visits, beaches, and resort facilities. Life jackets are provided for boat journeys. Please inform us in advance if you are not confident in the water.
12. How physically demanding is the tour?
The tour requires a moderate level of fitness. Activities include rainforest trekking, walking on uneven paths and wooden walkways, boarding small boats, and climbing in and out of motorized canoes.
13. Is this tour suitable for children or older travelers?
Yes, provided they are healthy, comfortable with boat travel, and able to walk on uneven terrain. We recommend discussing the traveler’s age and mobility with us before booking.
14. What meals are included?
Meals are provided according to the itinerary:
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B: Breakfast
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L: Lunch
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D: Dinner
Please inform us before arrival about vegetarian meals, allergies, or other dietary requirements.
15. What should I bring?
We recommend bringing:
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Lightweight and quick-drying clothing
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Comfortable trekking shoes or strapped sandals
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Swimwear and a towel
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Rain jacket
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Hat and sunglasses
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Insect repellent
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Reef-safe sunscreen
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Personal medication
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Dry bag
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Reusable water bottle
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Binoculars and a camera
16. Is internet access available during the tour?
Internet access can be limited or unavailable in Tanjung Puting, along the Mahakam River, and during boat journeys. Wi-Fi or mobile coverage may be available at the Maratua resort, but the connection can be unstable.
17. What is the best time to take this tour?
The tour can operate throughout much of the year. However, weather, rainfall, river levels, sea conditions, and domestic flight schedules may affect the program. The generally preferred period is during the drier months.
18. Can the itinerary change?
Yes. The itinerary may be adjusted because of weather, river or sea conditions, flight changes, local regulations, wildlife activity, or other operational considerations. Any necessary changes will prioritize guest safety and preserve the main experiences whenever possible.
19. Can you arrange the tour from Bali or Jakarta?
Yes. We can arrange the complete journey from Bali or Jakarta, including the flight to Pangkalan Bun and the onward flight from Berau. Please contact us before booking so we can check schedules and availability.
20. How far in advance should we book?
We recommend booking at least three to four months in advance. For travel between June and August or during Christmas and New Year, booking four to six months ahead is advisable because flights, houseboats, and Maratua resorts have limited availability.
Activity's Location
Owner
AHA Bali
Member Since 2022
