Overview

Day 1: Airport - Punggualas
Arrive at Tjilik Riwut Airport in Palangkaraya, where you will meet your guide. From there, embark on a transfer to Kereng Pakahi Port in Kamipang Village, Katingan, a 170 km journey that typically takes about 3.5 hours. Along the way, you will pass through traditional Kalimantan villages situated by the river, cross expansive bridges over the Katingan River, and witness the remnants of large gold mines, some of which are still active, albeit illegally.

Once at Kereng Pakahi Port, board a motorized canoe, which holds 3-4 passengers, for the ride to Punggualas in Sebangau National Park. Depending on the water levels, we may need to walk a short distance to reach the camp. In low water conditions, the walk from the Punggualas estuary to Talali Camp is approximately 1.2 km and takes around 17-20 minutes. However, during the rainy season, the canoe may be able to take us directly to the camp. Along the way, accompanied by a local guide and porter, we will pass through areas affected by the catastrophic fires of 1997 and the recurring fires each dry season before 2015. Keep an eye out for wildlife such as birds, lizards, and otters.

Upon arrival at Talali Camp, you can store your luggage in the guesthouse or tents while we prepare coffee, tea, snacks, and lunch for those arriving between 11:00 and 12:30. For late arrivals, only snacks, coffee, and tea will be served. After lunch, we will enjoy a short walk along the Tangkasiang observation trail in the Karuing Hapakat Forest area before returning to camp for dinner. Afterward, you can relax in the Talali Hall with the park’s staff and locals, listening to traditional Dayak zither music, or take a stroll to spot nocturnal birds and snakes. Then, rest for the night.

Day 2: Trekking In Sebanggau National Park
Enjoy an early breakfast between 06:00 and 07:00, followed by a full-day hike through Sebangau National Park, crossing the Hapakat Karuing Forest. You’ll be accompanied by a local guide and porters who will carry lunch, mineral water, and hot water for coffee and tea breaks in the forest. Hammocks will be available for resting at noon or at various rest points, depending on your physical condition.

Please note that this trek takes you through a wild national park with few established paths, so guides will carry machetes to clear vines and branches. Be prepared to get your feet wet, possibly up to your knees, so it’s essential to wear secure, quick-drying shoes. Also, bring mosquito repellent, a hat, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt. Throughout the trek, we will be on the lookout for wild orangutans, gibbons, sun bears, snakes, insects, and birds such as hornbills.

In the afternoon, around 15:30, we’ll return to the camp for dinner. Afterward, enjoy a short walk along the Punggualas River near Talali Camp to try local-style fishing with a spear and observe the area’s herpetofauna. Return to your accommodation to rest for the night.

Day 3: Punggualas – Orangutan Rehabilitation Island - Palangkaraya
After breakfast, pack your bags and head to Karuing Village. From there, embark on a walk similar to the first day, making your way to the Punggualas estuary. Upon arriving in Karuing Village, you will be greeted with a traditional Dayak ritual known as Tampung Tawar, followed by a visit to the local school. Feel free to stop at a café in Karuing Village for a coffee (at your own expense) before continuing your walk along the village's wooden paths to the dock. There, we’ll board a boat that will take us back to Kereng Pakahi Port, navigating through river shortcuts and small rapids.

Once back in the car, we’ll begin the journey to Palangkaraya. Before reaching the city, we’ll make a stop at the Gohong River. Here, we will take a canoe ride (without disembarking) to view Kaja Island, also known as the semi-wild orangutan island. This small island in the middle of the river serves as a rehabilitation site for orangutans managed by the NGO Borneo Orangutan Survival. These orangutans have been rescued from situations where they were orphaned due to palm plantation conflicts or were kept as pets. The island helps rewild them before their eventual release into the wild. For safety and conservation reasons, we cannot disembark, but we’ll have the opportunity to see the orangutans from the canoe. Afterward, we will continue our journey to the hotel, where you will check in and spend the night at Swiss Belhotel Palangkaraya.

Day 4: Palangkaraya – Transfer Out - End Of Services
After breakfast, at the scheduled time, you will be transferred to the airport for your next flight.