Overview

Cross Borneo is the heavy jungle trekking in the tropical rainforest of Borneo. The journey will pass a hilly and mountainous area crossing the border of West to East Kalimantan. Cross Borneo is the activity that follows a historical expedition route of a Dutch botanist, DR. Anton W. Niewenhius in 1894.
The vegetation in the jungle is diverse and therefore you encounter different animals at different locations. Borneo has a very wet climate, the hydrology in the expedition area is unique with hundreds of streams. Two famous rivers* on each side will offer different landscapes, and adventure experiences.
*...Kapuas river, the longest river in Indonesia and Mahakam river, the biggest river in East Kalimantan, Indonesia

Itinerary

DAY 1 : PONTIANAK – PUTUSSIBAU        
One hour air access by planes (fokker) from Pontianak to Putussibau. Tropical rain forest, Kapuas river, and some shifting cultivation point can be shown from the plane. At Pangsuma, the Airport of Putussibau, a small and simple town in the north of West Kalimantan, take rest at a hotel. (D)
 
DAY 2 :  PUTUSSIBAU – NANGA BUNGAN
From the hotel, the trip continues to the boat station. Another 6 hours upstream the Kapuas River by using traditional longboat is needed to reach Na. Bungan Village. Exploring up stream Kapuas river all day by passing some rapids, sometime the passengers should out of the boat to pull the boat passing some shallow river or walking through the river bank while the motorist and his boat navigator manage the long boat to pass rapids. The trip also passes some longhouses of Dayak Taman, shifting cultivation area (ladang), and traditional fruits garden. Having lunch on the river bank while observing the landscape will give us another impressive. Afternoon, arrive in Na. Bungan village. Overnight stay. (  B, L, D )

DAY 3 :NANGA BUNGAN – TANJUNG LOKANG
Exploring Bungan river to reach the last village of Dayak Punan in West Kalimantan that named Tanjung Lokang. Landscape, flora and fauna, and rapids will excite. The trip will spend 2,5 hour if the river is flood. In the dry season, all of longboat passengers should walk on the shallow river by stepping on the rock pulling the boat together. Overnight in Tj. Lokang ( B, L, D)

DAY 04: TANJUNG LOKANG – DATA OPET
Across up Land Ladang "slash and burn, long fellow dry” rice field through the forest by way often ill - defined trails. Typical 05 to 06 hours walking/day plus breaks is envisaged. It's enough. This trip will be accompanied by porters from Dayak people. After 3-4 hours trekking, you will come to Kahung Cave (in the local language called Diang Kaung). Explore the sacred-historical and artistic cave. In the cave you will point  an old cemetery of Dayak Punan, old artistic drawing and some sculls. Trekking to be continued, safe bet is overnight on the riverside to construct our bivouac type shelters of wood and waterproof awning. Food and beverage provided simply and traditionally in the jungle.  (B, L, D).

DAY 05: DATA OPET - BORAKAN
Act as alternative footpaths ones, which sometimes result in wading - waist and chest high. Higher up the Stream of Bungan River is must of boulders, pools and whirlpools and buttresses of steel grey out crops. A clearing by river or stream is routine place to construct our bivouac type shelters of wood or waterproof awning (B, L, D).

DAY 06: BORAKAN – LEA RIVER MOUTH
Trekking here is never boring, there is always new development, estimating distance, location, progress the road to follow. On the trekking, the guide might introduce you to the skills of Dayak fishing and fire lighting sodden wood. The meals to be prepared, the night site to decide on (B,L,D).

DAY 07: LEA RIVER  MOUTH – SAVANG RIVER
The trekking to be continue, while trekking you can feel the genuineness of Borneo’s rain forest, enjoy the clear water, and listen to the wild animal’s calls. At the confluence, we will cook a simple lunch for you. While waiting for the lunch to be served, you can relax, swim in the clear water or just enjoy the peacefulness of the forest. After lunch we will hike up Jeluang Hill, passing sorea trees and listening to animal calls. On the top of the hill we will construct a hanging tent to spend the night in. As the sun sets the jungle awakes and you will hear the amazing sounds of the nightly jungle life. Overnight at flying camp. (B,L,D)
 
DAY  8: SAVANG RIVER –OPAN TANAH
The central divide the watershed between the Kapuas and Mahakam is in fact a fairly low altitude, saddle in Muller Range of the Kalimantan Highland. The maximum altitude of the crossing is quest mated less then 1500 meters. This is the heavy trekking area, attack the Muller. Occasionally, one can expect splendid be "Belawang" totem, draped in offering. The edge of waters courses in the often steep, hanging like rope that whisk - trapeze artist to high wire performance. Information is both limited and so what contradictory, but the route on the upward Kapuas Side of the divide is believed to be steep in many sections but easier on the descent Mahakam Side. Meals to be prepared and overnight in bivouac type shelters of wood and water proof awning (B,L,D).

DAY 09: OPAN TANAH – BATU BAHAT
The journey will be continued through the tropical rain forest, a dip in the river, a rest to be taken and surrounding to be examined an investigation of just a few square metres will reveal something different of animals every time. (B, L, D).

DAY 10: BATU BAHAT - MUARA HUVUNG
After about 7 hours walking you will reach a local lodge in Tiong Ohang or Toing Bubu. If you can not reach the village, you have to construct flying tent. (B, L, D).

DAY 11: TIONG OHANG - LONG BAGUN
Breakfast at the local house/ local inn, then another 8 - 10 hours sail by longboat to Long Bagun. Check in to local Inn. Free program (B,L,D)

DAY 12-13: LONG BAGUN - SAMARINDA
After breakfast, leave the village of Long Bagun by houseboat. Lunch and dinner provided at the houseboat. During the sailing trip, you can explore and learn the local way of live ' river side civilization' which is much different from what we normally have in the dry land area. The rest of the day is free for your own activities (B,L,D)

DAY 14: SAMARINDA - BALIKPAPAN
Breakfast at hotel then in the appropriate time, drive to Balikpapan airport for catch your flight to the next destination. (B)
 


Interesting Things
The river safari will become exciting on the upper stream! 10 or more rapid will challange your way through.
The wide range vegetation of Borneo & Native animals. This is REAL tropical rain forests!
You can see Ancient cemetery in Kahung cave.
The Trek follow a historical expedition route of a Dutch botanist, DR. Anton W. Niewenhius.
You have a chance to watch wildlife in its original habitat
You can taste some fruits from the jungle
You have a chance to catch fish by using traditional equipments with the local people and taste it

Notifications
You will get wet on the boat. Please protect your baggage.
There is no bathroom is in the Jungle. For women, it is recommended to bring sarong (traditional bathwear for women) to bath in the river.
There is no electricity.
This tour depend on the weather. If needed, the tour will possibly be edited.