KAPUAS RIVER & DANAU SENTARUM

Need to know

Pickup Point

Pontianak Airport (PNK)

Drop-off Point

Putussibau Airport (PSU)

Region

West Kalimantan

Challenge Level

Easy

Duration

4 Days & 3 Nights

Tour Code

ATB 401

Overview

Surrounded by forest-covered hills, seasonal lakes, rivers, and extensive wetlands, this remarkable landscape changes dramatically with the seasons. During the rainy season, rising waters connect the lakes and waterways, creating a vast aquatic environment that supports an extraordinary diversity of plants, fish, birds, and wildlife. Beyond its natural beauty, Danau Sentarum is also deeply connected to the traditional life and culture of the Dayak communities who have lived around these waterways for generations. The West Kalimantan traditional longhouses, riverside settlements, local traditions, and cultural celebrations offer visitors an opportunity to experience a side of Borneo where nature and community remain closely intertwined.

The Kapuas River, the longest river in Indonesia, is the lifeline of West Kalimantan. Flowing through vast tropical forests, traditional riverside villages, and remote wetlands, the Kapuas River offers fascinating opportunities to explore the region’s natural beauty, wildlife, and traditional river culture. Together with Danau Sentarum, this remarkable river ecosystem forms one of the most distinctive landscapes in Borneo.

With its spectacular scenery, rich biodiversity, traditional culture, and remote wilderness, Danau Sentarum offers an authentic and immersive Borneo experience far beyond the usual tourist routes.

River • Wetlands • Wildlife • Culture • Wilderness • Adventure

What's Included

Tour Guide

Experienced English speaking guide.

Entrance Fees

Entrance fees for all listed visits are included.

Meals

Meals as specified in the program, plus coffee, tea, and mineral water.

Accomodation

1 night at hotel in Pontianak. 2 nights at local house or camp. twin-sharing or double room

Transport

Private vehicle and speed boat for transfers and tours as specified in the itinerary.

What's Excluded

Additional Meals

Meals other than those specified.

Additional Services

Services not mentioned in the itinerary.

Flight

International and domestic Flights

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance coverage

Personal Expenses

Telephone calls, laundry and personal purchases

Drinks

Alcoholic beverages & soft drinks.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Kapuas River Journey — Cruise along the mighty Kapuas River through remote landscapes and riverside communities.
  • Danau Sentarum National Park — Explore one of Borneo’s remarkable seasonal wetland ecosystems.
  • Seasonal Wetlands — Discover a unique landscape of lakes, rivers, forests, and flooded plains that changes with the seasons.
  • Dayak Iban Culture — Visit traditional communities and experience the heritage and daily life of the Iban people.
  • Sungai Sedik Longhouse — Discover traditional longhouse life near Lanjak and connect with the local community.
  • Borneo Wildlife — Look for orangutans, proboscis monkeys, crocodiles, birds, and other rainforest species.
  • Jungle Trekking — Trek through the rainforest around Lanjak and explore the beautiful Sedik River and waterfall.
  • Remote Borneo Experience — Travel beyond the usual routes into a quieter and more authentic side of Kalimantan.
  • River & Jungle Adventure — Combine river cruising, wetland exploration, cultural encounters, and rainforest trekking in one journey.

Kapuas River • Danau Sentarum • Dayak Iban Culture • Wildlife • Jungle Trekking • Remote Borneo

Itinerary

DAY 01 — PONTIANAK – SINTANG

Upon arrival at Pontianak Airport on a morning flight, meet our team for a short briefing before beginning the journey inland to Sintang.

The approximately five-hour drive takes you through changing landscapes of West Kalimantan, passing hills, tropical forests, plantations, and rural communities along the way. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant en route before continuing to Sintang.

Upon arrival, check in at the hotel and take some time to relax. Dinner will be served at a local restaurant.

Lunch & dinner

Lunch and dinner will be served at the local restaurant.

Overnight

Hotel in Sintang

After an early breakfast, we continue by road to Semitau Harbour, where our river adventure begins.

Board the boat and cruise upstream along the mighty Kapuas River toward Danau Sentarum. The journey takes you through a changing landscape of tropical forests, wetlands, riverside villages, and traditional settlements.

As we approach Danau Sentarum, the scenery becomes increasingly wild and remote. We cross the lake toward Lanjak, enjoying spectacular views of the surrounding wetlands and forested landscapes. Along the way, keep your eyes open for waterbirds and other wildlife living around the lake.

Lunch will be served en route.

In the late afternoon, arrive in Lanjak and settle into a simple jungle camp or local house. Enjoy dinner and the peaceful atmosphere of this remote corner of Borneo.

Overnight: Jungle Camp or Local House in Lanjak


 

Breakfast

Brakfast at hotel

Lunch

Lunch en route

Dinner

Local house

Overnight

Local house

After a simple breakfast in Lanjak, prepare for a full day of exploration on foot.

We begin a loop trek through the tropical jungle of Kalimantan, crossing the Lanjak Hills and continuing toward the Sedik River. Along the trail, experience the sounds and atmosphere of Borneo’s rainforest while learning about the surrounding forest ecosystem and traditional use of natural resources.

The trek leads to a beautiful waterfall along the Sedik River, providing a refreshing stop surrounded by lush rainforest.

Wildlife encounters are always a possibility in this forest environment. With patience and a little luck, we may spot orangutans, proboscis monkeys, macaques, birds, and other wildlife inhabiting the surrounding jungle.

After exploring the area, we trek back toward Lanjak in the late afternoon.

Dinner will be provided at the jungle camp or local house, followed by an overnight stay surrounded by the sounds of the rainforest.

Overnight: Jungle Camp or Local House in Lanjak


 

Breakfast

Breakfast at local house

Lunch

Lunch en route

Overnight

Dinner and overnight at local house / Camp

After an early breakfast, continue the journey by boat upstream along the Kapuas River toward Putussibau.

This final river journey offers another opportunity to appreciate the landscapes and communities along one of Borneo’s great waterways.

Upon arrival in Putussibau, transfer by car to the airport for your flight to Pontianak. From Pontianak, you can connect with your onward flight toward your next destination.

 

Breakfast

Local house