Detailed Itinerary

Expedition Type: Jungle Trek

Over the next two weeks we take the longboat as far as we can upriver, often being forced to push it upstream through rapids and shallow sections as we enter the remotest parts of Kalimantan, and regularly having to load and unload our supplies. When we can use the river no longer we strike out carrying all of equipment and supplies into the inhospitable Muller Range, relying on the hospitality and guiding skills of local Dyak tribespeople to take us over the mountains and into the valleys in the east. From the top of the final pass we are able to see our final goal, the eastern coast of Kalimantan, and the rainforest of Borneo spread out beneath us. We will spend several nights with our Dyak hosts in traditional longhouses en route, and will also spend nights out in the forest in hammocks in camps constructed by you and your team. After 5 days of tough trekking through the steep and unrelenting mountains, with numerous river crossings we reach our next river system, and our longboat, which will take us back to the coast and a well deserved rest before internal flights depart for onward destinations or the UK. A spectacular and extremely tough undertaking. 

DAY 01
International flight arrives JAKARTA. Take your domestic flight to PONTIANAK.
 
DAY 02
PONTIANAK – PUTUSSIBAU
Join your Trekforce expedition team and staff at the location specified on your expedition joining pack. Begin your safety briefs and kit preparation. The Trekforce staff will brief you on health and safety, the expedition itinerary and first aid/medical lectures from your medic. Preparation for departure.

DAY 03
PUTUSSIBAU - KAPUAS RIVER
Load up boats and supplies to begin journey upriver on the Kapuas. Longboat carries all food, kit and equipment. En route we will pass many small Dayak villages as we get further up river. Our first night will be spent in a small village guesthouse with the community.
 
DAY 04
KAPUAS RIVER - BUNGAN RIVER
As we get further upriver towards the mountains and the river become smaller and we may have to start pushing the boats. We pass more and more remote villages and large traditional longhouses and the rainforest becomes less disturbed. We will overnight in hammocks or in small shelters by the river side.
 
DAY 05
BUNGAN RIVER - TANJUNG LOKANG    
Today we pass fewer and fewer villages and we reach the end of our river phase of the expedition. We stop at the village of Tanjung Lokan where we prepare equipment and ready ourselves for the trek. We spend the night in the village in traditional accommodation. 
 
DAY 06
TANJUNG LOKAN - BOBO/SEI BULIT (SUNGAI BULET) 
Trekking day one. We head off into the forest with full rucksacks crossing several ridges and valleys and beginning to climb towards the Muller Range in the distance. We cross several small rivers and pass the Nyinyit Cave where locals collect Swallow's nests for their soup en route to our village for the night.
 
DAY 07
SEI BULIT - BUNGAN  RIVER 
Our second day of trekking takes us through thicker and more pristine jungle - deer, wild pig, numerous avian species and clouded leopard can sometimes be seen. The expedition team make camp in the forest by the Bungan River and we fish for our dinner with the local guides.
 
DAY 08
BUNGAN RIVER  - BUNGAN LEA RIVER
Each trekking day gets progressively tougher and steeper. Today we set off across steep valleys, cliffs and deep ravines to reach a tiny village deep in the forest. Many river crossings en route will leave us soaked. A fantastically rewarding day.
 
DAY 09
BUNGAN LEA RIVER - PIANG LO'ONG.
This is the longest and the toughest trekking day of the expedition. A long day of steep descents and ascents, with many small river crossings and endless inclines. We meet remote Dyak communities that are rarely visited by people from the outside world and we may stay with them if the situation allows it.

DAY 10
PIANG  LO'ONG - MULLER RANGE
Today we make the crossing of the Muller Range dividing the two halves of Borneo. On the trek today we reach an altitude of over 1000m ASL - around the same high as Snowdon, but covered in spectacular rainforest. The biodiversity of this region is incredible. At the summit of the watershed there is a small local shrine that people place offerings on for guarantee of a safe journey.

DAY 11
MULLER RANGE - MUARA CUTING.
We continue trekking, passing small Dyak villages. Here if time allows we will spend a night with our Dyak guides learning survival skills in the forest, and building survival shelters, collecting vines, hunting and gathering etc. 

DAY 12
MUARA CUTING - SAITE – TIONG OHANG
Our final day of trekking after a week of hardship and effort. We finally reach our goal, the Makakam River, which will take us towards the coast. A boat will be waiting here for our arrival and we take the opportunity to celebrate the end of this phase with our guides and porters!

DAY 13
TIONG OHANG - LONG BAGUN
A long journey by longboat through more fantastic scenery will take us to the beautiful village of Long Bagun which is known for its large longhouse and welcoming community members.         
   
DAY 14
LONG BAGUN /CONTINGENCY DAY
Long Bagun can be tidal, so access/departure can be delayed by river conditions. If conditions allow we will travel down to the coast. If not we will spend a day relaxing here and organising our equipment. There may be opportunity to go fishing with the local men, or possibly hunting
 
DAY 15
LONG BAGUN  - COAST
Arrive at small coastal village and beach to celebrate the end of the trip.  If available we will organise a fish barbecue and celebrate an incredible expedition.

DAY 16
We transfer from the coast to BALIKPAPAN town in transport for a DEPARTURE from Balikpapan Airport for transfers to Kuala Lumpur, ongoing travel and the UK.
 

Country Info

Sarawak, Borneo

The East Malaysian state of SARAWAK IN BORNEO is an incredibly special place harbouring some of the most endangered species of wildlife in the small remaining pockets of primary rainforest. Trekforce have been leading expeditions in Sarawak, and neighbouring Sabah, for over 6 years. An adventurer's paradise with intricate cave systems and unexplored areas of jungle.

Safety & Support

This expedition has a difficulty rating of 2 out of 4.

For more information on Trekforce Worldwide's safety & back up click here.

Photos