Wow Borneo
WOW Borneo is operated in Kalimantan or Indonesian Borneo which occupies the south of the mystical island of Borneo. Kalimantan boasts some of the world’s most beautiful, biodiverse forests and is home to the iconic and endangered orangutan.
WOW Borneo’s Orangutan Cruises were founded in 2008 in Palangka Raya by two women who were inspired by Central Kalimantan’s mighty rivers, wildlife and culture.
It all began when Gaye Thavisin and Lorna Dowson-Collins converted a traditional Kalimantan river vessel into a comfortable cruise boat, inviting guests to connect with unique local traditions and the extraordinary diversity of the flora and fauna.
WOW Borneo’s Orangutan Cruises have since expanded to four fully-equipped boats, spanning three rivers and providing once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for nature lovers from across the world.
We offer Orangutan cruises along the rivers of Kalimantan in comfortable live aboard traditional vessels where every cruise benefits local communities, foundations and promotes conservation of the environment. Relax and enjoy the river scenery, local village life, daily activities and walks off the boat, and on board air conditioned, ensuite cabins and fabulous food. An English speaking guide accompanies all cruises and excursions.
Good to know
- Locally-based specialist
- Every cruise benefits local Communities and Foundations
- Top rated on Tripadvisor
Key information
| Destinations | Southeast Asia |
|---|---|
| Activity | Cruise & Sailing, Safari, Luxury, Family, Adventure, Active, Walking, Nature & Wildlife, Photography, Birdwatching, National Parks, Responsible Travel, Eco-travel |
| Tour Type | Custom itinerary, Private guided tour |
Wow Borneo Reviews
What people are saying about Wow Borneo
Rainer
01/06/2022
Exploring the jungle of Borneo on a traditional wooden boat, fully equipped with en-suite bathroom and air-conditioning. Local guides take you on motorized canoes and by foot to observe Orang Utans in their national habitat! Juli, our charming tour guide answered any question, our captain made us always feel safe on board and his crew served 3 excellent local meals a day. We also stopped at small villages along the river and were warmly welcomed by the villagers. Can’t imagine any better jungle river cruise.
Kat Mac
04/06/2022
We had great expectations for this trip and they were surpassed! The staff onboard welcomed us and were the perfect hosts throughout our journey. Every meal was fresh, plentiful and delicious! Two teenage boys and we still couldn’t finish the plates. Wow Borneo have a brilliant product with a social and environmental conscience - we are all more enriched for the experience and the beautiful local people we met. Watching and learning about the Orangutans in theIr Sanctuaries was fascinating.
Wow Borneo tours
Orangutan & Dayak Village Cruise
| Destinations | Kalimantan |
|---|---|
| Activity | Cruise & Sailing, Safari, Family, Adventure, Active, Walking, Nature & Wildlife, Photography, Birdwatching, National Parks, Culture, Indigenous Tourism, Responsible Travel, Eco-travel |
| Tour Type | Custom itinerary, Small group tour |
Orangutan Tour in Tanjung Puting National Park
| Destinations | Borneo, Indonesia |
|---|---|
| Activity | Cruise & Sailing, Safari, Luxury, Family, Adventure, Active, Walking, Nature & Wildlife, Photography, Birdwatching, National Parks, Responsible Travel, Eco-travel |
| Tour Type | Custom itinerary, Small group tour, Private guided tour |
Katingan River & Sebangau National Park
| Destinations | Borneo, Indonesia |
|---|---|
| Activity | Cruise & Sailing, Safari, Luxury, Family, Adventure, Active, Walking, Nature & Wildlife, Photography, Birdwatching, National Parks, Responsible Travel, Eco-travel |
| Tour Type | Custom itinerary, Small group tour, Private guided tour |
Preferred hotels
A small selection of Wow Borneo's carefully-selected hotels. All hotels can be changed to suit your requirements and budget
Deluxe cruise
Kumai
Wow Borneo’s newest boat, with air conditioners silentlypowered by solar panels, has just been launched and taken her first group of happy passengers. 19.5 meters in length and 3.8 meters wide, it was afishing boat with a high prow used locally. We have remodelled it with experienced Bugis boatmen. Named after the river it operates from, the Kumaiis designed to accommodate 7 passengers, with space on deck to enjoy the views from the comfort of rattan sofas and optional outdoor hammock sleeping. This boat has all of the features which set Wow Borneo apart from the others – air conditioned cabins, ensuite in every room, spacious unimpeded viewing decks and great food. Cruises are accompanied by 3 crew and an English speaking guide.
Superior cruise
Sekonyer
The KM Sekonyer is 18 meters in length and 3 meters wide, using a traditional local klotok hull. It has 3 cabins, each one air-conditioned, with Double bed, ensuite bathroom, and western-style toilets. The upper viewing deck is completely open to the wonderful views and is furnished with comfortable rattan furniture and a dinner table.
The cabins are fitted with inner spring mattresses, reading lights, sheets, pillows, bedcovers, towels, and basic toiletries. The cabin windows have mosquito netting and sliding shutters for privacy. Cameras and phones can be charged on board, and the viewing deck and all cabins have sockets. The deck has waterproof blinds with clear inserts for rainy periods. We serve the same highly praised food as on our other boats. Four crew accompany each cruise as well as an English speaking guide, to make this trip into the jungle memorable and comfortable.
Cruises depart Saturdays (3 day cruise) and Tuesdays (3 and 4 day cruises) from Kumai harbour at 10am. The nearest airport is in Pangkalan Bun.
Superior cruise
Spirit of Kalimantan
Journey onboard the Spirit of Kalimantan in the luxury of comfortable sofas in the screened saloon, in steamer chairs on the covered deck, or climb to the roof for unimpeded river and forest views. Meals are served in the saloon as the scenery glides by. 3 air-conditioned cabins are comfortably fitted out below deck. Our fabulous cuisine, well known on the Rahai’i Pangun, is prepared by your on-board cook. English speaking guides introduce you to the Sebangau National Park, to the black water lake systems, to the Dayak culture in the villages along the route as the Spirit of Kalimantan navigates the broad Katingan River. Scheduled trips depart Saturdays and Tuesdays. No other tourists are here. Come and enjoy it before it is discovered!
Superior cruise
Rahai’i Pangun
The Rahai’i Pangun is 22 x 6 meter traditional Kalimantan river boat known as a bis air, converted into the beautiful boat for orangutan cruising she is today. Our design and specifications were implemented by teams of Indonesian master boat designers and engineers, using local craftsmen.
The Rahai’i Pangun is currently under refurbishment and will offer 4 cabins from January 2023: 1 Superior Large Double Cabin with private terrace, ensuite and air conditioning, and 3 Double Cabins with ensuite and air conditioning, catering for a maximum of 8 passengers. The upper deck is spacious and comfortable, where our famous meals are served and where you can enjoy the passing scenery from the sofas or deck chairs.
What's included
All trips with Wow Borneo include the following services. Get in touch to find out more.
| Accommodation | ||
| Guided excursions | ||
| Ground transfers | ||
| All meals | ||
| Support |
Your adventure awaits
Speak to Wow Borneo for expert advice
This tour is operated by
Wow Borneo
