Kumai & Sekonyer Borneo Boats

With amber-hued riverbanks framed by walls of dense foliage, southern Borneo’s Tanjung Puting National Park (Indonesia) is ripe territory for intrepid, backwater river cruises. Sailing aboard intimate boats modeled after the island’s traditional klotok crafts brings a cultural element to these outdoorsy excursions that thread you deep into the heart of the Bornean rainforest. Living like the area’s water-going locals, sail along winding waterways in search of the region’s renowned wildlife like proboscis monkeys, crocodiles, agile gibbons, and even, for the lucky few, clouded leopards. But most of all, come to see the remarkable Bornean orangutans as they swing amid the canopy and amble along forest paths. Visit landmark research sites, like Camp Leakey, to learn more about these incredible primates and efforts to protect them, observe feeding time at a rehabilitation center, and keep your eyes peeled while hiking with park rangers to spot them in their natural habitat.

In between wildlife encounters and forest treks, absorb river life steeped in the Kalimantan wilderness. Imbibe the soundtrack of monkey hollers and birdsong while savoring Asian fusion meals served al fresco on the deck, then retire to an air-conditioned cabin complete with landscape view windows. Ships measure about 60 feet long by 10 feet wide, and are stewarded by a crew that includes boatmen, a cook, an assistant cook, and an English-speaking guide.

Extraordinary Journeys experts exclusively recommend boat-based Borneo travel. The experience is best enjoyed as a private charter on our preferred vessels: Sekonyer and Kumai. It should be emphasized that Kalimantan is not a five-star resort-style experience. Klotok boats offer comfortable lodgings, but the luxury of this intrepid adventure is in the privilege of enjoying unspoiled nature on your own vessel. You won’t be sharing the journey with strangers, allowing you to travel with flexibility and pursuant to your interests. It’s handily, one of the best things to do in Indonesia.

Sekonyer

Outfitted with modern amenities like air conditioning, en-suite bathrooms, and electricity for charging devices, but fashioned after local klotok crafts, Sekonyer offers both comfort and culture while exploring the wilds of Borneo’s orangutan-filled national parks. With only three cabins and a small crew, privacy, exclusivity, and a personalized experience are assured. A two-story craft, the lower deck is occupied by the cabins and galley, while the upper deck is entirely devoted to an open-air lounge area for watching the landscape glide by from rattan chairs or dining at the communal table. Each cabin comes simply but comfortably furnished with en-suite bathrooms, a plush bed, air conditioning (a rarity) and windows with sliding shutters and mosquito netting.

Kumai

A former fishing boat refurbished into a pleasure craft with the aid of local boatmen, Kumai is a modest but pleasant vessel for sailing around Tanjung Puting National Park. Each of the three cabins is air-conditioned and boasts an en-suite bathroom, toiletries, and windows with mosquito netting and privacy blinds. But you’ll want to spend all your time on the open-air top deck with its plush sofas, rattan chairs, and loungers, perfect for scanning the riverbanks and waters for wildlife or simply soaking up the scenery. Between al fresco meals at the communal table and leisurely landscape-viewing, you’ll spend ample time up top (and no worries if it rains, there’s a covered section as well).