anne's journeys - Into the Heart of Borneo
Luxury Expedition Cruising - 12 days
The Rajang River is rarely visited by travellers on account of its inaccessibility and lack of tourist facilities, but your replica steam ship will provide all the facilities you need. The Rajang is the longest river in Malaysia, and you will be able to visit Iban longhouses, make boat trips up tributary rivers and see the vestiges of the colonial Brooke Raja. But above all you will experience the rich tropical rain forest close at hand. Jungle treks, for all levels of walker are a must - as is the visit to the Orang Utan Centre...This is after all one of the most diverse and exotic eco paradise's on the planet.
A different style of luxury cruising...
Finished in brass and teak by traditional craftsman, your ship offers a unique concept and style of river cruising. 4 star luxury and style are discreetly present, but it is the colonial character and friendly atmosphere that passengers talk about. The atmosphere onboard is informal, relaxed and tranquil, and the dress code is casual. These cruises are essentially an outdoor experience as passengers are able to enjoy the spacious deck areas to absorb the great panoramas they cruise through, and on shore you'll be assisted by enthusiastic English speaking guides.
ITINERARY
Day 1: ARRIVAL INTO KUCHING / KUCHING WHITE RAJAH TRAIL
Upon arrival at Kuching International airport you will be met by our representative and transfered to Kuching. Explore Kuching by foot with your guide reliving the History of White Rajah of Sarawak. Many people regard the Brooke Raj as a golden age where traditions were strong, the economy improved, and violence (Piracy & head-hunting) was under control. Under the Brookes, the rights and interests of indigenous people were protected and they were allowed to pursue their subsistence-based lifestyles. Kuching has literally dozens of historic buildings – the tourism complex, round tower, pavilion, square tower and post office are uniquely examples of colonial period architecture. The excellent museums include the historic Sarawak Museum, with one of the best ethnographies collections in Southeast Asia. Equally fascinating are the Islamic Museum and the Chinese History Museum. Overnight in Kuching Hilton.
This tour starts with a car ride from Kuching city to the small Malay village of Bako, where you then venture on a 1/2 hour boat ride to the national park. Trek through the beautiful park and explore flora and fauna at its best while catching sight of the Proboscis monkeys unique to Borneo. If you are lucky you might also spot wild boars, silver leaf monkeys, macaques, monitor lizards and various birds. Late afternoon, return to Kuching City by boat and car. Overnight Kuching Hilton
Day 3: SEMENGGOK ORANG UTAN CENTRE & TRANSFER OUT (B)Travel to the Semenggok Nature Reserve of Sarawak. Here rangers help care for the once captive Orang Utans and they're encouraged to stay in the trees (as they instinctively do in the wild) and make nests on treetops for sleeping at night. Return and freshen-up before transferring to Kuching airport for your flight.
Day 4: SIBU (D)
Board your ship in the bustling city port set close to the local markets and temples. Free time to explore the town on foot with its attractive streets of old Chinese shop houses, redolent of Malacca or Penang but without the tourists.
Day 5: KANOWIT (B, L, D)
Cast off at dawn and proceed up the mighty Rajang. Morning stop to visit rattan workshops. At the river station of Kanowit we visit the Brooke Raj Fort Emma, of wooden construction and amazingly intact after 150 years. Explore deeper inland by long boat up the Kanowit River and experience a voluntary jungle trek back to the Pandaw moored at Kanowit.
Day 6: KAPIT (B, L, D)
The upriver capital has an even more interesting Brooke Raj fort called Fort Sylvia with the adjacent tattoo museum showing traditional Iban designs and techniques. We also further explorate an original Iban longhouse...a rare sight as most have been rebuilt in a modern style.
Day 7: THE BALEH RIVER (B, L, D)
Just above Kapit we turn up the main tributary of the Rajang, the Batang Baleh for another day's sail. We'll see a number of riverside logging camps and fine new long houses. Logging is strictly controlled by the Sarawak government, who have a strict replanting programme. After visiting a logging camp we'll stop overnight at Nagamujong village with its long house, school, clinic and church. We'll also see loading points for coal coming from mines deep in the jungle.
Day 8: PELAGUS RAPIDS (B, L, D)
Return down the Baleh to rejoin the Rajang and proceed another 40km towards the Pelagus Rapids. This area is incredibly beautiful with thousands of islands, reefs and shoals. As navigation here can be difficult depending on water levels it may be necessary to transfer to long boats to continue our journey. At Pelagus we make a short trek to the Pelagus Resort Hotel for afternoon tea and stupendous views of the rapids.
Day 9: PELAGUS AND BEYOND (B, L, D)
Further opportunity to trek in and around the Pelagus Resort in this primary rain forest so rich in fauna and flora. After lunch return downstream past Kapit.
Day 10: SONG (B, L, D)
Song is a small river station between Kanowit and Kapit and we stop here to make a boat trip up the Katibas river to visit long houses and the opportunity to trek part of the way back to Song. Continue downstream through evening.
Day 11: SARIKEI AND THANJUNG MANIS (B, L, D)
We now enter the Rajang delta area with its rich agricultural life. At Sarikei we visit a deer farm and pepper plantations. On the coast Thanjung Manis is the main seaport and gateway to the Rajang,though a modern city it is not without interest. A short drive away, village workshops specialise in songkat weaving. Return upstream stopping over night at Bintangor.
Day 12: SIBU (B)
Dock in Sibu early morning and disembark for onward flights.
Prices:
Upper Deck Twin Share: US$2,550.00 per person
Upper Deck Single: US$3,570.00 per person
Main Deck Twin Share: US$2,295.00 per person
Main Deck Single: US$3,320.00 per person
Departure Dates:
2009: 01 NOV; 10 NOV; 30 NOV; 20 DEC
2010: 01 JAN; 10JAN; 20 JAN; 01 FEB; 10 FEB; 20 FEB; 01 MAR; 10 MAR; 20 MAR
For bookings and full conditions contact Anne
Cruise Price Includes:
Entrance fees, guide services (English language), gratuities to crew, main meals, locally made soft and alcoholic beverages, jugged coffee and selection of teas and tisanes and mineral water.
Cruise Price Excludes: International flights, laundry, all visa costs, fuel surcharges, imported beverages such as wines, premium spirits and liqueurs, fancy soft drinks like Perrier, espressos and cappuccinos at the bar.
Rates are subject to currency fluctuation and availability at time of booking.
TAANZ Bonded & IATA Licensed