The Best Kalimantan Liveaboards

Why Choose Kalimantan for Your Next Adventure?

Kalimantan, the Indonesian portion of Borneo, offers a unique blend of wildlife encounters and cultural experiences. From the lush jungles of Tanjung Puting, home to the beloved orangutans, to the lively marine life at Derawan, this region promises an unforgettable journey. The best liveaboard Kalimantan trips allow you to immerse yourself in these remarkable environments with all the comforts of a luxury expedition.

The Best Time to Visit

For those planning a Kalimantan adventure, timing is crucial. The dry season from April to October is ideal for river cruising and wildlife sightings. During this period, you’ll have the best chance to experience the feeding of orangutans at Camp Leakey and encounter the striking whale sharks near Derawan.

Key Destinations and Wildlife Highlights

Central to the Kalimantan experience are two main destinations:

Vessel Options for Your Kalimantan Liveaboard

The type of vessel you choose significantly impacts your experience. Kalimantan offers two standout options:

• Klotok: Ideal for smaller groups (2–6 guests), offering an open-deck experience perfect for intimate wildlife viewing.
• River Cruiser: Accommodating up to 10 guests, these vessels provide enclosed cabins and a more luxurious setting.

Both options ensure a comfortable and immersive journey through Kalimantan’s waterways.

Available Itineraries

Popular itineraries include the 3-night Tanjung Puting Klotok focused on orangutans and the 5-night Borneo River + Culture experience, incorporating visits to Dayak longhouses. These itineraries offer a minimum of four nights, allowing you to truly engage with the surroundings.

Pricing and Chartering Details

Whole-yacht private charters are priced per night, including a dedicated crew, chef, and dive guides. Sample pricing for a luxury experience, such as the Damai 2, includes options like:

• Master cabin: $8,150 per person sharing
• Double/twin cabin: $6,950 per person sharing
• Additional fees: $300 harbour fees + $65 park fee per person

Logistics: Getting There

The journey begins with a flight to Pangkalan Bun (PKN) for those heading to Tanjung Puting, while trips to Derawan typically involve a sea transfer from Waisai. Many charters embark from Pangkalan Bun, the starting point to the Kalimantan and Derawan regions.

2027 Note

As you plan your Kalimantan expedition, note that infrastructure and offerings continually evolve. Make sure to check for any updates or changes to itineraries and logistics, ensuring a seamless and exquisite adventure.

Ready to Explore Kalimantan?

Unique Cultural Experiences on a Kalimantan Liveaboard

A liveaboard journey in Kalimantan offers an exceptional opportunity to immerse oneself in the rich cultural tapestry of the region. One of the highlights is visiting the traditional Dayak longhouses, where you can engage with indigenous communities and learn about their customs and way of life. The Dayak people are known for their intricate tattoo art and lively traditional dances, which they are often willing to share with visitors.

In addition to the Dayak culture, the liveaboard experience can include a visit to local markets in the coastal towns where you can sample traditional Bornean cuisine. These markets offer a taste of local life and are perfect for those interested in the culinary arts and local handicrafts. The interaction with the local community provides a deeper understanding of the region’s diverse cultural landscape.

Wildlife Encounters Beyond the Ordinary

Kalimantan is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, offering encounters with some of the world’s most remarkable creatures. The Tanjung Puting National Park is renowned for its orangutan population, and a liveaboard trip allows guests to visit Camp Leakey, a research and conservation centre where you can see these magnificent apes up close in their natural habitat.

Aside from orangutans, the Kalimantan waterways are teeming with other wildlife. The Sekonyer River is home to proboscis monkeys, macaques, and a variety of bird species. During the dry season, visitors may also have the chance to see the elusive Tanjung Puting orangutans whale sharks. This rich biodiversity ensures that each day on the water is filled with unique wildlife encounters.

• Orangutan spotting in Tanjung Puting
• Birdwatching along the Sekonyer River
• Proboscis monkey sightings
• Potential whale shark encounters

Customising Your Liveaboard Experience

One of the great advantages of a private liveaboard charter is the ability to tailor your itinerary to match personal interests and preferences. If you an avid diver, a wildlife photographer, or simply seeking relaxation, the crew can adapt the journey to ensure a personalised experience.

For those interested in diving, the crew includes experienced dive guides who can lead excursions to some of the region’s most stunning underwater sites. Alternatively, guests can focus on river cruising and land excursions, exploring the diverse ecosystems and cultural sites at a leisurely pace. The flexibility of a private charter means that each day can be curated to offer a perfect balance of adventure, relaxation, and cultural exploration.

Gastronomic Delights on Board

One of the highlights of a private crewed liveaboard charter across Kalimantan is the bespoke culinary experience. With a dedicated chef on board, guests can indulge in a variety of local and international dishes. The menu is often tailored to accommodate dietary preferences and can include an array of fresh seafood, tropical fruits, and traditional Indonesian delicacies.

Dishes such as nasi goreng (fried rice), satay skewers, and gado-gado (vegetable salad with peanut sauce) are frequently featured. The culinary team takes pride in using local ingredients sourced from nearby markets, ensuring each meal is both fresh and reflective of the region’s rich culinary heritage.

• Breakfast: Continental or traditional Indonesian options
• Lunch: Fresh seafood, salads, and local specialities
• Dinner: A mix of international and Indonesian cuisine, often featuring a seafood barbecue

Photography Opportunities and Tips

For photography enthusiasts, a liveaboard adventure in Kalimantan offers a plethora of captivating moments to capture, from the lively wildlife to the lush landscapes and local cultures. The varied itinerary ensures you encounter a diverse range of subjects, from the enchanting orangutans of Tanjung Puting to the traditional Dayak longhouses.

The best time for wildlife photography is typically during the early morning or late afternoon when the lighting conditions are optimal and animals are most active. The river cruises provide excellent opportunities for close encounters with orangutans and other wildlife, while excursions to local villages allow for rich cultural portraits.

For a bespoke liveaboard experience that combines luxury with adventure, consider chartering a private vessel. Begin your journey by visiting our Borneo Expedition Charter page, or explore our luxury offerings. For immediate assistance, plan your charter on WhatsApp.

Filed under: Charter Guides