New flights mean daily access to Jungle River Cruises from Singapore

Palangkaraya is much more accessible after Lion Air introduced its new evening flights. The same airline departs Palangkaraya early morning to improve access to international flights, or for you to make an early return to work in Jakarta!

In addition to its morning flight from Jakarta, Garuda Indonesia will be offering an afternoon service from June.

We list current flight information in the right hand column of this blog. However, please check the timetables directly from the airlines' websites or your travel agent as departure times can vary.

PRESS RELEASE

NEW FLIGHTS TO TAKE YOU DIRECT TO THE HEART OF BORNEO

Palangkaraya 25 May 2010 -

Indonesia’s Borneo, known as Kalimantan – is now easier than ever with Lion Air’s new flights.

Weekends from Singapore are now possible and what better way to escape the Metropolis than to head for the primal experience that only this part of Borneo can offer.

Kalimantan Tour Destinations introduce their unique Rahai'i Pangun Jungle River Cruise in Central Kalimantan, a pioneering eco cruise in the heart of raw Borneo where rivers remain the highways.

The Rahai’i Pangun offers guests a comfortable and safe journey, which engages with villagers en route and supports local communities develop alternative livelihoods. Passing by emerald green river islands now home to rehabilitated orangutans made famous by Animal Planet’s Orangutan Island.

Imagine sitting on a comfortable chair, eating a delicious meal, and watching orangutans peacefully in their natural environment. Knowing that by being here you are supporting the growth of eco tourism that will impact on the conservation of this rare animals' habitat.

Operating now for 2 years and already doubling our occupancy, our cruise has recently hosted amongst other well known dignitaries, Henrik, HRH Prince Consort of Denmark, and Harry Jenkins. Speaker of the House of Representatives in the Australian Parliament.

We differentiate ourselves from the already well known Tanjung Puting National Park, by being able to offer comfort and a well rounded cultural as well as nature experience.

Adding on to our boat cruises; we have a range of Longhouse Tours and other jungle adventures, including speedboat safaris and simple village Homestays. We are able to tailor design tours for guests who want an individual service focused upon particular interests.

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To find out more - a short film of our cruise can be seen on www.youtube.com/thevaughnbrothers (see Rahai'i Pangun) or contact us Kalimantan Tour Destinations. Jalan RTA Milono, KM 1,5, Kevin Maulana - 2nd Floor, Palangkaraya, Central Kalimantan, Indonesia. (Website) www.wowborneo.com. (Email) kalimantantours@gmail.com. (Office phone) +62 536 3222099.(Office mobile) +62 811 520648

Isen Mulang Festival 2010 bursts onto the stage 20-25 May!

Have a browse through this brimming schedule of unusual, not to say extraordinary, events over a jam packed 5 days.

If its not the uproarious night-time fireball or the intense and haunting karungut singing, the speed and accuracy of the blowpipe darts or the sheer brute strength and idiosyncrasy of the besei kambe, the canoe paddling in opposite directions! - there is something for everyone.

Admire the unique presentation of Dayak cuisine or choose your favourite Prince or Princess. Or check out the fabulous dances ... the list goes on, and the fascination remains.

Write to us for help in making the most of this Palangkaraya Festival at kalimantantours@gmail.com

Here is the schedule of events :

Wed, 19 May 2010

Time : 08.00 am
Activities : Registration of competitors
Time : 17.00 pm
Competition events scheduled : Traditional Canoeing, Besei Kambe (canoe paddling), Large Decorated Canoes, Maneweng, Manetek (wood chopping) and Manyila Kayu (chopping fire wood), Blowpipe, Balugu (coconut bowls), Mangaruhi (catching fish from pond), Sepak Sawut (Fire Football), Habayang (traditional game), Karungut (traditional Dayak solo monotonal singing), Dancing, Prince and Princess of Central Kalimantan, Exhibition, Pakasak Lamang (cooking sticky rice using bamboo), Rattan weaving, Cultural pageant and traditional foods
Location : Longhouse Mandala Wisata

Thurs, 20 May 2010
Time : 14.00 pm
Grand Opening of Isen Mulang Festival, Cultural and Tourism Pageant
Time : 19.00 pm
Competition : Karungut singing
Location : Sanaman Mantikei - Stadium

Fri, 21 May 2010
Time : 08.00 am
Competitions: Balugu, Habayang, Blowpipe, Canoeing and Weaving
Time : 19.00 pm
Activities : Traditional Dancing and Fireball Competition
Location : Sanaman Mantikei and Kahayan River

Sat, 22 May 2010
Time : 08.00 am
Competitions: Cooking, Balugu, Blowpipe, Habayang, Mangenta, Traditional Canoe and Besei Kambe Competition
Time : 14.00 pm
Competitions : Balugu, Blowpipe, Habayang (Sanaman Mantikei), Traditional Canoe and Besei Kambe Competition (Kahayan River - Under the Kahayan Bridge)
Time : 19.00pm
Competitions : Fireball and Coastal Dance Competition
Location : Sanaman Mantikei

Sunday, 23 May 2010
Time : 08.00 am
Competitions : Balugu, Blowpipe, Habayang, Besei Kambe, Mangaruhi (Location : Golf Field Km 4), Maneweng-Manetek and Manyila Kayu, also Pakasak Lamang
Time : 18.30 pm
Competitions : Prince and Princess Of Central Kalimantan Competition
Time : 19.00pm
Competition : Fireball
Location : Sanaman Mantikei

Monday, 24 May 2010
Time : 08.30 am
Competition : Prince and Princess of Central Kalimantan (Interview Session)
Location : Balanga Museum
Time : 14.00 pm
Competition : Decorated Canoe
Location : Under the Kahayan Bridge
Time : 19.00pm
Activities : Entertainment
Location : Bundaran Besar - Big Roundabout

Tuesday, 25 May 2010
Time : 18.30 pm
Competitions : Prince and Princess of Central Kalimantan (Grand Final)
Time : 19.00 pm
Closing ceremony of Isen Mulang Festival
Location : Sanaman Mantikei

Simon Pitchforth's pronouncements on the cruise

Simon, a popular Jakarta journalist and bloggist, took a few days break from his hectic life in Jakarta, to relax and unwind on the decks of the Rahai'i Pangun.
Here is his quirky and amusing 'Metro Madness' column from the 'Life & Times' section of last weekend's issue of the Jakarta Globe newspaper.
A 3 page feature article will appear in the next issue of Jakarta Java Kini, a full colour glossy magazine read by many expats living in Jakarta.