Into the Heart of Borneo

Deck Plan - RV Orient Pandaw

Select a stateroom using the deck plan below. Click once to select a stateroom for two people, again for single occupancy and once more to clear your selection. Your choice will be reflected in the pricing table below the deck plan:

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Prices (per cabin)

Cruise prices per cabin are displayed below, along with the selection you have made from the deck plan above.

8 February 2010: ARRIVAL INTO KUCHING

Arrive into Kuching International airport and transfer to hotel for check in. Free at own leisure & overnight at hotel.

Day 02: SEMENGGOH WILDLIFE CENTRE & MATANG WILDLIFE CENTRE (Breakfast, Picnic Lunch)

After breakfast, depart at 0730 hrs for the Semenggoh Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre located a short drive from the centre of Kuching. A centre within the Semenggoh Nature Reserve situated some 20 kilometres to the east of Kuching established by the Forest Department of Sarawak and managed by Sarawak Forestry Corporation for the conservation and rehabilitation of Orang Utan. You will be educated on and made aware of the efforts being carried out on the conservation and rehabilitation of Orang Utan while observing the feeding of Orang Utans requiring rehabilitation.

Next transfer to Matang Wildlife Centre (approximately an hour drive) followed by a picnic lunch in a rainforest upon arrival. A centre within the Kubah National Park situated some 38 kilometres to the west of Kuching established by the Forest Department of Sarawak and managed by Sarawak Forestry Corporation for the conservation and rehabilitation of wildlife in large enclosures located in the rainforest where animals and birds, including orangutan and sun bears, are kept in an environment as similar as possible to their natural habitat. You will be educated on and made aware of the efforts being carried out on the conservation and rehabilitation of wildlife and where studies and researches on animals can be conducted and undertaken. Mineral water will be provided during the tour.

Transfer back to hotel (late afternoon)

Evening free at own leisure and overnight at selected hotel

**Do not wear clothing that is too colourful as this will attract the Orang Utans and make them nervous, therefore may have the tendency to make them aggressive.

Day 03:SARAWAK CULTURAL CENTRE - DEPARTURE FOR SIBU (Breakfast, Lunch)

After breakfast, depart at 0830 hrs for the Damai peninsular. Situated just 32 km from Kuching is the Sarawak Cultural Village. This 17-acre site nestled on the foothill of the legendary Mount Santubong, fronting the South China Sea offers an excellent introduction to the local culture and lifestyles of the ethnic people of Sarawak. A typical Sarawakian’s warmth and hospitality awaits you here. Share the arts, crafts, games, foods and music of the seven major ethnic groups in Sarawak.

Transfer back to Hilton Kuching to collect your luggage and transfer to Kuching airport for flight to Sibu

Rates include:
Return airport transfers in Kuching, two nights accommodation at the Hilton Kuching (standard room) with daily breakfast and excursions as per itinerary.

Note:
• Please advice arrival/departure flight details in order to arrange the transfer accordingly
• Suggest Kuching to Sibu / MH3154 / 1635-1720hrs www.malaysiaairlines.com (please arrange with your local Travel Agent)
• Check out time from hotel at 1200hrs

HOTEL HILTON KUCHING
Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman,
Kuching, Malaysia 93100
Tel: 60-82-248-200 Fax: 60-82-428-98

Download Hotel Fact Sheet

Hilton_Kuching.pdf

Rajang River Cruise - Nine Days on a Pandaw

If you would like to know more information about the river stops in this itinerary, please click on the underlined destinations.

10 February 2010: Sibu / Durin

Transfer from the airport to the ship moored at the Burung Apu Warf next to the Express Boat Terminal. Cast off in the evening cruising upstream towards the Durin Bridge.

11 February 2010: Kanowit River

Cruise up the Rajang River to Kanowit where, water levels permitting, we will enter the Kanowit River and cruise deep into the jungle. Return to the Rajang and moor at Kanowit for a walk around the small river port. Cast off from Kanowit midday and continue upstream until sunset.

12 February 2010: Kapit

Early morning sail to within sight of Kapit. Passenger are transferred to shore by Shuttle Boat and enjoy a guided walk through the bustling market at height of morning activity followed by a visit to Fort Sylvia and Kapit Museum. Return to ship for lunch. After lunch we travel back into Kapit on the shuttle boat and transfer to van and drive out to town to a traditional longhouse where we witness the ceremonial miring (welcoming) ceremony. Passenger return to ship for dinner with a local twist.

13 February 2010: Pelagus Rapids

We experience a jungle trek in the cool of the morning along a specially prepared trail through strands of primary and secondary forest. There are two bridges over a jungle creek with small waterfalls. Active walkers should be able to complete the whole loop of the trail. Less active walkers are encouraged to climb up the first ridge to the second rest area and return. During lunch we will move the ship to the Rajang/Baleh confluence and await an excursion boat for the afternoon sail up to the famous Pelagus Rapids. Ship anchor overnight near the Baleh Junction.

14 February 2010: Baleh River

We will travel by open expressboat up the Baleh River "Into the heart of Borneo". Our first stop is at Mujong village where we visit the local school (unless holiday pr weekend) and meet the children and teachers. We then travel to the Palawan area and enjoy a picnic lunch of bamboo cooking on shaded beach in a tranquil setting. After lunch we sail to Song. Onboard entertainment in Song is a traditional dance evening after dinner presented by students of the local school and residents.

15 February 2010: Song to Rajang Village

We enjoy an early morning, before breakfast, excursion on long boats. We sail up two small creeks opposite Song to witness locals travelling market and possibility of some bird watching. After breakfast, we sail all day downriver to reach the mouth and sea at Rajang village by sunset.

16 February 2010: Rajang Village to Sarikei

We will take a morning stroll through this delightful Melanau Village which has a far different culture to the upriver towns. We then sail back upriver to Sarikei. The afternoon is free to wander around Sarikei and appreciate the sea air.

17 February 2010: Sarikei to Sibu

We visit Nyuka longhouse from Sarikei travelling by van for a pleasant morning walk through pastoral fields to  pretty waterfall and return for refreshment and other activities in the longhouse and grounds. Non walkers depart after breakfast to same longhouse and visit a pepper garden on the way. On return to ship, we sail for Sibu.

18 February 2010: Sibu

All day disembarkation in Sibu. Passengers can disembark from 8am on the last day of the cruise. A transfer form the ship to Sibu airport is included in the price of your cruise, however, Pandaw MUST be notified at the time of booking confirmation of passengers' flight number and departure time. For those who wish to leave the ship in the afternoon, lunch can be provided if Pandaw are notified in advance.

Cruise Price Includes: Airport transfers from Sibu airport on dates of embarkation and disembarkation, entrance fees, guide services (English language), gratuities to crew, main meals, locally made beers and soft drinks, jugged coffee and selection of teas and tisanes, mineral water.

Cruise Price Excludes: International flights, laundry, all visa costs, fuel surcharges (see terms and conditions).

River Conditions Warning!

The Rajang River is unlike the other great rivers Pandaw navigates which have seasonal rises and falls of water level. On the Rajang water levels can change dramatically overnight at any time of year. A sudden rise can impede our progress upstream considerably. A sudden fall can result in our being unable to get into certain places or go as far upstream as we would hope. Either way itineraries are subject to sudden changes and passengers are asked to be flexible and patient. River cruising on the Rajang is a dramatic and exciting experience - not like cruising the controlled waterways of Europe or America. Note also this is our first season of operation in an area that has no tourism infrastructure at all. As a result local services and suppliers, like boats, buses and guides, can be erratic to say the least. Be prepared for this and it is all more the fun!

16 February 2010: Sarikai and the Rajang Delta

17 February 2010:  Tanjung Manis