Sailing CruisesNorthern Lights CruisesEurope River CruisesExotic CruisesScotland and Highlands Cruises

Cruising Holidays Home > World River Cruises > Sailing in the Heart of Borneo

Sailing in the Heart of Borneo

Our new and exciting 12-night holiday to this unspoilt region is centred on an 8-night Pandaw cruise on the mighty Rajang River in Sarawak, Borneo

Borneo, the third largest island in the world after Greenland and Australia, has one of the most diverse eco systems on the planet. Flowing across Borneo from Sarawak into Indonesian Kalimantan, the Rajang River is the longest river in Malaysia.

Now part of Eastern Malaysia, Sarawak was ruled for exactly one hundred years by the Brooke family, known as the Raja Brookes, and only joined the British Empire after the war, gaining independence in 1966. In the river towns are many architectural legacies of the Brooke Raj.

The river region is populated with many Iban tribespeople. Head-hunters until the 1950s, their unique longhouse culture survives to this day. Jungle treks for all levels are a must, as are longboat trips to the Pelagus Rapids. Wildlife is in abundance and crocodiles, monitor lizards and the hornbill (national bird of Sarawak) are common sights.

Rajang River, Sarawak

The prosperous Chinese city of Sibu, the cruise start and end point, with its old shop houses, markets, friendly inhabitants and rich surrounding farmlands is an important agricultural area. Sibu is the world’s biggest producer of pepper and at Sareiki visits are made to pepper farms and exotic fruit plantations. The sea port of Thanjung Manis is a centre of traditional Songkat textile production.

Iban Hunters

Sarawak’s capital and gateway, Kuching is a delightfully laid-back town full of cafés and traditional Chinese shop houses untrammelled by development. The serene Sarawak River flows through the city centre, flanked by gorgeous Brooke Raj palaces, courts and a glistening white fort that marks the first White Rajas’ landing.

RV Orient Pandaw

More information about RV Orient Pandaw

Borneo rainforest

X243: Cruise Departure Dates 2010
Apr 29; May 18, 30; Jun 18, 29; Jul 18, 30;
Aug 18, 30; Sep 18, 29; Oct 18, 30;
Dec 18, 30
X243: Sailing in the Heart of Borneo 2010£ price per person
Cabin upgrades: Upper deck cabin supplement - £225pp
Single supplement: £995
No flight reduction: As per itinerary shown, excluding international flights and arrival/departure transfers - £500pp
Malaysia Airlines Business Class flight upgrades are available from £2795pp.
Call our dedicated Cruise Team
UK: 01756 706535
International: +44 1756 706535
Useful Links
More World River Cruises
Call our dedicated Cruise Team
UK: 01756 706535
International: +44 1756 706535
Useful Links
More World River Cruises

Itinerary
Day 1

Fly from London Heathrow via Kuala Lumpur to Kuching.

Day 2

Arrive Kuching and transfer to the Sheraton Four Points for one night.

Day 3

Transfer by air this morning to Sibu, for embarkation aboard the RV Orient Pandaw for the eight-night cruise. At leisure in Sibu.

Day 4

Cruise upriver to Kanowit, visiting rattan workshops, the Brooke Raj-era Fort Emma and an inland exploration along a small tributary by longboat with jungle walk back to the Pandaw.

Day 5

Morning walk through Kapit, dating from the days of the White Rajas. Visit bustling Teresang Market. Later, visit the handicraft and tattoo museum and then continue to a traditional longhouse for a local “Miring” (goodwill) ceremony, local rice wine tasting and Iban warrior dance performance.

Day 6

Pushing upstream, the Pandaw continues to Baleh River, the main tributary of the Rajang. Cruising through the most narrow and scenic section of the journey, longhouses can be spotted in the dense jungle. Visit a logging camp and continue to Nagamujong village.

Day 7

Continue to the Pelagus Rapids. This section of the river is incredibly beautiful with thousands of islands, reefs and shoals. Navigation here can be difficult depending on water levels and it may be necessary to transfer to long boats to continue the journey. Full day at Pelagus Resort, with opportunity to trek in and around the resort through the primary rainforest so rich in fauna and flora.

Day 8

Cruising downstream to the Rajang River, a visit is made to a rubber plantation before continuing to the small river station of Song.

Day 9

In the morning a quick stop is made locally to taste Sarikei pineapple, before cruising to Sarikei. At leisure to explore the village. Afternoon visit to Sebangkoi deer farm with a stop at a longhouse and pepper plantation.

Day 10

Entering the Rajang Delta area and Thanjung Manis with its rich agricultural life, a stop is made at a Malay village to visit the famous Songkat weaving workshop.

Day 11

Docking in Sibu, disembark for onward flight to Kuching. Transfer to the Sheraton Four Points for one night.

Day 12

A city tour of Kuching and a visit to Semonggok Rehabilitation Centre for orang utans. Evening flight to Kuala Lumpur and onwards to London Heathrow.

Day 13

Arrive Heathrow in the morning.

Jungle resident!

The cruise price includes
  • Return flights with Malaysia Airlines from London Heathrow
  • UK departure taxes
  • All transportation
  • 10 nights hotel and cruise accommodation
  • Breakfast daily
  • Full board on cruise vessel including selected drinks
  • Itinerary as described
  • Services of guides and local representatives
  • Travel insurance
  • Optional excursions
  • Tips
The cruise price does not include
  • Travel insurance
  • Optional excursions
  • Tips
Cruise Extensions
Extension - Batang Ai
3 nights at Hilton Batang Ai: £195, Single Supp: £175, The 4-star Hilton Batang Ai is situated in the verdant heart of Sarawak. Enjoy the hotels facilities, relax by the pool or explore the jungle. Rate includes daily breakfast and return transfers from Kuching.

Orangutan
Blue Water Holidays, Bridge House, Brook Street, Skipton, North Yorkshire BD23 1PP - 01756 706535
As a fully bonded member of ABTA (K9428) with an ATOL (9685), the Air Tour Operators Licence, we offer complete peace of mind when you book your holiday through us.