The Ultimate 10 Day Kalimantan Backpacking Itinerary
This 10 day journey takes you across some of East Kalimantan’s most untouched landscapes, combining rainforest trekking, river expeditions, wildlife encounters, and deep cultural immersion. From Balikpapan’s conservation forests to the wild orangutans of Prevab, the Dayak heritage sites of Wahau, and the hidden caves and waterfalls of Mengkuris, the route offers a raw, off-grid exploration of Borneo’s natural and cultural treasures—perfect for travelers seeking adventure beyond the ordinary.
1) Sungai Wain Forest (Balikpapan)
Sungai Wain Protected Forest is a ±10,000 ha lowland rainforest, one of the last remaining in coastal Kalimantan.It is home to: wild orangutans, proboscis monkeys, sun bear signs, hornbills, and giant dipterocarp trees.Perfect for rainforest education, trekking, and wildlife observation.
Morning: Sungai Wain Trekking
Educational rainforest walk with a local ranger
Learn about trees, vines, animal tracks, and conservation
Possible wildlife: proboscis monkey, gibbons, hornbills
2) KHDTK Samarinda (Special Purpose Forest Area)
KHDTK Lempake is a research forest used for environmental studies, wildlife observation, and outdoor education. Wild or semi-wild orangutans are sometimes seen in the canopy, along with macaques, squirrels, and tropical birds.
Midday–Afternoon: Trekking KHDTK
Wildlife spotting
Canopy observation
Flora–fauna documentation for learning
Evening: Travel to Sangatta
5–6 hour overland drive
Check in & rest
DAY 2 — SANGATTA
River Trip
The river trip offers the chance to observe proboscis monkeys and crocodiles in their natural habitat. As you cruise along the calm, dark waters of the river, proboscis monkeys can often be seen feeding or resting in the mangrove and riverbank trees, while crocodiles may be spotted sunning themselves on muddy banks or gliding quietly near the surface. This experience provides a close look at two of Kalimantan’s most iconic wildlife species in a truly wild setting.
Morning: Sangatta River Trip
Scenic boat ride along the Sangatta River
Wildlife: proboscis monkey, water birds, monitor lizards
Learn about the riparian ecosystem surrounding KNP
Afternoon: Food Trip
Try local specialties:
Gance Ruan (grilled Haruan fish)
Fresh crabs & prawns
Local iced dessert “sarang semut”
Street snacks and small markets
Evening: Overnight in Sangatta
DAY 3–5, PREVAB, KUTAI NATIONAL PARK
Prevab, Kutai National Park
Prevab is a remote forest camp inside Kutai National Park and one of the best places in the world to see wild orangutans in their natural habitat. Visitors stay deep in the rainforest, surrounded by primary jungle and river streams, and explore the forest with experienced national park rangers who guide wildlife tracking, trekking routes, and conservation learning activities. This setting offers an authentic, close to nature experience that highlights the richness of Kalimantan’s rainforest ecosystem.
DAY 3 — Entering Prevab
30–45 min boat ride into the forest
Light trekking around the camp
Afternoon orangutan tracking
Dinner + conservation talk
DAY 4 — Deep Jungle Exploration
Full-day trek through primary forest
Wildlife: orangutans, gibbons, hornbills, giant trees
Freshwater river dip
Night walk for nocturnal animals (frogs, tarantulas, insects)
DAY 5 — Learning & Forest Immersion
Birdwatching & wildlife photography
Botany walk: identifying forest plants
Afternoon return to Sangatta or continue to Wahau
DAY 6–7 — WAHAU REGION
Banyu Langit – Gua Angin – Gua Maria – Miau Baru
A culturally rich Dayak Wehea area surrounded by hills, rivers, caves, and traditional villages. Visitors can explore authentic Dayak longhouses and community life in the local villages, and visit nearby natural attractions such as Gua Maria, a serene spiritual cave, and Gua Angin, a limestone cave known for its natural airflow and unique rock formations.
DAY 6 — Banyu Langit & Gua Angin
Banyu Langit
A scenic hill village known for its panoramic green valleys, sunrise viewpoints, and light trekking routes. The area is also influenced by rich eastern cultural traditions, including beautifully woven songket textiles crafted by local artisans, adding a cultural touch to the natural landscape.
Activities:
Hill trekking
Photography
Learning about Wehea local culture
Gua Angin (Wind Cave)
Gua Angin is a natural limestone cave known for the steady breeze that flows through its chambers, which is where it gets its name. The cave features spacious passages, unique rock formations, and a cool interior that makes it comfortable to explore. Its easy access and distinctive wind effect make Gua Angin one of the most interesting and enjoyable caves to visit in the Wahau area.
Activities:
Cave exploration
Studying limestone formations
Photo session
DAY 7 — Gua Maria & Miau Baru
Gua Maria (Maria Cave)
A spiritual cave used for Christian pilgrimage, Gua Maria offers a peaceful and reflective atmosphere for visitors. Inside the cave stands a statue of the Virgin Mary, surrounded by natural rock walls that create a calm, contemplative space for prayer and quiet reflection. The cave is a meaningful stop for those interested in both spirituality and the cultural diversity of the region.
Activities:
Cave walk
Reflection & photography
Understanding local religious history
Miau Baru
Miau Baru is a cultural village in North Kalimantan inhabited primarily by the Dayak Kenyah, known for their rich traditions, impressive longhouses, and distinctive art forms. The community preserves iconic dances such as Datun Julud and Kancet Ledo, along with intricate wood carvings featuring natural motifs like the aso and hornbill. Their way of life blends deep ancestral beliefs with modern influences, making Miau Baru a living showcase of Dayak Kenyah heritage and a vibrant center of cultural tourism in the region.
Activities:
Cultural tour
Handicraft workshop (beads & weaving)
Traditional dance performance
Local storytelling dinner
DAY 8–10 — MENGKURIS & THE CAVE CLUSTER
Gua Telapak Tangan – Gua Tengkorak – Waterfalls
Mengkuris Village
Mengkuris Village is a remote forest settlement surrounded by pristine jungle, prehistoric caves, and hidden waterfalls, offering an untouched natural environment for exploration. Its rugged terrain and rich forest ecosystem make it ideal for adventure trekking, with trails leading to ancient rock shelters, unique limestone formations, and refreshing cascade spots deep in the rainforest.
DAY 8 — Exploring Mengkuris
Village walk
River exploration
Light trekking through pristine forest
Camping, campfire & cultural conversations
DAY 9 — Gua Telapak Tangan & Gua Tengkorak
Gua Telapak Tangan (Handprint Cave)
A prehistoric cave featuring ancient red handprint paintings left by early human inhabitants, offering a rare glimpse into Kalimantan’s earliest cultures. This site is considered an important archaeological landmark, preserving evidence of ancestral art and human presence thousands of years ago.
Activities:
Jungle trek to the cave
Observing hand-stamp rock art
Archaeology discussion with local guide
Gua Tengkorak (Skull Cave)
Gua Tengkorak, or Skull Cave, is a traditional burial site where ancient Dayak communities placed skulls and bones as part of their ritual funerals. The cave serves as a place of deep cultural reverence, holding the ancestral remains with respect and spiritual significance, and visitors are reminded to observe the space quietly and avoid touching anything inside.
Activities:
Cave exploration
Learning about Dayak burial traditions
Photography of limestone chambers
DAY 10 — Waterfalls & Forest Adventure
Hidden Waterfalls of Mengkuris
The Hidden Waterfalls of Mengkuris are small, crystal-clear cascades tucked deep within the rainforest, offering a peaceful and untouched natural setting. Surrounded by dense greenery and cool forest air, these waterfalls provide an ideal spot for a refreshing swim and quiet relaxation after trekking through the jungle.
Activities:
Waterfall trekking
Swimming in natural pools
Final nature photography
Afternoon exit from Mengkuris → end of trip