BORNEO
AN EXOTIC ADVENTURE TO BORNEO WITH TWO EXCITING ADDITIONS – TAIWAN AND KUALA LUMPUR
The mere mention of the name Borneo conjures up an image of mystery and intrigue. The third largest island on earth has captured the human imagination for centuries. A magnet for adventurers, explorers, writers and naturalists, Borneo has long enjoyed a reputation as one of the world’s last undiscovered frontiers. Occupying an archipelago between the Indian and Pacific Oceans, Borneo conjures in the imagination the sense of vast rainforests, extravagant nature and colorful people. Borneo's topography is a mix of dramatic mountains, slow moving wide rivers, and swamps which have all contributed to safe guarding the island's diverse wildlife over the years..
Customized Private Tour Program Prepared For Ellie Leinaweaver & Focus Travelers
September 9–29, 2010
From $6399.00 PP including Taiwan, Kuala Lumpur, Kuching, the cruise and deluxe travel insurance!
SPACE IS EXTREMELY LIMITED AS THE BOAT ONLY HOLDS 60 GUESTS
TAIWAN - The first Westerners to see Taiwan reputedly exclaimed “Beautiful Island!” -- a sentiment echoed by travelers to this island nation through all the years since that first sighting. Called the most undervalued travel destination in Asia, it is hard to find a more diverse and unusual destination. The Taiwanese are regarded by many as the only true preservers of the real, classical Chinese culture. The island’s rich past, friendly people, and mind-blowing landscapes all contribute to the beauty and rareness of this “little” island paradise. Still under the radar of most US tourists, Taiwan’s lush mountains, pulsating cities and stunning natural splendors contribute to its ranking as one of the most diverse destinations in Asia.
KUALA LUMPUR – or KL as it is commonly called – is the focal point of new Malaysia. While this city’s past is still present in evocative colonial buildings and the midnight lamps of its ubiquitous night markets, insistent reminders of KL’s present and future meet the eye everywhere. KL has taken an unflinching leap into the future growing from a sleepy Chinese village to a sprawling city of 6.5 million in a relatively short period of time. It is divided into several distinct districts including the City Centre, the traditional core with colonial buildings and Old China Town; The Golden Triangle – location of famous shopping malls and the world’s tallest twin towers. In the midst of the metropolis stands Lake Gardens – a huge botanical park dating from the 1800’s containing the world’s largest Bird Park where over 3000 birds from over 200 species fly freelyin a huge, covered aviary. An ever increasing number of travelers have discovered and grown to love this gem of a city.
BORNEO – the highlight of our tour – where we will adventure onan Expedition on the Mighty Rajang River on the new RV Orient Pandaw, a small river boat for only 60 select passengers, built in the regal style of the river boats of days gone by.
The Rajang River, at 385 miles, is the longest river in Malaysia, and flows across Borneo from Sarawak into Indonesian Kalimantan. Though well known to many from Redmon O’Hanlon’s classic book, Into the Heart of Borneo, there is very little tourism here due to the river’s remoteness and lack of facilities. The scenery is magnificent - a total jungle experience with the rainforest tumbling into the fast flowing river.
The Rajang is navigable on a ship of Pandaw’s size for at least 150 miles until the Pelagus Rapids, and further on its main tributary the Baleh River. The river is peopled with the Iban, headhunters till the 1950s, whose unique long house culture survives to this day, blending well their animist tradition with modernity.
There is much to do and see upriver, whether just gazing at the amazing scenery or visiting long houses, traditional and modern. In these river towns we will explore the architectural vestiges of the Brooke Raj. Jungle treks, for all levels, are a must as are long boat trips to the Pelagus rapids. Wildlife is in abundance and crocodiles, monitor lizards and the hornbill (national bird of Sarawak) are common sights. Down river, the prosperous Chinese city of Sibu with its old shop houses, markets and friendly inhabitants, is a calm reflection of an old China that probably no longer exists in mainland China.
Day 1: Depart Denver.
Today we meet at Denver International Airportand board our flight to LAX where we connect with our direct flight to Taiwan on Malaysian Air, one of the highest rated airlines in the world.
Meals and overnight on board.
We lose a day when we fly over the International Date Line, but we will regain it as we fly home at the end of our trip.
Therefore, we arrive in Taiwan on Sept. 11th and check into the ultra luxurious 5 Star Sheraton Taipei Hotel. One of the best hotels in Taipei!
Please visit the hotel website for more information at: http://www.sheraton-taipei.com/english
Day 2: TAIPEI, TAIWAN. (L,D)
This morning we arrive in Taipei, the largest and most important city in Taiwan. Taipei, situated on the Danshui River, has served as the de facto capital of the Republic of China since the Chinese Civil War in 1949. On arrival we will be met and transferred to our comfortable Superior First Class hotel where we will be spending the next five nights. After a pre-arranged, early check-in we will have time to settle into our rooms and refresh ourselves before gathering to meet our Taiwan guide. Our guide, who will be with us throughout the five days we will spend exploring Taiwan, will be English speaking and well-versed in the history and traditions of his country. He will take us to Yun Fu Lou restaurant where we will enjoy an early lunch; our first in this intriguing country.
This afternoon we visit Tamsui Fishermen Wharf and take a short river cruise to nearby Tamsui, the oldest port of northern Taiwan. Bordered by Datun Mountain and the Tamsui River, Tamsui is known for its beautiful scenery and rich historical culture. We will visitTamsui’s Old Town where we will walk along a street lined with stalls filled with traditional goods.
Our next stop this afternoon will be Yeh Liu Geopark, famous for Queen’s Head Rock. Yeliu is a cape reaching into the sea formed by Datun Mountain. The rocks here are subject to sea erosion, weathering and earth movement and have formed spectacular scenery which draws many geologists to study. Our group will visit Yeh Liu’s Marine World’s sightseeing tunnel under the sea showing about 200 rare fish species.
We return to our hotel in the late afternoon where we will have time to refresh ourselves before enjoying a dinner of Keelung Seafood. After dinner our guide will take those who wish to visit the Keelung night market.
Note on Taiwan’s Night markets: Almost every one of our nights in Taiwan we will have the opportunity to visit a night market. Therefore, our group members can choose to make this a nightly jaunt or a one night visit. As dusk falls on the towns and cities of Taiwan, many Taiwanese start to get busy. Night markets are a way of life in Taiwan and are great places to shop for bargains and to feel the pulse of Taiwan’s after-hours’ life. The markets bustle with noise and energy. Friendly restaurant owners call out their menus, stall holders call out their wares, and an incredibly wide variety of goods are sold at surprisingly low prices. The energy of night markets is infectious.
Day 3: TAIPEI, Taiwan (B,L,D)
Following breakfast this morning, we visit Sansia Zushih Temple dedicated to the deity Cingshuei Zushih. The temple has been rebuilt several times, most recently under the supervision of the prominent Taiwan artist, Li Mei-shu. A work in progress, the temple is richly adorned with intricate wood, stone and bronze engravings. Next we visit the Yingge ceramic kilns and Exhibition Center. Yingge is a pottery town and has several hundred pottery plants and shops that sell their products. Here we will plan to take a mid-morning break in order to enjoy coffee in one of the many street cafes. We will hope to see one of the frequent street performances this area of Yingge is known for.
Nearby Sansia, our next stop, is a traditional county town which has become known for its Ching Shui Tsu Shih Temple, unique among all Chinese temples of the world for its dedication to classical temple arts. Sansia Old Street dates back to the early days when the Republic of China was newly established. As we walk along Sansia Old Street we will feel as if we are walking through a time tunnel where arched red brick hallways, traditional architecture, beams, columns, ancient wooden plaques, squat maiden walls and the figure carvings upon the buildings are all both ancient and unique.
After a delicious lunch we visit Taiwan’s National Palace Museum. The collection of cultural artifacts held by the museum is composed of an enormous treasure trove of objects inherited from the Sung, Yaan, Ming and Ch’ing dynasties. First housed within the Forbidden City, the treasures endured many journeys through many years and wars before finding a permanent and honored home in Taipei.
Following our museum tour we return to our hotel. Tonight our guide will take those who wish to the Shilin night market.
Day 4: TAIPEI / TAROKO NATIONAL PARK / TAIPEI (B,L,D)
Today we experience one of Taiwan’s most spectacular sights: Taroko Gorge National Park. After an early breakfast we board our train at BoDo Railway Station and travel to Hualien. On arrival we board our private coach for an unforgettable tour. Taroko is the second largest national park in Taiwan and is famous for its spectacular mountains, marble canyons, and cliffs stretching along Li Wu River. Four million years ago the island of Taiwan was formed by the collision of plates. Millions of years of wind erosion later, the marble rocks were exposed and cut by the Li Wu River creating impressive grand canyons. Waterfalls characterize the park. The most famous of these, Pai Yang, Yin Tai, Chang Chun, and Lu Shui, are considered the most impressive natural scenes in Taroko. Our tour of the park will include:
Eternal Spring Shrine – One of the most photographed sights in Taroko Gorge. The shrine is reached by crossing the Changchun Bridge. The gurgling sound of water rushing over the cliff edge matched with the cool shade offered by the shrine itself has a most relaxing effect on all who visit it.
Swallow Grotto – is composed of marble cliff faces covered with small holes, the result of long-term erosion by river and ground water. House swifts and pacific swallows often forage and nest here, giving the place its name.
Tunnel of Nine Turns – is a tortuous course cut by the river having many curves. The path of the highway that has been carved out of the cliff face here seems to be an endless aerie of turns. The gorge is so narrow that only a very narrow width is open to the heavens in what the Chinese call a “thread of sky”.
Tiansiang Lodge – is the site of an old Atayal village at the confluence of the Liwu and Dasha rivers. Scenic spots at Tiansiang include Siangde Temple, Tianfong pagoda, a suspension bridge, the Wen Tian-siang memorial Garden, the Plum Garden, and Tiangsiang Church. .
Toward the end of our day we will visit Chi Hsing Beach. The beach here is still largely undeveloped and boasts a spectacular backdrop of mountains. The obscure coastal village of Chi Hsing Bay has a large teahouse on the south side that overlooks the sea where we will plan to stop for a cup of tea.
We are back at our comfortable Taipei hotel tonight, and, after dinner, those who choose may visit the HwaHsi Street market. Located near Lungshan Temple, this night market and others on three adjacent streets, have formed a large, unique market. Chinese traditional lamps are hung along the street. There are old, historic shops that provide traditional dishes. The tansi noodle restaurant, a favorite of Japanese tourists, started here. Hwahsi night market is famous for snake shops that demonstrate snake processing and snake fights at night.Day 5: TAIPEI / SUN MOON LAKE / TAIPEI. (B,L,D)
Today we visit and cruise on Sun Moon Lake. Surrounded by green mountains, Sun Moon Lake is the pearl of Taiwan and its largest natural lake. The Eastern part of the lake is round like the sun, while the Western part is shaped like a crescent moon – hence the name. In the middle of the lake – between the sun and the moon – is an island which has long been a sacred place for the aboriginal Shao people. Only the Shao can go there. It is off limits to all others. At one time the island was much larger. With the construction of a hydroelectric power plant the lake was deepened and the island shrank and the Shao people were moved from their beloved Lalu to the upper Sun Moon village. The Shao people have the smallest population of the 12 aboriginal tribes in Taiwan. Our visit to their village will give us the chance to view their wooden sculptures and handicrafts.
The true beauty of Sun Moon Lake, however, is found in the surrounding mountains. From the lake, tier upon tier of countless peaks can be seen rising up into the sky. The nearby mountains appear dark with vegetation. Those further away appear less and less distinct until they fade into the sky.
Our day will also include a visit to Chung Tai Chan Monastery if time permits. This Buddhist monastic order was founded by the Venerable Wei Chueh in 1987. It is one of the largest Buddhist monasteries in Taiwan and is widely admired as an architectural masterpiece because of its modern look.
Day 6: TAIPEI (B,L,D)
After breakfast we will board our coach for a visit to the WuLai Aboriginal Tribe. The aboriginal cultures of Taiwan represent 2% of the population of the island. Due to a relatively small number of intermarriages and a pride in tradition and ritual, the 12 aboriginal tribes of Taiwan have remained relatively homogenous and culturally pure. WuLai is known as one of the best places to encounter aboriginal culture. We will take a push-car to visit the tribal village and watch a traditional dance.
After enjoying a lunch of aboriginal cuisine we will take our coach back to Taipei where we will visit Lungshan Temple and the Taipei 101 Tower including the observation deck.Day 7: TAIPEI / KUALA LUMPUR (B,D)
This morning we board our coach for Taipei International Airport and our 4 hour flight to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, filled with memories of our wonderful Taiwanese sojourn and anticipation for the adventures still awaiting us. KL, as it is commonly called, is the focal point of new Malaysia. While the city’s past is still present in the evocative colonial buildings of the Dataran Merdeka district and the midnight lamps of the Petaling Street Night Market, insistent reminders of KL’s present and future meet the eye everywhere. The city has taken an unflinching leap into the future and is a grand meeting place for merchants and travelers from all over the world.
Upon our arrival we will be met by our local KL guide and board our comfortable, air-conditioned coach for a tour of this fascinating city. KL brings together Malaysia’s past and present, its many cultures, and even its remarkable natural treasures. We drive past the elegant Jamek mosque, the symbolic birthplace of KL, and bustling Chinatown before stopping at the majestic Royal Palace, surrounded by a beautiful park, green lawns and ponds. We’ll take a drive along Ambassadors’ Row on Kuala Lumpur’s historic Ampang Road, and also visit the famed KL Tower, fifth tallest in the world. An elevator takes visitors to an observation deck with wonderful views of the city.
Following our tour we check into our elegant hotel. Time to refresh and relax before gathering for dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 8: KUALA LUMPUR (B,L,D)
Following breakfast we depart for Lake Gardens, KL’s famous botanical and bird parks. Here, we will be treated to the unsurpassed beauty and variety of Malaysia’s plants and animals. Located in a tranquil area within a remaining forest in the heart of KL, Lake Gardens dates back to the 1800’s.
The Bird Park in Lake Gardens is reputed to be one of the biggest in the world. Spanning an area of 20 hectares, over 3,000 birds from over 200 species fly freely in the covered park which is shaped like one huge aviary. Visitors walk on tiled paths and gaze at the birds in their natural element. Within the vicinity of Bird Park is a Hibiscus Garden and an Orchid Farm which houses over 500 original species and hybrids. The Butterfly Park, also located in Lake Gardens, houses more than 6,000 butterflies from 120 species and is landscaped with lots of flowers. Butterflies float to shirt and hand.
We could not visit KL and miss the chance to see the unique phenomenon of trees lit by fireflies. Mid afternoon will see us on our way to nearby Kuala Selangor. We’ll drive through the lovely Malaysian countryside, enjoy dinner at a local riverfront restaurant, and take an evening boat ride upstream in a traditional sampan to see thousands of fireflies sparkling in the trees lining the river. What a magical way to spend an evening in Malaysia!
The countryside of Kuala Selangor seems far away from the hustle and bustle of KL. The small, rustic town is known for its historic past and natural mangrove forest. We’ll have the opportunity to walk the jungle trails, learn about the mangrove trees, and spot local and migratory birds in the bird sanctuary. Kuala Selangor is one of only two places in the world – the other being along the Amazon River in Brazil – where millions of fireflies can be seen to “flash their lights”. After dinner we’ll boat upstream to see the fireflies sparkling in the thick mangroves along both sides of the river. It’s a unique natural phenomenon resembling rows of brightly lit Christmas trees.
Day 9: KUALA LUMPUR / KUCHING / KUCHING WHITE RAJAH TRAIL (B)
This morning we transfer to the KL airport for our short, forty-five minute flight to Kuching, Malaysia. Upon arrival at Kuching airport we will be met by our representative and transferred to the Kuching Hilton via air-conditioned coach.
This afternoon our guide will take us on a walking tour of Kuching reliving the history of the White Rajah of Sarawak. Many
people regard the Brooke Raj as a golden age where traditions and the economy were strong and violence (Piracy & head-hunting) was under control. Under the Brookes, the rights and interests of indigenous people were protected and they were allowed to pursue their subsistence-based lifestyles. Kuching has literally dozens of historic buildings – the tourism complex (which formerly housed the different government departments of Rajah Charles), round tower (formerly used as dispensary during Rajah Period), pavilion, square tower (prisoner cell during Rajah Period) and post office are unique examples of colonial period architecture. The excellent museums include the historic Sarawak Museum, with one of the best ethnographiy collections in Southeast Asia. Equally fascinating are the Islamic Museum and the Chinese History Museum.Day 10: BAKO NATIONAL PARK (B,L)
Today’s tour starts with a coach ride from Kuching city to the small Malay village of Bako, where we take a 1/2 hour's boat ride to reach the national park. This is a day with plenty of opportunities to trek through the beautiful park and explore flora and fauna at its best. We will see the Proboscis monkeys that can only be found on the island of Borneo. If you are lucky you might also spot various other animals such as wild boars, silver leaf monkeys, macaques, monitor lizards and birds. We will enjoy a simple lunch in the Park canteen and return in the late afternoon to Kuching City by boat and car.
Recommended: Water bottle, flat shoes or trekking boots, insect repellent, sun block cream, a hat and swim wear.Day 11: SEMENGGOK ORANG UTAN CENTRE & TRANSFER OUT (B)
We depart by van at 8:00 a.m. for our tour to the Orang Utan Centre at the Semenggok Nature Reserve of Sarawak. Here rangers care for the once captive Orang Utans who stay in the trees and make nests on treetops for sleeping (as they instinctively do in the wild). The best time to observe the Orang Utans is in the morning. Orang Utans are very similar to humans in many ways. Their period from conception to birth is about 275 days, the same as in human beings. Orang Utans have a full set of milk teeth by the age of one year. Yet they are very different because they come from an environment very foreign to humans. When Orang Utans became a protected species in Malaysia Borneo, it was necessary to find a place to keep and rehabilitate these once captive animals.
Later this afternoon we transfer to the airport for our short flight to Sibu. We will board our ship in this bustling port city. From Sibu fast express boats depart for the interior Our ship will be moored close to close to the local markets and temples. We will have free time to explore the town on foot with its attractive streets of old Chinese shop houses redolent of Malacca or Penang but without the tourists.
Overnight on board our Pandaw River Cruiser.
OUR SEVEN DAY CRUISE THROUGH THE HEART OF BORNEO BEGINS
September 20 – 28, 2010
Three meals daily aboard the boat
Day 12: Kanowit
We cast off at dawn and proceed up the mighty Rajang River with a morning stop to visit rattan workshops. Here the river is still wide and full of shipping. At the river station of Kanowit we visit the Brooke Raj Fort Emma, of wooden construction and amazingly surviving intact after 150 years. Those of us who wish may choose to explore deeper inland by long boat up the Kanowit River with a voluntary jungle trek back to the Pandaw moored at Kanowit.
Day 13: Kapit
This morning we cruise to the upriver capital of Kapit. Here we visit an even more interesting Brooke Raj fort called Fort Sylvia with an adjacent tattoo museum showing traditional Iban designs and techniques. We make further explorations to visit an original Iban longhouse, a rare sight as most have been rebuilt in a modern style.
Day 14: the Baleh River
Just above Kapit we turn up the main tributary of the Rajang, the Batang Baleh navigable for a Pandaw for another day’s sail. Along the river we see a number of logging camps and fine new long houses. Logging is strictly controlled by the Sarawak government,who have a strict replanting program. We will visit a logging camp and stop overnight at Nagamujong village with its long house, school, clinic and church. We will also see loading points for coal coming from mines deep in the jungle.
Day 15: Pelagus Rapids
Today we cruise back down the Baleh to rejoin the Rajang and proceed another 40km towards 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 our journey. At Pelagus we make a short trek to the Pelagus Resort Hotel for afternoon tea and stupendous views of the rapids.
Day 16: Pelagus and Beyond
Today we are given a further opportunity to trek in and around the Pelagus Resort in this primary rain forest so rich in fauna and flora. After lunch return downstream past Kapit.
Day 17: Song
Song is a small river station between Kanowit and Kapit and we stop here to make a boat trip up the Katibas river to visit long houses. Those who wish have the opportunity to trek part of the way back to Song. Our river cruiser continues downstream throughout this evening.
Day 18: Sarikei and Thanjung Manis
We now enter the Rajang Delta area with its rich agricultural life. At Sarikei we visit a deer farm and pepper plantations. On the coast Thanjung Manis is the main seaport and gateway to the Rajang. Though a modern city it is not without interest. A short drive takes us to village workshops that specialize in songkat weaving. Return upstream stopping overnight at Bintangor.
Day 19: Sibu/Kuala Lumpur
Early this morning we dock in Sibu where we disembark and transfer to the airport for our flight back to Kuala Lumpur. Due to current flight schedules here we will stay in a deluxe hotel outside the city for a forced overnight before our flight back to Denver the next day.
Day 20: Kuala Lumpur
There will be time today at leisure before we transfer to the airport for our flight home.
The Pandaw River Boat
The Boat:
Launched in January 2009
Staterooms:
The Pandaw stateroom is the most celebrated feature of our ships. Finished in brass and teak, the main and upper deck rooms are very spacious at 168 square feet (15.6 sqm). Much loved by all our passengers we have ensured that with each ship we build the stateroom remains the same. Our cabins do not have mini-bars, satellite TV’s, internet or phones. There is a 24 honesty bar on the sundeck. Pandaw passengers usually want to escape from the tiresome features found in international business hotels.
Many passengers describe life on board a Pandaw more like being a guest on a private motor yacht than a cruise ship. Where we go and what we see is intrepid in extreme. What you come back to is a floating base of discreet comfort, caring service and all the good things one looks for in life
Dining:
The Pandaw dining rooms are designed to open up along the sides and only at night do we close them up and use air conditioning. We know our passengers want fresh air not chilled air.
We offer a great choice of local cuisine and exotic foods. We source supplies as locally as possible, given environmental health regulations. Breakfast and lunch are buffets and dinner is served at the tables. Passengers who do not like hot or spicy foods are offered European alternatives and vegetarians are well catered for. Our chefs know that the majority of passengers want to eat the best of each country they pass through.