8 DAYS · 7 NIGHTS · THE RAJANG RIVER
INTO DEEP BORNEO
A slow expedition along Malaysia’s longest river, travelling beyond the familiar into the communities, landscapes and living cultures of Sarawak’s interior.
SIBU → UPPER RAJANG → SIBU
THE JOURNEY
DEEPER INTO THE RAJANG
From Sibu, Borneo River Cruise follows the Rajang deep into Sarawak’s interior, moving gradually from broad river landscapes into historic river towns, remote communities and waterways rarely experienced by international travellers.
Over eight days, the journey combines expedition by smaller vessel, rainforest exploration, community encounters, local food, living traditions and the changing rhythms of life along Malaysia’s longest river.
There is no need to rush. The river sets the pace.
EXPEDITION BY DAY. COMFORT BY NIGHT.
JOURNEY AT A GLANCE
8 DAYS ALONG
MALAYSIA'S LONGEST RIVER
8 DAYS / 7 NIGHTS
EXPEDITION DURATION
SIBU
EMBARK & DISEMBARK
16 CABINS
INTIMATE VESSEL
32 GUESTS
MAXIMUM
FULL BOARD
DINING INCLUDED
EXPEDITION VESSEL
REMOTE WATERWAYS
Check-in from 2:00 PM · Vessel departure 3:00 PM
THE ROUTE
FOLLOW THE RAJANG INTO BORNEO'S INTERIOR
SIBU
→
BATANG LASSA
→
PASSIN
→
DURIN
→
NANGA YONG
→
KAPIT
→
NANGA NGEMAH
→
SIBU
From the lower Rajang and its branching waterways to Kapit and the river beyond the Pelagus Rapids, the landscape changes as the journey travels deeper into Sarawak.
DAY BY DAY
EIGHT DAYS. ONE GREAT RIVER.
DAY 1
BEGINNING THE JOURNEY
Board Borneo River Cruise in Sibu during the afternoon and settle into your cabin with a welcome drink and cool towel.
As the city begins to recede, we cast off along the Rajang. The afternoon softens into evening with sunset canapés, followed by a relaxed dinner introducing the flavours that will accompany the journey ahead.
OVERNIGHT · ONBOARD NEAR BATANG LASSA
DAY 2
READING THE RIVER
Around Passin, the river becomes more intimate. Meet a fishing community known for its prized freshwater prawns and discover how local fishermen read the currents, work with traditional nets and understand the changing water.
After lunch onboard, explore smaller waterways around Passin, looking more closely at the environments and smaller forms of life supported by the river.
Locally inspired afternoon tea leads into an evening night-river expedition, with opportunities to observe nocturnal life — including crocodiles where conditions allow. Guests may also try freshwater prawn fishing from the open deck.
OVERNIGHT · ONBOARD IN KAMPUNG PASSIN
DAY 3
INTO THE HIDDEN WATERWAYS
Transfer to our smaller expedition vessel and venture into the lesser-known tributaries around Batang Lassa.
Discover landscapes shaped by nipa palms and sago, learning how local communities use these plants and tasting flavours such as gula apong and chilled sago.
Continue into a narrow, secluded waterway surrounded by rainforest, where lunch is enjoyed away from the main river.
As we travel toward the Igan River, stories reveal the movement of people, faith, agriculture and trade along the Rajang, including early Chinese settlement and the development of river communities. Later, return to the mother vessel and continue upriver.
OVERNIGHT • ONBOARD NEAR DURIN
DAY 4
THE RIVER, UNHURRIED
Spend a slower morning onboard as the character of the river continues to change.
From the open deck, watch for birds and river life or join a hands-on onboard activity such as cooking, beading or batik.
After lunch, board the smaller expedition vessel for a secluded river environment and relaxed riverside picnic — a chance to experience the Rajang away from towns and roads.
OVERNIGHT · ONBOARD NEAR NANGA YONG
DAY 5
THE LAST FRONTIER OF THE RAJANG
Arrive in Kapit, one of the Upper Rajang’s historic river towns.
Explore Teresang Market with your guide and chef, discovering jungle produce, local ingredients and the foods that connect the surrounding interior with the town. Continue to Fort Sylvia to uncover stories from Kapit’s Brooke-era history.
After lunch onboard, leave town behind for a moderate guided rainforest trek, observing ferns, plants, insects and the smaller details of Borneo’s tropical environment. Later, enjoy time at leisure to explore Kapit independently at your own pace.
OVERNIGHT · ONBOARD IN KAPIT
DAY 6
BEYOND THE RAPIDS
This should be one of the strongest days visually.
After breakfast, transfer to the expedition vessel and travel beyond Kapit towards the Pelagus Rapids and the Upper Rajang.
Journey deeper into remote river country, visiting communities whose lives remain closely connected to the surrounding forest and waterways.
Discover the remarkable Kelirieng burial poles and meet members of the Punan community around Punan Bah, where traditions such as Molong reflect a long relationship with the forest and its resources.
Continue to an Iban longhouse to encounter living traditions — from Pua Kumbu weaving and Terendak craftsmanship to sampan construction, rattan mat weaving and fishing-net making — alongside gardens and crops including Sarawak pepper.
These are encounters with ways of life shaped by the river, rather than performances created simply for visitors.
OVERNIGHT · ONBOARD IN KAPIT
DAY 7
RIVER LIFE & A NIGHT BY THE WATER
Begin the journey downstream, with time onboard to explore local flavours and traditions through activities such as ulam preparation, blowpipe demonstrations and seasonal fruit tasting.
Where conditions and the season allow, visit a local fruit orchard and discover produce grown along the river.
As evening approaches, gather by the river for a relaxed BBQ accompanied by local music and cultural performances — a fitting final evening on the Rajang.
OVERNIGHT · ONBOARD
DAY 8
THE RIVER REMAINS
Enjoy a final breakfast onboard as the journey returns toward Sibu.
After days of travelling through waterways, communities and landscapes shaped by the Rajang, disembark with a deeper understanding of a part of Borneo that remains connected by the river.
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCES
THE MOMENTS THAT SHAPE THE JOURNEY
HIDDEN WATERWAYS
Venture beyond the main river into remote tributaries and secluded waterways by expedition vessel.
LIVING COMMUNITIES
Experience the Rajang through longhouses, villages, and river communities.
RAINFOREST EXPLORATION
Step into Borneo's tropical environment on guided forest walks.
LIVING HERITAGE
Discover weaving, craftsmanship, music and traditions still practised along the river.
A TASTE OF THE RAJANG
Explore markets, seasonal produce and flavours shaped by the river.
RIVER AFTER DARK
Experience selected waterways after sunset and observe the river's nocturnal world.
Experiences vary according to itinerary, season, river conditions, and local availability. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.
YOUR HOME ON THE RAJANG
EXPEDITION BY DAY. COMFORT BY NIGHT.
After each day’s exploration, return to the comfort of an intimate 16-cabin expedition vessel designed for just 32 guests.
Private ensuite cabins, air-conditioned dining, relaxed social spaces, open-deck river views and attentive onboard hospitality create a comfortable base from which to explore the Rajang.
16 CABINS
32 GUESTS MAXIMUM
PRIVATE ENSUITE CABINS
FULL-BOARD DINING
YOUR EXPEDITION FARE
THE ESSENTIALS ARE PART OF THE JOURNEY
7 nights onboard accomodation
Full-board dining
Scheduled expedition-vessel excursions
Guided shore and rainforest experiences
Community and cultural experiences
Entrance fees included in the programme
Selected regreshments and beverages
Drinking water
Wi-Fi where connectivity permits
Port/terminal fees and applicable fuel surcharge
Detailed inclusions vary by itinerary and are shown at the time of booking.
BEFORE YOU TRAVEL
ESSENTIAL JOURNEY INFORMATION
WHERE DOES THE JOURNEY BEGIN?
Sibu, Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo.
WHAT IS THE ACTIVITY LEVEL?
The expedition includes walking on uneven surfaces and a moderate rainforest trek that may involve slippery terrain, minor steep sections and river crossings.
MINIMUM AGE?
7 years. Children must share accommodation with a responsible adult.
IS THE JOURNEY SUITABLE FOR GUESTS WITH LIMITED MOBILITY?
Some boarding points, riverbanks and excursions involve stairs or uneven terrain. Guests using walking aids may be able to participate in selected activities depending on individual mobility and excursion conditions. The journey is not recommended for guests dependent on a wheelchair.
WILL THERE BE MOBILE SIGNAL AND WI-FI?
Wi-Fi is available onboard, but connectivity depends on mobile coverage and may become limited or unavailable as the vessel travels deeper upriver.
ARE WILDLIFE SIGHTINGS GUARANTEED?
No. Wildlife encounters are opportunistic and depend on natural conditions.
2027 DEPARTURES & FARES
FIND YOUR JOURNEY
Choose from our scheduled 2027 departures. Availability is confirmed at the time of enquiry.
2027 DEPARTURES
DEPARTURE / EMBARK
RETURN / DISEMBARK
PUBLISHED FARE
AVAILABILITY
THE RAJANG IS WAITING
JOURNEY INTO LIVING BORNEO
Eight days. One great river. A side of Borneo few travellers ever reach.