This itinerary is designed to allow you to explore various ecosystems from wetlands and rivers to peat swamp forests and hills, ensuring you encounter a diverse range of bird species.
Day 1: Arrival in Palangka Raya
Arrive at Palangka Raya Airport (PKY).
Transfer to your hotel in Palangka Raya for check-in and rest.
Afternoon Birding: Depending on your arrival time, take a short walk around Palangka Raya, such as the Central Kalimantan University area or nearby parks, to observe common species like Yellow-vented Bulbul, Common Myna, and Eurasian Tree Sparrow.
Overnight in Palangka Raya.
Day 2: Birding in Palangka Raya
Morning: Birdwatching around the city and nearby forests. Start your day at the Kalimantan Taman park or Sungai Kereng (Kereng Bangkirai) area, where you may encounter species like:
Brown-throated Sunbird
Purple-throated Sunbird
Bornean Babbler
Common Tailorbird
Afternoon: Continue exploring the city and its surroundings for urban and semi-urban species, such as:
Pied Fantail
Black-crowned Night Heron
Kingfishers
Overnight at your hotel in Palangka Raya.
Day 3: Palangka Raya to Kahayan River
Morning: Depart early for a boat trip along the Kahayan River (about 1-2 hours from Palangka Raya).
Kahayan River Birding: Explore the river’s banks and surrounding forests, targeting species like:
White-crowned Shama
Mangrove Blue Flycatcher
Pied Kingfisher
Great-billed Heron
Afternoon: Continue birding along the river and visit nearby forested areas for species like:
Yellow-bellied Flowerpecker
Green Ibis
Black-winged Stilt
Overnight in a local lodge or near the river.
Day 4: Kahayan River to Tangkiling Hill
Morning: After breakfast, travel to Tangkiling Hill (about 1-1.5 hours drive from Palangka Raya).
Birding at Tangkiling Hill: Tangkiling Hill offers a mix of montane and lowland forest birdlife. Look for species such as:
Bornean Bristlehead
Collared Falconet
Rhinoceros Hornbill
Bornean Wren-Babbler
Afternoon: Continue exploring the hill's forests for additional species like:
Chestnut-rumped Babbler
Chestnut-breasted Malkoha
Yellow-bellied Flowerpecker
Stay overnight at a local lodge or homestay near Tangkiling.
Day 5: Full Day Birding at Tangkiling Hill
Early Morning: Begin birding at sunrise to observe the dawn chorus. Common species include:
Silver-rumped Spinetail
Rufous-winged Philentoma
Bornean Green Magpie
Crested Jay
Afternoon: Hike through the forest and spot species such as:
Great Hornbill
Rufous-winged Philentoma
Bornean Treepie
Return to the lodge for an overnight stay.
Day 6: Tangkiling Hill to Sebangau National Park
Morning: After breakfast, depart for Sebangau National Park (about 2-3 hours by car).
Afternoon: Explore the area around the park’s entrance. Sebangau is known for its peat swamp forests, providing a home for various birds such as:
Storm's Stork
Black-headed Ibis
Bornean Ground Cuckoo (rare but possible)
Bornean Crested Fireback
Overnight in a nearby eco-lodge or camp in Sebangau.
Day 7: Full Day Birding in Sebangau National Park
Morning: Spend the morning exploring Sebangau's peat swamp forests. Target species include:
Lesser adjutant
White-crowned Hornbill
Bornean Babbler
Long-tailed Parakeet
Afternoon: Continue your exploration in Sebangau’s swamp areas for species such as:
Mangrove Blue Flycatcher
Bornean Ground Cuckoo (if you're lucky)
Rufous-bellied Eagle
Night Birding: Sebangau also offers the chance to spot nocturnal species like:
Large Frogmouth
Bornean Eared Nightjar
Stay overnight in an eco-lodge or camp.
Day 8: Sebangau National Park (Boat Trip)
Morning: Take a boat trip along the Sebangau River to access more remote birding areas. Look for species such as:
Bornean Blue Flycatcher
Rufous-collared Kingfisher
White-crowned Shama
Yellow-bellied Bulbul
Afternoon: Continue exploring the river and surrounding forest for more sightings.
Evening: Return to your lodge or camp.
Day 9: Sebangau National Park to Kahayan River (for additional birding)
Morning: After breakfast, depart back to Kahayan River for further birdwatching opportunities.
Afternoon: Boat ride along the Kahayan River to look for species like:
Purple Heron
Lesser Adjutant
Whiskered Tern
Great Egret
Stay overnight in a local lodge along the river.
Day 10: Kahayan River to Palangka Raya
Morning: Birdwatching along the river before departing back to Palangka Raya.
Afternoon: Arrive back in Palangka Raya and relax or explore any remaining birding spots near the city.
Look for species like Asian Glossy Starling, Yellow-breasted Flowerpecker, and Black-crowned Night Heron.
Stay overnight in Palangka Raya.
Day 11: Final Day of Birding in Palangka Raya
Morning: Final birding excursion around Palangka Raya. Visit any nearby parks, such as Taman Kalimantan, to spot species like:
Common Tailorbird
Bornean Sunbird
Olive-backed Sunbird
Afternoon: Leisurely walk around the city or visit the Central Kalimantan University area for some last-minute birding.
Evening: Prepare for your departure.
Day 12: Departure from Palangka Raya
Depending on your flight time, enjoy a final morning birding session in Palangka Raya.
Transfer to Palangka Raya Airport (PKY) for your departure.
Target Species
Endemic Species: Bornean Bristlehead, Bornean Wren-Babbler, Bornean Ground Cuckoo, Bornean Black-crowned Pitta.
Other Notable Species: Storm's Stork, Lesser Adjutant, Rhinoceros Hornbill, Great-billed Heron, White-crowned Hornbill, Yellow-bellied Bulbul, Bornean Green Magpie, Long-tailed Parakeet.
Best Time to Visit
The best months for birding in Central Kalimantan are during the dry season, typically from March to October.
Accommodation Tips
Palangka Raya has good hotels and lodges.
Sebangau National Park and Kahayan River offer eco-lodges and basic campsites, perfect for immersion in nature.
Make sure to check the availability of local guides as they are vital for identifying and spotting species.