Pandaw River Cruises Pulls Out of Borneo

The latest newsletter from Pandaw River Cruises announces that its ship, Orient Pandaw, will leave Borneo as of March 2012. This is sad news. Borneo is a rich vacation destination with the key draw being the island's orangutan population. Traveling the rivers, as Leonard and I did last month with Orion Expedition Cruises, is an excellent way to see how the Indonesians and Malaysians live and to get as close as possible to the animals, which include the red ape, proboscis monkey, macaques, Borneo bearded pigs, crocodiles, kingfishers, and more.


Here's what Pandaw had to say about its departure from Borneo:

It is with immense sadness that we are pulling out of this fascinating destination. The logistical and operational difficulties of working in so tough an environment have made the project commercially unsuccessful. Despite these challenges the Pandaw Borneo team have a well-run operation and levels of comfort and service on board up to top Pandaw standards. The river and jungle really are amazing and a must for keen river explorers.

There is still some space left between now and March and we highly recommend a stop off in Kuching and even a trip to the Mulu Caves. Visit Pandaw.com for further details.

Despite the challenges of the region (shallow rivers making travel by boat difficult during low tide, the heat and humidity, and availability of Western-style amenities on land), I highly urge you to get to Borneo soon. The people are endearing and the opportunity for animal sightings is amazing!


I'm sorry to see Pandaw leave the region, but hope Orion Expedition Cruises makes a go of it from this point forward.

—Andrea M. Rotondo for LuxuryCruiseBible.com

Unique Borneo River Cruise from Pandaw

If you're looking for a cruise itinerary few people have experienced, research Pandaw Cruises' new option in Borneo, eastern Malaysia. Starting this July, the RV Orient Pandaw will offer seven-night voyages on the Rajang River.

You'll fly into Kuching (from either Singapore or Kuala Lumpur) and overnight there before heading to Sibu, the embarkation point for this river cruise. (Pandaw also offers some interesting pre-cruise options, including a tour to an orangutan reserve.)

Into the Heart of Borneo Itinerary

• Sibu
  
• Kanowit
• Kapit
• Baleh River
• Pelagus Rapids
• Song (Katibas River)
• Sarikei and Thanjung Manis

With just 30 staterooms, the new RV Orient Pandaw offers an intimate atmosphere with each cabin opening to the promenade deck with private outdoor seating. The ship is very comfortable and elegant, even if it does lack some of the amenities other luxury vessels offer (queen-size bedding, room service, etc.)

But, with Pandaw Cruises it's access to far-flung destinations that account for the true "luxury" aspect of the line. You'll visit places few Westerners ever venture and you'll glimpse the sort of wildlife that most only view in zoos.

For more information, talk with your travel agent or visit Pandaw Cruises. Seven-night itineraries begin at $3,255 per person.

—Andrea M. Rotondo

Photo courtesy of Sarawak Tourism Board.