Borneo Tour Specialists

Rajang River Cruise

Pelagus rajang river tour.

Tour Code: REJ1 Duration – 9 Days/8 Nights

rajang river cruise

AN EXPEDITION ON THE MIGHTY REJANG RIVER ON THE RV ORIENT PANDAW

The Rejang River, at 640km is the longest river in Malaysia, flows across Borneo from Sarawak into Indonesian Kalimantan. Though well know to many from Redmon O’Hanlon’s Into the Heart of Borneo, an informative account of his 1983 journey to the centre 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 Rejang is navigable on a ship the size of the Orient Pandaw for at least 250 km. up to the Pelagus Rapids, and further on its main tributary, the Baleh River. The river is peopled with the Iban, headhunters until the 1950s, whose unique longhouse culture survives well to this day, blending animist tradition with modernity.

There is much to do and see upriver, whether just gazing at the amazing scenery or visiting longhouses – traditional and modern. In these river towns you can explore the architectural vestiges of the Brooke Raj. Jungle treks, for all levels, are a must as are longboat trips to the Pelagus rapids. Wildlife is in abundance and crocodiles, monitor lizards and the hornbill (national bird of Sarawak) are common sights.

rajang river cruise

The river level can fluctuate swiftly and greatly, affected not so much by tides as by sudden, torrential downpours in the mountainous, jungle-clad catchment area. The draft (depth below the water-line) of the RV Orient Pandaw is just 1.5 metres, and although the Rejang and tributaaries are usually deep enough to accommodate this, the river depth has been known to fall by 1 metre in 12 hours during the cruise. This means that places visited and timings have to be kept flexible.

Cast off in the evening cruising upstream towards the Durin Bridge

rajang river cruise

The rapids are considered mythical among the locals. It is said that once every few years, some lives would be taken away by the rapids. Some local villagers still hold ritual offerings to appease the spirits of the rapids.

rajang river cruise

In the afternoon you will go jungle trekking on trails exclusively prepared for Pandaw passengers, across the river from Kapit. On the trail, which takes 3 hours, you will encounter copses of bamboo, wild fruit trees, waterfalls, and wonderful views across the river to Kapit.

Song is a small river station between Kanowit and Kapit and you will stop here to make a boat trip up the Katibas River to visit longhouses.

All passengers will meet back on Pandaw for breakfast and later transfer to covered longboats to travel some distance up the Katibas river; stopping at Nanga Kebian to taste the palm wine ljok which is unique to the Song area. Return to the ship for lunch and cruise downstream into the heart of the Rajang delta.

rajang river cruise

After treks there will be refreshments and activities at the longhouse. Rubber and pepper drying (when in season) will be witnessed in the longhouse grounds as well as traditional weaving and basket making. After lunch, passengers have the option of taking a second trek before returning to Pandaw.

Cast off early to visit the fisherman’s wharf at Rajang village, situated at the month of the Rajang River. This is a small Melanau village with vibrant traditional cottage industries. Freshly caught fish are transformed into delicious, crispy fish crackers. Visit the famous Songket weaving workshop – one of the very weaving factories left, where fine clothes are made by hand. It counts the royal family and Sultan of Brunei amongst its customers.

rajang river cruise

The Pandaw dining rooms are designed to open up along the sides and only at night are they closed up and the air conditioning used.

A great choice of local cuisine and exotic foods is offered. Supplies are sourced 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.

rajang river cruise

When sailing the passengers sit on deck and become absorbed by great panoramas as they unfold about them. If you have ever sailed the Nile between Aswan and Luxor, you will know what we mean. Spellbound, one cannot help but to meditate upon the unceasing human and wildlife activity of these teaming water worlds.

rajang river cruise

Three cruises of eight nights duration every month (the inaugural cruise was July 2009) – departing on the 1st, 10th and 20th of each month, except December when the cruise departs on 20 December only.

Rainfall is year round, with higher levels September to February monthly average 400mm and lesser level March – August, monthly average 250mm. The Rejang is a year round destination!

Schedule changes may be possible due to technical complications or unpredictable incidents and variable river conditions, while travelling along the rivers. The ship purser will immediately inform you of changes regarding the excursions or make an announcement by loud speakers. Please also keep an eye on the notice board for any subsequent notice of any changes to planned timings. River cruising on the Rajang is a dramatic and exciting experience – not like cruising the controlled waterways of Europe or America. The operation is in an area that has little or no tourism infrastructure. As a result local services and suppliers, like boats, buses and guides, can be erratic, to say the least. Be prepared for this and it is all more the fun!

Note that prices shown in this table are in US Dollars

Photographs courtesy of Pandaw Cruises and Ministry of Urban Development and Tourism, Sarawak

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The World's Best River Cruises For Superyachts

The kinabatangan and the rajang.

Sailors are naturally drawn to the open ocean, but a river cruise can offer an enchanting experience. Risa Merl explores which of the the world’s great waterways are best seen by superyacht.

The Kinabatangan and The Rajang, Borneo

The third largest island in the world, Borneo has two rivers that are worth exploring by superyacht, both of which are found in the island’s Malaysian territory. The 560-kilometre Kinabatangan River, on the north-east tip of Borneo, winds through the Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary, presenting a veritable river safari. This is one of only two places in the world to see orangutans in the wild (they are one of the 10 primate species found in the sanctuary). Asian elephants and Sumatran rhinoceros roam the jungle, along with petite Malayan sun bears and spotted leopards. Crocodiles, otters and tortoises can also be seen in this watery wonderland, as well as more than 200 species of birds.

The Rajang River Delta on the north-west coast is another key habitat for wildlife, especially Irrawaddy dolphins and lesser adjutant storks, which have a few fluffy feathers on their otherwise bald heads. In the trees, silver langur monkeys munch on fruit and stare as you pass by. The Rajang just pips the Kinabatangan as the longest river in Malaysia, at 563 kilometres.

Local guides can be hired on both rivers, as reliable charts don’t exist. There are no regulations for exploring by yacht, says Captain Jean-Francois Cormerais, of Asia Pacific Superyachts, but you will need to be aware of the depth and air draught. “It all depends greatly on the season,” says Captain Cormerais. “The Rajang River can vary in depth by 21 metres, while the Kinabatangan has a sandbar at the entrance and an electric cable crosses the river further on, which makes it impossible for sailing boats to visit.” Despite the challenges, Cormerais says it is “really worth the effort” to visit. “My favourite memory is anchoring in the Rajang River and being awakened by the call of gibbons as a morning song,” he adds.

When to go: Dry season is March to October – avoid December to April when heavy rains fall, which can change river depth quite suddenly.

What to know: There is nowhere to provision, so bring all the supplies you will need.

Who to contact: Captain Jean-Francois Cormerais, of Asia Pacific Superyachts, [email protected]

Picture courtesy of Getty Images.

The St Lawrence

If you think whale watching is only possible at sea, think again. On the St Lawrence River, whales can be spotted as far inland as Quebec City, Canada (in fact the white beluga whale is endemic to the area). The coastline along the northern side of the St Lawrence estuary is also known as the Whale Route because of the 13 species that can be seen, including the largest animal on the planet, the blue whale.

The fun doesn’t stop there, however, as the St Lawrence River – at 1,197 kilometres, the third longest in North America after the Mississippi and Mackenzie – is part of the larger St Lawrence Seaway. This allows yachts to travel from the Atlantic into the Great Lakes, the furthest point being the US city of Duluth, Minnesota on Lake Superior some 2,000 nautical miles away. This river system has few size restrictions – vessels up to 225 metres LOA can make the trek. The 115-metre superyacht Luna has been spotted here, and Northland , the recently launched 31.3-metre Burger , made her way through the seaway last year. “There are a lot of logistics to travelling through the seaway, but it is an amazing experience,” says Northland’s captain, Jeff Callahan. He recommends electronically pre-paying all your lock fees and arranging marina dockage ahead of time and warns that in the Gulf of St Lawrence, right whales are protected by a speed limit of 10 knots, which is strictly enforced.

The St Lawrence offers plenty of cultural interest, with the chance to stop off at vibrant cities such as Montreal and Quebec City and quaint waterfront towns. Man-made diversions abound, from Singer Castle on Dark Island to Tibbetts Point Lighthouse on Lake Ontario, and even golf at the prestigious Thousand Islands Country Club on Wellesley Island. Head ashore in Clayton, New York state, for a tipple at Coyote Moon Vineyards or the Wood Boat Brewery. Clayton is also home to the Antique Boat Museum, which boasts the largest collection of vintage vessels in America.

When to go: June to October, which is also whale-watching season.

What to know: AIS is required for all vessels of more than 100 tonnes and foreign-flagged yachts more than 35 metres LOA are required to have a pilot on board.

Who to contact: Premier Marine Services, premiermarineservices.com; or Debora Radtke at American Yacht Agents, [email protected]

The mighty Amazon’s headwaters begin in the Andes mountains of Peru before running through Brazil, with tributaries coming from Bolivia, Colombia, Venezuela and Ecuador. It is the world’s largest river by volume and, at around 6,400 kilometres long, also rivals the Nile as the longest – although there is no definitive agreement as to which can claim the title. Fortunately, about 3,700 kilometres of the Amazon is navigable by yacht: from Iquitos, Peru to the mouth of the river near Belém, Brazil.

It was in Belém that 46.3-metre Picchiotti  yacht  Golden Compass began its Amazonian adventure. “There is no better way to explore the Amazon than by yacht,” says the former owner of Golden Compass , who made the 3,200-kilometre round trip to Manaus, Brazil. “The river is always changing, and the experiences were different and unpredictable every day. The birds and wildlife were as varied as the people and ports we visited,” the owner adds. The locals rely on the river for transport and trade, and some of the owners’ most memorable experiences were interactions with those who call the Amazon home – from buying fruit, fish and handicrafts to donating clothes and school supplies to children. The former owners of Golden Compass believe more yachts should try to venture to the area. “This part of the world is changing rapidly, and not always in a positive way – visiting gives more understanding of the devastation of deforestation, and an appreciation of the changing lifestyle of the natives along the river,” the owner argues.

Golden Compass travelled to Manaus, but there is more to be seen beyond this point. For those who fancy a jungle cruise but don’t want to bring their own boat, the eco-friendly, light-filled, 45-metre Aria Amazon can be chartered in the Peruvian Amazon.

When to go: High-water season is December to May, during which time the water can rise by as much as seven metres, making tender excursions a dream, while low-water season provides better opportunities for hiking ashore.

What to know: Up-to-date charts don’t exist because of the variance in water levels and local pilots are required to navigate the changing conditions. Armed security is also advised.

Who to contact: The former owners of Golden Compass recommend emailing [email protected] for help with planning. Meanwhile, Brazil Yacht Services provides logistical support for clearances, waivers, security, and qualified guides.

Picture courtesy of Creative Commons.

Snaking its way from China to Vietnam – passing through Myanmar , Laos and Cambodia along the way – this 4,350-kilometre river is the lifeblood of South East Asia. (In Lao, the name Mekong translates to “mother of waters”.)

“Along the Mekong you will explore a thousand years of human history, and guests are able to enjoy excursions away from the crowds,” says Benjamin Seelos of Aqua Expeditions, which runs a fleet of river-cruising yachts in Asia and South America. One of the fleet, 62.4-metre Aqua Mekong , is permanently based here, offering cruises in Vietnam and Cambodia.

The landscape along the Mekong morphs from low-lying, lush greenery to steep cliffs framing the passage. The views are incredible, but it is time spent off the mothership, whether on the water or on shore, that really brings a Mekong visit to life. Cycle through small villages and rice fields, where children run out to wave and cheer you on; kayak through the floating villages along the river; or take a skiff to visit the silversmith village of Koh Chen. You won’t find any cities or industrial zones here; it is still quite off the beaten track, which is exactly the charm of travelling here. “Much of Thailand is now a hotspot for yachts and tourists, making them overcrowded, but with Cambodia you’re still in relatively uncharted waters,” says Frances Edgeworth, a charter broker with Fraser who ventured into the country on board Aqua Mekong . “Cambodia is rich with history and culture and the food is outstanding. There’s nowhere else left to cruise like the Mekong River.”

Aqua Mekong can be booked on a per-cabin basis or chartered as a whole with Camper & Nicholsons . “It’s an incredible luxury experience and the yacht offers a variety of amenities and itineraries,” says Edgeworth. “The crew on board are all local and incredibly well connected. They know everyone along the river and the chef seems to be best friends with everyone in the market.”

When to go: August to November is high-water season, which allows yachts to get deeper into the waterway and cruise to Tonle Sap lake, which is too shallow to visit in dry season.

What to know: Private yachts can cruise the Mekong in Vietnam and Cambodia, but the red tape can be thick as permission is needed from both countries, and each has its own set of stringent requirements.

Who to contact: Aqua Expeditions, aquaexpeditions.com; Asia Pacific Superyachts, [email protected]; Camper & Nicholsons for charter bookings.

Picture courtesy of Shutterstock.

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TOUR OVERVIEW

Sibu rejang river cruise.

Meet and transfer to wharf for the speed boat cruise along Rejang River, the longest river in Malaysia. The river flows approximately 640 km to the South China Sea, making it the longest river in Malaysia. From the river sightseeing the beautiful Sibu town, the hundred years old temples [the Tua Pek Kong Temple], [7-the Storey Pagoda] nearby the Rejang river. The cruise will pass through the traditional Malay still house. Many ship building factory located at the riverbank of Rejang river. Beside that, possible to see factory and housing along the river. Then cruise same way back to Sibu wharf and transfer to Hotel.

BOOK WITH GREAT HOLIDAY TRAVEL

Duration : 1-2 Hours

Departure : Daily

Price : RM 200.00 per pax (2 to go)

Validity : 31 December 2023

 Cruise Articles - Cruise Reviews :  Asia - Borneo with Pandaw Cruises

Journey to borneo: upstream on the mighty rajang river in sarawak, malaysia.

“Right step, right step, right step, back, now forward and turn. You have it!” With considerable patience, Rosa had been teaching me and my fellow passengers how to do the Poco Poco dance, a traditional dance performed by the Iban tribes people of Sarawak, on the island of Borneo.

Earlier that day, I had also honed my skills in using a blow pipe and as much as Rosa is an accomplished dancer, you could tell from the look in her eyes that she knew she would impress us by demonstrating her skill at hunting by using the blow pipe. Slowly she walked, then turned quickly, put the blow pipe to her pursed lips, took aim at the balloons bobbing about in the breeze, and popped them all in rapid succession. None of the passengers, except “Stoney” from Alaska, had ever hunted before, let alone used a blow pipe. Rosa Minggu was the Administrator on the Orient Pandaw and she, like many of the crew, were local Iban.

I was travelling upstream on an 8-night journey from Sibu to Kapit and back down to Sarikei on the Rajang River, which at 563 kilometres, is the longest river in Malaysia. Borneo has one of the world’s most diverse eco systems, its rainforest home to a multitude of species of flora and fauna.

Twenty years ago I did the same journey, expecting to find an old colonial paddle steamer such as Joseph Conrad might have found. Instead I experienced hell-raising journeys in express boats built like space capsules that go at break-neck speed, with Tommy Lee Jones action movies blaring. In Kapit, I found an old cafe with antique Chinese marble top tables and sat near an Iban elder. He said one day I would come back. I’ve often thought since about that cafe and the old man.

rajang river cruise

The Irrawaddy Flotilla Company, established in Myanmar (Burma) in 1865 by Scottish merchants, became the largest privately owned river fleet in the world. Tragically, all were destroyed during WWII. In 1995, Paul Strachan, a Scottish Historian, set about rebuilding one of the original paddle steamers and established Pandaw Cruises. Since then, several Pandaw ships have been built based on the plans of the original paddle steamers.

My journey began in Sibu, a port city much as I remembered it; predominantly Chinese with a busy produce market, historic shop houses and a bit edgy, as a city with attitude should be. I’d caught the public bus from the long distance bus station to the wharf, dropped off my bag and set off for the market. Here I found a woman selling the largest bananas I have ever seen.

rajang river cruise

All the excursions were interesting, some were exceptional. One morning, very early, we went by longboat on a creek very close to shore and were able to observe daily life, people taking their produce to market by boat, hanging up washing, chatting together.

Another highlight was our visit to Melanau village, famous for its Songket weaving workshop that counts the Sultan of Brunei among its clients. The women here were friendly and demonstrated how Songket is woven from gold and silver thread.

I also enjoyed our visits to longhouses, Jandok and Nyuka. At Jandok we were welcomed by the Iban headman and given a traditional welcome of music, dance and rice wine. I was invited to dance, but do not think I did so well, as the children all laughed. At Nyuka, our visit coincided with a visit by the Minister for Social Development and other important guests, there to present awards to those who had excelled in community service. The Minister took time out to meet with us all.

On one day we had a beach picnic, with the Pandaw crew excelling at traditional Iban bamboo pot cooking (such as cooking fish or rice in hollowed out bamboo).

Near the Pelagus rapids as far upstream as the Orient Pandaw could go, we were transferred to a flat bottomed cargo boat and through turbulent swirling waters we went. The sky turned black and a tropical downpour left us all drenched. That was the only time I saw Frances Higgins looking less than elegance personified. Otherwise she managed four outfit changes per day, each suited perfectly to the occasion.

While I enjoyed the company of my fellow passengers, all soon slipped into a tropical torpor, falling asleep on the deckchairs with novels opened on their laps, the boat their destination.

At Kapit, I went to the cafe where I had been 20 years ago. Neville Josef, the extremely obliging Purser, arranged for a small boat to take me there. The cafe was unchanged but the rainforest trees that stood along the shoreline have long since gone to make way for a pier for the many express boats that are now found here.

We went on walks through rainforests, crossing small wooden bridges over creeks to view waterfalls. We wandered through river towns with historic colonial buildings, including Fort Silvia in Kapit built in 1880 to prevent tribal conflict between the Iban and Orang Ulu. At Fort Silvia there is a visitor’s book. While our guide Louis Jap provided informative commentary, I got distracted and began reading the entries. Under occupation, a previous Pandaw passenger had written “Gentleman, scholar and wit.” Another wrote “Professor Guru.”

My fellow passengers relaxed and enjoyed themselves on this journey on the Rajang River. A heady mix of the tropics, good food and company, travelling at a leisurely pace and the cocktails, served each evening, that only I declined, mixed using several local spirits at once and shaken with great fervour, by our barman, Aung Kyaw Myint from Myanmar does that to those joining this cruise.

Photos courtesy Petra O’Neill

Travel Notebook: The Rajang River, Sarawak, Malaysia

Getting there Malaysia Airlines and Air Asia fly from Australia to Kuala Lumpur and onto Sibu and Kuching. Singapore Airlines flies from Australia to Singapore with flights on Silk Air to Kuching.

Where to stay One of the most delightful cities in South-East Asia, Kuching offers a glimpse of what other Asian cities were once like. Laid back, with Chinese shop houses and historic colonial architecture, including the splendid Kuching Museum and the palace or Astana. The Esplanade along the Sarawak River is pleasant for an evening stroll. If coming from Australia, it is wise to spend several days in Kuching first to become acclimatised. The Hilton Kuching is the place to stay.

Getting around Sibu is 8 hours from Kuching by bus, just over 4 by Express boat, or a short flight away. The cruise onboard the Orient Pandaw starts and finishes here.

Information Sarawak Tourism: Email: [email protected] Website: www.sarawaktourism.com Tourism Malaysia: Level 2, 171 Clarence Street, Sydney. Email: [email protected] or 355 Exhibition Street, Melbourne. Email: [email protected] Website: www.tourismmalaysia.com.au For more information about Pandaw River Cruises please visit: http://www.pandaw.com/

Robert Tilley with Pandaw River Cruises

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Cruise the Rajang River for the First Time

Posted by ITKT Media Partner | Sep 12, 2008 | Announcements , Cruises , Malaysia News | 2 |

Pandaw River Cruises is excited to announce that they will inaugurate a new expedition cruise on the Rajang River in Sarawak starting July 2009. Following in the footsteps of the British explorer and travel writer Redmon O’Hanlon, the brand new 60 passenger ORIENT PANDAW will make an eight night cruise three times a month from Sibu to the Pelagus Rapids and beyond up the Baleh River. The Rajang River is rarely visited by travelers on account of its inaccessibility and lack of tourist facilities. It is though the longest river in Malaysia . Cruising in the extreme comfort of a Pandaw, passengers will be able to visit Iban longhouses, make boat trips up tributary rivers and see the vestiges of the colonial Brooke Raja. But above all, passengers can view from the Pandaw’s observation decks the rich tropical rain forest close at hand. Jungle treks, for all levels of walker, are a must – this is after all one of the most diverse and exotic eco paradises on the planet.

Main deck cabins start at $2,250 per person. An add-on two night stop in the capital of Kuching is highly recommended. Kuching is easily reached from Singapore , Kuala Lumpur and Brunei . Departures from JULY 2009 to DEC 2010 on line now.

For itinerary and schedules and Borneo photo gallery please go to www.pandaw.com

About The Author

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ITKT Media Partner

ITKT is proud to have developed relationships with organizations that provide the best and most reliable travel news anywhere. These news items come directly from pr firms, national and regional tourism boards, hotels, events and attractions worldwide.

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Jean-Léo DAVID

Could i get more informations on Rajang River cruise and the new Orient Pandaw Address:20 RUE CARNOT 78220 VIROFLAY FRANCE

Devin Galaudet

Hi jean-Leo,

I suggest trying the Pandaw River Cruises website. devin

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Malaysia: Cruise & River-Based Tourism

Explore Malaysia Activities

Published on December 8, 2014

Airplanes are overrated – sail into one of Malaysia’s river and ocean-based ports and get direct access to adventure.

1.1. Sea Cruise

1.1.1.     port klang, selangor.

The Boustead Cruise Centre (BCC), a dedicated cruise terminal in Port Klang, is the choice port of call in Malaysia for the world’s cruise lines. Aida Cruises, Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Cunard Lines, Costa Cruises and Star Cruises, among others, make regular stops. Ocean liners like the Voyager of the Seas, Diamond Princess, Queen Mary 2 and the Queen Elizabeth include BCC in their World Cruise itineraries.

1.1.2.     Penang Port, Penang

A growing number of tourists now come to Penang by sea, thanks to the new Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal. With a T-shaped berth 400 metres long and 12 metres deep, the Terminal can easily accommodate the world’s largest cruise vessels. Upon disembarkation, cruise guests get direct access to a UNESCO World Heritage site – a perk that few cruise terminals can claim!

1.1.3.     Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

Strategically located on Borneo’s northwest coast along the South China Sea, Kota Kinabalu Port serves as a gateway to Sabah’s capital and main business centre. Along with direct access to the city, disembarking passengers also enjoy the close proximity of several renowned national parks and reserves; the islands of Sapi, Mamutik, Manukan, Sulug and Gaya; and Mount Kinabalu, the highest peak in Southeast Asia.

1.2. River-based

Malaysia’s rivers play a major role in the country’s history, culture and commerce; take a river cruise to get one with the nation’s flow.

1.2.1.     Melaka River Cruise, Melaka

It’s a cruise deep into Melaka history: departing from the Muara Jetty right next to the Quayside Heritage Centre to cut right across the city of Melaka, Melaka River Cruise glides past historical buildings, old warehouses, churches, villages and mangrove stands. Accompanying live commentary explains the history of the river and surrounding structures. Tel: +606 281 4322, www.melakarivercruise.com

1.2.2.     River Cruise in Kuala Selangor, Selangor

Don’t leave Selangor without taking a boat tour to visit the firefly colonies at Kampung Kuantan and Kampung Bukit Belimbing, about 6km and 10km from Kuala Selangor town respectively. The fireflies congregrate in large numbers around the berembang trees that grow along the riverbank. For overnight stays, accommodation is available in Kampung Bukit Belimbing. www.fireflypark.com

1.2.3.     Rejang River Cruise, Sarawak

The Rajang River is the longest river in Malaysia. From the town of Sibu at the river’s delta, travelers can board local speedboats that steam up and downriver to connect people and cargo with coastal towns and districts along the river. Longhouse villages inhabited by Iban people can be found upriver, offering a warm welcome to visitors. sarawaktourism.com

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rajang river cruise

Sarawak Rivers Board asked to look into safety aspect of river cruise along Rajang River

rajang river cruise

By William Isau

SIBU, Feb 18: The Sarawak Rivers Board (SRB) has been told to look into the safety aspect of the river cruise along the Rajang River, operated by a private company.

During a working visit today, Transport Minister Dato Sri Lee Kim Shin said that passengers’ safety is a top priority.

“According to the operator of this river cruise, as the response from the people has been overwhelming since its launch last year, they are now looking into operating another one. This cruise will also be a new initiative to promote tourism,” he said.

The one-hour cruise charges RM10 per passenger and operates from Friday to Sunday.

Lee also suggested that the operator works with local tour operators to bring tourists on a sight-seeing trip of the Rajang River.

“I wish to congratulate the operator of this river cruise for converting the express boat for such usage. This should be encouraged as it can help promote tourism,” he added.

Lee said the operator of an express boat company had converted the boat for river cruise purposes as express boat services from Sibu to Kapit was affected by the completion of a road to Kapit.

“Before the Covid-19 pandemic, there were 12 boats to Kapit daily, but now there is only one left operating,’ he said.

At his visit, Lee presented a permit to the river cruise operator. — DayakDaily

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Chinese community leaders celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival with Rajang River cruise

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Lau (eighth left), Tai (10th left) and others pose for the camera prior to the Rajang River cruise. – Photo by Peter Boon

SIBU (Sept 29): The Sibu Division Chinese Community Leaders Association celebrated the Mid-Autumn Festival with a Rajang River cruise on Wednesday night.

Its chairman, Temenggong Dato Vincent Lau, said the event helped to foster better rapport and connection between the government departments and the association in the bid to assist the people.

He was elated to note the good response from various government departments for the river cruise.

“This evening’s event also gives us the opportunity to meet and connect with the officials and officers from Resident’s Office Sibu, District Office Sibu, authorities and departments.

“It is important that we reach out, get in touch to form a consortium of all strengths, and to consolidate into a strong force to fuel the community and society forward.”

Lau said this when officiating at the river cruise, organised by Sibu Division Chinese Community Leaders Association.

He stressed on the importance of good collaboration and cooperation with all government departments in their efforts to help the people.

“By organising this kind of event, we hope to be able to establish closer rapport between the community leaders and the authorities.

“And we are very happy the response from the government departments is very good and (very) supportive (of our event).”

Commenting further, he said fellowship gatherings like Wednesday evening’s event played an important role in the continuous growth of the association and in building stronger rapport among the members.

“It forms a more effective platform for establishing social bonds as well as networking among the members,” he pointed out.

Towards this end, he said the association over the years has been making efforts to organise various events and activities, aiming to fulfil the objectives of the formation of the association despite many challenges faced.

“I also hope that all the Chinese community leaders will continue to perform their role effectively and we will continue to organise more activities that benefit the members while contributing positively towards the development of the community, society and country.”

Pemanca Datuk Jason Tai was also present.

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If there are any Blue Funnel or Glen Line lads who might have visited the Rajang River Sarawak for logs during their time at sea. Pandaw Cruises are starting their Rajang River Cruises in July. See below if interested, I will be on it in August. Succour http://www.borneo.com.au/sarawak/tours/rej1  

Succour said: If there are any Blue Funnel or Glen Line lads who might have visited the Rajang River Sarawak for logs during their time at sea. Click to expand...

did my first trip up the rejang on the rhesus in 49 OM jock weir again on the glenshiel in 54 OM albert lane the attached photos might bring back some memories. remember the football against the sawmill --the played in bare feet if i remember right - and still beat us . the mate on the photo is austin rundel a cornish man  

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Machine

No thanks! They would have to offer the 'Cruise' free. Bill  

jmcg

Could do worse than the Rajang. I enjoyed the many trips there + Jesselton and Sandakan. Have promised myself a trip back to Singapore before I'm too old and cantakerous. Will keep it in mind. Thanks for posting the "gen". BW J  

Just came back from a Singapore holiday and although the holiday was OK, the place is totally unrecognisable - Bugis street long gone -it's all spotlessly clean - no drunken sailors - no men with womens chests !! - Only met 2 Brits - some aussies but the majority of tourists that we saw were mainly Indian, Korean and Japanese.  

I was middy and up to 2nd mate in Blue Funnel and like many others, my memories of Rajang River are not that good. I remember more that once we were stuck there for days and days [weeks] in endless rain. "Banyack ujang" and as soon as we opened up the hatches it was not long before the cry went up "ujang datang, tutup lacass" Yes the football was interesting in the quagmire caused by the perpetual rain. It's nice to remember these days and days swinging at anchor in the Rajang and the excitement when a Ben boat turned up to break the monotomy. as for a cruise? No thanks. I like the sun on my back without the rain. I am sure it will be interesting for some however. Let's hear about how it went after your trip in August All the best Tom Inglis  

Pat Kennedy

Up the Rajang again? You must be joking, it was a hellhole. I saw dead bodies floating downstream there and no one taking a blind bit of notice. Hot, wet, smelly, and infested with all kinds of flying insects, some as big as your fist. A bit like some pubs in Birkenhead. Pat  

That is why it was so interesting! Another place -very much sanitised was/is Labuan. Beautiful clear water. Autolycus was the first BF vessel to load either latex or palm oil from one of these Borneo ports. There was one hell of a party I can recall. It might have been Jesselton or Labuan. It wasnt Sandakan though. Remember the "Sandakan Queen". Just for the "sailors". Never had any probs with the mosies -except for Bangkok. As for dead bodies - a couple of ED chaps told me that during the Nigerian /Biafran war it was very common to see dozens of dead bodies trapped between the jetties and ship sides in Lagos and indeed up the creeks. Gareth Yes, Ive been told that the place is but a shadow of its former glory and has been sanitised to such an extent that it is thoroughly modern city setting the standards for cleanliness and ecology. BW J  

Alistair Macnab

After calling at Sandakan, we called at Boihan and Wallace Bay in North Borneo. Perhaps you Blue Funnel or Ben Line chaps can freshen up this old man's memory of these logging/sawed timber load ports? We used to call there regularly on Bank Line's Oriental African Line in the 1950s but never went to Rajang River ports. Whatever the port names. they were all somewhat primitive!  

In the late 50s I must have loaded in the Rejang every trip I did with BF. On one occasion two of us were offered a trip to the town, which I think must have been Sibu, in a long canoe with a big engine on the back. The crew consisted of the helmsman and the lookout. The lookout had elongated eardrums so I suppose he must have been a Dyak. His job was most crucial, since he was watching for obstacles in the river. At the speed we were travelling a collision would have been unpleasant, and perhaps allowed us to meet up with some of the natural inhabitants of the river, who may have resented our intrusion.It was a fascinating trip, done just before dark.We walked around the town for a while, probably had a drink, attended a Chinese wedding party, at which we were made welcome.When it came time to return to the ship the lookout had disappeared, it was rumoured he had met up with a lady friend. We were directed to the work boats which were taking a shift change of loaders, so we returned in a more sedate manner.It was a memorable run ashore and one of the bonuses of seagoing.  

Early in 1953,(I believe it would be march),I was third mate on the Liberty ship "Flintshire" loading logs in the Rejang river. There were no shore lights or lit beacons to check that we were not dragging the anchor during the hours of darkness. As the night began to fall the Mate called me to get into a sampan, gave me an oil lamp, pointed towards a beacon and told me to place the lamp on the flat base of it. As we were about to push off from the ship he shouted, "If a big hairy arm comes out of the jungle and grabs you, drop the lamp, it's the only one we've got"!! I transferred to Straits Steamship Co. in December of '53 and spent many years sailing up and down the Rejang as second mate, mate and master calling at Binatang, Sareki(I don't think that is spelt right!),Sibu and one fantastic trip right up the river to Kapit. No charts for the river above Sibu, all we had was a Land and Survey map to go on! Once there we loaded a full cargo of illipe nuts for transshipment at Singapore. It took us two days to get up to Kapit against the flow and twelve hours to get back. Ah happy memories!  

Straits SS Co. seemed to be a favourite move for the BF Mates who grew weary of the promotion prospects. Capt John Bax a member of this site was one of the alumni. From all accounts life in the Hong Kong companies seemed equally as good and the promotion was rapid also. If I had my time again I may have chosen that route. Living on the Peak in HK does have its attractions.  

Paul Barford

Was many times up there whilst in Ben Line, we regarded the place and Telok Ayer similarly-as RnR after the 'hectic' stays in Bangkok and Manila. Usually on of the first load ports before heading back home. Very first time I was there was on the Bennevis in 1972-none air conditioned steam ship (formerly aircraft carrier). Sustained a perforated ear drum on that trip and was sent up-river to Seriki to the doctors. Always remember-Lao's clinic-he looked in my ear with a huge "Ever-Ready" torch, gave me an injection in the back-side and a few 'sweeties' to take. Later as no improvement (surprise surprise!)I saw old Doc Bain in Singapore who fixed me up, he told me the tablets were in fact like Parma Violets!! Not on my holiday list-even after 37 years.(Thumb)  

My first three voyages deep sea were on the Monmouthshire. Very comfortable old ship. We did the Rejang timber loading as last port before Singapore and the bus-stop ports on the way home. Gentleman A.K.Sanderson was our old man; we used to play the local saw mill team [Williams family ?] at football on occasion and one voyage we actually played the Diomed's team. Scarface Sanderson was their old man. Well we did our best but they had a white crowd and beat us easily. I actually passed out due to lack of salt through sweating too much. I remember the Rejang mainly through the lack of salt issue and I feel on the moral high ground when these numpties ashore keep going on that salt will kill us. Also it is where I spent my 21st birthday. 49 years ago yesterday, 29th. My oppo Clive Knibb almost died one night when a beastie dropped down on him when he was lying on his bunk reading a book. The yells could be heard around the ship !! The ship's agent [Borneo Company] would come up from Sibu to deal with the ship. Always thought they were a strange lot, but after all it was Borneo and the heat never abated. Rejang. Good memories, giant beasties, mossies that loved us but no way would I go back for a repeat.  

Tai Pan

Bohihan. That was a pituresque place, a small lagoon and one house, the agents. We went ashore in the Lifeboat complete with sarnies and beer, had a great afternoon swimming , however 3rd mate forgot about a small tidal drop and we were stuck on the sand, (I think this story is told in Voyage East) got it off after a lot of heaving, being the R/O ,I held the painter, very important job. ship was Ulysses, Capt Harris. Rejang River. ugh, no thanks.  

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拉让江游船 | Sibu River Cruise

游行诗巫河,是走进诗巫最好的方式,随风航行,潇洒自在,看跳跃在河面的阳光碎片时隐时现,犹如闪烁的钻石。拉让江游船让游客游览在马来西亚最长的拉让江上,看沿岸的城市建筑与对面高乐多岛(Pulau Kerto)的红树林风光,吹着凉爽的和风,欣赏最美的夕阳景色,是很棒且安全的詩巫旅游。

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Cruising the Moskva River: A short guide to boat trips in Russia’s capital

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There’s hardly a better way to absorb Moscow’s atmosphere than on a ship sailing up and down the Moskva River. While complicated ticketing, loud music and chilling winds might dampen the anticipated fun, this checklist will help you to enjoy the scenic views and not fall into common tourist traps.

How to find the right boat?

There are plenty of boats and selecting the right one might be challenging. The size of the boat should be your main criteria.

Plenty of small boats cruise the Moskva River, and the most vivid one is this yellow Lay’s-branded boat. Everyone who has ever visited Moscow probably has seen it.

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This option might leave a passenger disembarking partially deaf as the merciless Russian pop music blasts onboard. A free spirit, however, will find partying on such a vessel to be an unforgettable and authentic experience that’s almost a metaphor for life in modern Russia: too loud, and sometimes too welcoming. Tickets start at $13 (800 rubles) per person.

Bigger boats offer smoother sailing and tend to attract foreign visitors because of their distinct Soviet aura. Indeed, many of the older vessels must have seen better days. They are still afloat, however, and getting aboard is a unique ‘cultural’ experience. Sometimes the crew might offer lunch or dinner to passengers, but this option must be purchased with the ticket. Here is one such  option  offering dinner for $24 (1,490 rubles).

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If you want to travel in style, consider Flotilla Radisson. These large, modern vessels are quite posh, with a cozy restaurant and an attentive crew at your service. Even though the selection of wines and food is modest, these vessels are still much better than other boats.

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Surprisingly, the luxurious boats are priced rather modestly, and a single ticket goes for $17-$32 (1,100-2,000 rubles); also expect a reasonable restaurant bill on top.

How to buy tickets?

Women holding photos of ships promise huge discounts to “the young and beautiful,” and give personal invitations for river tours. They sound and look nice, but there’s a small catch: their ticket prices are usually more than those purchased online.

“We bought tickets from street hawkers for 900 rubles each, only to later discover that the other passengers bought their tickets twice as cheap!”  wrote  (in Russian) a disappointed Rostislav on a travel company website.

Nevertheless, buying from street hawkers has one considerable advantage: they personally escort you to the vessel so that you don’t waste time looking for the boat on your own.

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Prices start at $13 (800 rubles) for one ride, and for an additional $6.5 (400 rubles) you can purchase an unlimited number of tours on the same boat on any given day.

Flotilla Radisson has official ticket offices at Gorky Park and Hotel Ukraine, but they’re often sold out.

Buying online is an option that might save some cash. Websites such as  this   offer considerable discounts for tickets sold online. On a busy Friday night an online purchase might be the only chance to get a ticket on a Flotilla Radisson boat.

This  website  (in Russian) offers multiple options for short river cruises in and around the city center, including offbeat options such as ‘disco cruises’ and ‘children cruises.’ This other  website  sells tickets online, but doesn’t have an English version. The interface is intuitive, however.

Buying tickets online has its bad points, however. The most common is confusing which pier you should go to and missing your river tour.

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“I once bought tickets online to save with the discount that the website offered,” said Igor Shvarkin from Moscow. “The pier was initially marked as ‘Park Kultury,’ but when I arrived it wasn’t easy to find my boat because there were too many there. My guests had to walk a considerable distance before I finally found the vessel that accepted my tickets purchased online,” said the man.

There are two main boarding piers in the city center:  Hotel Ukraine  and  Park Kultury . Always take note of your particular berth when buying tickets online.

Where to sit onboard?

Even on a warm day, the headwind might be chilly for passengers on deck. Make sure you have warm clothes, or that the crew has blankets ready upon request.

The glass-encased hold makes the tour much more comfortable, but not at the expense of having an enjoyable experience.

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Getting off the boat requires preparation as well. Ideally, you should be able to disembark on any pier along the way. In reality, passengers never know where the boat’s captain will make the next stop. Street hawkers often tell passengers in advance where they’ll be able to disembark. If you buy tickets online then you’ll have to research it yourself.

There’s a chance that the captain won’t make any stops at all and will take you back to where the tour began, which is the case with Flotilla Radisson. The safest option is to automatically expect that you’ll return to the pier where you started.

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COMMENTS

  1. Rajang River Cruise

    Cruise up the Rajang River to Kanowit, where, water levels permitting, you will enter the Kanowit River and cruise deep into the jungle. Return to the Rajang and moor at river station of Kanowit for a walk around the small river port. You will visit the Brooke Raj Fort Emma, built of timber and amazingly surviving intact after 150 years. ...

  2. The World's Best River Cruises For Superyachts

    The Kinabatangan and The Rajang. Borneo. Sailors are naturally drawn to the open ocean, but a river cruise can offer an enchanting experience. Risa Merl explores which of the the world's great waterways are best seen by superyacht.

  3. Rajang River

    The Rajang River (Malay: Batang Rajang) is a river in Sarawak, northwest Borneo, ... River cruises for tourists were run on the Rajang between Sibu and the Pelagus Rapids Resort in Kapit from 2009 until 2012, but were terminated because of logistical and operational difficulties.

  4. Sibu Rejang River Cruise

    Sibu Rejang River Cruise. Meet and transfer to wharf for the speed boat cruise along Rejang River, the longest river in Malaysia. The river flows approximately 640 km to the South China Sea, making it the longest river in Malaysia. From the river sightseeing the beautiful Sibu town, the hundred years old temples [the Tua Pek Kong Temple], [7 ...

  5. Boutique River Cruises in Southeast Asia

    Rajang River, Malaysia. Image Credit: Shutterstock / Hafiizh Che Mat. Cruise through Borneo's remote areas, encountering traditional longhouses and diverse ecosystems. Boutique river cruises in Southeast Asia offer an extraordinary way to experience the region's captivating allure. These cruises provide not just a journey across water, but ...

  6. Sibu River Cruise

    Sibu River Cruise, Sibu, Sarawak. 6,700 likes · 73 talking about this · 780 were here. Best way to explore Sibu - by cruise! Prepare to discover a new Sibu through a different perspective!

  7. Cruise Articles

    While our guide Louis Jap provided informative commentary, I got distracted and began reading the entries. Under occupation, a previous Pandaw passenger had written "Gentleman, scholar and wit.". Another wrote "Professor Guru.". My fellow passengers relaxed and enjoyed themselves on this journey on the Rajang River.

  8. Cruise the Rajang River for the First Time

    Pandaw River Cruises is excited to announce that they will inaugurate a new expedition cruise on the Rajang River in Sarawak starting July 2009. Following in the footsteps of the British explorer and travel writer Redmon O'Hanlon, the brand new 60 passenger ORIENT PANDAW will make an eight night cruise three times a month from Sibu to the Pelagus Rapids and beyond up the Baleh River.

  9. Rajang River cruise to boost tourism in the pipeline

    Earlier, Minister of International Trade and E-Commerce Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh said a cruise along Sungai Rajang was being worked out to boost tourism in Sibu. Previously, a Myanmar-based river ...

  10. Malaysia: Cruise & River-Based Tourism

    Rejang River Cruise, Sarawak. The Rajang River is the longest river in Malaysia. From the town of Sibu at the river's delta, travelers can board local speedboats that steam up and downriver to connect people and cargo with coastal towns and districts along the river. Longhouse villages inhabited by Iban people can be found upriver, offering a ...

  11. Sarawak Rivers Board asked to look into safety aspect of river cruise

    The one-hour cruise charges RM10 per passenger and operates from Friday to Sunday. Lee also suggested that the operator works with local tour operators to bring tourists on a sight-seeing trip of the Rajang River. "I wish to congratulate the operator of this river cruise for converting the express boat for such usage.

  12. Destination Information

    The Rajang River, where the river cruise takes place, has been a lifeline for Sibu since its early days. The river facilitated trade and transportation, allowing Sibu to thrive as a trading post. The river cruise provides a glimpse into the historical importance of waterways in shaping the town's identity and fostering economic activities.

  13. Chinese community leaders celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival with Rajang

    Chinese community leaders celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival with Rajang River cruise. By Peter Boon on September 29, 2023, Friday at 7:01 AM Sarawak. For the freshest news, join The Borneo Post's ...

  14. Rajang river cruise

    Answer 1 of 3: I`ve seen a very interesting itinirary at Rajang river offerde by Pandaw river cruises. This is however a luxery cruise which I cannot afford. I wonder if there are any other tour operators doing anything more or less similar (without the same...

  15. Rajang River Cruise

    Rajang River Cruise. Very good 8 nights on Pandaw Orient. Passengers were a mature mix of Australian, German, Japanese, American, and British. The Skipper was from UK, the crew a mix of Malay and Myanmarese and the mate, pilot, and shore guide were local lads from Kuching. A dry spell meant the river wasn't at full flow and therefore the ...

  16. The Borneo Adventures-Rajang River

    http://www.rarolens.com - In Sibu, Sarawak, we joined the Orient Pandaw to cruise along the Rajang River - 'into the heart of Borneo'. We used a smaller boat...

  17. Rajang river cruise

    Answered: I`ve seen a very interesting itinirary at Rajang river offerde by Pandaw river cruises. This is however a luxery cruise which I cannot afford. I wonder if there are any other tour operators doing anything more or less similar (without the same...

  18. Rajang river basin, Sarawak

    Sibu. Set 60km inland from the South China Sea, on a bend of the Rajang River (Batang Rajang), Sibu was settled by James Brooke in 1862 and, not long after, large numbers of Chinese migrants were invited to come from Fuzhou to develop farmland. In fact, Sibu is known as the 'Swan City' because it reminded these early settlers of the Swan ...

  19. 拉让江游船

    拉让江游船 | Sibu River Cruise. 游行诗巫河,是走进诗巫最好的方式,随风航行,潇洒自在,看跳跃在河面的阳光碎片时隐时现,犹如闪烁的钻石。拉让江游船让游客游览在马来西亚最长的拉让江上,看沿岸的城市建筑与对面高乐多岛(Pulau Kerto)的红树林风光,吹 ...

  20. River Cruises 2024 & 2025

    Discover river cruising with Scenic, for unrivalled experiences. From the historic waterways of Europe to the mighty Mekong River in South East Asia, a Scenic 5-star river cruise is in a class of its own. Every detail has been taken care of to the Nth Degree by our world-class crew so you can enjoy the benefits of a truly all-inclusive journey.

  21. River Cruises

    Journey with the world's #1 river cruise line. Award-winning Viking Longships. Owned & operated fleet, with the best docking locations in Europe and across the globe. Rivers; Oceans; Expeditions; Complimentary Brochures; Call Viking at 1-800-304-9616 or Contact Your Travel Advisor

  22. Cruising the Moskva River: A short guide to boat trips in Russia's

    Even though the selection of wines and food is modest, these vessels are still much better than other boats. Sergey Kovalev/Global Look Press. Surprisingly, the luxurious boats are priced rather ...

  23. Moscow to St. Petersburg Russian River Cruise

    Book and travel with confidence. Moscow — St. Petersburg Moscow — Astrakhan Astrakhan — St. Petersburg. 13 days - 12 nights. Moscow and St. Petersburg are Russia's best-known cities, but the towns of Russia's historic Golden Ring are delightful too. The luxurious Volga Dream offers a unique opportunity to visit these Russian gems by ...