Palace Tours − Luxury Tours Collection Into the Heart of Into the Heart of Borneo

Join Palace Tours on an unforgettable 9−day cruise journey on the into the lush rainforests of Borneo, the third largest island in the world. Though the name is familiar to many from Redmon O’Hanlon’s classic Into the Heart of Borneo, there is very little tourism here due to the river’s remoteness and lack of facilities.

There is much to do and see upriver, whether just gazing at the amazing scenery or visiting traditional and modern Iban long houses. In these river towns, you can explore the architectural vestiges of the Brooke Raj, and experience jungle treks and longboat trips as your journey continues to the Rapids. Wildlife is in abundance and crocodiles, monitor lizards and the hornbill (national bird of ) are common sights.

Downriver, the prosperous Chinese city of with its old shop houses, markets and friendly inhabitants, is a calm reflection of old . At Sareiki, enjoy visits to pepper farms and exotic fruit plantations, and experience textile production at the sea port of Thanjung Manis.

ITINERARY

• Day 1 − Arrive in Sibu and board your cruise ship

You are met upon arrival at the airport in Sibu, a bustling Malaysian port city set close to local markets and temples. Transfer to the cruise ship and settle in to your comfortable cabin. The afternoon is yours at leisure to explore the town on foot with its attractive streets of old Chinese shop houses, redolent of or but without the tourists. Return to the cruise ship for dinner and overnight.

• Day 2 − Visit Fort Emma and take a boat ride up the River

Cast off at dawn and proceed up the mighty Rajang River. Enjoy a morning stop to visit rattan workshops, where the river here is still wide and dominated by the shipping industry. At the river station of Kanowit, visit the Brooke Raj Fort Emma, which is constructed of wood remains amazingly intact after over 150 years. Explore deeper inland by long boat up the Kanowit River. Adventurous types may wish to opt for the voluntary jungle trek back to the vessel, moored at Kanowit.

• Day 3 − Explore and an original Iban

Alight the cruise ship in , the upriver capital of Kapit District, which has an even more impressive Brooke Raj fort called Fort Sylvia with the adjacent tattoo museum showing traditional Iban designs and techniques. Journey further to visit an original Iban longhouse, a rare sight as most have been rebuilt in a modern style.

• Day 4 − Set sail on the Batang Baleh and stop overnight at Nagamujong village

Just above Kapit, the ship turns up the main tributary of the Rajang, the Batang Baleh, navigable 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. Visit a logging camp and stop overnight at Nagamujong village with its long house, school, clinic and church. You may also see loading points for coal coming from mines deep in

1 the jungle.

• Day 5 − Rejoin the Rajang River towards the Pelagus Rapids

Return down the Batang 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, take a short trek to the Pelagus Resort Hotel for afternoon tea and stupendous views of the rapids.

• Day 6 − Trekking adventure around Pelagus Rapids

Today you have the opportunity to trek in and around the Pelagus Resort in this beautiful rain forest, so rich in fauna and flora. After lunch, rejoin the cruise ship and return downstream past Kapit.

• Day 7 − Enjoy a boat trip up the River

Today, depart the ship to visit Song, a small river station between Kanowit and Kapit. Enjoy a boat trip up the Katibas River to see long houses and you also have the opportunity to trek part of the way back to Song. Continue the relaxing downstream cruise through the evening.

• Day 8 − Visit a deer farm and pepper plantations in

We now enter the Rajang Delta area with its rich agricultural life. At Sarikei, enjoy excursions to a deer farm and pepper plantations. On the coast, the modern city of Thanjung Manis is the main seaport and gateway to the Rajang. A short drive away, village workshops specialize in songkat weaving. Rejoin the ship and return upstream, stopping to moor overnight at Bintangor.

• Day 9 − Disembark the cruise ship in Sibu

Dock at Sibu early this morning. Bid farewell to the cruise ship and transfer to the airport for your departure flight home or to your next exotic destination.

DESTINATION INFORMATION

•

Balleh River is a river in Sarawak state, . It is a tributary of the Rajang River.

2 • Bintangor

Bintangor is a town, and the capital of the in , of Sarawak, situated along the Rejang River. There were express boat services connecting between Bintangor, Sarikei and Sibu town in the 70s and 80s. Now road connections between these towns have become a faster mode of transport. The town is known for it gastronomy, including the "Limau Bintangor" fruit and "Bintangor Ganagpua".

• Kanowit

Kanowit is a town and the capital of a district of the same name. It is located within the , Sarawak, east Malaysia. It is built on the mouth of Kanowit River at the bank of Rajang River, approximately 174 kilometers from the coast of . The town takes its name from the Kanowit, a minor ethnic group (ISO 639−3: kxn) related to the Iban. The language is now extinct, having been absorbed into Iban.

• Kapit

Kapit is a town in Sarawak, east Malaysia on the south bank of the Rajang River. The district comprises 15,595.6 square kilometers. Rajah Charles Brooke founded Fort Kapit in 1880 as a garrison town, primarily to prevent the Iban from migrating up−river and attacking settlements. The fort was later renamed Fort Sylvia, after the wife of Rajah Vyner Brooke, but the town retained the name of Kapit. Initially settled by Hoklo () Chinese in 1880, additional Ka Chinese immigrants arrived in 1906, and Chinese in 1919. The Chinese grew rubber and pepper and traded treated rubber sheet and forest products. In 1941, at the time of the Japanese occupation, Kapit only had two rows of 37 shop houses. The town was completely destroyed by allied bombing during the war. Kapit today remain as a busy but compact with a few streets running parallel to the river. Although accessible only by boat (slightly more than 2 hours from Sibu by express boat) or light aircraft, it is the vibrant commercial and social center for the middle Rajang River catering to the longhouse communities and timber camps. It is an excellent base for exploring nearby or for arranging trips to the Upper Rejang and Balleh Rivers.

• Pelagus Rapids

Pelagus Rapids, a series of ferocious rapids between Kapit and Belaga, are located at 32km upriver Batang Rejang from Kapit town. They consist of seven rapids extending as far as 12.8km (eight miles). The most notorious ones are 1.6km of fast turbulent water with sharp−rock outcrops near Pelagus Resort. The rapids are known among the locals

3 as mythical.

• Sarikei

Sarikei is a town, and the capital of the Sarikei District (985 square kilometers) in Sarikei Division, Sarawak, east Malaysia. It is located on the Rajang River, near where the river empties into the South China Sea. The population is culturally mixed, with mostly Iban, Melanau, Malay and Chinese predominating. The economy of the town is primarily agricultural, and Sarikei is famed for its pineapples and its pepper. The center of town has many old Chinese shop houses from the 1930s. It is also a major transportation hub for traffic on both the Pan Borneo Highway and the Rajang River. Anybody traveling by road or express boat from to Sibu must pass through Sarikei. The most distinctive feature of the bustling waterfront is a 3.6 m high pineapple statue. The town itself consists of a main road, Road which is bisected by another road leading to the new development in Kampung Seberang.

• Sibu

Sibu is a town in Sarawak, east Malaysia. It is located at the confluence of the Rajang and Igan Rivers, some 60 kilometers from the ocean. The population is dominated by Chinese especially the Fuzhou as well as indigenous Melanau, Malay, and Iban. Sibu now boasts the largest town square in Malaysia, and the tallest building in Sarawak − the Sanyan Tower ("" in the official Malay language), a newly refurbished waterfront, and a large number of public parks. The interesting landmarks in Sibu are Wisma Sanyan, Temple and the Central Market. The Civic Centre Museum has a display of Sibu's history, and Melanau, Iban, Malay, and Chinese artifacts.

• Song Song is a town, and the capital of the Song District (3,935.2 square kilometers) in , Sarawak, east Malaysia. The district population (year 2000 census) was 20,700. Song is situated by the banks of the Katibas River.

Price Chart

All prices quoted in U.S. Dollars ($) per person Dates Class Single Rate Double Rate For departures July 10,2009 through December 20,2010 Main Deck $3,255.00 $2,247.50 Upper Deck $3,495.00 $2,497.50 Your tour cost includes the following:

4 · Accommodation on the Cruise Ship as specified in the itinerary

· All meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) on board the cruise ship

· Local soft drinks, local alcoholic beverages, local bottled water, coffee and tea

· Entrance fees to monuments/temples as per the itinerary

· Transfers to/from the cruise ship as specified in the itinerary

· Guided land excursions with an English−speaking guide

Your tour cost excludes the following:

· Hotel reservations

· Domestic or international airfare

· Travel insurance

· Port dues (if levied)

· Fuel surcharge

· Visa fees

· Imported beverages such as wines, premium spirits and liqueurs, espresso and cappuccinos at the bar

· Laundry, souvenirs and any other items of a personal nature

· Gratuity to crew

· Any other items not specifically mentioned as included

HOTELS AND RESORTS

• Pandaw Fleet , Pandaw Fleet (.)

.

Our ships are replicas of colonial steamers developed in Scotland by the Irrawaddy Flotilla Company in the early part of the last century. Each ship is finished in brass and teak by local craftsmen and is in itself an object of great beauty. All the Pandaws were built within the last 10 years in Yangon and Ho Chi Minh City. They have ultra shallow drafts that enable them to ply into remote areas. Each vessel is just over 180 ft long with a 34 ft beam. All ships have a saloon, dining room and observation decks. Each ship has a crew of 25 and is under European management. International health and safety standards are maintained.

Facilities Dining room • Observation deck • Promenade decks• 24 hour bar on the sundeck • Cell phones and Sat phones (where permitted by local authorities) • Smoke detectors in all cabins and public places • Emergency lighting and generator • Fire pump • Hydrants and hoses • Fire extinguishers • Life jackets for all on board and life rafts • On board laundry • Bakery • Fully equipped galley • Refrigeration units • Air−conditioning for all inside areas • Water treatment plants for desalination, desedimentation and purification using UV and osmosis •

5 Sewage • Cabin Facilities: Main and upper deck rooms are 168 square feet • Air−conditioned • Windows with insect screens • Main and upper deck rooms opens onto a promenade deck with own seating outside

SUGGESTED EXTENSION TOURS

Into the Heart of Cambodia Join Palace Tours on this unique 16−day adventure through the heart of Cambodia! Rediscover the glory and prosperity of the ancient Khmer civilization as you visit temples, monuments and more. Begin your journey at Siem Reap and explore its many temples including the magnificent jungle temple of Ta Prohm. Continue on to the Tonle Sap Great Lake to discover its floating villages and wildlife sanctuary. Observe the culture and traditional customs of the many hill tribes as you travel through Kampong Cham, Kampong Thom and Ratanakiri. Here you can also find many beautiful forests, semiprecious stones and waterfalls in this unspoiled land. Sail peacefully along the Mekong River as you learn about the dolphins near Kratie and end your river cruise at the capital city of Phnom Penh where the warm Khmer people are ready to welcome your visit. Travel onwards to fruit orchards in Kampot, the bustling crab market in Kep, and unwind as your journey nears its end on the pristine beaches of Sihanoukville.

Cambodia, Laos &Vietnam World Heritage Tour Explore the heritage of all three of France’s former colonies in Indochina; Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam, in just 12 days! Start in Laos, the Land of a Million Elephants, to get acquainted with the renowned ancient city of Luang Prabang and the capital, Vientiane. Next, board your flight to Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia, for a warm welcome and a brief journey to several places of great historical importance. Explore ancient Khmer temples and monuments in Siem Reap, the cradle of South−East Asia’s civilization. Continue onwards to Ho Chi Minh City, the commercial heart of Vietnam, known to the world as a city on two wheels; a reference to its streets crowded with bicycles and motorbikes.

Upper Irrawaddy Adventure (Downstream) This 13−day expedition combines a study of local Myanma culture with areas of historical significance and beauty. Your tour begins and ends in Yangon with the 10−night luxury cruise portion commencing in Bhamo traveling down the Irrawaddy to Bagan. Visit the main historic and cultural centers of Bagan and Mandalay as well as many remote small towns and villages that are far off the beaten track − river economies that thrive with local industry and activity. Most of the Irrawaddy valley civilization has changed very little in hundreds of years; wherever you go the people are warm, friendly and welcome you with open arms. Observe as the Irrawaddy river itself varies enormously from its vast winding channels just above Mandalay to the narrow passages through the three gorges known as "Defiles," with stunning views of mountains and jungles as a backdrop.

* This tour only operates in the high water season (October − November)

The Chindwin &Upper Irrawaddy Embark on a true expedition to the remote reaches of the upper Chindwin and the Upper Irrawaddy rivers on a luxury river cruise. This monumental exploration includes 2 nights in Yangon and 20 nights on board the cruise as you experience varied scenery and diverse cultural sites. Proceed upstream for 600 miles on the Chindwin to the city of Homalin and sail back downstream to the city of Pagan just below the confluence of the Chindwin with the Irrawaddy. Continue 700 miles further up the Irrawaddy to Bhamo, the most northerly navigable point and gateway to China.

Please note that this expedition takes place during the monsoon season which is the only time there are sufficient water levels to attempt to traverse these remote rivers, so it may rain but not continuously. This is a real expedition and the itinerary is subject to sudden changes due to water levels or other local conditions.

Borneo Extension: Discover Kuching Enjoy three days of excursions in Kuching, the capital of the Malaysian state of Sarawak, on this perfect pre−tour extension trip for the "Into the Heart of Borneo" cruise journey. Kuching offers a glimpse of what or Bangkok must have been like half a century ago. The serene flows through the city center, flanked by gorgeous Brooke Raj palaces, courts and a glistening white fort. Your tour continues with a day trip to Bako National Park to experience its diverse flora and fauna, and on the final day, a morning visit to the Orang Utan Rehabilitation Center rounds out your experience.

6 TRAVEL TIPS & FAQ's

What are the passport/visa requirements?

Please ensure that your passport is valid for at least three months from your scheduled date of travel. Currently there are no visa requirements for tourist travel to Malaysia if the duration of your trip is less than three months.

What are the insurance requirements?

Passengers must be fully insured to cover any risk of medical expenses and repatriation; the company is in no way responsible for such liabilities.

What is the best season to travel to Malaysia?

Sarawak enjoys tropical weather year−round, with high levels of rainfall. The wettest months are from November to January.

What is the recommended currency?

The currency on board the ship is USD ($). All passengers will have their own ship account, which allows you to sign a bill for all purchases and services throughout your cruise. All bills on board the ships can be settled in cash (USD) or credit card (Master or Visa card) only. There is a limited money exchange service available on board the ship for exchange into local currencies, however Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted in Malaysia.

What type of cuisine is served?

Breakfast and lunch are buffets and dinner is served at the tables with a table d'hôte selection of dishes. A mixture of Asian and Western cuisine is offered and there are always vegetarian dishes available. The meals are comprised of as much locally purchased products (such as exotic fruit, organic vegetables and locally caught fish and prawns) as possible to give you a real taste of the lands you journey through. Special diets may be catered for with advance notification and agreement. Complimentary tea and coffee are available from 6 a.m. on the Sun Deck for throughout the day. At meals, all soft drinks, local beer and local spirits are included. Imported spirits and liquors, wine, espresso and imported mineral water are available at an extra charge. Mineral water (local) is provided in all cabins daily and additional bottles are available on request. For your safety, off the vessel, we strongly recommend to never accept ice in drinks and avoid ice creams, crushed sugar cane, salads and the skins of fruits.

7 What amenities are included in stateroom?

The staterooms are equipped with individually−controlled air conditioning, mini−safe, luggage storage, wardrobe, writing desk, hair drier, kimono and slippers. All upper and main deck cabins have their own deck space with own rattan chairs and table outside the room. Please note that cabins do not have mini bars, TVs or phones. Electric sockets are 230 volts round pin type; please ask your cabin attendant should you require an adaptor.

Is there telephone or internet access while on board?

A free wireless internet connection is available in the ship’s bar on the upper deck and sun deck only while mooring in Sibu port, and may be available at several other locations along the route. Please see the Purser for details.

Is there a dress code on board the cruise ship?

There is no official dress code on board; please dress comfortably. Shorts and skirts should be longish (knee−length) and arms may be exposed. Use comfortable but safe walking shoes on land excursions. Upon returning to the ship, please remove muddy footwear and change in to your slippers, which are provided for your convenience. Your muddy/dusty footwear will then be cleaned and returned to your cabin later.

Where is smoking permitted?

Smoking is permitted in outside areas only, namely the Observation Deck and Promenade Decks. Please do not smoke in your cabin or any other interior portion of the ship (i.e. Dining Room or Saloon). This is a wood−finished ship and the danger of fire should never be ignored.

How are shore excursions handled?

When the ship is moored, you are welcome to come and go from the ship as much as you like. Please refer to the Daily Schedule for the time that the ship departs the port. The ship’s horn will sound 15 minutes prior to departure as a reminder to return to the ship. Group shore excursions are organized by the Purser and guided by a member of the ship's company (English−speaking). Details of the excursions are posted on the Daily Schedule.

8 What are the etiquette guidelines to be aware of?

South−East Asians are generally tolerant and easy going. Please try to avoid political discussion and remember that the Vietnamese national hero "Uncle" Ho Chi Minh enjoys near divine stature and any disrespect shown to his name or memory can cause extreme offence. Please note the following:

• Shoes and socks are not permitted to be worn in temples

• Do not point with your feet

• In the company of monks or elders, never cross your legs

• Do not touch people on the head or upper body

• When beckoning someone to come over do not flap your hand in the standard Western 'come here' motion; instead turn the hand around so that your palm flaps down towards yourself.

• Do not shake hands with monks or nuns as people in general rarely shake hands; rather, smile and nod

• Females should never sit down next to a monk

• When bargaining at tourist centers, ask for a discount as if you are asking for a favor

When will the detailed itineraries be made available?

The itinerary on our web site is a general overview of the main stops of your river expedition. However, much depends on river conditions and other local factors, so a Daily Schedule will usually be posted one day in advance. This schedule contains a fact sheet with as much information as we can garner on the sites we intend to visit on the following day. We do our best to devise interesting and exciting activities, however it is not always possible to follow itineraries to the letter and river conditions may alter by the hour.

What factors can alter the journey?

River conditions, which vary depending on the season, are a main factor in altering the itinerary. Though the river can be very wide, channels may be narrow and hard to follow. There is thus some risk of running aground on submerged sand banks and our captain has to take extreme care.

What level of security is there?

9 In the countries in which we operate tourists are rarely targets for theft. When in port, a 24 hour watch is kept on the gangplank controlling access to the ship but please keep your deck door locked when not in use and at night. All cabins have a combination type safe for your valuables. The company is not held liable for any losses you may incur.

What is the protocol for emergencies on board?

In the event of an emergency the ship's whistle will blast repeatedly and the alarm bells be rung. If either in or very close to your cabin, put on your life jacket, which is kept in the wardrobe, proceed immediately to the Emergency Muster Station and await instructions. If you are not in your cabin when you hear the alarm, do NOT return to it, but proceed at once to the Muster Station to await instructions. There will be an Emergency Drill during your voyage. As with inland water class cruise ships on European rivers we are not required by Class Societies to carry life boats − the reason for this is that it is far quicker to beach the vessel on the nearest sand bar or river bank and evacuate by foot than to transfer passengers onto ship's boats.

What happens in the event of a medical emergency?

First aid equipment and some medicines are carried on board, which can be administered by members of the ship’s senior staff. You are required to take out an insurance policy that includes repatriation in the event of an emergency.

Are there any health requirements or precautions to be aware of?

You should check with your doctor that you are fit for travel and your doctor should check with the relevant organization in your country as to whether any prophylactic drugs or inoculations are required. Unfortunately, the ship does not have facilities for disabled people or wheelchair access. There are no stair lifts. River banks are steep and slippery. If a passenger is seen to be unfit or unable to access a ship and mount stairs unaided then the management reserves the right to refuse to carry that passenger.

What sorts of precautions against insects should I take?

External doors and the gauze windows should be kept closed at all times. Make sure to apply mosquito repellent to exposed parts of your body if you are on deck or going ashore at night, and switch off the lights of your cabin so as not to lure insects in.

Is there a recommended gratuity?

10 Gratuities are left to the discretion of the traveler, and should be a reflection of your enjoyment of the journey.

What is the ship’s source of running water?

The ship's water supply comes from the river after passing through a sterilization plant. This water is suitable for washing and brushing teeth but should not be consumed. Bottled water is used for cooking and food preparation onboard. Complimentary bottled mineral water is provided for drinking. To save water and reduce detergent use, towels will only be changed daily if they are placed on the floor. There is an onboard laundry service for articles of clothing; charges will be added to your bill in USD ($).

Palace Tours Contact Information

If at any time you have questions, concerns or feedback, please do not hesitate to contact us via any of the below methods:

On the Web: www.palacetours.net

By e−mail: [email protected]

By phone: 1−800−724−5120

India Desk : 1−877−GO−INDIA

USA:

Princeton, NJ: 609−683−5018

New York, NY: 212−920−2543

Houston, TX: 832−446−2709

Los Angeles, CA: 213−341−9099

International:

United Kingdom: 800−8456−201

Hong Kong: (852) 30518159

South Africa : (+27)11−46133299

Australia: 1800−156−671

11 New Zealand: 0800−442−510

By FAX: 1−609−683−9772

By postal mail: Palace Tours Ltd. 20 Wall Street Princeton, New Jersey 08540 USA

DIRECTIONS TO OUR CORPORATE OFFICE

Please call ahead for hours and appointments!

By Car:

From Princeton area:

Our office is located on the north side of Route 206 in Princeton, New Jersey. We are in the Research Park office complex, directly opposite from the Princeton Airport.

From points North:

Via Route 1: Take Route 1 South towards Trenton. After you pass Forrestal Village Campus, you will begin to see signs for “Downtown Princeton & Shoppingâ€. Turn right on Washington Road. Follow Washington Road for approximately 1.5 miles. Turn left on Nassau Street (Route 27). Turn right on Stockton Street (Route 206 North) & follow for approximately 4 miles. Turn right onto Wall Street.

Via Route 287: Take Route 287 South towards Somerville. Take exit 17 for Route 206 South (Somerville). You will pass through a traffic circle – follow signs for Route 206 South. Follow Route 206 South for approximately 12 miles. Turn left onto Wall Street.

From points South:

Via the Garden State Parkway: Take the Parkway North/South to exit 98 for Route 138 West toward Trenton. Route 138 West becomes Route 195 West. Follow 195 West for approximately 17 miles. Merge onto Route 295 North toward Trenton. Follow directions below.

Via Route 95/ 295: Take Route 95 North until it becomes Route 295 North toward Trenton. Take exit 67A and merge onto Route 1 North. Follow Route 1 North for approximately 5 miles. Take the exit for Washington Road. Turn right on Washington Road. Follow Washington Road for approximately 1.5 miles. Turn left on Nassau Street (Route 27). Turn right on Stockton Street (Route 206 North) & follow for approximately 4 miles. Turn right onto Wall Street.

12 By train:

Princeton Junction is the main train station along the Northeast Corridor for Amtrak and New Jersey Transit. Visitors can take a cab from here to Princeton or transfer to a one−car train to Princeton called the "Dinky". The train ride takes about 5 minutes, and drops you at University Place across from McCarter Theatre. If you choose this option, be sure to purchase a rail ticket to “Princeton†for presentation upon boarding the Dinky.

Our office is a 10−minute cab ride from Princeton station (approx. 4.5 miles).

By bus:

Several buses arrive and depart daily from Princeton Research Park (i.e., New Jersey Transit’s 605 Montgomery Line). From the bus station, walk into the Research Park office complex. We are located at #20 Wall Street.

For emergencies while traveling within India, you may contact our Jaipur office. Details will be provided in your travel vouchers, which are issued upon full payment.

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