BATANGHARI RIVER CULTURAL CRUISING : 2 DAYS 1 NIGHT
- Cruising the rivers of Batanghari and Berembang with traditional boat
- Visiting grave of King of Jambi’s
- Observing the biodiversity along the trip
- Enjoying the atmosphere of the local community’s life along the Batanghari
Trip duration : 2 days - 1 night
Activities : river cruising by traditional boat (pompong), trekking
Accommodation : 1 night dome tent
History
The existence of the Old Malay kingdom is closely related to Batanghari River. The Royal Officials considered the river bank was a suitable place for the center of the kingdom which highly depended on trade as its livelihoods.
There, on the downriver region, on the east coast of Sumatra, the first Malay Kingdom was established and triumphed over centuries in Jambi. The river, where Orang Kayo Hitam Site that have temples structure and other sites were found, keeps the largest Malay Historical Heritage.
On the 14th century, the Ruler of Singosari Kingdom, Kertanegara, sent his army to cruise downriver until Dharmasraya as the effort to both strengthen the relationship with Malay Kingdom and gather support from the inland kingdom to hold the attack of the Mongols. Batanghari River which is downstream to the east was acknowledged as the strategic trade zone.
A philologist, Uli Kozok, also recorded the fame of the river which was accessible until 300 km for vessels weighed 20 tons in dry season. It’s estimated that deep in the river high value antiques, relics and historical literature are still buried.
Main feature
Batanghari keeps abundant beauty and uniqueness of past history. As a busy maritime trade route, it undoubtedly has old and interesting culture to learn. Furthermore, the biodiversity along the river, both flora and fauna, serves its own attraction for visitors. We’ll visit the grave of a descendant of Jambi King, Orang Kayo Hitam, and explore some part of the river basin and its creek, Berembang, where its biodiversity is still in pristine condition. You can see some species of birds and swamp endemic fish.
Detailed itinerary
Day 1, Saturday
On arrival at Sultan Thaha airport or other meeting point, we will directly proceed to Lubuk Larangan, an area near Desa Muarajambi, to start cruising Berembang River by rakit boat. In this 2-3 hour cruise we can do activities such as bird watching and observing the variety of swamp endemic fish. At Dusun Mudo, we’ll have local food for lunch. Then we will go trekking from Desa Kemingking Luar to Desa Muarajambi (if time allows). After we arrive at this village we’ll continue to Orang Kayo Hitam’s Grave in Berbak Sub-district by pompong boat for about 4 hours. We can bathe and take a rest in the provided tent. Dinner is at 7 pm and then we’ll roast the fish and fishing at night. Free program.
Meals : L, D
Day 2, Sunday
Breakfast and bath. Then visit two temples found in the area nearby. We will continue to Desa Muarajambi for lunch then proceed to Seberang Kota to see the architecture of old houses and the local community’s life (if time allows). Then we will cross the river to Tanggo Rajo to enjoy roast corn and iced sugar cane while seeing the sunset. We’ll take you back to hotel for extended night or to the airport for a flight home.
Meals: B, L
Tour price per person: (please contacts us for more details)
Inclusions:
- Land transportation with AC
- 1 night tent rent
- Meals: 1 breakfast, 2 lunch, 1 dinner
- Pompong boat and rakit boat rent
- Entrance fee
- Local track guide, porter and Translator fee
- 2 times of coffee/tea with local snack
- Mineral water
- Emergency medical kit
- Donation for local community development
Exclusions:
- Personal expenses
- Excess baggage charges (must not more than 20 kg)
- Tips and gratuities
- Domestic flight and departure taxes
- Travel insurance optional excursion
- Food and beverages not mentioned in itinerary
Must bring items
Please bring personal bag containing camera, raincoat, bottled water, hat/cap, sunglasses and other necessary items. It’s advisable that you also bring mosquito repellent, sunblock, flashlight, etc.
