Pandaw Cruises are excited to announce that they will inaugurate a new expedition cruise on the Rajang River in Sarawak from July 2009.

Following in the footsteps of British explorer and travel writer Redmon O'Hanlon, the brand new ORIENT PANDAW will make an 8-night cruise three times a month from Sibu to the Pelagus Rapids and up the Baleh River.  The luxury river cruise is the first of its kind in Malaysia.

The Rajang River is rarely visited by travellers on account of its inaccessibility and lack of tourist facilities. It is, however, 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 the rich tropical rain forest from the Pandaw's observation decks. Jungle treks, for beginner and advanced trekkers, are a must - this is, after all, one of the most diverse and exotic eco paradises on the planet.

The Pandaw River Cruise Experience

Luxury Pandaw cruising is different from other forms of cruising. The atmosphere on board is informal and relaxed. A Pandaw river cruise is a deeply tranquil vacation experience. Unlike other cruises there are no (nonessential) Tannoy announcements and other irritations normally associated with a cruise ship. Pandaw passengers like to be smart casual at night, but do not dress up. There is no captain's table at dinner or any of the other rituals associated with sea cruising.

There is a very high level of care and impeccable service on board a Pandaw with a ratio of one staff member for every two guests. Pandaw does not offer special treatment to the many celebrities, like Hollywood film directors, famous entrepreneurs, royal princes, noblemen, etc., who frequently travel on these ships. Everyone who buys a Pandaw ticket is a VIP and receives the same level of service and care on the river.

Pandaw river cruises are essentially an outdoor experience. Whilst the staterooms are very comfortable and roomy, passengers prefer to spend their time sitting outside, on the promenade decks or on the vast observation deck above. Unlike other cruise ships, every window (except port holes on lower deck) can be opened.

Exploratory shore excursions are led by local guides. When sailing passengers can sit on deck and become absorbed by great panoramas as they unfold about them. Spellbound, one cannot help but to meditate upon the unceasing human and wildlife activity of these teaming waterworlds.

For more details, go to www.pandaw.com.

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