HIGHLIGHTS

• Visit the famed Camp Leakey and neighboring feed stations in the Tanjung Puting National Park
• See wild and semi-wild orangutans in their natural habitat
• Travel upstream on our klotok (river boat) and dine beneath the stars
• Travel along the Rungan River aboard a luxury river boat in a private cabin
• Observe amazing wildlife including orangutans, proboscis monkeys, hornbills, red langurs and brahmini kites.
• Visit the orangutan visitors centre at Nyaru Menteng, where you will learn and understand the work BOSF are doing to help save and protect the orangutan

EXPEDITION OVERVIEW

Embark on a unique expedition that allows you to witness the incredible orangutan in its natural habitat while contributing to its long-term protection. Orangutan Odysseys has proudly raised over $1,000,000 for The Orangutan Project since 2009. Your participation helps us continue vital work such as sponsoring orphaned orangutans, safeguarding rainforests through the jungle patrol Safeguard program, and providing direct financial support.

This journey combines visits to the renowned Tanjung Puting National Park and Camp Leakey's feeding stations with an exploration of Palangkaraya. Travel along the river on a comfortable boat, discovering orangutan islands and the Nyaru Menteng visitor centre.

Gain profound insights into the diverse facets of life in Borneo and develop a deeper awareness of the challenges faced by orangutans due to deforestation. By visiting two of the island's key orangutan populations, you will witness their lives firsthand. This 11-day adventure encompasses everything from comfortable river boats to traditional dugout canoes, expansive rivers to dense forests, and charming river towns to authentic Dayak villages.

EXPEDITION GOALS
Our goal is to provide our guests with a unique experience, to observe wild and semi-wild orangutans in their natural habitat. We will provide a safe platform to observe the wildlife that Borneo has to offer; including proboscis nose monkeys, gibbons and more. We will also provide you with comprehensive information throughout the expedition so that you fully understand your surroundings.

Furthermore, Orangutan Odysseys has partnered with The Orangutan Project which supports conservation programs in Borneo in Sumatra. Each guest's tour fare includes the adoption of an Orangutan for one year.

WHAT TO EXPECT
You are embarking on an adventure to places and amongst people whose lives are very different from your own. Many aspects of life in Indonesia will seem unusual. Remember that these are often the same aspects that make a destination exotic and attractive. Whilst boat expeditions are considered easy; no trek is easy, even those rated "easy or moderate". In addition to the personal and physical challenges you may face, travel conditions can present unexpected obstacles, such as rough and bumpy roads and changeable weather. To prepare, "pack" a flexible and relaxed attitude. Bring a spirit of adventure and inquiry, a healthy sense of humour and a willingness to encounter the unexpected and you will find your trip to Indonesia the adventure of a lifetime!

ITINERARY

*Subject to change due to local conditions

Day 1: Arrival in Jakarta

Upon arrival at Jakarta Airport, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel (FM7) for an overnight stay.

Day 2: Jakarta to Pangkalan Bun & Tanjung Puting National Park

This morning, you will take a flight from Jakarta to Pangkalan Bun in Central Borneo. Upon arrival, our local Orangutan Odysseys guide will meet you at the airport and escort you to Kumai Port. From there, you will board our traditional klotok boat and begin your journey up the Sekonyer River into Tanjung Puting National Park. Later in the day, you will visit the first orangutan feeding station to observe these fascinating creatures. Afterwards, we will continue our river journey, searching for proboscis monkeys along the riverbanks. Your overnight stay will be on the klotok, where you will be provided with a mattress, pillow, and mosquito net. (B,L,D)

Day 3: Pondok Tanggui, Camp Leakey & Crocodile Lake

After breakfast on board, we will sail to Pondok Tanggui (feeding station #2) for the morning orangutan feeding. Following this, we will proceed up the Sekonyer River to Camp Leakey, the oldest camp in the park, established for orphaned orangutans. Upon arrival, you will enjoy lunch on the klotok before embarking on a short trek through the surrounding forest and visiting the information center. Keep an eye out for orangutans, as they are often seen near the boat. In the afternoon, we will witness the feeding at Camp Leakey and then explore more of the surrounding forest. Afterwards, we will return to the boat and cruise down the Camp Leakey River to Crocodile Lake, where we will spend the night on the klotok. You will likely encounter other Borneo wildlife, such as gibbons and proboscis monkeys. A mattress, pillow, and mosquito net will be provided for your comfort. (B,L,D)

Day 4: Crocodile Lake, Pesalat Reforestation & Tanjung Harapan 

Today, we journey upriver to Pesalat Plantation, where you will have the opportunity to plant trees and contribute to forest regeneration. After lunch, we will visit a local village for a cultural experience. In the afternoon, we will gently travel downriver, making stops to observe proboscis monkeys along the riverbanks. As evening approaches, we will head back towards Kumai harbor, enjoying dinner along the river. Our overnight accommodation will be at the Grand Kecubung Hotel in Pangkalan Bun. (B,L,D)

Day 5: Pangkalan Bun to Palangkaraya

This morning, you will fly from Pangkalan Bun to Palangkaraya. Upon arrival, you will be transferred to your resort hotel near Palangkaraya. (B,L) 

Days 6: Palangkaraya Cruise - Pulau Kaja & Bukit Rawi

At 8 am, you will be picked up from your hotel and transferred to our luxurious boat. We will then take you to Sei Gohong village, where we will board local canoes to observe orangutans on the beautiful forested island of Pulau Kaja, managed by the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation (BOS). After observing the orangutans in their island habitat, we will visit BOS’s nearby Education Centre in Nyaru Menteng to learn more about their conservation efforts. Returning to Palangkaraya harbor, we will board the Rahai’i Pangun for lunch and a short upstream cruise through the city. We will then travel by vehicle to the historic towns of Bukit Rawi and Sigi to see the impressive painted sandungs, receive a traditional Dayak welcome, and learn about the local history. Finally, we will return to the boat and begin our downstream cruise, mooring overnight in a tranquil location. (B,L,D)

 Day 7: Palangkaraya Cruise - Lake Begantung, Tumbang Nusa & Sedge Weaving

In the early morning, we will explore the extensive blackwater Lake Bagantung by motorized canoes. This unique peatland swamp ecosystem offers opportunities for birdwatching, wildlife spotting, and observing local fishing activities. Returning to our main boat, we will continue downstream to Tumbang Nusa village. Upon arrival, we will take a walking tour to witness traditional livelihoods, including grey sedge (‘purun’) weaving and the handmade straw cooperative. We will also visit a local honey farm. The boat will continue its downstream journey, passing the large forested Selat and Badak Islands, where there might be chances to see orangutans. We will then find a peaceful spot to anchor for the night. (B,L,D)

Day 8: Palangkaraya Cruise - Pilang & Rattan Weaving 

Early in the morning, the boat will proceed downstream to Pilang village. Here, we will take a short walk in the nearby forest to observe rubber tapping (Mamantat) and rattan harvesting (Manetes). Our local guide will also point out indigenous medicinal plants. We will then tour the village to see traditional crafts, including local women weaving rattan, and interact with the villagers. Over a special tea and coffee, accompanied by traditional Dayak cakes like apam and untuk-untuk, we will enjoy a Kacapi (two-stringed instrument) performance. To escape the midday heat, we will return to the boat for lunch. As the boat cruises upstream, we will pass the orangutan island for a final viewing opportunity. We will then enter the Nusa canal with its forested banks and moor in a quiet location for the night. (B,L,D)

Day 9: Sebangau National Park - Trekking

At 8:30 am, you will be picked up from your hotel for the journey to Kereng Bangkirai Port. Here, we will register at the Sebangau National Park Authority before entering the park. Accompanied by a National Park Ranger, we will travel by motorized canoe across the beautiful black water of Sebangau Lake and continue up the Sebangau River. We will travel as far as possible by canoe, depending on the river depth, before disembarking to begin our trek into the forest. Our aim is to see the endemic vegetation and hopefully spot proboscis monkeys, hornbills, ant nests, wild orangutans and their nests, monitor lizards, and other wildlife. Trekking through the peat swamp forest can be challenging, especially with high water levels, but a rough trail is available. After our walk, we will return to the National Park Camp, where a small tower offers stunning views of the landscape. We will enjoy a simple packed lunch and relax before returning to our boat at 3:00 pm for the journey back to Kering Bangkirai. You will then be transferred back to your hotel, the Swiss Belhotel Palangkaraya, for your overnight stay. (B,L)

 Day 10: Palangkaraya to Jakarta

This morning, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight back to Jakarta. Upon arrival in Jakarta, you can connect to your onward flight home or continue your travels. This concludes your tour. (B)

 Please note: Additional accommodation can be arranged on Day 10 in Jakarta should you require it. Please ensure that if departing for home or onward travels on Day 10 that all departing flights are booked for early to late PM to allow enough connecting time from your Palangkaraya flight.

Guests have the option to stay Rimba Lodge overnight for one or both nights in Tajung Puting National Park. Please contact us for a quote.

INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS

INCLUSIONS

• Domestic airfares
• Accommodation in Jakarta
• Accommodation Palangkaraya
• Accommodation in Tanjung Puting on klotok
• Meals as noted in the intinerary (B,L,D)
• National park fees
• Airport transfers
• Experienced local guide
• One orangutan adoption in partnership with The Orangutan Project

EXCLUSIONS

• International airfares and any expenses due to flight delay or cancellation
• Visas and visa fees
• Travel Insurance
• Personal expenses - alcohol, laundry, phone calls
• Tipping