EXPEDITION OVERVIEW
Discover the wisdom of the orangutan and vibrant life of Sumatra with Joan Ranquet and Leif Cocks.
Come and see the Sumatran orangutan and wildlife the only way they should be seen, in their environment, the jungles of the Leuser Ecosystem. You will make a difference by contributing to organizations helping to save critically endangered species from extinction. There really is nothing like giving back and on this specially crafted expedition, you will visit the jungle habitat of the orangutan and help protect their environment for generations to come.
This unique tour is co-hosted by Joan Ranquet & Wendy Cundiff, two very passionate women wanting to make a difference.
Joan Ranquet -Animal communicator, TEDx speaker, Hay House author, educator and animal parent, Joan Ranquet leads an inspired life. Its no surprise MSN deemed her as one of the Top 25 People Who Do What They Love.
Joan has connected with animals professionally for over twenty-five years, shes connected with them personally as long as she can remember. Her calling has led her to work with hundreds of thousands of pet owners, trainers, barn managers, and vets - teaching animal communication through workshops, wildlife retreats, and private sessions.
For eight years, Joan spearheaded trips to swim with wild dolphins, shes facilitated excursions to South Africa and Borneo, and she now leads eco wildlife adventures with endangered species. Joan shares her expertise and experience all over the country speaking on animal communication, human/animal relationships, energy healing, and marine wildlife.
Wendy Cundiff - Wendy is a primatologist who has studied wild and excaptive orangutans in Indonesia and Malaysia. She earned an M.A. in Anthropology from Cal State Fullerton. She has served as the Education Chair for the Orang Utan Republik Foundation, as well as Assistant to the Board of Directors for Orangutan Foundation International, and an Advisor to Give Back to the Children of Sierra Leone. She has volunteered for the Los Angeles Zoo for more than twenty years. She has given guest lectures on orangutans in various educational environments, and is currently teaching as a Professor of Anthropology since 2001.
This is an adventure like nothing else in the world!
On this nine day unique tour, beginning and ending in Jakarta, you will visit pristine rainforests, trek into the jungles of the Leuser Ecosystem and spend time viewing wild orangutans who wander freely in t heir natural surroundings along with a host of other wildlife.
You will get to meet Rudi Putra, award winnning conservationist and biologist by training, and his awesome team. Rudi Putra leads communities in dismantling illegal palm oil plantations that are causing massive deforestation in northern Sumatras Leuser Ecosystem and is instrumental in protecting the habitat of the critically endangered Sumatran rhino. He is also an expert researcher and tracker, leading wildlife protection teams on field expeditions to track down poachers in the Leuser Ecosystem.
Plus you will be accommpanied on this journey by world reknown orangutan expert, Leif Cocks. Leif, President of The Orangutan Project, guide you through the jungles, on an exclusive expedition through this incredibly unique location. If you are interested in adventure and giving back to the world at the same time, then you have got to be part of this expedition.
Leif talks Orangutan Tours
"As a conservationist, I spend a great deal of time campaigning and raising funds to protect critical ecosystems like Leuser. It doesnt leave much time to enjoy the very thing I fight to protect. Join me on this journey to discover the true magic of Leuser, where we will see first hand the treasures that make this incredible landscape so worth fighting for!
Once in a lifetime you have the chance to experience nature of such profound beauty that the Leuser Ecosystem offers. You will discover incredible wildlife, experience jungle life, and meet the true crusaders fighting hard to protect this critically important landscape. I hope to see you on this unique adventure"
About your expert host Leif Cocks
The Orangutan Project was established in 1998 by founder and world-renowned orangutan expert, Leif Cocks, as a result of his almost 30 year career working with orangutans. Leif is a passionate campaigner for orangutans and has been the President of The Orangutan Project since its inception.
Leifs years in the field have earned him respect within the conservation field. He has been a key player in developing conservation plans for orangutans and influencing positive change for orangutan protection and survival. This includes the first ever successful reintroduction of the zoo-born orangutan. This respect has given The Orangutan Project world standing in conservation.
A small population biologist and curator by trade; Leif has several academic qualifications, including a Masters of Science studying orangutans. He lectures at universities, is a seasoned public speaker and has published several papers on orangutans in peer-reviewed journals. Leif is also the author of the books Orangutans and their Battle for Survival (2002) and, Amazon best seller, Orangutans My Cousins, My Friends(2016) - A journey to understand and save the person of the forest.
Leif is currently: a Technical Advisor for PT Alama Bukit Tigapuluh (a company leasing and protecting rainforest), President of International Elephant Project, President of International Tiger Project, Vice President of Orang Utan Republik Foundation and on the Advisor Board for Forest, Nature and Environment of Aceh.
PROJECT FUNDRAISING OBJECTIVES
Participants in this expedition will raise funds (a minimum target of $1,000 AUD per participant) by getting friends, family and colleagues to fundraise via your own customised fundraising page, which directs these monies straight to TOP. Details of how to achieve this goal and further info will be sent once you have booked. Participants in this expedition will also be contributing to the survival of the "Last Place on Earth".
EXPEDITION GOALS
Our goal is to provide our guests with a unique experience, to observe wildlife such as orangutans in their natural habitat. We will provide you with a safe platform to observe other wildlife Leuser has to offer including macques, gibbons and more. We will also provide you with comprehensive information about the destination you are in, so that you are fully informed of your surrounds. Further, Orangutan Odysseys has partnered up with The Orangutan Project which supports conservation programs in Borneo and Sumatra.
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 an area an exotic and attractive destination. While boat expeditions are considered easy, no trek is easy, even those rated "easy or moderate". In addition to the personal physical challenges you may face, travel conditions can present unexpected obstacles, such as rough and bumpy roads and changeable weather. To prepare for this "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!
Gallery
HIGHLIGHTS
- Be escorted on tour by Joan & Wendy
- Travel with and be educated by orangutan expert Leif Cocks
- Meet Rudi Putra award winnning conservationist and his FKL team
- See the orangutans in their natural rainforest habitat
- Trek through the magnificent Leuser Ecosystem
- Visit a real conservation project saving the orangutans habitat
- Travel into jungles to witness orangutan, siamangs, gibbons, leaf and macaque monkeys
- See the people of Sumatra and their way of life
- Help save the orangutan from extinction
ITINERARY - 9 days
(29 July to 6 August 2019) *Subject to change due to local conditions.
Day 1 - 29 July: Arrive Bali.
Today you arrive in Bali where you will meet you at the airport and transferred you to your overnight accommodation at the Holiday Inn Express hotel. Tonight we will hold a briefing in the hotel over dinner for details of tomrrows travels.
Day 2 - 30 July: Bali - Banda Aceh.
This morning we will fly to Banda Aceh. Afternoon (provided sufficient time) we shall take a tour of the Tsunami memorial and later sunset dinner by the beach. Tonight we will hold another tour briefing in the hotel regards your tour to the Leuser Ecosystem. (B,L)
Day 3 - 31 July: Banda Aceh - Kutacane - Ketembe - Start 2 day jungle trekking
A morning departure flight to Banda Aceh to Kutacane. With some nice weather we will get amazing views across the Leuser Eco System and the areas. On arrival we will meet with our local guides and travel 1 hour north to Ketembe and head onto the jungle looking for wildlife.This amazing ecosystem will provide us with viewings of orangutans, Thomas Leaf monkeys, gibbons, macaques, hornbills and more. We will start the trekking adventure into the jungle viewing wildlife all day as we trek. We will camp at a river and enjoy a swim before dinner. We will camp in tents overnight in the National Park - camping equipment including tent, mattress, pillow and blanket is supplied. (B,L,D)
Day 4 - 1 August: Ketambe Trekking - Ketembe Lodge
This morning we wake to the sounds of the jungle at our riverside camp and head out again into the jungles looking for wildlife and more. After lunch we shall walk up to the local hot springs for a relaxing river spa before making our way back to Ketembe and our local lodge for overnight. (B,L,D)
Day 5 - 2 August: Ketambe FKL research station - reforestation and trekking - Ketembe
This morning we travel to meet Rudi Putra and his program with FKL, where we will be introduced to their important work and take a jungle trek morning and afternoon looking for orangutans and wildlife along the way learning more about the vital work being done by FKL. Tonight over dinner Rudi shall give you a presentation, Overnight at their research station jungle lodge. (B,L,D)
Day 6 - 3 August: FKL Station - Reforestation - Gelombang - Local hotel
This morning after breakfast we will farewell Rudi and travel south about 2 hours to the FKL reforestation site where we see their work first hand and get to plant a tree. From there we will meet our cars and travel to for our overnight stay a local losmen (simple village hotel). (B,L,D)
Day 7 - 4 August: Gelombang - Soraya Research Station
Today travel through to Gelombang where we will meet our motorise canoes for the 1 1/2 hour boat trip up to FKLs Soraya Station project in the jungle. We shall overnight here and get an introduction to their work and the protection as part of this Mega project. Late afternoon we can cool down in an amazing waterfall at the best of the camp. We will spend time with the research team and do an afternoon treks to the jungles looking for wild orangutans and elephants. Learning about what the researchers do and maybe help check the camera traps. Overnight Soraya camp.(B,L,D)
Day 8 - 5 August: Soraya Research Station - Lake Toba
This morning after a morning trek and breakfast we will farewell the team and jump back into the boats for our ride to Gelombang and car transfers though to Lake Toba. Afternoon relaxing by the pool and farewell dinner. (B,L)
Day 9 - 6 August: Lake Toba - Bali - Tour ends.
Early morning we will fly you from Lake Toba back to Bali (via Jakarta) where your tour ends or you continue with you onward travel. (B)
Optional Bali Tour: 23 to 29 July 2019 (Prior to the Sumatra tour starting)
For those wanting something extra special we are also offering an optional tour in Bali starting on 23rd July until 29th July before the Sumatra tour begins. Please click here for the detailed tour information. Wendy & Joan Bali Option 7days 6 nights - Final.pdf
TRIP EXTENSIONS
After Sumatra, you will return home or continue your onward travel. For those that want an adventure on the way back, we are offering action packed extensions to Krakatoa or Lombok, or Java or perhaps to see Komodo dragons. Why not think about seeing more amazing locations in Indonesia after your orangutan expedition? For more details about some of the exciting trip extensions on offer to other parts of Indonesia click here.
INCLUSIONS / EXCLUSIONS
INCLUSIONS
- Domestic airfares from Bali - Banda Aceh - Kutacane - Jakarta
- Accommodation in Jakarta Banda Aceh on Day 1 (Twin Share)
- Accommodations Ketambe & Lake Toba
- Meals as outlined in Itinerary (B,L,D)
- All National park fees including camera fees
- All transfers in all locations
- Professional local guides through the expedition
- Donation included for one deluxe Orangutan Adoption
- Orangutan Odysseys t-shirt and water bottle
- Ranger and local guide fees + porters
- Access to the FKL restoration sites and accommodation in the Jungle Lodge
- Tent and camping equipment
EXCLUSIONS
- International airfares
- Travel Insurance
- Personal items
- Tipping
LEUSER ECOSYSTEM - THE LAST PLACE ON EARTH
At around 2.63 million hectares, the Leuser Ecosystem really is a world unto itselfa rich expanse of original tropical lowland rainforests, cloud covered mountains and swampy peatlands. It is among the most biodiverse ecosystems ever recorded by science, and it is the Last Place on Earth where Sumatran orangutans, elephants, tigers & rhinos still roam free side by side.
However the Leuser Ecosystem in now under threat. Despite being protected under Indonesian national law, massive industrial development is being planned for logging, palm oil, pulp and paper plantations and mining which threaten the entire ecosystem, as well as the continued wellbeing of the millions of Acehnese traditional landholders who depend on it for their food, water and livelihoods.