EXPEDITION OVERVIEW

There really is nothing like giving back. In this specially crafted expedition you will visit the habitat of the great orangutan and at the same time help protect the environment for generations to come. Our tours will continue sponsoring orphaned orangutans, protecting more rainforest through the Safeguard program (a jungle patrol system that prevents poachers and illegal loggers), and providing cash donations.

The Kutai National Park is home to rare and interesting species. But it is orangutans, one of our closest relatives, that most people come here to visit. Their sheer beauty and passive demeanor will steal your heart. We will see wild and rehabilitated orangutans and have the opportunity to be close to these amazing creatures in their natural habitat. If you are interested in adventure and giving back, then this expedition is the expedition for you.

Kutai National Park of East Kalimantan has an amazing Flora and Fauna, the coast featured mangroves swamps, and low-land rain forest, an inland belt of gentle hills and alluvial plains marks the start in to the deep jungle. Towering dipterocarpus trees, valuable ebony and iron wood trees are scattered throughout. The wild life is exotic; including orangutan, only found at Sumatra and Borneo, along with other forest denizens and bird spieces. Kalimantan ’s dense jungle and wide terrain of wetlands have traditionally kept the region isolated from all but the adventurous travelers, you can enjoy a sightful experience of traditional culture and grand diversity of exotic flora and wildlife , as you venture ashore for captivating jungle explorations and unforgettable encounters.

Samboja Lestari is an area of restored tropical rainforest near the city of Balikipapan in East Kalimantan, Indonesian Borneo. Established by the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation (BOS), the 2,000 hectare orangutan sanctuary here was created with the aim of providing a safe haven for rehabilitated orangutans, whilst at the same time providing a source of income for local people. Since 2001, the surrounding area has been planted with more than a million trees covering more than 1000 different species. With the growth of the forest, the density and diversity of wildlife returned. So far 137 bird species and nine primate species have been recorded. Several Forest Schools built here provide natural, educational playgrounds for the orangutans in which to learn forest skills before returning to enclosures to sleep at night. A clinic and quarantine area has also been established as well as many new forest enclosures for larger orangutans and a 'Babies' Room' for the little ones. Six orangutan islands have also been created to accommodate orangutans suffering chronic hepatitis B or other disabilities which prevent them from being released into the wild. What's more, there is an area designated solely to house a population of over 40 sun bears.

Our 8 Day Kutai NP and Samboja Orangutan Experience will take you to the National Park, which is found in east Kalimantan. Kutai National Park is a unique place in itself. It is not only home to the orangutan, but also the rare proboscis monkey and the false gavial crocodile. During your time in the park you will be stay in simple accommodation also used by researchers and rangers. At night you will equipped with basic amenities and you will sleep on deck on comfortable mattresses including mosquito nets. Our team will cook up delicious meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

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 humor 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: Arrive in Bali / Jakarta
Upon your arrival, you will be met by your hotel transfer and transferred to your local hotel for your overnight accommodation.

Day 2: Bali/Jakarta  - Balikpapan - Mangrove tour
Today you will take a morning flight to Balikpapan. Lunch at a local restaurant. This afternoon, arrive in Kampong Baru and board a speed boat to cross the bay to observe (if you are lucky) the freshwater dolphin and proboscis monkeys. After the bay cruise travel to your hotel for your overnight accommodation. (B,L)

Day 3: Balikpapan  - Sangata
This morning you will depart Balikpapan and travel to the town of Sangata; approximately 6 - 7 hours driving. Along the way we will stop for lunch at a Buddhist Monastery for vegetarian lunch, then stop at the Equator monument before a late afternoon arrival in Sangata. Check at your hotel followed by a briefing about your jungle adventure tomorrow. (B,L)

Day 4: CAMP KUTAI NATIONAL PARK JUNGLE TREK
Early this morning we will meet our motorised canoes and travel up the river for about 20 minutes towards the National Park Rangers station. After meeting our rangers and guide you will start your jungle trek to search for wildlife and orangutans with the forestry ranger. You will enjoy the forest, walking under the high trees. Lunch will be served in the camp. After lunch, at approx 3:00 pm you will walk again into the forest to see more wildlife and orangutans. In the afternoon you may see orangutans making their nests in trees for their nighttime sleep. Return to the camp followed by dinner. In the evening you may have a short night trek to explore to hopefully see tarantula and other nocturnal animals. Overnight in the camp. We provide mattresses and mosquito nets. (B,L,D)

Day 5: CAMP KUTAI NATIONAL PARK - SANGATA - SAMBOJA ECO LODGE
Early morning wake up at 6:00am followed by breakfast and check out. Once again board the motorized canoe and travel back down the Sangata river. On arrival, transfer by car drive to Samboja takes about 6 - 7 hours. Upon arrival proceed to check-in at Samboja Eco Lodge for your accommodation. Lunch at a local restaurant. Dinner and overnight at Eco Lodge.

Day 6 : ECO LODGE - ORANGUTAN SUN BEAR BLACK RIVER
This morning after breakfast you will start by seeing the Orangutans at feeding time followed by the Sun Bears. Visit the office tower and from there you can see the beautiful panoramic view of the surrounding area/ Return to Ecolodge for lunch and some rest time. In the afternoon (5:00 pm), drive by car to the Black River (30 minutes). On arrival board a motorised canoe on the black river to observe the endemic proboscis monkey along the mangroves. Late afternoon return to Samboja Eco Lodge, dinner and overnight. (B,L,D)

Day 7: SAMBOJA ECO LODGE - BALIKPAPAN AIRPORT - JAKARTA OR BALI
This morning after breakfast, check out from Eco Lodge and transfer to Balikpapan airport for your flight back to Jakarta or Bali. Overnight FM7 hotel Jakarta or Holiday Inn Express Bali (B)

Day 8: JAKARTA OR BALI - Tour ends
This morning you transfer to the airport for your return flights home. (B)

TRIP EXTENSIONS
Why not think about seeing more amazing locations in Indonesia after your orangutan expedition? For details about our exciting trip extensions to other parts of Indonesia click here.

INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS

INCLUSIONS

• Domestic airfares
• Accommodations in Bali/Jakarta and Balikpapan (twin-share basis - single supplement available)
• Accommodations in Kutai NP, Samboja Lodge and Balikpapan (twin share)
• All meals as noted in the itinerary (B,L,D)
• National park fees
• Airport transfers
• Experienced local English speaking guide
• One TOP orangutan adoption

EXCLUSIONS

• International airfares and any expenses due to flight delays or cancellations
• Travel Insurance (mandatory)
• Personal expenses (laundry, phone calls, alcohol)
• Tipping