Orangutans and Dragons Tour

Travel type
Couples & Family friendly
Expedition grade
Easy to Moderate
Duration
9 Days
Accomodation
Local hotels, live aboard boat and klotok
FROM
$4655.00 (AUD)

Tour starts ex Bali or Jakarta. 2 person minimum

$450.00

Single Room Supplement fee

HIGHLIGHTS

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!

EXPEDITION OVERVIEW

Embark on a unique journey to witness two of Earth's most extraordinary creatures, both exclusively found on the islands of Indonesia. Our Orangutans and Dragons tour offers an unparalleled adventure, combining two once-in-a-lifetime destinations into a single remarkable experience.

 Our adventure begins in Central Kalimantan at Tanjung Puting National Park, a truly special place teeming with wildlife. Here, you'll encounter not only the iconic orangutan but also the rare proboscis monkey and the fascinating false gavial crocodile. Your accommodation during this part of the tour will be aboard a traditional river boat known as a klotok. These boats provide basic yet comfortable amenities, with sleeping arrangements on deck or in downstairs cabins on comfortable mattresses with mosquito nets. Our dedicated crew will prepare delicious breakfast, lunch, and dinner for you. Safety is paramount, and the klotoks are equipped with life vests and a first aid kit. Between jungle excursions, you can unwind on deck, observe the surrounding wildlife, immerse yourself in a book, or simply enjoy the tranquility of your surroundings.

 Next, we journey to the Komodo Islands for a captivating 4-day tour of this exceptional Indonesian region. Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site spanning 1,817 square kilometers, will be your home for three days and three nights as you reside on a "live aboard" boat. Prepare to be amazed by the diverse ecosystems, visit remote local villages, and explore Rinca Island. This extraordinary journey offers a firsthand encounter with the legendary Komodo dragon amidst the stunning natural beauty of its habitat. You'll discover some of Indonesia's most secluded and pristine islands, relax on beautiful beaches, and experience the charm of local island communities. The area is also renowned for its world-class snorkeling opportunities. Dive into the azure waters and swim alongside vibrant coral reefs and an abundance of marine life, including magnificent manta rays and graceful sea turtles.

ITINERARY

There is the option to select from 2 itineraries. Once starting in Jakarta and visiting the orangutans first and the second starting in Bali and visiting the Komodo islands first
*Subject to change due to local conditions.

Itinerary Option #1

 Day 1: Arrival in Jakarta

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

Day 2: Jakarta to Tanjung Puting National Park

An early morning flight from Jakarta will take you to Pangkalan Bun in Central Borneo. Our local guide will meet you at the airport and escort you to Kumai, a riverside town. From there, you will board a traditional klotok (riverboat) to begin your 3-day/2-night journey into Tanjung Puting National Park. Enjoy a leisurely cruise along the river, keeping an eye out for orangutans and other wildlife. In the late afternoon, we will visit the first orangutan feeding station at Tanjung Harapan. As the day ends, we will cruise back along the river in search of proboscis monkeys before spending the night on the klotok. (B,L,D) Note: The Nam Air flight is scheduled to depart at approximately 6:00 am, arriving at 7:15 am.

Day 3: Exploring Camp Leakey

Our day begins early as we navigate the Sekonyer River upstream to Camp Leakey, the oldest sanctuary for orphaned orangutans. Along the way, be sure to watch for wild orangutans, various bird species, monkeys, and other wildlife inhabiting the riverbanks. Upon reaching Camp Leakey, lunch will be served on the klotok, followed by a short trek to the information center. You'll likely encounter orangutans in the vicinity of the boat. After observing the afternoon feeding and exploring the surrounding forest, we will return to the boat and cruise down the Camp Leakey River to Crocodile Lake for the night. Keep an eye out for other Bornean wildlife such as gibbons and proboscis monkeys. Overnight on the klotok. (B,L,D)

Day 4: Pondok Tanggui and Return to Pangkalan Bun

After breakfast on the river, we will travel to Pondok Tanggui, the second orangutan feeding station. Following lunch, we will visit a local village. In the afternoon, we will slowly cruise downriver, pausing to observe proboscis monkeys along the riverbanks. As dusk approaches, we will return to Kumai harbor, enjoying dinner on the river, hopefully with the magical sight of thousands of fireflies. You will then be transferred to your hotel in Pangkalan Bun for the night (Grand Kecubung or Mecure Hotel). (B,L,D)

Day 5: Flight to Labuan Bajo

This morning, after checking out of your hotel, you will be transferred to the airport for your morning flight to Labuan Bajo, with a connection in Surabaya. Upon arrival, you will be taken to your hotel for check-in this afternoon. (B)

Day 6: Komodo National Park - Gado, Rinca Village, Kaaba Island

This morning, you will be transferred to the harbor to board your private liveaboard boat for a 3-day/2-night adventure. Following a safety briefing, we will set sail into Komodo National Park. Our first stop is Gado, known for its beautiful mangroves and excellent snorkeling among giant table corals. After lunch, we will visit Rinca Village to meet the local people who share their island home with the Komodo dragon, offering a glimpse into their unique way of life. Later, we will enjoy a sunset cruise to Kaaba, a small mangrove island inhabited by bats. Witnessing thousands of bats take flight for their evening meal from the top deck of our boat is a truly spectacular experience. We will spend the night in a cabin on our liveaboard boat near Kambing Island. (B,L,D)

Day 7: Padar Island, Komodo Island, Pink Beach

An early start takes us towards Padar Island, where a trek to the top of the hill rewards us with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding islands. Back on the boat, we will head to Komodo Harbour for our guided walk in search of the famous Komodo dragon. Accompanied by a trained ranger, the hour-long trek will provide insights into the ecosystem, the dragons' behavior, and other island inhabitants such as macaques, buffalo, deer, and tree snakes. After our trek, we will sail to the renowned Pink Beach, where you can enjoy a refreshing afternoon snorkel in its vibrant coral gardens. Overnight in a cabin on our liveaboard boat within the park. (B,L,D)

Day 8: Manta Point, Taka Makassar/Pungu Island/Bedadhari, Return to Labuan Bajo

On our final day in Komodo National Park, we will visit Manta Point, offering the incredible opportunity to swim with majestic manta rays. Depending on the tides, we will then boat to another reef for more snorkeling before heading back to Labuan Bajo harbor. You will be transferred to your hotel (Puri Sari Hotel) for your last overnight stay. (B,L)

Day 9: Bali- Tour ends                                                                                                                   

Today marks the end of your tour. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Bali and your onward journey home or to your next destination. (B)

Itinerary Option #2

Day 1: Arrival in Bali

Upon arrival at Denpasar Airport (Bali), you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel for your overnight stay. Alternatively, you can arrange your own accommodation for this night.

Day 2: Bali to Labuan Bajo - Gado - Rinca Village - Kaaba - Overnight Boat near Kambing Island 

 This morning, you will take a flight to Labuan Bajo. Upon arrival at the airport, your OO guide will meet you and escort you to the harbor. Here, you will board your private liveaboard boat for a 3-day/2-night adventure. After a safety briefing, your journey into Komodo National Park begins with a stop at Gado, known for its beautiful mangroves and excellent snorkeling among giant table corals. Following lunch, the boat will take you to Rinca Village. You'll have the opportunity to meet the local people who share their island home with the Komodo dragon and experience their way of life. Later, enjoy a sunset cruise to Kaaba, a small mangrove island inhabited by thousands of bats, a spectacular sight from the boat's top deck as they fly out for their nightly feeding. You will spend the night in a cabin on your liveaboard boat within the park at Kambing Island. (B,L,D)

Day 3: Kambing Island - Padar Island - Komodo Island - Pink Beach 

An early start takes you towards Padar Island. A trek to the island's summit rewards you with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding islands. Back on the boat, you will head to Komodo Harbour. From there, accompanied by a trained Ranger, embark on an hour-long trek in search of the famous Komodo dragon. The Ranger will share insights into the ecosystem, the dragon's behavior, and the other wildlife on the island, including macaques, buffalo, deer, and tree snakes. After the trek, the boat will take you to the renowned Pink Beach. Enjoy a refreshing afternoon snorkel in its vibrant coral gardens. Overnight in a cabin on your liveaboard boat within the park. (B,L,D)

Day 4: Pink Beach - Manta Point - Taka Makassar/Pungu Island/Bedadhari - Labuan Bajo 

On your final day exploring Komodo National Park, you will visit Manta Point, where you will have the chance to observe and hopefully swim with majestic Manta Rays. Afterwards, tide permitting, you will sail to another reef for more snorkeling before returning to Labuan Bajo harbor. You will then be transferred to your hotel for your last overnight stay in Labuan Bajo at Puri Sari Hotel.

Day 5: Labuan Bajo - Jakarta 

After checking out of your hotel this morning, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Jakarta. Upon arrival, you will be taken to your hotel for check-in and an overnight stay. (B)

Day 6: Jakarta - Pangkalan Bun - Tanjung Puting National Park 

An early morning flight from Jakarta will take you to Pangkalan Bun in Central Borneo. Upon arrival at approximately 7:15 am (flight departure around 6:00 am), our local guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you directly to Kumai, a riverside town. Here, you will board your klotok (riverboat) to begin your journey into Tanjung Puting National Park. This marks the start of your 3-day/2-night klotok tour. Enjoy a leisurely cruise along the river, keeping an eye out for orangutans and other wildlife. In the late afternoon, you will visit the first feeding station at Tanjung Harapan. Later, as the day ends, you'll search for proboscis monkeys along the riverbanks before spending the night on the klotok. (B,L,D)

 Day 7: Tanjung Puting National Park - Camp Leakey 

Today starts early as you travel up the Sekonyer River by klotok to Camp Leakey, the oldest camp established for orphaned orangutans. Along the way, keep watch for wild orangutans, various birds, monkeys, and other wildlife in the trees lining the river. Upon arrival at Camp Leakey, you will have lunch on the klotok before a short trek to the information center. It's likely you'll encounter orangutans near the boat. After observing the afternoon feeding and exploring the surrounding forest, you will return to the boat and cruise down the Camp Leakey River to Crocodile Lake for the night. You will likely spot other Bornean wildlife such as gibbons and proboscis monkeys. Overnight on the klotok. (B,L,D)

Day 8: Tanjung Puting National Park - Pondok Tanggui - Pangkalan Bun 

After breakfast on the river, you will head to Pondok Tanggui, the second orangutan feeding station. Following lunch, you will have the opportunity to tour a local village. In the afternoon, enjoy a slow cruise downriver, stopping to observe proboscis monkeys on the riverbanks. As dusk approaches, the klotok will return to Kumai harbor. Enjoy dinner along the river, hopefully accompanied by the enchanting sight of thousands of fireflies. You will then be transferred to your hotel in Pangkalan Bun, Grand Kecubung, for your overnight stay. (B,L,D)

Day 9: Pangkalan Bun - Bali - Tour Ends 

Today marks the end of your tour. You will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Jakarta or Bali (via Surabaya) for your onward travel or evening flight home. (B)

Please note: Additional accommodation can be arranged on day 9 in Jakarta or Bali should you require it. Please ensure that if departing for home or onward travels on day 9 your departing flights are booked for early to late PM to allow enough time from your connecting flight.

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

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