Leif Cocks Orangutans and Dragons Tour - Oct 2026

Single Supplement available 

HIGHLIGHTS

• Journey with Leif Cocks, Founder of The Orangutan Project
• Encounter the colossal Komodo Dragon, a mythical 3-meter-long, 150kg leviathan
• Explore uncharted, emerald rainforests in pursuit of the magnificent orangutan
• Dive into crystal-clear waters surrounding vibrant, breathtaking coral reefs
• Discover hidden, secluded islands
• Venture deep up sinuous jungle rivers to behold the rare proboscis, ebony, and grey macaque monkeys

LUXURY EXPEDITION OVERVIEW

Our Orangutans and Dragons luxury expedition invites you to witness two of the planet's most magnificent and elusive creatures, both exclusive to the Indonesian archipelago. This bespoke journey is an unparalleled adventure, combining two truly once-in-a-lifetime destinations into a single, seamless experience.

Your journey begins in the heart of Borneo: Tanjung Puting National Park in Central Kalimantan. This unique sanctuary is not only the haven of the iconic orangutan, but also the rare proboscis monkey and the elusive false gavial crocodile. During your immersion in the park, you will reside aboard our private, traditional river vessel, the klotok. This vessel is elegantly appointed with premium amenities. As night falls, you will retire to a comfortable, fully-outfitted sleeping area on deck or in a private cabin, complete with luxurious mattresses and fine mosquito netting. Our dedicated crew will craft exquisite, gourmet meals for your breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The klotoks are equipped with advanced safety features, including life vests and a comprehensive first aid kit. When not exploring the lush jungle trails, you can indulge in relaxation on the sun deck, captivated by the passing wildlife, or simply unwind and savor the tranquility.

The expedition culminates with the legendary Komodo Islands. Your 4-day Komodo Islands sojourn offers an exclusive exploration of this remarkable corner of Indonesia. The 1,817-square-kilometer Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a jewel of Indonesia, will be your exclusive domain for 3 days and 3 nights. Here, you will discover breathtaking ecosystems, encounter remote island communities, and visit the storied Rinca Island. On this exhilarating passage, you will witness the formidable Komodo dragon in its wild, majestic habitat. You will discover Indonesia's most pristine and secluded islands, lounge on immaculate, powder-sand beaches, and visit charming, authentic local villages. The surrounding marine sanctuary is celebrated for hosting some of the world's most spectacular snorkeling. You will glide through azure waters, sharing the vibrant coral reefs with an astonishing abundance of marine life, including majestic manta rays and graceful sea turtles.

 Your expert host, Leif Cocks, Founder of The Orangutan Project.

Join world-renowned orangutan expert, Leif Cocks, as he guides you throughout your journey and the Bornean forests. Leif will provide invaluable insight drawing from personal experiences that now shape The Orangutan Project and its dedicated efforts to saving the species through wild-release programs.

Leif Talks Tours
"Want an enjoyable holiday, but want it to be something more? Connect with the most intelligent fellow beings on the planet, meet the people working at the coalface and become part of the solution. I have now completed several Leif Cocks Orangutan Odysseys Eco-tours and on all, we have had a great time, learnt all about the orangutan's habitat, made new friends, and most importantly raised awareness and much-needed funds to help save this critically endangered species." 

EXPEDITION GOALS
We want our guests to have a truly unique and connected experience, and to have the pleasure of observing wild and semi-wild orangutans in their natural habitat.

Orangutan Odysseys will provide you with a safe platform to observe the incredible wildlife of Borneo, including orangutans (of course), proboscis monkeys, hornbills, red leaf monkeys, gibbons and more. It's also our goal to educate and inspire our guests so that you become future stewards for the destination, its natural environment, and the survival of the orangutan.

In driving this legacy we have partnered with The Orangutan Project to support their conservation programs across Borneo in Sumatra. Each guest's fare includes the cost of adopting an orangutan for one year.

Tour Food - Vegetarian and Vegan based
All included meals during this bespoke journey are curated to be vegetarian, with a readily available and equally exquisite vegan alternative. For those desiring non-vegetarian fare, this can be accommodated during breakfast service at our selected hotels and for specific dinners not included as part of the main itinerary.

WHAT TO EXPECT
Prepare to plunge into a world utterly unlike your own, where the extraordinary is simply the everyday! Indonesia is a vibrant tapestry of cultures and landscapes that will tantalize your senses. Embrace the exhilarating differences—they are the very essence of this exotic paradise! While our boat journeys promise effortless wonder, be warned: every trek is a true challenge, a thrilling encounter with the raw, untamed earth, regardless of its rating. Beyond the limits you'll push, be ready for the unpredictable pulse of travel—roads that rumble and leap, and weather that shifts like a dancer. Your essential gear? A spirit of boundless flexibility and laid-back confidence. Arm yourself with a powerful curiosity, an infectious sense of fun, and a daring readiness for the utterly unexpected. Do this, and your voyage into Indonesia will be transformed into the definitive adventure of a lifetime!

PROJECT FUNDRAISING OBJECTIVES

As part of this tour, you'll be required to fundraise a minimum of $1,250 AUD by inviting friends, family, and colleagues to support your cause through your own personalised fundraising page. This page is specially designed to ensure all donations go directly to The Orangutan Project. Once you've booked, we'll provide full details and tips to help you reach your goal.

You'll also be making a direct impact by adopting an orphaned orangutan, helping to secure a future for orangutans and their rainforest home. Your adoption fee is included in your trip cost.

ITINERARY

10 Days:13 - 22 October 2026

*Itinerary is a living document, subject to the magnificent forces of local conditions.

Day 1 - 13 October: The Gateway to the Archipelago: Jakarta
Your grand Indonesian odyssey commences with your arrival in Jakarta, a vibrant confluence of culture and commerce. A seamless, private transfer awaits to whisk you to the sophisticated sanctuary of the FM7 Resort Hotel, perfectly positioned for tomorrow’s adventure. As twilight descends, join your fellow explorers for an essential Tour Briefing at 6:00 PM, setting the stage for the untamed beauty that lies ahead. (Cuisine: Nil)

Day 2 - 14 Oct: Borneo's Wild Heart: Tanjung Puting National Park
An exhilarating early start begins with a morning flight from Jakarta, transporting you to Pangkalan Bun in Central Borneo, the hallowed domain of the orangutan. Our seasoned local experts will greet you, initiating a swift transfer to the enchanting riverside village of Kumai. There, you will board your exquisite klotok (traditional riverboat), which will serve as your floating home for three days, charting a course deep into the primordial embrace of Tanjung Puting National Park. The emerald jungle walls will unveil their ancient secrets as we scan the towering canopy for the iconic, red-haired residents and a kaleidoscope of exotic wildlife. After a refreshing, on-board lunch, we check into the atmospheric serenity of the Rimba Lodge before setting out once more on the klotok for a late afternoon wildlife patrol. The day culminates with a gourmet dinner, serenaded by the hypnotic symphony of the jungle at Rimba Lodge. (Cuisine: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 3 - 15 Oct: Legends of the Forest: Camp Leakey Immersion
Today is dedicated to a privileged encounter with the legends of the forest. We glide along the tranquil Sekonyer River toward the renowned Camp Leakey, the world’s oldest and most prestigious orangutan research station. Every majestic bend of the river is a cinematic vista, offering unparalleled photo opportunities of wild orangutans, resplendent tropical birds, and mischievous monkeys. We indulge in a delightful lunch served aboard the klotok before a short, yet profoundly meaningful, jungle trek. This is where your immersion becomes absolute—expect curious orangutans to occasionally approach our boats or trails. Our return cruise to Rimba Lodge in the late afternoon demands a keen eye for Borneo’s other magnificent acrobats: the lightning-fast gibbons and the singularly unique, proboscis monkeys. Overnight within the rustic luxury of Rimba Lodge.(Cuisine: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 4 - 16 Oct: River Rhythms & Firefly Spectacle
Savour a final, unhurried breakfast as we embrace the gentle rhythm of the river, continuing our search along the banks for one last glimpse of the park's majestic inhabitants. Following lunch, we gain rare insight into local life with a fascinating tour of a thriving village, showcasing the culture that flourishes alongside this natural treasure. As the equatorial sun begins its dramatic, orange descent, painting the riverbanks in fire, we witness the endemic proboscis monkeys perform their entertaining final show of the day. Our captivating return journey to Kumai harbour culminates with an unforgettable river dinner, illuminated by the ethereal, twinkling spectacle of a million fireflies. We then transfer to the contemporary comfort of the Pangkalan Bun Mecure Hotel for the night. (Cuisine: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

Day 5 - 17 Oct: From Borneo to Flores: Sudamala Sanctuary
We bid a fond farewell to the wild magic of Borneo this morning, checking out for our multi-segment morning flights that gracefully deliver us to Labuan Bajo on the exquisite island of Flores. Upon arrival, a private, luxury transfer awaits to usher you to the 5-star oasis of Sudamala Resort. The entire afternoon is yours to surrender to leisure—unwind, explore the resort's lush grounds, or simply bask by the infinity pool. Dinner this evening is a refined affair, served at the resort's elegant restaurant. (Cuisine: Breakfast)

Day 6 - 18 Oct: Dragons, Coral Gardens & Seraya Island Chic
Adventure assumes command! Following an invigorating early breakfast, we embark from Labuan Bajo’s harbour, setting sail into the otherworldly realm of the Komodo National Park. Our premier destination: Rinca Island. Here, we will trek across dramatic savannahs and mangrove thickets, confronting the awe-inspiring Komodo Dragons—magnificent, living relics that have presided over this land for millennia. Time permitting, we will visit Rinca Village, a unique coastal community sharing its home with these giants. We trade our boots for fins, cruising to Gado Island for a revitalizing snorkel amidst a thriving, kaleidoscopic underwater garden of vibrant reefs. As the day's pace mellows, we arrive at the sophisticated, barefoot luxury of the Sudamala Resort Seraya Island for your overnight stay. (Cuisine: Breakfast, Lunch)

Day 7 - 19 Oct: Iconic Summits, Pink Sands & Manta Ballet
Awake to the sublime serenade of the ocean, boarding the boat early for breakfast with a panoramic, sea-view backdrop. Our destination is Padar Island, an unmistakable icon of the archipelago. A short, but rewarding pilgrimage to the summit unveils a breathtaking, signature triple vista over the island’s three-coloured beaches—a truly photographic masterpiece. Our descent leads us to Pink Beach (Long Beach), where millions of crushed red coral fragments bestow the sand with a distinctive, delicate blush. Swim and snorkel in this surreal beauty. The maritime magic continues as we seek out Manta Point, a globally renowned congregation spot for the graceful Manta Rays. With fortune on our side, you will be swimming alongside these magnificent, kite-like creatures. We’ll attempt one final, pristine reef snorkel before cruising back to Labuan Bajo, enjoying a delightful dinner on the boat and another night of luxurious, island repose at the Sudamala Resort Seraya Island. (Cuisine: Breakfast, Lunch)

Day 8 - 20 Oct: Secret Caves & Crystalline Escapes
Our final day of island exploration commences after breakfast with the unveiling of a secret: Goa Rangko, a sublime sea cave tucked away along the rugged coast. Inside, a natural saltwater pool glows under a sunlit opening—a surreal and infinitely refreshing swim awaits. We then sail to Seraya Besar, a postcard-perfect island where the crystalline waters promise exceptional snorkelling and a relaxed, beachfront lunch. By mid-afternoon, we return to Labuan Bajo and your hotel. The evening is dedicated to complete personal indulgence—perhaps a final swim in the stunning pool or a well-deserved, restorative massage before your departure from this island paradise. Overnight at the Sudamala Resort in Labuan Bajo. (Cuisine: Breakfast, Lunch)

Day 9 - 21 Oct: Komodo's Coast to Bali's Bliss
After breakfast, a seamless transfer to the airport precedes our flight to the internationally famed island of Bali. Checking into the 5-star Holiday Inn Resort nestled by the beach, the pace intentionally slows to pure, unadulterated relaxation. Spend the afternoon soaking up the equatorial sun and enjoying the resort's magnificent pools before we gather for our final, celebratory dinner together at the beautiful Envy restaurant, raising a toast to the incredible, shared journey of a lifetime. (Cuisine: Breakfast)

Day 10 - 22 Oct: Depart Indonesia.
Following a final, exquisite breakfast, your epic tour concludes. You will be transferred effortlessly to the airport for your onward international journey, carrying not just luggage, but a treasure trove of indelible memories of the orangutans, the dragons, and the extraordinary, exotic beauty of Indonesia. (Cuisine: Breakfast)

INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS

INCLUSIONS

• All domestic airfares (20kgs is the maximum baggage allowance)
• Accommodations througout (twin share basis). Single supplement available
• Meals as noted in the intinerary (B,L,D)
• Riverboats in both locations including safety equipment.
• National Park fees - all locations
• Airport transfers and private cars
• Experienced local guides (english speaking)
• One year deluxe orangutan adoption

EXCLUSIONS

• International airfares and any expenses due to flight delay or cancellations
• Visas and visa fees
• Travel Insurance
• Personal expenses - alcohol, laundry, phone calls
• Tipping
• Excess baggage fee if over 20kgs

ACCOMMODATION

Your five-star accommodation will add an indispensable touch of luxury and elegance to your extraordinary jungle and marine adventures. We have meticulously selected stunning locations, ensuring an idyllic setting and unparalleled proximity to the world's most captivating wildlife and natural wonders.

Komodo Islands 

Sudamala Resort Seraya Island

Sudamala Resort Flores

Holiday Inn Resort Baruna Bali

Jakarta and Borneo

FM7 Hotel Jakarta

Rimba Eco Lodge

Mercure Hotel Pangkalan Bun