Beyond Borneo | Overseas | Borneo
Overseas: Beyond Borneo
 |
©Pete Smart: 2009
£3,680.00
Venue:
Borneo (16 day)
Event Description:
This exclusive tour combines two of Indonesia’s most magnificent wildlife experiences and provides a wealth of photographic opportunities. We begin our journey on the island of Borneo, home to more than three quarters of the World’s population of Orangutans. Here in the quieter, less visited south of the island we visit Borneo’s premiere National Park, Tanjung Puting. We will travel along the park’s waterways in a traditional Klotok (boat) and explore the rich forest environment on foot using the many criss-crossing footpaths.
Among the highlights will be the close encounters we experience whilst visiting the park’s Orangutan rehabilitation centres. Here we will see the care and education required for the continued rehabilitation of these amazing primates and we’ll learn how the pioneering conservation and research at Tanjung Puting has been vital for Orangutan survival. Our tour has the rare invitation to be a guest at the Orangutan Foundation International (OFI) Clinic. The centre specialises in the care and education of baby Orangutans before their release into the wild and is normally closed to tourists. Most of the Orangutans here are orphans; they will have been previously kept as pets or confiscated from illegal traders. The centre needs to inspect these vulnerable apes to make sure that they are healthy and have not contracted any communicable diseases from their previous owners as well as teach them how to live as a wild ape.
Our second magical wildlife experience takes us sailing around the Indonesia archipelago of Komodo National Park. Landing on beautiful pink coral sandy beaches which offer fantastic snorkelling, we disembark for walks along jungle paths in search of the largest lizard on Earth, the prehistoric Komodo Dragon. These large reptiles with their razor sharp teeth and a venomous bite conjure images of monsters and local myths of missing children, yet seemingly welcome photographers! The three main islands Komodo, Rinca and Padar comprise approximately a third of the National Park; the rest is protected marine waters rich in wildlife such as Dolphins, Green and Hawksbill Turtles and a wonderful array of fish and coral reefs. These remote and isolated islands where few venture are the only places where the fascinating and placid Komodo Dragons can be photographed in the wild.
Orangutans and Komodo Dragons are both endangered species according to most wildlife monitoring organisations and conservation groups. Ten thousand years ago, Orangutans were found throughout South-east Asia ranging all the way into southern China with their populations numbering in the hundreds of thousands. However activities of humans, primarily the destruction of the rainforest, has caused the Orangutan population to diminish in the past decade by as much as 50%. Orangutans are currently only found on the islands of Sumatra and Borneo where their total population is believed to be no more than 60,000.
The Komodo Dragon is related to the common Monitor Lizard seen across the globe. However its size, often growing to 3 metres or more, makes it the largest species of lizard in the World. Western scientists only discovered the Komodo Dragon, despite its large size, less than 100 years ago. This giant is mainly found on the protected Indonesian islands of Komodo, Rinca and Padar; elsewhere their habitat is shrinking due to human activities. It is thought that there are less then 5000 remaining in the wild making this a highly vulnerable creature.
The Orangutan and Komodo Dragon are certainly the wildlife highlights of this unique itinerary but there will be plenty of opportunity to photograph other animals and bird species in the rainforests, jungles, waterways, islands and at sea. Wildlife such as the Proboscis Monkey, Macaques, dolphins and turtles, as well as exotic flora, wonderful landscapes, beautiful temples and the local people all present great subjects for the camera!
Peter Smart from Wild Arena will accompany you. Peter is a wildlife photographer, escorting wildlife tours to a variety of countries including Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, Rwanda, Namibia, India, Sri Lanka, Borneo, the Arctic, Brazil and the Galapagos Islands. Peter treats it as a genuine privilege to introduce people to the wildlife, landscapes and people of the countries he visits and his knowledge, organisational skills and sense of fun ensures that not only will you have excellent photographic and game-viewing opportunities but also a highly enjoyable holiday!
This is a rare opportunity to combine an exploration of Borneo’s rainforest with guaranteed photographic opportunities of the Orangutan together with an exciting exploration of remote Indonesian islands in search of the amazing Komodo Dragon. You are advised to make your reservation immediately once you have decided to join us, as places are strictly limited on this unique tour to Beyond Borneo.
Among the highlights will be the close encounters we experience whilst visiting the park’s Orangutan rehabilitation centres. Here we will see the care and education required for the continued rehabilitation of these amazing primates and we’ll learn how the pioneering conservation and research at Tanjung Puting has been vital for Orangutan survival. Our tour has the rare invitation to be a guest at the Orangutan Foundation International (OFI) Clinic. The centre specialises in the care and education of baby Orangutans before their release into the wild and is normally closed to tourists. Most of the Orangutans here are orphans; they will have been previously kept as pets or confiscated from illegal traders. The centre needs to inspect these vulnerable apes to make sure that they are healthy and have not contracted any communicable diseases from their previous owners as well as teach them how to live as a wild ape.
Our second magical wildlife experience takes us sailing around the Indonesia archipelago of Komodo National Park. Landing on beautiful pink coral sandy beaches which offer fantastic snorkelling, we disembark for walks along jungle paths in search of the largest lizard on Earth, the prehistoric Komodo Dragon. These large reptiles with their razor sharp teeth and a venomous bite conjure images of monsters and local myths of missing children, yet seemingly welcome photographers! The three main islands Komodo, Rinca and Padar comprise approximately a third of the National Park; the rest is protected marine waters rich in wildlife such as Dolphins, Green and Hawksbill Turtles and a wonderful array of fish and coral reefs. These remote and isolated islands where few venture are the only places where the fascinating and placid Komodo Dragons can be photographed in the wild.
Orangutans and Komodo Dragons are both endangered species according to most wildlife monitoring organisations and conservation groups. Ten thousand years ago, Orangutans were found throughout South-east Asia ranging all the way into southern China with their populations numbering in the hundreds of thousands. However activities of humans, primarily the destruction of the rainforest, has caused the Orangutan population to diminish in the past decade by as much as 50%. Orangutans are currently only found on the islands of Sumatra and Borneo where their total population is believed to be no more than 60,000.
The Komodo Dragon is related to the common Monitor Lizard seen across the globe. However its size, often growing to 3 metres or more, makes it the largest species of lizard in the World. Western scientists only discovered the Komodo Dragon, despite its large size, less than 100 years ago. This giant is mainly found on the protected Indonesian islands of Komodo, Rinca and Padar; elsewhere their habitat is shrinking due to human activities. It is thought that there are less then 5000 remaining in the wild making this a highly vulnerable creature.
The Orangutan and Komodo Dragon are certainly the wildlife highlights of this unique itinerary but there will be plenty of opportunity to photograph other animals and bird species in the rainforests, jungles, waterways, islands and at sea. Wildlife such as the Proboscis Monkey, Macaques, dolphins and turtles, as well as exotic flora, wonderful landscapes, beautiful temples and the local people all present great subjects for the camera!
Peter Smart from Wild Arena will accompany you. Peter is a wildlife photographer, escorting wildlife tours to a variety of countries including Kenya, Tanzania, Botswana, Rwanda, Namibia, India, Sri Lanka, Borneo, the Arctic, Brazil and the Galapagos Islands. Peter treats it as a genuine privilege to introduce people to the wildlife, landscapes and people of the countries he visits and his knowledge, organisational skills and sense of fun ensures that not only will you have excellent photographic and game-viewing opportunities but also a highly enjoyable holiday!
This is a rare opportunity to combine an exploration of Borneo’s rainforest with guaranteed photographic opportunities of the Orangutan together with an exciting exploration of remote Indonesian islands in search of the amazing Komodo Dragon. You are advised to make your reservation immediately once you have decided to join us, as places are strictly limited on this unique tour to Beyond Borneo.
Borneo:
We begin our journey on the island of Borneo, home to more than three quarters of the World’s populations of Orangutans, here in the quieter, less visited south of the island we visit Borneo’s premiere National Park, Tanjung Puting. Our second magical wildlife experience takes us sailing around the Indonesia archipelago of Komodo National Park. Landing on beautiful pink coral sandy beaches we disembark for walks along jungle paths in search of the largest lizard on Earth, the prehistoric Komodo Dragon.
Itinerary
No Itinerary available.
Tutors
Brochure:
Itinerary:
Day 1
Depart UK on flight to Jakarta, Indonesia
Day 2
Arrive Jakarta, Indonesia. Upon arrival at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport you will be met and transferred to a hotel near the airport. Remainder of the day is free to rest and relax and recover from the long flight. Overnight hotel.
Day 3
Jakarta - Semarang - Pangkalan Bun - Kumai - Tanjung Puting National Park. After breakfast return to the airport for our flight to Semarang on the Indonesian island of Central Java and then proceed to Pangkalan Bun in Kalimantan, the Indonesian area of the island of Borneo. Upon arrival at Pangkalan Bun Airport we will be transferred to Kumai to board a Klotok, a traditional wooden riverboat, The boat’s team includes the boatman, a cook and expert guide. From the boat’s upper deck, you can view the rainforest and its birds and animals including monkeys at a leisurely pace. We sail to Rimba Lodge and, once we have settled in, we then spend the afternoon exploring the river and we may have our first opportunity to see Orangutans! Overnight Rimba Lodge (B, L, D)
Day 4 and 5
Tanjung Puting National Park. Today we continue our adventure in search of Orangutans! After breakfast we board our Klotok and travel upriver stopping at Camp Leakey, Pondok Tanguy and Tanjng Harapan. There are plenty of opportunities for photographing Orangutans, Proboscis Monkeys, Macaques, and other exotic fauna and flora. During our time in the Park we will be disembarking the boat and trekking various trails deep into the jungle. We will spend two nights onboard to reduce travel times and ensure we are in the best locations at the right time of day for photography and enjoying the wildlife. Overnight onboard (B, L, D)
Day 6
Tanjung Puting National Park. On our final full day in the Park we will continue our exploration and then spend the night at our lodge. Overnight Rimba Lodge (B, L)
Day 7
Tanjung Puting National Park - Kumai - OFI Clinic - Pangkalan Bun - Semarang - Jogyakarta. After breakfast we travel down river back to Kumai and proceed by car for about 20 minutes to the Orangutan clinic on Pasir Panjang. The centre is where the Orangutans are cared for and re-educated before being released as wild apes; this centre is rarely visited by tourists and on an invitation only basis. Most of the Orangutan here are orphans or without families. Some will have been kept as pets or confiscated from illegal traders. Before release the centre needs to ensure they have not acquired any communicable disease or illnesses from their old owners and can survive without human intervention in the wild. We drive to Pangkalan Bun airport for the flight back to Semarang where we transfer by road to our hotel in Jogyakarta, stopping for lunch at a local restaurant. Evening is free and dinner is on personal expenses. Overnight hotel (B, L)
Day 8
Jogyakarta - Bali. After breakfast we visit Borobudur Temple, one of the World's largest Buddhist shrines, which stands majestically on a serene hilltop overlooking lush green fields and distant hills. We will also see several other cultural sites in Central Java and enjoy a tour of the city of Jogyakarta. In the late afternoon we transfer to Jogyakarta airport for the evening flight to the Indonesian island of Bali. Overnight at eco-lodge in Jimbaran Hills, Denpasar (B, L)
Day 9
Bali - Labuan Bajo - Komodo National Park. After breakfast we transfer to the airport for our flight to Labuan Bajo, the entry point to Komodo National Park. The Park comprises 603km2 of land and 1,214km2 of marine waters, of which mangrove forests, sea-grass beds, and coral reefs are among the most important habitats. The three main islands are Komodo, Rinca, and Padar although many smaller islands come within the park’s boundaries. The National Park was established in 1980 and became a World Heritage Site in 1986. The allure of these islands is due to the large prehistoric looking lizard - the Komodo Dragon! Once at Labuan Bajo, we transfer to the harbour and board our boat to Rinca Island. En route we stop at Pulau Kalong, a flat island mostly covered by mangrove forest, which is home to thousands of large Fruit Bats. We anchor at Pulau Kalong and wait until sunset which is when thousands of bats take flight in search of fruit. After this spectacular sight we sail to Rinca Village and anchor for the night. Overnight onboard (B, L, D)
Day 10
Rinca Island. In the morning we take a stroll around the village of Rinca to discover how locals live alongside the wildlife on the island including thousands of three-metre Komodo Dragons with their razor sharp teeth and a venomous bite. We sail to the harbour of Loh Buaya and, after a short briefing on the life and habitat of the dragons, we travel on foot in search of these giants! Overnight onboard. (B, L, D)
Day 11
Rinca Island. Although Rinca Island is smaller than Komodo Island and doesn’t have the inspiring title, the frequency of sightings on Rinca is higher. We spend today trekking around the several jungle tracks that criss-cross Rinca. Our guide and a park ranger will accompany us. They will be keen to find us the best spots to watch and photograph the Komodo Dragons and other wildlife. Overnight onboard. (B, L, D)
Day 12
Rinca Island - Padar Island - Komodo Island. Today we'll leave Rinca and head to Komodo Island, visiting Padar on the way. During our time sailing we may have the opportunity to spot Dolphins, Hawksbill Turtles and Green Turtles, which frequent the park. In the afternoon we disembark at the main village of Komodo Island - Loh Liang - and trek along one of the jungle trails where Komodo Dragons, deer, birds and other wildlife may be seen. Overnight onboard (B, L, D)
Day 13
Komodo Island - Labuan Bajo. In the morning we will be welcomed to Loh Liang village where we can meet the local people. As we sail back to Labuan Bajo, we will have a last opportunity to swim or snorkel from one of the pink sand beaches before transferring to our eco-lodge with a beautiful panorama of the Komodo National Park islands. Overnight eco-lodge (B, L, D).
Day 14 and 15
Labuan Bajo - Bali. Free time for exploring Labuan Bajo before our flight back to Denpasar, Bali where we spend two nights at an eco-lodge. Situated high up in the Jimbaran hills in a conservation area for birds and butterflies with a beautiful view over the island of Bali, it is quiet and peaceful yet only a short distance from shopping, restaurants and the beach in Nusa Dua or Kuta. During our full day at leisure, optional excursions may be arranged such as a visit to the Bali Bird Park. Overnight eco-lodge (B)
Day 16
Depart Bali, Indonesia. Morning transfer to airport for the return flight to UK
Please note that the itinerary is provisional and subject to change depending on local conditions, not all the wildlife mentioned can be seen well at all times of the year and some of the activities mentioned may not always be available
Depart UK on flight to Jakarta, Indonesia
Day 2
Arrive Jakarta, Indonesia. Upon arrival at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport you will be met and transferred to a hotel near the airport. Remainder of the day is free to rest and relax and recover from the long flight. Overnight hotel.
Day 3
Jakarta - Semarang - Pangkalan Bun - Kumai - Tanjung Puting National Park. After breakfast return to the airport for our flight to Semarang on the Indonesian island of Central Java and then proceed to Pangkalan Bun in Kalimantan, the Indonesian area of the island of Borneo. Upon arrival at Pangkalan Bun Airport we will be transferred to Kumai to board a Klotok, a traditional wooden riverboat, The boat’s team includes the boatman, a cook and expert guide. From the boat’s upper deck, you can view the rainforest and its birds and animals including monkeys at a leisurely pace. We sail to Rimba Lodge and, once we have settled in, we then spend the afternoon exploring the river and we may have our first opportunity to see Orangutans! Overnight Rimba Lodge (B, L, D)
Day 4 and 5
Tanjung Puting National Park. Today we continue our adventure in search of Orangutans! After breakfast we board our Klotok and travel upriver stopping at Camp Leakey, Pondok Tanguy and Tanjng Harapan. There are plenty of opportunities for photographing Orangutans, Proboscis Monkeys, Macaques, and other exotic fauna and flora. During our time in the Park we will be disembarking the boat and trekking various trails deep into the jungle. We will spend two nights onboard to reduce travel times and ensure we are in the best locations at the right time of day for photography and enjoying the wildlife. Overnight onboard (B, L, D)
Day 6
Tanjung Puting National Park. On our final full day in the Park we will continue our exploration and then spend the night at our lodge. Overnight Rimba Lodge (B, L)
Day 7
Tanjung Puting National Park - Kumai - OFI Clinic - Pangkalan Bun - Semarang - Jogyakarta. After breakfast we travel down river back to Kumai and proceed by car for about 20 minutes to the Orangutan clinic on Pasir Panjang. The centre is where the Orangutans are cared for and re-educated before being released as wild apes; this centre is rarely visited by tourists and on an invitation only basis. Most of the Orangutan here are orphans or without families. Some will have been kept as pets or confiscated from illegal traders. Before release the centre needs to ensure they have not acquired any communicable disease or illnesses from their old owners and can survive without human intervention in the wild. We drive to Pangkalan Bun airport for the flight back to Semarang where we transfer by road to our hotel in Jogyakarta, stopping for lunch at a local restaurant. Evening is free and dinner is on personal expenses. Overnight hotel (B, L)
Day 8
Jogyakarta - Bali. After breakfast we visit Borobudur Temple, one of the World's largest Buddhist shrines, which stands majestically on a serene hilltop overlooking lush green fields and distant hills. We will also see several other cultural sites in Central Java and enjoy a tour of the city of Jogyakarta. In the late afternoon we transfer to Jogyakarta airport for the evening flight to the Indonesian island of Bali. Overnight at eco-lodge in Jimbaran Hills, Denpasar (B, L)
Day 9
Bali - Labuan Bajo - Komodo National Park. After breakfast we transfer to the airport for our flight to Labuan Bajo, the entry point to Komodo National Park. The Park comprises 603km2 of land and 1,214km2 of marine waters, of which mangrove forests, sea-grass beds, and coral reefs are among the most important habitats. The three main islands are Komodo, Rinca, and Padar although many smaller islands come within the park’s boundaries. The National Park was established in 1980 and became a World Heritage Site in 1986. The allure of these islands is due to the large prehistoric looking lizard - the Komodo Dragon! Once at Labuan Bajo, we transfer to the harbour and board our boat to Rinca Island. En route we stop at Pulau Kalong, a flat island mostly covered by mangrove forest, which is home to thousands of large Fruit Bats. We anchor at Pulau Kalong and wait until sunset which is when thousands of bats take flight in search of fruit. After this spectacular sight we sail to Rinca Village and anchor for the night. Overnight onboard (B, L, D)
Day 10
Rinca Island. In the morning we take a stroll around the village of Rinca to discover how locals live alongside the wildlife on the island including thousands of three-metre Komodo Dragons with their razor sharp teeth and a venomous bite. We sail to the harbour of Loh Buaya and, after a short briefing on the life and habitat of the dragons, we travel on foot in search of these giants! Overnight onboard. (B, L, D)
Day 11
Rinca Island. Although Rinca Island is smaller than Komodo Island and doesn’t have the inspiring title, the frequency of sightings on Rinca is higher. We spend today trekking around the several jungle tracks that criss-cross Rinca. Our guide and a park ranger will accompany us. They will be keen to find us the best spots to watch and photograph the Komodo Dragons and other wildlife. Overnight onboard. (B, L, D)
Day 12
Rinca Island - Padar Island - Komodo Island. Today we'll leave Rinca and head to Komodo Island, visiting Padar on the way. During our time sailing we may have the opportunity to spot Dolphins, Hawksbill Turtles and Green Turtles, which frequent the park. In the afternoon we disembark at the main village of Komodo Island - Loh Liang - and trek along one of the jungle trails where Komodo Dragons, deer, birds and other wildlife may be seen. Overnight onboard (B, L, D)
Day 13
Komodo Island - Labuan Bajo. In the morning we will be welcomed to Loh Liang village where we can meet the local people. As we sail back to Labuan Bajo, we will have a last opportunity to swim or snorkel from one of the pink sand beaches before transferring to our eco-lodge with a beautiful panorama of the Komodo National Park islands. Overnight eco-lodge (B, L, D).
Day 14 and 15
Labuan Bajo - Bali. Free time for exploring Labuan Bajo before our flight back to Denpasar, Bali where we spend two nights at an eco-lodge. Situated high up in the Jimbaran hills in a conservation area for birds and butterflies with a beautiful view over the island of Bali, it is quiet and peaceful yet only a short distance from shopping, restaurants and the beach in Nusa Dua or Kuta. During our full day at leisure, optional excursions may be arranged such as a visit to the Bali Bird Park. Overnight eco-lodge (B)
Day 16
Depart Bali, Indonesia. Morning transfer to airport for the return flight to UK
Please note that the itinerary is provisional and subject to change depending on local conditions, not all the wildlife mentioned can be seen well at all times of the year and some of the activities mentioned may not always be available
Summary:
Duration
16 days
Single supplement
Subject to availability. If you are a single person booking this holiday you do not have to pay single supplements, if you are happy to share. If you are travelling by yourself you will be paired with another single client of the same gender. However your booking is accepted only on the understanding that if no roommate is available then you accept a single supplement will be levied. Single supplements are payable if you specifically request to have a room to yourself. If you have requested single accommodation we will do our best to secure this although this may not always be possible.
Deposit
£250 required to confirm booking
Travel insurance
You must be covered by insurance, which must include adequate cover for baggage, medical expenses and the cost of repatriation should you become too ill to continue, including air ambulance.
Group size
4 to 8 plus photographic guide
Cost includes
Hotel/Lodge accommodation on a twin share basis (unless single has been requested) or Dormitory-cabin accommodation for the nights listed in the itinerary, breakfast throughout & some lunches & dinners included, transfers for group departures using our chosen airline, all internal transport as per the itinerary, sightseeing tours where specified, entry fees to the national parks, all wildlife activities escorted by local naturalist guides, services of Wild Arena photographic guide throughout the tour
Cost excludes
Snorkelling equipment, international flights from the UK, airport taxes, transfers for Land Only packages and group tours when choosing your own flight arrangements, visa fees, medical examination (if required) & vaccination costs, personal expenditure, bar bills, laundry, telephone calls, etc, porters, guides & other tips, meals not specified & mineral water, personal clothing & equipment, travel insurance, optional trips, increases in park fees and taxes levied by the Government on the tourism sector, fuel surcharges, charges incurred as a result of delays beyond Classic Journeys control, anything not specified in the Cost Includes
16 days
Single supplement
Subject to availability. If you are a single person booking this holiday you do not have to pay single supplements, if you are happy to share. If you are travelling by yourself you will be paired with another single client of the same gender. However your booking is accepted only on the understanding that if no roommate is available then you accept a single supplement will be levied. Single supplements are payable if you specifically request to have a room to yourself. If you have requested single accommodation we will do our best to secure this although this may not always be possible.
Deposit
£250 required to confirm booking
Travel insurance
You must be covered by insurance, which must include adequate cover for baggage, medical expenses and the cost of repatriation should you become too ill to continue, including air ambulance.
Group size
4 to 8 plus photographic guide
Cost includes
Hotel/Lodge accommodation on a twin share basis (unless single has been requested) or Dormitory-cabin accommodation for the nights listed in the itinerary, breakfast throughout & some lunches & dinners included, transfers for group departures using our chosen airline, all internal transport as per the itinerary, sightseeing tours where specified, entry fees to the national parks, all wildlife activities escorted by local naturalist guides, services of Wild Arena photographic guide throughout the tour
Cost excludes
Snorkelling equipment, international flights from the UK, airport taxes, transfers for Land Only packages and group tours when choosing your own flight arrangements, visa fees, medical examination (if required) & vaccination costs, personal expenditure, bar bills, laundry, telephone calls, etc, porters, guides & other tips, meals not specified & mineral water, personal clothing & equipment, travel insurance, optional trips, increases in park fees and taxes levied by the Government on the tourism sector, fuel surcharges, charges incurred as a result of delays beyond Classic Journeys control, anything not specified in the Cost Includes
Tour Report 2008:
Tour Report 2009: