HIGHLIGHTS

• Visit the famed Tanjung Puting National Park
• See wild and semi-wild orangutans in their natural habitat
• Travel upstream on local klotok (riverboat) and dine beneath the stars
• Relax and travel in style onboard a fabulous riverboat on the Katingan River
• Observe amazing wildlife including orangutan, proboscis monkeys, macaques, hornbills, red langurs and brahmini kites, crocodiles and more
• Meet and learn from the local people who live and work there to save the orangutans and rainforests
• Experience the delicious local cuisine and many different unique fruits

EXPEDITION OVERVIEW

This specially crafted expedition combines the unique experience of visiting the Tanjung Puting National Park with a Palangkaraya Rungan River cruise aboard a fabulous riverboat to see the orangutan release islands.

From wonderful boats to small dugout canoes, wide rivers to deep forests, and small fishing towns to traditional Dayak villages, the Central Borneo adventure has it all. Be immersed in local culture and all facets of life in Borneo as you gain a greater understanding of the orangutans' plight.

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 provided during this tour will be vegetarian, with a vegan option available. Guests will have the option of non-vegetarian meals during breakfast at hotels and for meals (some dinners) not included in the itinerary.

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. Whilst 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!

ITINERARY - 9 days

9 days - 15 to 23rd October 2024
*Subject to change without notice due to local conditions

Day 1 - 15 Oct: Arrive in Jakarta 
Today you will be met at Jakarta airport and transferred to your Jakarta hotel (FM7 Resort Hotel) for your overnight stay. This evening the group will meet for a tour briefing and details about tomorrow's departure.

Day 2 - 16 Oct: Jakarta - Pangkalan Bun - Tanjung Puting National Park - Rimba Lodge 
Early this morning we fly from Jakarta to Pangkalan Bun in Central Borneo. We will meet our local guide team at the airport and be taken straight to the riverside town of Kumai where we will board our klotoks (riverboat) and travel into the National Park. This is the start of our 3-day/2 night national park tour. We will cruise slowly along the river looking for orangutans and other wildlife. After lunch, we will check in at our jungle lodge before heading out on the klotok once again in search of more wildlife. Later in the afternoon we return to Rimba Lodge for dinner and overnight. (B,L,D)
Note: Flight departure time approx. 5:45 am by Nam Air. Arrive 7:00am

Day 3 - 17 Oct: Tanjung Puting National Park - Camp Leakey
An early start today sees you back on the klotok and cruising up the Sekonyer River to Camp Leakey, the oldest camp set up for orphaned orangutans. Along the way, you will keep a lookout for wild orangutans, birds, monkeys and other wildlife that may be waiting in the trees along the river. On arrival at Camp Leakey, you will have lunch aboard the klotok before starting the short trek in the surrounding area to visit the information centre. You are likely to see orangutans (or have them see you) near the boat. After enjoying our cruise along the river and tour of the surrounding forest area, it's back to the boat to cruise down the Camp Leakey River to Crocodile Lake where you will spend the night. You will most likely see other wildlife of Borneo such as gibbons and proboscis monkeys. Overnight on the klotok where you will be provided a mattress, pillows, blankets and mosquito net. (B,L,D)

Day 4 - 18 Oct: Tanjung Puting National Park - Kumai- Pangkalan Bun
This morning after a relaxing breakfast on the river you will travel slowly back down the river in search of more wild orangutans, birds and other wildlife. After lunch, you will take a tour of the local village and in the afternoon you will slowly travel downriver, stopping along the way to watch the proboscis monkeys on the riverbanks. As dusk falls, we will travel back to Kumai harbour and enjoy dinner along the river as we go, hopefully, accompanied by the sighting of fireflies. Transfer and overnight in Pangkalan Bun Hotel. (B,L,D)

Day 5 - 19 Oct: Pangkalan Bun - Palangkaraya 
Today is a travel day where we fly to Palangkaraya and then transfer to the Rungan Sari Resort where we will have an afternoon of rest and relaxation with a swim. Dinner at the resort. (B,L)

Day 6 - 20 Oct: Pangkalan Bun to Palangkaraya - Katingan River and Boat
Early this morning we will start the longish drive to Palangkaraya with lunch along the way in the town of Sampit. Turning off the main road, we take the road to Pakahi, which takes us through an area of historic and extensive artisinal gold mining, where you can see the full extent of environmental damage caused by this activity. Late afternoon we will arrive at Jahanjang jetty in Pakahi on the Katingan River and board the Spirit of Kalimantan for a relaxing drink and snack. If time permits, we could visit Jahanjang and walk to their lake to watch the sunset over the reflective water. Enjoy dinner onboard as we cruise downstream to the Punggualas River. Overnight on board. (B,L,D)

Day 7 - 21 Oct: Katingan River Cruise - Sebangau National Park
Early this morning we transfer to small motorised canoes to travel through the overhanging forest along a small black water river to the WWF campsite. From here we head into the jungle for a trek looking for wild orangutans with an experienced local forest guide. Return along the Punggualas River to the boat for a cooling shower and a relaxing lunch. We will cruise downstream on the wide, muddy river, sighting birds, possibly proboscis monkeys while we pass subsistence villages as we head to our southernmost destination- the village of Telaga and the Klaru River.

At the river mouth, we are joined by some local canoes to explore this beautiful blackwater lake system. Within RMU’s Katingan Mentaya Project forest rehabilitation area, we learn more about their REDD+ project as we quietly cruise upstream to a site to watch birds, proboscis monkeys and a variety of other wildlife. Marvel at the reflections here, especially during the rainy season as we walk along their newly installed boardwalk. We begin our return cruise to Pakahi to rejoin the buses the next morning. Overnight on the riverboat. (B,L,D)

Day 8 - 22 Oct: Katingan River Orangutan Islands - Traditional village - Palangkaraya
At 5:00am the boat continues upstream to the jetty to meet our minibuses where we will drive through to join local canoes in the village of Sei Gohong and observe the orangutans on Kaja Island, a BOSF orangutan pre-release island that is home to over 50 individuals. Lunch and drink in the area (at the longhouse cafe or at the Pasah Tana vegetable farm). Afterwards, we will transfer to cars and drive 1 hour to Palangkaraya bridge. Crossing over the Kahayan river we journey a short distance to traditional Dayak villages. Have a local welcome ceremony and learn more about their religion and admire the fabulous painted ritual funeral boxes. Then onto our hotel for the final night of the tour. Overnight in Swiss Bel Hotel (B,L)

Day 9 - 23 Oct: Palangkaraya - Jakarta or next destination
This morning you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flights/travel to Jakarta or your next destination. If heading to Jakarta you will transfer to your connecting flights home or onward travels. Tour ends. (B)

TRIP EXTENSIONS
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 please contact us.

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

INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS

INCLUSIONS

• All domestic airfares (Garuda Indonesia is our preferred carrier subject to flight routes and times)
• Accommodation in Jakarta and Palangkaraya (twin-share)
• Accommodation in Tanjung Puting on our klotok and at Rimba Lodge
• Meals as noted in the itinerary (B,L,D)
• National park fees
• Airport transfers
• Experienced local guide
• Donation included for one deluxe orangutan adoption

EXCLUSIONS

• International airfares and any expenses due to flight delay or cancellation
• Visas and visa fees
• Travel Insurance (compulsory). Can be booked through Orangutan Odysseys on request
• Personal expenses - alcohol, laundry, phone calls
• Tipping