EXPEDITION OVERVIEW

On this eight (8) day tour, beginning and ending in Bali, you will be visiting rainforests, trekking into the jungles of the Kutai National Park, travelling up rivers on motorised canoes, and driving through the landscapes of East Borneo and experiencing the traditional Dayak culture. You will go back in time to places in the jungle where orangutans have lived freely for generations and see where The Orangutan Project (TOP) and Borneo Orangutan Rescue Alliance (BORA) are working to save orangutans and protect the jungles.

You will have the unique experience of visiting the BORA Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre You will see how BORA's team are working incredibly hard to prepare orangutans for reintroduction back into the forests. This is where you will see the real difference being made by BORA.

After East Kalimantan, you have the option to spend three days in the tropical Derawan islands off the coast of Berau.

If you are looking for further adventures, we are offering action-packed extensions to Bali, Lombok, Java or perhaps to see Komodo dragons. If you are interested in adventure and giving back to the world at the same time, then you have got to be part of this expedition.

About BORA
BORA - the Bornean Orangutan Rescue Alliance - is a collaboration between The Orangutan Project (TOP) and its partner the Centre for Orangutan Protection (COP) and the Indonesian Ministry of Forestry.

COP has been funded by TOP since it was founded in 2007 and works to counter crimes that threaten the orangutan and their natural habitats. As part of this mandate, they investigate, document, expose, and if necessary, readily confront any persons or groups who threaten to disrupt the lives of orangutans or local communities living nearby.
COP is at the forefront of saving Critically Endangered wild animals, and strives to create a second chance for orangutans to thrive, whether this is in their natural environments or in captivity. 

Your Tour host - Leif Cocks
You will be joined on this tour one remarkable man. Leif Cocks, Founder of The Orangutan Project. Leif will travel with you throughout your journey and give you his personal views about orangutans and how The Orangutan Project is helping to save and allow them to be released back into the jungle.

TOP - Leif Cocks
The Orangutan Project was established in 1998 by Founder and world-renowned orangutan expert, Leif Cocks, as a result of his almost 30-year career working with orangutans. Leif is a passionate campaigner for orangutans and has been the leader of The Orangutan Project since its inception. Leif's years in the field have earned him respect within the conservation field. He has been a key player in developing conservation plans for orangutans and influencing positive change for orangutan protection and survival. This respect has given The Orangutan Project world standing in conservation and allows Leif to successfully develop and entact genuine and long lasting conservation outcomes With Leif along, you will garner a full and unusual understanding of what you are seeing, as this adventure of a lifetime takes you deep into the orangutans home.

Leif Talks Orangutan Tours
Hi, I have now completed several Leif Cocks Eco-tours. On each one, we have all had a great time, learnt all about the orangutans' habitat, made new friends and most importantly raised awareness and much-needed funds to help save this Critically Endangered species. In the complex world of conservation and animal behaviour, it is difficult to fully grasp the realities of what we see on just a short tour. That is why I feel that the members on this tour, that have been able to discuss the deeper insights of conservation and behaviour, may have enjoyed the trip so much more. The more you know about something the more interesting it gets! With any holiday, a lot of time is wasted getting from one place to the other, however, time can fly when you have the opportunity to discuss what you have just seen and what you are about to see in a holistic and in-depth context. Leif says "Want an enjoyable holiday, but want it to be something more? Why not see what is really going on, connect with the most intelligent fellow beings on the planet, meet the people working at the coal face and become part of the solution"

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.

EXPEDITION GOALS
Our goal is to provide our guests with a unique experience, to observe wild and semi-wild orangutans in their natural habitat. We will provide you with a safe platform to observe other wildlife Borneo has to offer including monkeys, gibbons and more. We will also provide you with comprehensive information about the destination you are in so that you are fully informed of your surroundings. Further, Orangutan Odysseys has partnered up with The Orangutan Project which supports conservation programs in Borneo and Sumatra.

Tour Food - Vegetarian and Vegan based
All included meals provided during this tour will be vegetarian (with a vegan option). 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. 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!

To place a booking simply click the 'Book Now' button for your preferred date and complete the compulsory fields of the booking form.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Travel with TOP founder Leif Cocks
• See wild orangutans in their natural rainforest habitat at Kutai National Park
• Experience the Dayak way of life including overnight at homestay
• Travel on riverboats through remote and unseen locations
• Visit the BORA Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre (closed to the public)
• Travel through East Kalimantan to understand the land and culture
• Meet the indigenous people of East Borneo
• Help save the orangutans

ITINERARY

8 days (10 - 17 February 2026)
*Subject to change due to local conditions

Day 1 - 10 Feb: Arrive in Bali
Today you will arrive in Bali and be transferred to your hotel for your overnight accommodation at the Holiday Inn located near the airport. Tonight our group will meet and hold a tour briefing.

Day 2 - 11 Feb: Bali - Samarinda
This morning we fly from Bali to Samarinda. On arrival, you will be met by our local guide team and transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon you can also see the lives of surrounding communities living around the waters on the side of the Mahakam River. In the afternoon we will take a walk in the town and see the "mighty" Mahakam River up close. Overnight at the Samarinda Ibis hotel. (B,L)

Day 3 - 12 Feb: Samarinda - Sangatta - Kutai NP
In the morning after an early breakfast, we will drive through to Sangatta by minibus (about 5 to 6 hours). Along the way, we will stop for lunch at the equator monument. We will then head to the Kutai National Park to check into our œjungle lodge and go for an afternoon trek in search of orangutans and other wildlife. After dinner you will venture out on a night walk to experience the forest come alive in the dark with the many nocturnal creatures. Overnight inside the National Park at the Kutai Prevab Rangers Station. (B,L,D)

Day 4 - 13 Feb: Kutai National Park - Full day National Park
This morning, you will wake to the sounds of the forest and after an early breakfast start trekking through the forests in search of wild orangutans and wildlife. Around mid morning we will return to camp for a well earned rest, and lunch. After lunch, we will follow the track to another route looking for more wild orangutans and various flora and fauna in the Kutai National Park. Optional 2nd night walk tonight. Overnight Kutai Prevab Station. (B,L,D)

Day 5 - 14 Feb: Kutai NP - Samarinda 
Today after an optional early morning trek, we will leave the jungle and drive back from Sangatta to Samarinda. We will stop for lunch on the way before our afternoon arrival in Samarinda. Overnight at Ibis hotel (B,L)

Day 6 - 15 Feb: Samarinda - Berau - BORA
This morning we will fly to the town of Berau. On arrival we will be met by the BORA team to transfer to the BORA Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre just out of the main town. Here you will be given a very special visit. You will be taken to see the process for rehabilitation and release and be given a presentation about the work being done here" TO "Here you will see first-hand the incredible efforts being undertaken to rehabilitate orphaned and injured orangutans for eventual release back into the forest. Later, we drive back to Berau for check in at the hotel and a chance for you to take a stroll around the town or just relax. Overnight and dinner at the Berau Hotel. (B,L)

Day 7 - 16 Feb: Merasa Village - BORA Orangutan Islands - Berau
This morning you will drive (approx 2 hrs) to the local dayak village of Merasa. Here you will travel down the river in motorised canoes to see the BORA Orangutan islands. The islands are a place for orangutans to prepare for their release back to the wild. We will join the BORA monitoring team and learn about the orangutans and their rehabilitation journeys. Then it's back to the village for lunch. In the afternoon we will get back onto our boats and head upriver to see the white cliffs and the old tomb of Dayaks set in a cave on the side of the cliffs. We will visit the original home of the Dayak people and hopefully enjoy some birdwatching. You may be asked to join some of the activities or visit the local school or spend time with the local people walking around their village. In the afternoon we return to our Berau hotel for overnight and our final dinner (B,L)

Day 8 - 17 Feb: Berau - Balikpapan -  Bali
This morning you will be transferred to the airport and start your travels back to Bali (via Balikpapan). On arrival in Bali, you will connect with your evening flights home or continue your travels in Indonesia. Tour ends. (B)

OR you can choose to extend your tour and visit the beautiful Derawan Islands - Swimming and snorkelling - 3 days/2 nights extension (POA)

Day 8 to 10 - 17-19 Feb: Berau Hotel - Derawan Islands
Today you will leave the hotel and travel to the beautiful island resort at Derawan Islands to enjoy 2 and half days of snorkelling, swimming and relaxing before returning to Berau for a final night.

Day 11 - 20 Feb: Berau - Balikpapan - Bali
This morning you will travel back to Bali (via Balikpapan) to connect with your evening flights home or continue your travels in Indonesia. Tour ends.

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.

INCLUSIONS - EXCLUSIONS

INCLUSIONS

• Return domestic airfares from Bali
• Accommodation in Bali, Samarinda, Kutai NP and Berau
• Meals as outlined in Itinerary. (B,L,D)
• All National Park fees including camera fees
• All transfers in all locations
• Professional local guides through the expedition
• One Orangutan Adoption in partnership with TOP
• Ranger and local guide fees and porters

EXCLUSIONS

• International Airfares and any expenses due to flight delay or cancellations
• Travel Insurance (Mandatory)
• Personal Expenses - alcohol, laundry etc
• Tipping

DONATIONS, FEES AND COST

You will be supporting The Orangutan Project (TOP) in their work protecting orangutans and their environment as well as other vital environmental research. All funds raised on this tour will be given to BORA to assist them to continue with their wonderful work in East Kalimantan. You will also be helping friends of the national park regenerate areas of cleared rainforest.The purpose of this trip is to create awareness of the threat of extinction facing orangutans due to the destruction of their rainforest habitat and to raise funds to help orangutans. The trip hosts, Hardi and Leif are generously donating their time and expertise to help make this a unique trip and a special experience for all our guests. Orangutan Odysseys has raised over AUD$1,000,000 since 2009 to help support the orangutans survival. Each participant of the trip will adopt an orangutan (included in trip fare) and agree to raise a minimum of AUD$1,250 in donations for BORA. Your participation in this event WILL make a difference.

How else can you help? Bring along some urgently needed equipment.
The following items are needed by the BORA Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre and can probably be purchased on line or through your local veterinary surgery. All are small, light and easily packed in a suitcase and needed at the quarantine centre. You will be able to present any small items to the centre at the time of our visit.

• Micropore tape 2.5cm width
• Non-sterile 10cm x 10cm gauze swabs
• Vicryl suture material 2/0 or 3/0 with reverse cutting needle
• PDS suture material 2/0 and 3/0 with reverse cutting needle
• Small 50ml baby bottles (Not the larger normal size baby bottles as the centre has a surplus of these)
• Digital thermometers
• Microscope slides & cover slips
• Sterile surgical dressings
• Probiotics in powder form
• Disposable sterile surgical gowns
• Towels

VIDEO