EXPEDITION OVERVIEW

On this eight-day fundraising 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 Centre for Orangutan Protection (COP) are working to save orangutans and protect the jungles through their Bornean Orangutan Rescue Alliance (BORA).

You will also have the unique experience of visiting an orangutan rescue centre. You will see how the BORA 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, guests have the option to spend three days in the tropical Derawan islands off the coast of Berau.

For guests that want further adventures, we are offering action-packed extensions to Krakatoa, 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.

An Introduction to COP
The Centre for Orangutan Protection was founded in 2007 and works to counter crimes that threaten the orangutan and their natural habitats. They investigate, document, expose, and if necessary, 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 rehabilitated orangutans to thrive in the wild. They also provide support to local zoos on how to improve the welfare of orangutans in their care. COP operates several rapid-response teams that work to rescue orangutans and expose wildlife criminal activity in Borneo, Java, and Sumatra. Habitat monitoring and protection is also a high priority for the COP team. 

You will be joined on this tour by the remarkable Kylie Bullo (TOP Conservation Project Manager). Kylie will travel with you throughout the journey and give you her personal views about orangutans and how their organisations are helping to save and allow them to be released back into the jungle.

TOP Conservation Project Manager- Kylie Bullo
With a background in primate zoology, specialising in orangutans, Kylie has worked alongside Founder of The Orangutan Project, Leif Cocks for more than twenty years. Together they trained and released the first zoo-born orangutan to ever be released into the wild. Her book "Reaching for the Canopy" describes her journey with zoo-born Sumatran orangutan "Temara" to the jungles of Sumatra. All participants on this tour will receive a copy of this inspiring book. 

Kylie has spent extensive time in both Borneo and Sumatra, working with staff and providing guidance and training in orangutan behaviour and rehabilitation training. Kylie will travel with you throughout the journey and share her orangutan knowledge and experiences with you. She will also explain how The Orangutan Project works to conserve orangutans and their rainforest habitat.

Kylie Talks Tours
"I™m really looking forward to leading this tour and meeting people who are passionate about orangutan conservation. I greatly enjoy sharing my understanding and insights on orangutans with others as I have been so fortunate to spend so much time with our "orange cousins." I hope to see you in Borneo!"

PROJECT FUNDRAISING OBJECTIVES
Participants in this expedition will raise funds (a minimum target of $1,000 AUD per participant) by getting friends, family and colleagues to fundraise via your own customised fundraising page, specially designed to direct these monies straight to The Orangutan Project. Details of how to achieve this goal and further info will be sent once you have booked. Participants in this expedition will also be contributing to the survival of the orangutans and their habitat by adopting an orphaned orangutan. (These costs are included in your trip fare).

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.. 

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 TOP Conservation Project Manager Kylie Bullo
• 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 Orangutan Rescue 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 August 2024)
*Subject to change due to local conditions

Day 1 - 10 August: 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 August: 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. Afternoon we shall take a walk in the town and see the "mighty" Mahakam River up close. Overnight Samarinda hotel. (B,L)

Day 3 - 12 August: Samarinda - Mahakam River - Old Kutai Village - Sangatta
In the morning after breakfast, we head to the boat dock to visit some of the oldest Hindu kingdom relics in Indonesia. We will see the old Kutai village which is famous for Indonesian folklore. Afterwards, we continue to head to Sangata by minibus and drive from Samarinda to Sanggata (about 5 to 6 hours). Along the way, we will stop at the equator monument. We will have lunch at Kenari restaurant between Samarinda-Bontang. Late afternoon check into the hotel. Overnight Sangata Hotel. (B,L)

Day 4 - 13 August: Kutai National Park - Sangata Hotel
In the morning, depart from the hotel to the Kutai National Park, 20 minutes from the hotel then proceed with a motorized boat about 20 minutes to the simple camp in the Kutai National Park forest. Afterwards, we continue along the forest to find wild orangutans in the national park then return to camp for lunch. After lunch, we follow the track to another route looking for more wild orangutans and various animals in the Kutai National Park. Late afternoon transfers out from Kutai National Park to the village and drive back to the hotel for overnight stay. Dinner at a local restaurant or hotel (B,L)

Day 5 - 14 August: Sangata - Merasa Village & Homestay
Today we leave Sangata and drive to Merasa Village (8-9 hours). Along the way, we can stop at Bukit Pelangi Hills and see the biggest coal mine in Indonesia. We will also see many palm oil plantations. We will stop for lunch at Wahau (Miau Baru). From here we arrive in Merasa Village, a traditional Dayak village, and get to experience the Dayak culture which starts with a Welcoming Ceremony. The village chief will be there to welcome you and you will see traditional dancing and be introduced to the lives of the traditional people. You will then check into your village homestay accommodation for the night. Mattress, pillows, blanket and mosquito nets provided. (B,L,D)

Day 6 - 15 August: BORA Orangutan Islands - Merasa Village -  Berau
This morning, after breakfast we 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. There may be time for a swim and a coconut. 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. We will then return to Merasa village to experience more of the Dayak culture. You may be asked to join some of the activities and spend time with the local people walking around their village. Later today we head to the town of Tanjung Redeb in Berau for an overnight stay at our hotel. (B,L)

Day 7 - 16 August: Merasa Village - BORA - Berau
Today (subject to final approval) you will be given a special visit to TOP/COP's Orangutan new centre BORA (Borneo Orangutan Rescue Alliance). You will be taken to see the process for rehabilitation and release and be given a presentation about the rehabilitation and rescue work being done by COP. Later, we will enjoy lunch at the centre and time to chat with some of the wonderful dedicated staff working there. Later, we will return to Berau town where you can take a stroll around the town or just relax. Final night stay and dinner at the Berau Hotel. (B,L) 

Day 8 - 17 August: Berau - Balikpapan -  Bali
This morning you will transfer 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 Continue to Derawan Island - Swimming and snorkelling - 3 days/2 nights extension (POA)

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

Day 11 - 20 August: 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.

Please let us know if you need any help with accommodation or trip extensions on arrival

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
• Accommodation in Samarinda, Sangata, Kutai and Berau
• Homestay accommodation and meals in dayak village
• 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 partner 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$1,000 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 quarantine 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