EXPEDITION OVERVIEW

Your 23 Day Sundaland Expedition commences in Sumatra, Indonesia and finishes in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo

The first leg of your trip will take you deep within Gunung Leuser National Park that spans more than 1 million hectares of tropical lowland rainforest in the north of the island of Sumatra, Indonesia. This area is home to the largest population of Sumatran orangutans, approximately 80% of the entire wild population of 7,000. The Leuser Ecosystem is also one of the most biodiverse regions in the world with a plethora of tropical biodiversity to encounter including the Thomas leaf monkey, macaques, gibbons, siamangs, reptiles, incredible amounts of birds and more. Your accommodation on this trip will be a mix of both basic guesthouses, comfortable hotels and tents. You will be privately guided by an experienced Orangutan Odysseys local nature/ wildlife guide.

Then it's off to Borneo commencing your trip from Kota Kinabalu in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo for your 15-day adventure covering some of the most biodiverse areas within Borneo from the mountains to the lowlands. Commencing your adventure from the cool montane forests of Kinabalu Park in search for many species of reptiles, amphibians and birds, cruising down to the tropical lowland forests of the Sepilok-Kabili Forest Reserve exploring the Rainforest Discovery Discovery, across to the mangrove and riverine forests of the Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary to witness the proboscis monkeys, silvered leaf monkeys, crocodiles etc., the largest protected area of tropical lowland rainforest in Borneo - the Danum Valley Conservation Area where all the megafauna resides; Bornean pygmy elephants, clouded leopards, Bornean orangutans, gibbons, red-leaf monkeys, incredible diversity of reptiles, small mammals and birds, finishing your trip within Tabin Wildlife Reserve. 

EXPEDITION GOALS
Our goal is to provide our guests with a unique experience, to observe wild tropical biodiversity in their natural habitat. We will provide you with a safe platform to observe many endemic, rare and unique species of wildlife throughout Sumatra and Borneo. We will also provide you with comprehensive information about the destination you are in so that you are fully informed of your surrounds prior, during and following your expedition. Further, Orangutan Odysseys has partnered up with The Orangutan Project which supports conservation programs in both Borneo and Sumatra. 

WHAT TO EXPECT
You are embarking on an adventure to remote places amongst people whose lives are very different from your own. Many aspects of life in Indonesia & Malaysia 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" due to the humid conditions of trekking within tropical environments across rugged terrain. 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 enquiry, 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!

HIGHLIGHTS

• Explore the largest expanse of tropical lowland rainforest Gunung Leuser National Park
• Witness the sheer diversity of World Heritage listed Kinabalu National Park
• Experience the incredible Rainforest Discovery Centre within the Sepilok-Kabili Forest Reserve
• Cruise along the mangrove and riverine forests of Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary
• Trek deep within the Danum Valley Conservation Area where most Bornean biodiversity resides
• Enjoy the jungle abode within Tabin Wildlife Reserve 

ITINERARY SUMATRA LEG

*Subject to change due to local conditions

Day 1 (2 April):  Medan - Berestagi. Fly to Medan, North Sumatra. Arriving by mid afternoon. OO guide to pick up and transfer to Berestagi for overnight stay. 

Day 2 - 4 (3 to 5 April): Berestagi - Ketembe - Start 4 day / 3night jungle trekking. An early morning departure from Berestagi for the drive through to Ketembe (approx 5 -6 hours). On arrival we will meet with our local guide team and head into the jungle looking for wildlife. This amazing ecosystem will provide us with viewings of orangutans, Thomas Leaf monkeys, gibbons, macaques, hornbills and more. We will start the trekking adventure into the jungle viewing wildlife all day as we trek. We will camp at a river and enjoy a swim before dinner. We will camp in tents overnight in the National Park - camping equipment including tent, mattress, pillow and blanket is supplied. (B,L,D)

Day 5 (6 April): Ketembe Trekking final day - Ketembe Lodge. This morning we wake to the sounds of the jungle at our riverside camp and head out again into the jungles looking for wildlife and more. After lunch we shall walk up to the local hot springs for a relaxing “river spa” before making our way back to Ketembe and our local lodge for overnight. (B,L,D)

Day 6 (7 April): Ketembe - Berestagi. This morning after breakfast and perhaps a swim in the river we will farewell the jungle team and and start the longish drive (6-7 hours) through to the beautiful mountain town of Berestagi. Here, given time, we will visit the local markets and look around the town. Berestagi is a hill town with a temperate climate that is powered by thermal power from nearby volcanoes. Overnight at your hotel (B,L)

Day 7 (8 April): Sunrise climb volcano - Transfer to Medan airport. And optional early morning wake up call (4am) to climb Mt. Sibayak located directly behind your hotel. Short drive and an hours hike up the mountain will hopefully allow a spectacular sunrise across the valleys with wonderful views. Back for breakfast and then transfer to Airport for your connecting afternoon flights to KL (B,L)
Note: Flights and arrangements to and in KL by guest

Day 8 (9 April): Kuala Lumpur. By your own arrangements

Day 9 (10 April):  KL - KK Sabah. Fly from KL to Kota Konabalu to begin Sabah tour leg - refer to Sabah itinerary.
Note: Flights by guest

INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS SUMATRA

INCLUSIONS

• Accommodation in Sumatra (twin share) 
• Accommodation Berestagi x 2 nights (twin share)
• Meals as noted in the intinerary (B,L,D)
• National park fees
• Tent and camping equipment
• All transfers by private AC car
• Experienced local english speaking guides
• Orangutan Odysseys water bottle and travel pack

EXCLUSIONS

• International and domestic airfares and any expenses due to flight delays or cancellation
• Travel Insurance (compulsory)
• Personal expenses - alcohol, laundry, phone calls
• Tipping
• Meals and activties not mentioned.

ITINERARY SABAH MALAYSIA LEG

NOTE: Sabah Malaysia tour will operated by ground partner company River Junky and is as per agreed itinerary directly with Kevin Waddell.

Day 1 (April 10th): Pick up from airport and begin the 3-hour (approx) journey to Sayap substation. Depending on departure time, you will most likely have lunch along the way, arrive, set up camp and head off for a walk to Kemantis waterfall. Return for dinner and night walk. Meals: L, D. 

Day 2 (April 11th): 4D3N Sayap. Start your day with an early morning bird walk followed by breakfast at the camp and then explore some of the trails in the area. Return for lunch and relax for the early afternoon before heading out on an afternoon walk. Meals: B, L, D.

Day 3 (April 12th): 4D3N Sayap. spend more time exploring the many trails, swimming and searching for unique flora and fauna. Meals: B, L, D.

Day 4 (April 13th): Sayap - Kinabalu Park. Depart Sayap after breakfast and make your way through the beautiful winding road to Kinabalu Park, stopping at Nabalu Market along the way. Check into your room and freshen up. Meals: B, L, D.

Day 5 (April 14th): 3D2N Kinabalu Park. Spend a full day exploring the trails of Kinabalu park starting with an early morning bird walk from Timpohon gate. Meals: B, L, D.

Day 6 (April 15th): Kinabalu Park - Sepilok Nature Resort. Early morning bird walk followed by breakfast and then transfer to Sepilok stopping for lunch around the Sabah tea gardens for lunch. Arrive mid-afternoon at Sepilok Nature Resort to check-in, freshen up and take a stroll at the Rainforest Discovery centre's canopy walk. Meals: B, L (Dinner at own expense).

Day 7 (April 16th): 3D2N Sepilok RDC. Spend the day exploring the trails of the Rainforest discovery centre. A trek can be considered to Sepilok Laut depending on fitness levels and rangers approval. Meals: B, L (Dinner at own expense).

Day 8 (April 17th): Sepilok - TREC. Check out from Sepilok Nature Resort and transfer to Batu Puteh for lunch and then a 15 - 20minute boat ride to Tungog Eco Camp to check into your basic A-frame hut. Go for a short intro walk and than freshen up before the evening river cruise at 4:00 pm. Spend the next 2 hours along the Kinabatangan River in search of wildlife that call the river their home. Once you return from the cruise, have dinner before heading out on a night walk in the rainforest. Meals: B, L, D. 

Day 9 (April 18th): 3D2N TREC. Kick off your day with a bird watching tour and then come back to breakfast served overlooking the Tungog Oxbow Lake around. After breakfast, get ready for a guided jungle walk around 9:00 am. The hike will take you through the primary rainforest surrounding the eco-camp. Return from the hike and enjoy a well-deserved lunch. Relax by the lake or head out to help with KOPEL's tree planting activities on the outskirts of the rainforest.  The next river cruise will be around 4:00 pm. Once you return from the cruise, have dinner before heading out on a night walk in the rainforest.

Day 10 (April 19th): TREC - Danum Valley Field Centre. Wake-up to the relaxing sounds of the jungle and then head out on a morning river cruise at 6:00 am. After breakfast, check out and transfer to Danum Valley, stopping in Lahad Datu along the way for an early lunch. Arrive at the Danum Valley Field Centre in the mid-afternoon to check-in and freshen up before your first trek around 4pm. Return to the centre for dinner and then on a night drive. Meals: B, L, D.

Day 11 (April 20th): 4D3N DVFC. Wake up early for an early morning nature walk and see the forest come to life. Return to the centre for breakfast and then embark one of the longer trails with either packed lunch or to return by noon. After lunch, take a dip at the Ulu Segama River before heading off for another trek – there are various types of trails, and your guide can discuss this with you. Return in the late afternoon, in time to watch the sky change colour as the sunsets. After dinner, go on an included night walk with your guide. Meals: B, L, D. 

Day 12 (April 21st): 4D3N DVFC. Early morning 4x4 drive to Bukit Atur for a breathtaking sunrise experience atop a canopy of trees. Back for breakfast and then spend another full day with your guide exploring the forest with more chances to spot wildlife by some short walks or possibly embarking on another of the longer trails. Meals: B, L, D.

Day 13 (April 22nd): DVFC - Tabin. Wake up early for an early walk and more wildlife sighting possibilities. Return to the dining hall for breakfast, and check out around 8.30 am. Arrive at Tabin Wildlife Resort for lunch. In the afternoon, trek with your guide from the Elephant trail to the active Lipad mud volcano which provides a mineral salt lick for wildlife, arrive at the elevated bare area of the mud volcano which is frequented by wildlife and birds. Try to identify the multitude of animal footprints here. Trek from the mud volcano back to the main road. After dinner join the 4X4 night safari drive looking for nocturnal animals (L, D) 

Day 14 (April 23rd): 3D2N Tabin. Start with an optional early morning bird walk to discover some of Tabin’s rich collection of almost 300 bird species. After breakfast, trek to Lipad Waterfall.  Take a dip in the natural pool and enjoy a natural and refreshing shower under the waterfall. Alternatively, explore the surrounding vegetation or simply relax. In the afternoon you may wish to try out the Tabin Rainforest Foot Soak made with a natural blend of herbs, to relax tired muscles after long jungle treks. As the sun sets, go on a dusk drive to look for nocturnal wildlife coming before returning to the lodge for dinner and an after-dinner night walk on the nature trail nearby the resort  (B,L,D) 

Day 15 (April 24th): Tabin - LD airport. After breakfast, free and easy until check out. You may opt to take up a dawn drive or jungle walk to look out for wildlife that is active at this time of the day. (Optional activity not included in the package: Dawn Drive). Transfer out is at 1.30pm after lunch. You will be back in Lahad Datu by 3pm - 3.30pm for your onward journey. Tour ends.

INCLUSIONS AND EXCLUSIONS SABAH

INCLUSIONS

• Personal guide for 15 days from 11th - 25th April
• All transfers as per itinerary
• All meals as per itinerary
• Entrance fees to places mentioned in the itinerary
• Leech socks
• 2 x 4X4 activities at Danum Valley
• 3 river cruises on the Kinabatangan River
• Accommodation-
  • Sayap: Tent/Camping x 3 nights
  • Kinabalu Park: Hill lodge or similar- twin room x 2 nights
  • Sepilok Nature Resort: Twin AC room x 2 night
  • TREC: Basic A-frame hut x 2 nights
  • DVFC: Resthouse fan room x 3 nights
  • Tabin Wildlife Resort: River lodge x 2 nights

EXCLUSIONS

• International and domestic airfares and any expenses due to flight delays or cancellation
• Travel Insurance (compulsory)
• Soft drinks/alcoholic beverages
• Personal items
• Tourism tax (RM10/night to be paid directly at the accommodations)
• Tips (optional)
• Any flights
• Meals and activities not mentioned