Indonesia Expedition: Orangutans of Kalimantan
Trip Code: TISW
Why we love it
Travel aboard a traditional klotok boat, traversing the winding rivers in Tanjung Puting National Park in search of local and endemic wildlife, including the elusive orangutan., Learn about the organisation working to rescue, rehabilitate and release these critically endangered animals at the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation (BOSF)., Appreciate a truly local experience in Tumbang Malahoi village with a stay in a longhouse. Receive a welcoming blessing ceremony and enjoy a night of eating and dancing with local families., Head out on a canoe safari in Sebangau National Park, searching for orangutans, proboscis monkeys, macaques, monitor lizards, hornbills, kingfishers, and – if you’re lucky – clouded leopards!, Discover Indonesia’s central metropolis in Jakarta and the up-and-coming city of Palangka Raya, with plenty of free time in both to explore at your own pace., By travelling on this trip, you’ll directly support our Intrepid Foundation partner, Coral Triangle Center Foundation. Donations help expand their coral restoration project and support their educational outreach activities for local schools in Nusa Penida.
Is this trip right for me?
This trip takes you to a part of Borneo not often visited by foreign travellers and is ideal for those who have been to Indonesia previously and are keen to explore more. Each day is an adventure, and we filled this trip full of diverse wildlife experiences of Borneo which are impossible to find on any other trip. Please note that there is no guarantee of seeing wildlife on specific days of this journey, as you will be visiting national parks with endemic and rare species. Your expert guides will provide the best opportunity to see wildlife along the way, but as to be respectful to your environment, you may have a day or two simply admiring the jungle around you.
Sometimes you’ve got to rough it to get amongst it. While most of the accommodation on this trip is tourist class, there will be some very basic accommodation during the overnight stay in the longhouse. All bedding and mattresses are provided, plus mosquito nets to sleep under.
Some of the best scenery is found deep in Borneo’s jungles, which can be quite steamy, muddy and, at times, slippery. In order to experience the splendour of the diverse landscapes and waters, the included activities on this trip often require a moderate level of fitness. We ask that you read the Essential Trip Information and itinerary carefully to ensure that you will be able to participate fully.
Temperatures and humidity can be high in Indonesia, especially when walking around the jungles of Borneo where there may be little respite. Be prepared by taking plenty of drink breaks and wearing appropriate skin protection.
This trip has some long travel days by private vehicle, including on bumpy local roads. It's not unusual for journeys to take longer than estimated and travel times to vary from one departure to the next. Extra space can be tight, and conditions may feel a little cramped. It’s all part of the adventure and a great way to get to know your fellow travellers. Please read the itinerary carefully for travel time estimates.
The longhouse stay is a wonderful opportunity to witness everyday rural life and includes a home-cooked dinner. Facilities are simple and multi-share but comfortable, with mattresses, bedding and mosquito nets all provided. Some travellers are nervous about the experience before they arrive, but we find most end up naming this as a highlight of their time and a rewarding, authentic experience. Other accommodation is in no frills, simple guesthouses and hotels, perfect for travellers on a budget. On occasion our accommodation may not have hot water, but you will probably be keen to cool down from the heat with a refreshing cold shower!
Important information
1. Please provide your full name exactly as per passport at the time of booking for the flight ticket on this trip. Ticketing fees may apply for amendments to details within 45 days of departure, and in some cases you will be required to cover the cost of issuing a new ticket.
2. A Single Supplement is available on this trip excluding Days 2-4 (Ecolodge) where you will be in twin share accommodation and Day 8 (Longhouse) which is multishare.
3. To secure Tanjung Puting National Park permits and the flight ticket for this trip, a scanned copy of the personal details page of your passport needs to be sent to your booking agent no later than 45 days before departure. Ticketing fees may apply for amendments to details within 45 days of departure, and in some cases, you will be required to cover the cost of issuing a new ticket or permit.
What to bring/pack
https://www.intrepidtravel.com/packing-list
Physical rating
Joining your group
Yello Harmoni Jakarta, Jl. Hayam Wuruk No. 6, DKI Jakarta 10120, Jakarta, Java, INDONESIA
Yello Hotel is situated in Hayam Wuruk, near Jakarta's main train station. It is 1.3 km from National Museum of Indonesia and 1.4 km from National Monument Park. Travellers have the option to dine at the on-site restaurant. Modern rooms at this property are decorated with bright wall art and quirky decorations. The rooms are equipped with a TV with cable channels. Travellers enjoy private bathrooms fitted with a shower. For your comfort, you will find slippers and free toiletries. There is a 24-hour front desk, a cash machine and shops at the property.
Alternate Joining Point
Joining instructions
If you have booked an airport transfer please make your way to the Golden Bird counter where your driver will be organised to take you to your hotel
• For arrival on international terminal 2D, the Golden Bird counter is on your left side.
• For arrival on international terminal 3, the Golden Bird counter is on the right side after the ATM center.
• For arrival on domestic terminal 2F, the Golden Bird lounge is on your left side.
• For arrival on domestic terminal 3 Ultimate, the Golden Bird counter is on the left side of the automatic exit door nearby gate 4 and 5.
• For arrival on domestic terminal 1A/1B/1C, the Golden Bird counter is on the right side of the arrival gate.
Please approach the lounge and give the duty officer your name. The office will then arrange your driver and car to your hotel.
If your flight number has been changed or you are arriving on a different flight number please call GOLDEN BIRD and let them know which flight number you will be arriving on.
24-hour number +62 21 5591 2899
If the above number is busy please try calling +62 21 5591 1332 and +62 21 7944 444
Alternatively, taxis are cheap, safe and reliable. As you emerge from immigration you will pass an indoor counter for official public taxis - please go to this counter to get a taxi. Expect to pay around 250,000 IDR – the meter will not be turned on. There are also road tolls that need to be paid of between 30,000 – 40,000 IDR. The trip takes approx. one hour, though it can take longer during peak hours.
It is also possible to take the DAMRI shuttle bus from the airport. There is a DAMRI bus counter in each terminal and the cost is 30,000 to Gambir station. From Gambir station you can take a metered taxi for around 30,000 to the hotel.
Finishing your trip
Yello Harmoni Jakarta, Jl. Hayam Wuruk No. 6, DKI Jakarta 10120, Jakarta, Java, INDONESIA
Yello Hotel is situated in Hayam Wuruk, near Jakarta's main train station. It is 1.3 km from National Museum of Indonesia and 1.4 km from National Monument Park. Travellers have the option to dine at the on-site restaurant. Modern rooms at this property are decorated with bright wall art and quirky decorations. The rooms are equipped with a TV with cable channels. Travellers enjoy private bathrooms fitted with a shower. For your comfort, you will find slippers and free toiletries. There is a 24-hour front desk, a cash machine and shops at the property.
Alternate Finish Point
Meals & dietary information
Breakfasts included: 11
Lunches included: 7
Dinners included: 4
While travelling with us you'll experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Your group leader or local representative will be able to suggest restaurants to try during your trip. To give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat, generally not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. As a rule our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. If you have dietary requirements and/or food allergies, please let your booking agent know prior to departure.
INDONESIAN FOOD:
Here are 10 quintessential dishes you have to try while travelling in Indonesia: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/what-to-eat-in-indonesia/
VEGETARIANS & VEGANS:
Strict vegetarians should be aware that a lot of Indonesian cooking contains fermented shrimp paste (terasi) as a basic ingredient. Chicken and eggs are also common in many dishes. Although there are many vegetarian options available, please ensure you are specific as possible when ordering food to ensure that your meal suits your dietary needs. If you are travelling to Ubud, see our guide to vegan and vegetarian eats: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/adventures/vegan-vegetarian-guide-to-ubud/
Climate & seasonal information
FLOODS & MUDSLIDES:
Floods and mudslides can occur during the wet season (October - March). Heavy rains during this time can result in areas of the Jakarta region being affected by flood waters. Key services, such as emergency and medical care, telecommunications, transport, and the supply of food and water are often disrupted during floods and mudslides. Should our trips be affected by floods during this time we may need to reroute our itineraries and travellers may need to use their contingency funds to cover additional costs.
VOLCANOES:
Indonesia has many active volcanoes that can erupt at any time and cause widespread disruption. Alert levels may be raised and evacuations ordered at short notice. Follow the instructions and advice of local authorities, including any evacuation orders. In the event of or following an eruption you should contact your travel insurance provider directly to ask if your policy is affected by the volcanic activity. For information regarding whether your itinerary has been affected, see our Travel Alerts page: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/au/travel-alerts
The most recent eruptions have been:
- Mt Agung, East Bali. Mount Agung has shown increased volcanic activity since late-September 2017. Ash from the volcano has disrupted flights. There is currently an exclusion zone around the crater, which may change at short notice.
- Mount Merapi (near Yogyakarta). Following an eruption in May 2018, people in the area were evacuated by local authorities.
EARTHQUAKES:
Indonesia is in an active earthquake region with a high level of earthquake activity, sometimes triggering tsunamis. Earthquakes can occur anywhere in Indonesia. In the event of a natural disaster, follow the advice of local authorities. In the event of or following an earthquake you should contact your travel insurance provider directly to ask if your policy is affected by the event. For information regarding whether your itinerary has been affected, see our Travel Alerts page: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/au/travel-alerts
The most recent earthquakes have been:
- Lombok & the Gili Islands. A series of powerful earthquakes caused widespread damage and loss of life in northern Lombok and the Gili Islands in July and August 2018. Tourist facilities such as hotels and restaurants that temporarily closed as a result of the earthquakes are progressively reopening and ferry services are operating.
NATIONAL INDEPENDENCE DAY:
Always celebrated on August 17, this is Indonesia's national day and marks Indonesia's declaration of independence from the Netherlands in 1945. Around this time you may experience some delays to transport due to events, or alternative accommodation may be need to be sourced due to it being a peak time.
NYEPI - BALINESE NEW YEAR :
Nyepi is a Balinese "Day of Silence" that is commemorated every Isakawarsa according to the Balinese calendar. It is a Hindu celebration mainly celebrated in Bali. Custom requires that all people in Bali observe a day of silence and do not leave their homes. Flights to/from Denpasar airport will be suspended for this day and majority of services and businesses do not operate. It is expected that travellers will respect the traditions of the Balinese people during Nyepi and stay within their accommodation at this time. Dates for Nyepi may change, but are currently: 11th March 2024, and 29th March 2025
RAMADAN
The important month of Ramadan will be in progress 1 March to 30 March 2025 and the Eid ul-Fitr festival will be held directly at its conclusion for 3-4 days. Ramadan is a festival of sacrifice where the devout refrain from eating or drinking during daylight hours. During Ramadan, business hours are shortened, including opening hours at some tourist attractions. Alcohol is not permitted during daylight hours and many restaurants will be closed. While you should expect some delays and inconveniences during this period, the month is a fantastic opportunity to travel in a Muslim country and witness this unique period, particularly the nightly celebrations when the sun sets and the fast is broken. Please note that although the Eid ul-Fitr festival can also be a fascinating time to travel it's a period of national holiday. Most government offices and businesses will be closed and some tourist site opening hours may be affected.
In case of emergency
While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip.
We recognise that there may be times when your group leader or local representative may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the group leader or local representative to speak to their direct manager.
You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. Please do be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is completed, so informing us while still travelling will give us the opportunity to resolve the issue in real-time.
For general contact details please use the following page: https://www.intrepidtravel.com/contact-us
In case of a genuine crisis or emergency, you can reach our local office on the numbers below:
Available for phone call or WhatsApp call on +62 822 3553 2507