Borneo: Orangutans in the Wild & Lost Paradise
In the heart of Borneo, wild orangutans and turquoise lagoons of the Derawan islands.
Duration
8 days
From
€995/pers.
Ideal seasons
Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
classique
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends, groupe, senior, Family, Honeymoon
The spirit of travel
Sensitive to animal welfare and the recommendations of local nature conservation organizations, we offer you an orangutan approach circuit, where these animals live in complete freedom in the Kutai National Park, in the northeast of Indonesian Borneo. When approaching wildlife, the risk of coming away empty-handed is of course present, but local rangers know the habits of these animals very well and will be keen to bring you close to several orangutans whose behavior has not been modified by the presence of tourists. The only lodge in the national park has moreover been recently renovated, and you will therefore be accommodated with all Western comforts (the toilets and bathroom with modern shower are however separate from the rooms).
You will also have the opportunity to explore a lost paradise: the Derawan Islands archipelago, which is part of the Coral Triangle. It is home to one of the richest marine biodiversities on the planet. Located in a biodiversity hotspot, the Derawan Islands are home to 872 species of reef fish, 507 species of corals and invertebrates, including protected species (5 species of giant clams, 2 sea turtles, a coconut crab, etc.) !
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Welcome to Borneo!
Balikpapan → Sangatta
Welcome to Balikpapan or Samarinda by your English-speaking guide and transfer to the small mining town of Sangatta, further north.
Kutai National Park
Sangatta → Kutai National Park
Early in the morning and along the Sangatta River, a motorized canoe takes you away from the city towards Kutai National Park.
After a quick installation in a brand new lodge, you head off to explore the surrounding jungle, in order to get close to wildlife and in particular orangutans in total freedom.
Return to the lodge at late morning, then, in late afternoon, the call of the forest offers you an exceptional night-time experience (animals move around more at night).
Wild Fauna & Flora
Sangatta → Samarinda
Early in the morning, you cross the surrounding mangrove in a motorized canoe, in particular to get close to many proboscis monkeys and birds, as well as... a few crocodiles. In the afternoon, transfer to Sangatta.
Boat ride 2h
Dayak Tribes
Samarinda → Miau Baru
Early in the morning, you get back on the road, the famous Transborneo, during which you cross numerous plantations and forests to reach Miau Baru, a traditional village populated by indigenous Dayak from the Apo Kayan. 40 years ago, these tribes decided to leave central Borneo to settle closer to modern civilization.
Many thought they had no future in Miau Baru, but the Dayaks managed to preserve their traditions, which they present to you in the afternoon, during an immersion in their culture.
Towards the north
Miau Baru → Nunukan Island
Possibility of visiting the village cemetery in the morning, which will surprise you with the artistic richness of the tombstones. Transfer then to the port of Berau.
In early afternoon, you board a speed-boat heading to the paradisiacal island of Nunukan, which is part of the Derawan islands archipelago.
Lost Paradise
See you very soon in Borneo
Nunukan Island → Aéroport
Free time until boarding a speed-boat that takes you back to Berau (3h30). Transfer to Berau airport and flight to your next destination. End of services.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- International & domestic flights
- Insurance & assistance
- Visas & possible airport taxes
- Beverages, Personal Expenses & Tips
- Everything not mentioned in "Inclusions"
Included
- English-speaking guide
- Ground transfers in private and air-conditioned vehicle
- Maritime & River Transfers
- Full board accommodations
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary above
- Site Entries, Trek Permits & Donations
- Mineral water and energy supplement during hiking days
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- More than 60 days before departure: 40% of the total price (deposit retained)
- Between 60 and 30 days before departure: 50% of the total price
- Less than 30 days before departure: 100% of the total price
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns tourists entering Indonesia. Entry requirements may change, and we recommend verifying the information with the official authorities of your country of residence and with the Indonesian embassy or consulate before your departure.
Passport
To enter Indonesia, your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months after your entry date and must contain at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn or altered pages).
Tourist stay without visa
Depending on your nationality, you may be eligible for a visa exemption for tourist stays in Indonesia. Entry requirements vary by nationality and should be verified with the Indonesian embassy or consulate of your country of residence.
The authorities may also request:
an exit ticket from the territory (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay.
Formalities on arrival
Before your arrival, it is recommended to complete the online arrival declaration via the official Indonesian customs and immigration portal (e-CD, Electronic Customs Declaration).
This form allows you to transmit to the authorities certain information necessary for entry into the territory:
passport information
flight details and itinerary
address of first accommodation in Indonesia
declaration of goods and currency carried
A confirmation QR code may be requested when passing through customs and immigration controls.
Health and vaccinations
No vaccine is mandatory to enter Indonesia, except in case of transit through a country at risk of yellow fever, in which case an international vaccination certificate may be required.
As a precaution, it is advisable to consult a doctor or vaccination center before departure. Vaccinations against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid and rabies are commonly recommended for stays in Indonesia. Antimalarial treatment may also be recommended depending on the regions visited (particularly outside Bali and major cities).
Travel with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay.
In some countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an authorization to exit the territory may be required according to the regulations of the country of residence.
Entry requirements by nationality
Entry conditions vary depending on nationality. Travelers should consult the Indonesian embassy or consulate of their country of residence for specific requirements.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to be insured for repatriation assistance and medical expenses abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to familiarize yourself with the specific contract developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, find out about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The complete insurance solution designed for a worry-free trip!
Choose the plan that suits you best:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complémentaire Carte Bancaire
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the agreement detailing all coverage and the procedures for filing a claim are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the procedures for reporting any claim. The participant must therefore keep this agreement with them for the entire duration of their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
A Visa on Arrival (35 USD) is required upon arrival, valid for an initial stay and extendable once. You can also obtain an e-VOA online before departure. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. Before booking, check the conditions applicable to your nationality with the consular authorities of your destination.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a quality tailored trip, plan between 140 and 230 euros per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transport and activities. International flights (700-1100 euros return) are additional. The archipelago allows you to combine beaches, volcanoes, jungle and culture at attractive rates.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We tailor each circuit to the travelers' profile. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, fun and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our local English-speaking guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate stories.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until you get the perfect version. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) guarantee which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Borneo
Photographer of Indonesian volcanoes and trails, based in Yogyakarta
Before drawing up an itinerary, you have to observe, walk, listen to the locals and understand the place. Only then can an adventure trip remain authentic.
— Dominic
