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Our Tour Experts We carefully select our experts based on their knowledge, companionship and influence, ensuring that you can travel with the most knowledgeable leaders in the field.
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Heroes and Heroines The people who lead the way when it comes to those things which matter to us: exploration, the environment, women’s empowerment and education.
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Our Tour Experts 
Heroes and Heroines 
Borneo Orangutan Conservation
| Start date | End date | Days | Prices from | Single Supplement | Tour Expert | Group Size | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07/06/20 | 16/06/20 | 10 days | £3,395 ex. flights | £675 | Ashley Leiman | 10 Max | FULL | 18/06/21 | 27/06/21 | 10 days | £3,695 ex. flights | £675 | Ashley Leiman | 10 Max | AVAILABLE | Reserve place |
Journey deep into the lush rainforests of Indonesian Borneo for a unique opportunity to visit Lamandau in co-operation with the Orangutan Foundation.
Come face-to-face with the orangutans in their fragile natural environment and spend time at the three feeding sites, including famous Camp Leakey established in 1971 by Dr Biruté Galdikas. The feeding sites are frequented by ex-captive orangutans living in the wild, allowing for some close encounters. Whilst deep in the rainforest of Tanjung Puting, journey along the rivers and spot the fascinating wildlife that lives here. Hope to catch a glimpse of proboscis monkeys, monitor lizards and kingfishers.
The group tour will be joined by either Ashley or a member of the Orangutan Foundation, who will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience and provide behind-the-scenes insight into orangutan conservation. Through the expertise of the Orangutan Foundation, understand the importance of the forest and the role of local communities in securing the orangutans’ future.
Introducing your expert
Ashley Leiman
01285 601 784
Orangutan Foundation
The Orangutan Foundation is a UK registered charity working to conserve the threatened orangutan and its globally important habitat; the tropical forests of Borneo and Sumatra. Since its foundation in 1990, the Orangutan Foundation has developed a diverse range of programmes.
As part of this Orangutan group tour, there will be a donation of £550 per person to the Orangutan Foundation. This allows Steppes Travel clients to support the work of The Orangutan Foundation and visit the projects supported by this amazing charity.
Key Highlights of this Itinerary
1Orangutan Foundation
Join experts from the Orangutan Foundation and gain an insight into conservation projects.
2River safaris
Take river journeys through dense jungle, spotting proboscis monkeys and monitor lizards.
3Camp Leakey
Visit the renowned Camp Leakey and gain exclusive access to orangutan release sites.
4Your visit counts
Travel knowing your costs contribute directly towards the Orangutan Foundation.
Why we like it
This orangutan tour helps support the Orangutan Foundation, who have been instrumental in fighting for habitat preservation, raising awareness and rehabilitating ex-captive orphans. The tour helps fund vital habitat protection which includes running guard posts and forest patrols in Tanjung Puting National Park and the Lamandau Wildlife Reserve. Outside of protected areas money goes to supporting the Orangutan Foundation’s Rescue and Release Programme.
Day 1
Jakarta
Day 2
Jakarta - Pangkalan Bun - Tanjung Puting National Park
Day 3
Tanjung Puting National Park
Day 4
Camp Leakey
Day 5
Tanjung Puting - Yayorin Conservation Village - Pangkalan Bun
Day 6
Pangkalan Bun - Lamandau Wildlife Reserve -Tanjung Puting National Park
Days 7-8
Tanjung Puting National Park
Day 9
Tanjung Puting National Park - Pangkalan Bun - Jakarta
Day 10
Jakarta
Day 1
Jakarta
Meet the group in Jakarta.
Day 2
Jakarta - Pangkalan Bun - Tanjung Puting National Park
Fly to Pangalan Bun and continue by boat to Tanjung Puting National Park.
Day 3
Tanjung Puting National Park
Take a forest walk, accompanied by a guide. Visit the Orangutan Foundation’s recently renovated visitor information centre.
Day 4
Camp Leakey
Head upstream on the beautiful Sekonyer River to the legendary Camp Leakey, the research site established by Dr Birute Galdikas. On arrival, expect to be greeted by a number of ex-captive and rehabilitated orangutans.
Day 5
Tanjung Puting - Yayorin Conservation Village - Pangkalan Bun
Meet the Orangutan Foundation’s local partners, Yayorin. A grassroots conservation NGO, Yayorin works alongside local communities in order to protect orangutans.
Day 6
Pangkalan Bun - Lamandau Wildlife Reserve -Tanjung Puting National Park
Leave Pangkalan Bun and travel along the Arut River to the Lamandau Wildlife Reserve, a release site for reintroduced and rescued orangutans.
Days 7-8
Tanjung Puting National Park
Much of your days will be spent onboard a klotok (small riverboat) as you move up and down the Sekonyer River accessing the various feeding sites.
Day 9
Tanjung Puting National Park - Pangkalan Bun - Jakarta
Leave Tanjung Puting and travel by boat to the small port of Kumai. Drive on to Pangkalan Bun, to connect with you afternoon flight to Jakarta.
Day 10
Jakarta
Transfer to the airport for your onwards travel.
Includes / Excludes
Important Information
Moderate ActivityTravelling on your own? Our group tours are perfect for solo travellers, as travelling as part of an organised group in faraway places provides security and peace of mind. We handle all of the arrangements for you and there will be a local tour guide on hand throughout to provide advice and help if needed, as well as the expertise of a Tour expert.
To allow flexibility, our group tours do not include international flights as standard. We can arrange international flights on your behalf, please get in touch with our travel experts for a quote. All international flights from the UK are ATOL protected.
What is included
- Accompanied by Ashley Leiman or a member of Orangutan Foundation
- Services of guides and rangers
- Accommodation based on twin-share basis
- All activities as detailed in the itinerary
- £550 per person to the Orangutan Foundation
- Internal flights
- Gratuities for local guide, driver and porters
- A copy of 'The Orangutan's World: A Photographic Celebration of Bornean Wildlife'
- Meals as indicated
- Park fees
- Transportation throughout
What is excluded
- International flights
- Visa
- Travel Insurance
- Meals other than those shown
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- All items of a personal nature
- Departure taxes
Tanjung Puting National Park
Located on the southern edge of Indonesian Borneo, Tanjung Puting National Park is a vast area of jungle that incorporates dry forests, swamps and coastal mangroves. Famous for its orangutan population and associated conservation efforts, the park rose to prominence thanks to the work of Dr Birute Galdikas, one of Louis Leakey’s remarkable ‘Trimates’.
Whilst Tanjung Puting is famed for its orangutans, it also boasts a number of other animals including the bizarre-looking proboscis monkey, clouded leopards, civets, sun bears and over 230 species of birds, including hornbills and many wetland species. Despite the park’s protected status and the work of the Orangutan Foundation, this fragile ecosystem remains under threat.
Camp Leakey
The research station at Camp Leakey has helped to develop eco-tourism as an important role in the country’s economy, helping to stave off the ever-present threat of palm oil plantations and logging. The joy of drifting along the smaller waterways of the Bornean rainforest, with colourful hornbills, lively proboscis monkeys and the elusive orangutans nearby make this area a magical place to visit.
Why travel with Steppes Travel to see Orangutans in Indonesian Borneo?
The group tour will be joined by either Ashley or a member of the Orangutan Foundation, who will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience and provide behind-the-scenes insight into orangutan conservation. Through the expertise of the Orangutan Foundation, understand the importance of the forest and the role of local communities in securing the orangutans’ future.
What happens on a typical day?
Much of your day will either be spent onboard a klotok (small river boat), moving up and down the Sekonyer River accessing the various feeding sites. Alternatively, enjoy forest walks, accompanied by a guide and Ashley. In the evenings, there will be opportunities to hear from the leaders during post-dinner presentations.
There are three feeding sites that you may visit: Camp Leakey, Pondok Tanggui and Tanjung Harapan.
How likely am I to see an Orangutan?
For us, the importance of this orangutan tour is to gain an understanding and appreciation of the orangutan, their habitat and the threats they face. Whilst you may get close to orangutans – possibly within a few metres – it is not our aim to get you as close to an orangutan as possible.
At the feeding areas, the orangutans come fairly close to you as they are habituated and relatively unafraid of people. They are far more afraid of the resident alpha male….
What will the weather in Borneo be like in June?
June is the best time to visit Borneo when the island is hot, humid, and at its driest. This makes it one of Southeast Asia’s few summer destinations. It is also the best time to see orangutans in the wild.
Do I need to be physically fit to enjoy this tour?
Not particularly. Walking is generally over flat terrain, occasionally made more difficult by stray tree roots or loose-leaf litter. Walks will last between 20 minutes and an hour, but the humidity can make this more challenging than usual. Due to this, being able to cope with the heat and humidity is more important than being fit.
However, you need to be reasonably agile to be able to embark and disembark from the klotoks, local boats.
What is the standard of accommodation on this tour?
The FM7 hotel is simply an airport hotel – modern and convenient. The majority of the trip is spent staying at Rimba Lodge, in Tanjung Puting National Park. Clean and comfortable, this remote property features private bathrooms and air conditioning.
However, accommodation choices are limited within the park and, although this is the best available option, it is a little rough around the edges. Whilst employing local staff to run the lodge is a positive approach, it means that service is friendly and genuine, rather than polished.
Is this tour suitable for solo travellers?
Our group tours are perfect for solo travellers, as travelling as part of an organised group in faraway places does provide security and peace of mind. We handle all of the arrangements for you and there will be a local tour guide on hand throughout to provide advice and help if needed, as well as the expertise of our tour experts.
If you are willing to share, we will always do our best to match you up with another solo traveller of the same sex so that you do not have to pay for a single room.
If you would prefer the privacy of your own room and would like this guaranteed, then the single room price supplement will apply.
Can I extend my time in Indonesia?
Absolutely. Indonesia is a diverse country with vibrant cities, stunning beaches and iconic wildlife. Please speak to one of our Indonesia specialists for further information.
Haven’t found what you’re looking for?
Lamandau Wildlife Reserve
This site is not open to the public so Steppes Travel has negotiated special access to the region through the Orangutan Foundation. In doing so it means that the orangutans and their environment can be observed in privacy – a unique opportunity to appreciate these wonderful creatures and the beauty of the forest.
Why a Steppes expert-led group tour
1.Experience Matters
We have been running insightful and groundbreaking group tours since our inception in 1989. We have worked with institutions such as the British Museum and Victoria & Albert Museum and run wildlife tours in conjunction with conservation agencies such as Fauna & Flora International, Wildlife Conservation Society, the Orangutan Foundation, Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund and the Jane Goodall Institute.
2.Size Matters
Our average group size is typically eight to ten people, smaller than other group tours typically offered – a factor which many of our clients appreciate. Travelling as part of a smaller group provides a more intimate, personalised and relaxed atmosphere.
4.It’s about who you know
We have developed an enviable pool of expertise from which to choose our tour experts, who we carefully select based on their knowledge, companionship and personality. Often, these experts can use their influence to facilitate private access to sites not typically open to the public.
3.Like-Minded People
Steppes Travellers are like-minded people – interesting, interested and curious. Our group tours aim to create an easy and informal atmosphere – we have a lot of fun on our tours and many friendships have been formed.
5.Value for money
Our tours are well-priced to ensure you get real value for money. We include gratuities on the majority of our tours and do not pass on currency surcharges. We strive to look after single travellers as well as we can, keeping single supplements to a minimum.
6.Peace of Mind
When you travel on one of our group tours, you will be looked after by our local agents and your tour expert with the back-up of our 24-hour emergency number and duty manager. All our holidays are fully bonded and protected – our ATOL number is ATOL 6495.
Our future tour dates
For further information about any of these tours please call 01285 601 784
| Start date | End date | Days | Prices from | Single Supplement | Tour Expert | Group Size | Status | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07/06/20 | 16/06/20 | 10 days | £3,395 ex. flights | £675 | Ashley Leiman | 10 Max | FULL | 18/06/21 | 27/06/21 | 10 days | £3,695 ex. flights | £675 | Ashley Leiman | 10 Max | AVAILABLE | Reserve place |
Reserve your place on this group tour
Our travel experts have a wealth of first-hand knowledge, so if you have any questions about this expert-led group tour, please get in touch. They would love to help. We hope you can join us on this tour.
01285 601 784Send us an enquiry
Send us a message and one of our travel experts
will get right back to you.
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