Orangutans & Dragons of Indonesia Safari

Cruise the jungle-clad waterways of Kalimantan in search of orangutans before heading to the idyllic beaches of Bali and the Komodo Islands, home of the infamous Komodo dragons, staying aboard a traditional riverboat and the luxurious Mantra yacht.

This adventurous safari through the islands of Indonesia takes you from the rainforests of Kalimantan, home to the endangered Bornean orangutan, to the white-sand beaches of Bali and the dragons of Komodo National Park. Staying on a traditional riverboat, you will cruise through the waterways of Kalimantan and visit the orangutan rehabilitation centre at Camp Leakey, before camping out in the primary rainforest. From here you will fly south to the paradise island of Bali, staying on the white-sand beaches of Jimbaran Bay, before embarking on your private charter yacht, the Mantra, to explore the coral reefs and atolls of East Nusa Tenggara. Finally, you will visit the rugged island of Komodo, home to the largest lizard in the world - the Komodo dragon.

Day 1 - 2 - Bali - Palangkaraya - Sei Gohong - Bukit Rawi & Sigi

After a night in Bali, fly to Palangkaraya (flight not included), where you’ll be met and taken to your hotel. On day 2, depart your hotel at 08:00 for a transfer to Sei Gohong village. Board local canoes to observe orangutans on Pulau Kaja, managed by the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation (BOS). Next, visit BOS’s Education Centre in Nyaru Menteng for insights into their work. Return to Palangka Raya harbor to board the Rahai’i Pangun for lunch and a short city cruise. Afterward, travel to Bukit Rawi and Sigi for a Dayak welcome and a history tour, then return to the boat to cruise downstream and moor overnight.

Day 3 - Lake, Villages & Islands

In the early morning, take motorized canoes to explore Lake Bagantung, a unique blackwater peatland swamp where you can spot birds, wildlife, and local fishing activities. Back in Pusaka village, try the local self-defense or shadow boxing exercise. Then, return to the boat and continue downstream to Tumbang Nusa village for a tour of traditional livelihoods. The boat will pass the forested Selat and Badak Islands, where orangutan sightings may be possible, before mooring overnight in a quiet spot.

Day 4 - Pilang Village

The boat heads downstream to Pilang village, where you’ll walk through the nearby forest to observe rubber tapping (Mamantat) and rattan harvesting (Manetes). Your guide will point out medicinal plants before a village tour to see traditional crafts and rattan weaving. Enjoy tea, coffee, and Dayak cakes while watching a Kacapi performance. By midday, you’ll return to the boat for lunch and cruise to a quiet spot for the night.

Day 5 - Sebangau National Park - Bali

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast before your special visit to Sebangau National Park. Pack up and drive to Kereng Bangkirai village (40 minutes), then take a canoe across Lake Sebangau to the Koran River. Explore the park’s boardwalks and forests, visit the information center, and spot birds and possibly wild orangutans. Return to the village for a drink before transferring back to the airport. On arrival in Bali, you’ll be escorted to your hotel for the night.

Day 6 - 7 - Bali - Komodo

Take an early morning flight from Bali (included), where you’ll be met at Komodo airport and taken to your boat. After settling in, head to your first snorkelling spot. Go ashore on Komodo Island to see the famous Komodo dragons, the world’s largest lizard. Enjoy snorkelling on some of the park’s best reefs, including a popular spot for sea turtles, where you can swim with them.

Day 8-9 - Uninhabited & Volcanic Islands

Wake up off the coast of an uninhabited island with a pink-hued beach. Spend the morning swimming, paddleboarding, and snorkelling along the vibrant coral reef. Then, cruise to an active volcanic island for a unique snorkelling experience among gas bubbles rising from the seafloor. Finally, visit a mystical volcanic island with a saltwater crater lake formed after Mt. Tambora's 1815 eruption, where you can swim, kayak, and paddleboard.

Day 10 - Whale Sharks & Moyo Island

Get ready for an exhilarating experience swimming with whale sharks, the majestic gentle giants of the sea. These massive but harmless animals gather here in the bay, drawn by local fishermen’s traditional floating platforms, creating a unique alliance with visitors like you. Then, visit Moyo Island's charming village, hike to a stunning waterfall, and enjoy a refreshing dip in the cool waters.

Day 11-12 - Volcanic Island & Komodo

Visit a nearby volcanic island and see a traditional wooden pinisi boat under construction on the beach. Stroll through the village, meet locals, and browse handmade textiles. Back in Komodo National Park, enjoy snorkeling, beachcombing, and join a coral restoration program to observe coral and fish growth since 2015. End the day with a famous SeaTrek beach BBQ under a starlit sky, feasting on local delicacies prepared by our chef.

Day 13 - Melo Village & Depart Komodo

After breakfast on your final day, enjoy a scenic drive to Melo Village for a traditional Caci dance performance, a ritual whip-fight accompanied by acoustic instruments. After lunch on the boat, bid farewell to the crew and fellow travellers as you disembark and continue to your next destination.