Join us for an Enthralling Orangutan Photography Expedition
Uncover the Endangered Orangutans of Tanjung Puting National Park
Nestled in the heart of Central Kalimantan, the extraordinary and endangered Pongo pymaeus flourishes in its native environment—the orangutan. This exceptional primate is native to Borneo, yet its sanctuary faces peril as its vital habitat dwindles rapidly. To ensure the continued existence of these remarkable beings, orangutan rehabilitation centers have been erected within the depths of the rainforest.
Photographic Highlights:
Orangutan Encounters: Join us as we visit two extraordinary orangutan feeding stations: Pondok Tanggui and Camp Leakey. Each offers a distinctive opportunity to capture these magnificent creatures up close as they engage in their feeding rituals.
Jungle Trekking: Embark on guided jungle treks, venturing deep into the heart of the lush rainforest. Your camera will be your faithful companion as you search for hidden treasures and elusive wildlife amidst the dense vegetation.
Riverside Wildlife: Glide along the riverbanks of Sungai Sekonyer Kanan aboard our traditional houseboat, known as a Kelotok. Keep your lenses ready for sightings of Proboscis Monkeys, Long-tailed Macaques, and an array of bird species that inhabit this pristine landscape.
Sungai Sekonyer Kanan: Experience the serene beauty of a black water river as we navigate the enchanting Sungai Sekonyer Kanan. Its tranquil waters provide a captivating backdrop for your photography.
Overnight Kelotok Stay: Our Kelotok, a unique mobile base, offers a comfortable yet rustic experience. While facilities are basic, you'll have everything you need for an authentic rainforest adventure. Capture stunning images from the upper deck's front platform or relax at the table and chair setup. At night, we stay at a resort hotel inside the national park, providing private facilities for your comfort.
Onboard Amenities: Culinary Delights: Indulge in three delectable meals expertly prepared by our onboard chef. The galley (kitchen) on the lower deck ensures that your culinary desires are satisfied.
Restroom Convenience: For your convenience, a toilet facility is available at the rear of the Kelotok.
Your Photographic Expedition Awaits: Immerse yourself in the untamed beauty of Tanjung Puting National Park, where every moment offers an opportunity to capture the essence of this precious ecosystem. Join us on this unforgettable journey to protect and celebrate the orangutans and the diverse biodiversity of Borneo.
Day 1, 14 May
Upon your arrival at Pangkalan Bun airport, settle in for the night. Today is a day of rest as we prepare to embark on our boat journey into the jungles early tomorrow morning.
Day 2, 15 May
Exploring the Riverside
Upon arrival in Pangkalan Bun, our photography tour commences. You will be warmly welcomed and transferred to Kumai to board your Kelotok, a traditional Indonesian riverboat. As we depart from the Kumai River, keep your camera poised to capture scenes of river life and the unique semi-wild swift poultry nesting in towering structures reminiscent of tiny high-rise buildings.
Cruising Through Mangroves: Navigate the picturesque Sekonyer River, passing through estuarine mangrove habitats that offer abundant photo opportunities. Keep watch for Proboscis Monkeys, Borneo’s endemic primates, as well as Long-tailed Macaques, Red-leaf Monkeys, Silvered Langurs, and various bird species along the riverbanks.
Today, we”ll journey to the resort nestled inside the national park for an overnight stay. This retreat offers comfortable accommodations amidst the rainforest, allowing you to immerse yourself in the jungle’s sights and sounds. Dinner will be served aboard the boat by our private chef. This day is primarily for settling into the resort deep within the national park, as we prepare for a full day of exploration tomorrow, without visits to orangutan stations.
Day 3, 16 May
Morning Exploration: Awaken to the symphony of the rainforest and savor a leisurely breakfast aboard the boat as we commence our cruise. Capture the ethereal reflections of the rainforest in the morning light as we embark on a guided exploration of the surrounding area. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife and unique flora awaiting your lens.
Camp Leakey Excursion: Our journey leads us to the iconic Camp Leakey, the site of Prof. Birute MF. Galdikas’ groundbreaking Orangutan Rehabilitation research. Cruise through a side creek with tea-colored waters, where encounters with freshwater crocodiles and other wildlife are possible. Following lunch at the resort, delve into a rainforest exploration, brimming with opportunities for nature and wildlife photography.
Afternoon Encounter: In the afternoon, at 14:00, seize the opportunity to capture compelling images of Orangutans during their feeding time. Return to the resort for another tranquil evening, relishing dinner in the jungle ambiance aboard the boat with our private chef.
Day 4, 17 May
Village Discovery: Following breakfast on the boat, journey downstream by Kelotok to Sekonyer Village, an orangutan-friendly community nestled on the outskirts of the National Park. Capture the essence of daily life and cultural activities in this vibrant village. Document the ingenious rain harvesting methods employed by locals to obtain fresh water.
Morning Wildlife Observation: As you enjoy your morning coffee onboard, be prepared for further wildlife photography opportunities. Encounter Orangutans foraging along the riverbanks and perhaps even glimpse Long-snout Crocodiles basking in the sun under favorable weather conditions.
Homeward Bound: Our journey concludes as we depart from Kumai, where you’ll be transferred back to Pangkalan Bun. If time permits, visit an Orangutan souvenir and handicraft gallery before embarking on your next adventure.
A morning flight to Surabaya, Jakarta, or Bali via Surabaya is recommended for the group.
This itinerary offers two comfortable overnight stays at a resort with private facilities within the national park, along with a privately chartered riverboat exclusively for our group. Immerse yourself in the rainforest and its wildlife, with activities suitable for all fitness levels. Access to feeding stations involves a short, flat 15-minute walk on a well- maintained path.
Tour Leaders
Raj Bose
Landscape, wildlife and travel photographer based in Houston, USA. Brand Ambassador : fstop gear,
Fotopro and Haida. Instagram: @rajbose_photography
Daniel Kordan
Landscape and travel photographer based in Bali, Indonesia. Partner with Iceland photo tours, instagram @Danielkordan with 2.3 Million followers, Nikon and Gitzo ambassador.
Payment is payable through paypal: rajbosephotography@gmail.com or check : Raj Bose Photography LLC. Payment of the balance is due one month before the workshop commences.
Workshop fee- $1750
- Accommodation double/twin rooms sharing in the resort inside national park
- All meals and non-alchohol drinks,
- All transportation during the tour
- Photography tuition,
- Entrance fees and all local taxes.
- Private chef onboard
- Naturalist guide
- Photography guide
- Bananas for orangutans
- Airfare
- Visas (if applicable)
- Single supplement 1000 USD
We strongly recommend getting trip cancellation and travel insurance after booking your trip. If you canceland the workshop is otherwise filled, we will refund you the full amount you have paid towards the tuition, minus a $300 service charge. If the workshop does not fill, refunds will be as follows, based on the full fee of the workshop:
- Greater than 90 days from the start date: full refund minus $300 service fee.
- 75 days or more: 75% refund
- 60 days or more: 50% refund
- Less than 60 days: no refund
Refunds will be issued by the same method as the original payment. In the event of another pandemic or global issue that disrupts this tour and requires cancellation, we can refund 100% of your deposit back to your credit card or issue credits for future use. Should you have any other questions or need clarification, do not hesitate to send me an email.
Thank you so muc
- Camera with tripod and remote shutter release
- A wide angle lens. For example, 14-24, 16-35 or 17-40. Best lens for use in wide-angle scenes or architecture photography
- A middle-zoom lens such as a 24-70 mm
- A telephoto zoom lens, such as a 70-200 mm. Be sure to have additional tripod mount to this lens.
1. 16-35mm or any wide angle lens
2. 24-70 mm -mid zoom range lens
3. 70-200mm- telephoto lens
4. Any kit lens will be also acceptable.
1. Circular Polarizer
2. 6 or 10 stop ND Filter
3. Camera Release Cable