Wildlife Exploration Tour

12 DAYS / 11 NIGHTS

INDONESIA

WILDLIFE EXPLORATION TOUR

VALIDITY

Nov 2017 – Oct 2019

12 Days / 11 Nights INDONESIA’S BIG 3

A WILDLIFE EXPLORATION TOUR

What to expect

Indonesia’s vast and varied landscape is home to some truly extraordinary wildlife. This trip offers unique animal encounters with Indonesia’s ‘Big Three’ that symbolizes a stellar list of animals comprising orangutan, elephants and komodo dragons; three signature species that can only be found here. Encompassing three distinctive destinations in far-flung corners of the archipelago, the tour also provides an unparalleled view of the landscapes, cultures and habitats that define Indonesia as a wonderland for nature lovers.

Bukit Lawang, in Sumatra is home to rainforests inhabited by exotic wildlife, framed by towering volcanoes and waterfalls cascading down into verdant valleys. In the little town of Tangkahan, a team of elephants and their mahouts work together to maintain a fledgling national park, where visitors can join these gentle giants at work and play in the pristine rivers and jungle paths of the region. Just upriver, the town of Bukit Lawang is the perfect place to see orangutan in the wild.The apes here have grown used to human interaction, so expect some up close and personal encounters.

Tanjung Puting, is a 415,040-hectare national park in Kalimantan, home to thick rainforest, river delta systems and epic mountain ranges cloaked in ancient jungles. Over 220 species of mammals and more than 400 bird species are known to live here. In addition to wild orangutan, Tanjung Puting is home to proboscis monkeys, crocodiles, pythons, tarantulas, sun bears and even a dwindling population of leopards known to haunt the shadows in hidden corners of the jungle interior.

Komodo, is a spectacular, rusty red volcanic island in Nusa Tenggara, with steep hillsides of sun-blasted rock surrounded by immaculate coral gardens, mangroves and tropical shores. The world-famous Komodo Dragons can grow up to 3m in length and weigh in at around 100kg, making them an imposing and awe-inspiring sight. This group of islands is also home to a rich diversity of birdlife, along with flying foxes, fruit bats, wild horses, long-tailed macaques, palm civets, boar and snakes. Komodo National Park is an Eden for wildlife of all kinds, plus a great place for trekking, spotting, swimming and diving.

Highlights

·  Bathe with Sumatran elephants in the river at Tangkahan

·  Trek the jungle and meet the orangutans

·  Tubing on the crystal-clear jungle rivers at Bukit Lawang

·  Explore the jungles of Kalimantan on a traditional Klotok houseboat

·  Trek into the rainforest at night in search of nocturnal animals

·  Cruise the tropical waters of Komodo National Park

·  Sunbathing and snorkelling on Pink Beach in Komodo

·  Discover the Komodo Dragons of Rinca and Komodo Island

What you will do

DAY 01 | ARRIVAL MEDAN – TANGKAHAN (NO MEALS)

Upon arrival at Kualanamu International Airport in Medan, meet with your professional and licensed guide, then head into Medan; the capital of North Sumatra province for a brief city tour. Thereafter, take a drive from Medan to Tangkahan. Check-in upon arrival at your hotel.

Note: Morning time of arrival is highly suggested if you choose to do the Medan city tour.

Overnight at Tangkahan Inn or other similar

Approximate distance and journey time:

Medan – Tangkahan (99.2 km) : 4 hour 35 minutes

DAY 02 | TANGKAHAN – ELEPHANT ACTIVITIES – BUKIT LAWANG (B/L)

Dawn gives way to a new day as the sounds of a jungle symphony awakens you. Enjoy breakfast at the lodge and then head down to the riverside, where you will help in bathing the elephants. Proceed on an hour-long elephant ride through designated dirt trails, where lunch is provided at the end of the trek with a stunning waterfall set up. Return back to the hotel for a quick check-out.

Next, take a trip to Bukit Lawang traversing thickly cultivated plantations overlooking the dramatic views of forested foothills in the Bukit Barisan mountain range, where you’ll see shady countryside interspersed with local rural houses. Check-in upon arrival at your hotel in Bukit Lawang.

Overnight at Rindu Alam or other similar

Approximate distance and journey time:

Tangkahan – Bukit Lawang (60 km) : 3 hours 15 minutes

DAY 03 | BUKIT LAWANG TREKKING (B/L)

Following breakfast at your hotel, embark on a full day of trekking through the national park, where you may be lucky enough to see orangutan swinging gently through the trees, through an unforgettable landscape of exotic flora and fauna. Pause for a packed lunch during the trek, then follow a footpath through the rainforest along a network of trails which lead down to the riverside, where you will conclude the day’s trekking by taking a refreshing whitewater tube ride on crystal-clear mountain streams downriver. From here you will then return on foot to the hotel for accommodation.

Overnight at Rindu Alam Hotel or other similar

DAY 04 | BUKIT LAWANG – MEDAN – ARRIVAL JAKARTA (B/L)

Suggested flight | Medan (KNO) – Jakarta (CGK) by GA-191 | 17:00 – 19:25

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel, before setting out for some short trekking (approximately 2-3 Hours) in the unforgettable jungles of Bukit Lawang. Next, head back to the hotel and check out, before driving onwards to Medan, where you will catch an afternoon flight to Jakarta. Transfer to your hotel upon arrival and then spend the evening free at leisure.

Overnight at FM7 Resort Hotel or other similar

DAY 05 | DEPARTURE JAKARTA – PANGKALAN BUN – TANJUNG PUTING (B/L/D)

After breakfast, travel to the airport in Jakarta and transfer direct to Kumai village in Tanjung Puting National Park, where you will board a traditional houseboat known as ‘klotok’. This unique and charming houseboat will be your home for the next few days and your own personal viewing platform for the delights of the rainforest; its traditional design features an upper deck where you can view the jungle as it glides by. The boat crew includes the boatman, cook and an expert guide. While away the afternoon watching primates, birdlife and many other natural wonders float by on the riverside. Overnight and dining will be on your houseboat, with facilities including a thin mattress, pillow, fine meals, bottled mineral water, mosquito net, kitchen, and simple toilet available on boat in addition to your familiar team of helpful guides and boatmen.

Overnight at the Klotok Houseboat

DAY 06 | TANJUNG PUTING NATIONAL PARK (B/L/D)

After breakfast, cruise further upriver to Camp Leakey, where the older orangutans are reintroduced into the rainforest. At this station, you will have the opportunity to trek into the jungle with your expert guide and rangers to appreciate the flora, as well as viewing wild orangutan, gibbons, macaques and birds.

In the afternoon, we will visit the feeding station to see where rehabilitated orangutans are given additional food. We will then sail back down the river and spend overnight on the houseboat. In the evening, we can do some night trekking in search of nocturnal animals. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be served on the houseboat.

Overnight at the Klotok Houseboat

DAY 07 | TANJUNG PUTING NATIONAL PARK (B/L/D)

Set out on a river safari by houseboat in the morning to observe the unique ecology and wildlife along the banks of the river. En route, we will stop at Pondok Tanggui Feeding Station to watch rangers feed orangutan, and then continue our trip by visiting the Pesalat Station to explore reforestation activities and the famous ironwood, as well as other exotic vegetation. Lunch will be served on board while sighting wild animal activities along the riverside.

Next, we will depart to Tanjung Harapan Feeding Station for viewing the feeding process of the orangutan. Enjoy the natural views on the way back and overnight on the houseboat. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be served on board.

Overnight at the Klotok Houseboat

DAY 08 | PANGKALAN BUN – ARRIVAL DENPASAR (B)

Suggested flight | Pangkalan Bun (PKN) – Semarang (SRG) by GA-7526 | 10:55 – 12.15

| Semarang (SRG) – Denpasar (DPS) by GA-447 | 14:15 – 16:35

Enjoy breakfast before catching a flight from Pangkalan Bun to Denpasar via Semarang. Upon arrival, drive to your hotel. Check in and spend the day free at leisure.

Overnight at Harris Hotel Tuban or other similar

DAY 09 | ARRIVAL LABUAN BAJO – RINCA – KELOR – KALONG ISLAND (B/L/D)

Suggested flight | Denpasar (DPS) – Labuan Bajo (LBJ) by GA-7026 | 07:30 – 09:05

Begin your trip with the first flight of the day to Komodo Airport in Labuan Bajo on the island of Flores in East Nusa Tenggara province. Once a small fishing village, Labuan Bajo is now a busy, bustling centre of tourism, since it is the entry point for trips to see the world-famous Komodo Dragons, or Varanus Komodensis. Meet your assigned guide upon arrival, then directly transfer to Labuan Bajo Harbour to embark on a local wooden boat with full air-conditioned cabin.

A 2-hour boat journey gets you to Rinca Island, one of the best locations to see the dragons in their natural habitat. Enjoy an approximate 2-hour soft trek on the island in search for the dragons, guided by a local ranger. Afterwards, proceed to Kelor Island for snorkeling near the island (snorkeling gear is provided). After another soft-trekking at Loh Buaya, continue sailing towards Kalong Island where you can observe bats filling the sky as they come home to roost at sunset. Your boat will be positioned nearby the island during your first night in the Komodo National park area. Lunch and dinner are provided onboard.

Overnight in cabin on boat

DAY 10 | KALONG ISLAND – KOMODO ISLAND – PINK BEACH – MANTA POINT - GALIBABA (B/L/D)

Breakfast is provided onboard as the boat starts sailing towards to Komodo Island, another island that is home to the Komodo dragons. Arrive at the island, have a safety briefing then start following the trails of the dragon walking path, guided by a local ranger. Observe the dragons from a safe distance and have a quick stop at the local museum.

The boat journey then continues on to Pink Beach for swimming and more snorkeling (snorkeling gear provided). A freshly cooked lunch is served onboard as the boat sails to Manta Point. Observe the rich marine life such as turtles, huge clams, various kind of sponges and cuttlefish, along with healthy reefs and corals. If you are lucky, you will get to swim with manta rays! In the afternoon, your boat takes you to Gililaba where your boat is stationed for your last evening on board with dinner provided.

Overnight in cabin on boat

DAY 11 | GALIBABA – SEBAYUR ISLAND – LABUAN BAJO (B/L/D)

Enjoy breakfast as your boat sails back to the main island. En-route, have another opportunity for snorkeling nearby Sebayur Island. Crystal clear water provides you great visibility to observe the marine life better while snorkeling. Lunch is served as the boat sails towards Labuan Bajo. Arrive at the harbour, where a chauffeured vehicle is waiting to take you to a hotel for your last evening in Labuan Bajo.

Overnight in Jayakarta Suites or other similar

DAY 12 | DEPARTURE LABUAN BAJO (B)

Suggested flight | Labuan Bajo (LBJ) – Denpasar (DPS) by GA-7037 | 12:55 – 14:25

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and check out afterwards. You will be picked up at the hotel lobby at the designated time depending on your flight schedule. Proceed directly to Komodo Airport for your onward journey with wonderful memories of your visit.

-  END OF PROGRAMME -

This ‘Wildlife Exploration Tour’ package includes:

·  Accommodations are based on twin-sharing (2 persons per room)

·  Meals mentioned in the itinerary as specified (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)

·  Private transportation in a chauffeur-driven, air-conditioned vehicle

·  Bottled drinking water during transfers

·  Tours and activities as indicated in the itinerary

·  Professional and licensed English-speaking guide

·  All entrance fees, donations and parking fees as per itinerary

·  Public Liability Insurance

·  11% local government tax and 10% service charge

This ‘Wildlife Exploration Tour’ package does NOT include:

·  Visa fee / arrangements if applicable

·  Any alcoholic beverages

·  Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone call, room service, mini bar, etc

·  Personal health and travel insurance

·  Gratuities/tipping for driver and/or guide and porterage

·  Any High Season and Peak/Festive season surcharge (see pricing above)

·  Any additional Excursion/Optional tours/Activites that are not mentioned in the itinerary

·  Any domestic or international flights;

Ø  Medan – Jakarta (Garuda Indonesia) starting from USD 180 net

Ø  Jakarta – Pangkalan Bun (Garuda Indonesia) starting from USD 205 net

Ø  Pangkalan Bun – Denpasar via Semarang (Garuda Indonesia) starting from USD 130 net

Ø  Denpasar – Labuan Bajo (Garuda Indonesia) starting from USD 130 net

Ø  Labuan Bajo – Denpasar (Garuda Indonesia) starting from USD 135 net (Option A)

Ø  Labuan Bajo – Jakarta (Garuda Indonesia) starting from USD 180 net (Option B)

Remarks: All above prices are subject to change based on seat availibilty

Good to know

·  Suitable for FITs with minimum of 2 persons

·  Private basis only (no seat in coach available)

·  Operated daily (subject to availability of the hotels/resorts)

·  Strong current and waves during the peak of wet season (December – February)

·  Best time to visit is during the dry season (April – June)

·  Early booking is highly recommended for traveling during high season and peak season period

Terms & Conditions

·  Minimum 2 persons per booking

·  Additional charges apply during high season and peak season period

·  Price and booking confirmation are subject to room availability

Package Rates

STANDARD PACKAGE ACCOMMODATION
HOTEL NAME / ROOM TYPE / LOCATION / WEBSITE
Tangkahan Inn / Standard Room / Tangkahan / https://www.tangkahaninn.org/
Rindu Alam Hotel / Run of House / Bukit Lawang / Not Available
FM7 Resort Hotel / Superior Room / Jakarta / http://fm7hotel.com/
Klotok Wooden Boat / Not Available / Tanjung Puting / Not Available
Harris Hotel Tuban / Harris Room / Bali / http://tuban-bali.harrishotels.com/
Local Wooden Boat / Cabin AC / Labuan Bajo / Not Available
The Jayakarta Suites / Deluxe Room / Flores / http://flores.jayakartahotelsresorts.com/
SUPERIOR PACKAGE ACCOMMODATION
HOTEL NAME / ROOM TYPE / LOCATION / WEBSITE
Tangkahan Inn / Standard Room / Tangkahan / https://www.tangkahaninn.org/
Rindu Alam Hotel / Run of House / Bukit Lawang / Not Available
FM7 Resort Hotel / Superior Room / Jakarta / http://fm7hotel.com/
Klotok Wooden Boat / Not Available / Tanjung Puting / Not Available
Hilton Garden Inn / Deluxe Room / Bali / http://www.hilton.com
Local Wooden Boat / Cabin AC / Labuan Bajo / Not Available
Plataran Komodo / Deluxe Beach / Flores / http://www.plataran.com

From 01 NOVEMBER 2017 to 31 OCTOBER 2018