Itinerary
Important Info
In 1971, Biruté Mary Galdikas arrived in one of the world’s last wild places, Tanjung Puting Reserve in Borneo, Indonesia. There were no telephones, roads, electricity, televisions, or regular mail service. The reserve was being logged and the laws protecting wildlife were not enforced. The rhinoceros had already been hunted into extinction in the area. At this time, very little was known about orangutans in the wild.
Despite these conditions and a number of people that said it could not be done, Dr. Galdikas developed the first comprehensive study of the wild orangutan. Through this work, Dr. Galidkas created Camp Leakey, the site of the longest continuous study on any primate. She has also protected one of last havens for orangutans in Borneo despite the tremendous pressures from illegal logging, illegal mining, and palm oil company interests.
During this trip, you will
visit the sites of Dr. Galdikas' work including her famous research site at
Camp Leakey and the Orangutan Care Center and Quarantine Facility, which houses
over 300 orangutan orphans. Dr. Galdikas will share with you her expertise
in the areas of primatology, anthropology, and conservation. As the world’s
leading expert in orangutan behavior, you will come away with insights into
one of human’s closest living relatives. You will also spend time along river
ways and walking through the forest looking at some of the most amazing wildlife
on the planet including proboscis monkeys, Bornean bearded pigs, and hornbills.
Click here to download a copy of our 2012 itinerary >>
Special departures available with Dr. Birute Galdikas
2012 Dates:
June 25, 2012 - SOLD OUT - wait list only
July 1, 2012
- limited availability
July 9, 2012 - NEW DEPARTURE ADDED
Day 1
Arrive Jakarta Upon landing in Indonesia, you will need to obtain your
Indonesia Visa on Arrival ($25 USD paid direct). After collecting your luggage
in Jakarta, exit into the arrival hall. This evening will be free to relax
and have dinner on your own.
Sheraton Bandara near the Jakarta Airport
Day2
Meals Provided: B L D
This morning we will take the hotel shuttle along with
other OFI travelers to the airport in time for our connecting flights to
Pangkalanbun, Kalimantan (Borneo).
Upon arrival in Pangkalanbun, we will be met by your Orangutan Foundation
International Tour Escort and will be taken to the Blue Kecubung for lunch.
Dr. Galdikas will give an introductory presentation on the wildlife we will
encounter during our first day on the river. We will then continue to Kumai
Harbor, a thriving river harbor at the edge of the vast Borneo interior. Cruise
by kelotok for 2-3 hours up a small tributary of the Kumai River. As we leave
Kumai Harbor, we will have an opportunity to witness riverfront life in this
busy port-town, including the incredible shipyards where traditional methods
are still employed to build giant wooden schooners. As we travel upstream,
the river narrows to the point where, in places, we are passing underneath
the thick forest canopy. Our keen anticipation will be rewarded by fleeting
glimpses of colorful birds and many species of primates. While for many, the
river trips are highlights in themselves, certainly a highlight of these excursions
is seeing the playful proboscis monkeys bounding through the trees. These large
primates are found only in isolated areas of Borneo; their pendulous noses
give them a comic appearance. We may also see majestic hornbills flying low
over the jungle canopy, and a variety of other wildlife including leaf- eating
macaques as well as the occasional wild orangutan. Arrive at our small, comfortable,
stilted lodge at dusk for check-in.
Overnight at the Rimba Lodge – Kalimantan.
Day 3
Meals Provided: B L D
During our time at Tanjung Puting National Park, visit
two sites that conduct supplemental feedings for orangutans, Pondok Tanggui
and the well-known Camp Leakey. This morning we cruise upriver to Camp Leakey.
Today begins a full day of exploration and encounters with Borneo’s famous
wildlife. The program is flexible to afford maximum opportunities for viewing
wildlife and taking advantage of any special sightings or occurrences. On arrival
at Camp Leakey’s river pier, we are likely to be greeted by some of the resident
orangutans. Enjoy a tour of the camp and a talk by Dr. Galdikas. We will stay
to observe the afternoon feeding of the orangutans, followed by the dusk cruise
back to the Rimba Lodge.
Overnight at the Rimba Lodge – Kalimantan.
Day 4
Meals Provided: B L D
Early this morning we will leave for Pondok Tanggui
to make the morning feeding. In addition to seeing orangutans at the morning
feeding, we should see large communities of the rare proboscis monkey. We
will then continue on to Camp Leakey for a forest walk with Dr. Galdikas.
While in the reserve you will have the opportunity to hike into the jungle
and encounter firsthand some of the varied and thriving flora and fauna that
make this one the most biologically diverse areas on earth. We will stay
for the afternoon feeding and have a late afternoon tea with Dr. Galdikas.
We will return to the Rimba Lodge at dusk.
Overnight at the Rimba Lodge – Kalimantan.
Day 5
Meals Provided: B L D
After breakfast we will stop at a local village on the
river to shop for local crafts and perhaps visit the school. We will return
to Pangkalanbun by speedboat to visit the Orangutan Care Center and Facility.
Visiting the care center is a very unique opportunity that very few people
experience. We will tour the medical and quarantine centers and have the
opportunity to see orangutan orphans in the nursery forest learning the skills
they will need to acquire to live in the wild. Dr. Galdikas will give us
insights into the rehabilitation program and share her special orangutan
stories. We'll enjoy a farewell dinner at our hotel tonight.
Overnight at the Blue Kecubung – Pangkalanbun.
Day 6
Meals Provided: B L
Very early this morning, we'll return to the nursery for
one last visit before transferring to the airport for our connecting flights
to Jakarta.
On arrival in Jakarta we'll be met by our representative and escorted to the
Sheraton hotel located two miles from the airport. The representative will
be holding a sign with OFI on it. We will have the remainder of the evening
at our leisure. Dinner on your own.
Overnight at the Sheraton Bandara Hotel - near Jakarta airport.
Day 7
Meals Provided: B
This marks the end of your group trip. Take the shuttle
bus back to the airport from the Sheraton to check in for your flight. You
will be required to pay an international departure tax of 150,000 Rupiah per
person.
Optional pre or post trip extension to Amanjiwo and Borobodur in Yogyakarta
Central Java. Other custom pre and post extensions to Yogyakarta, Komodo Island,
Bali, Malaysian Borneo and Singapore.
Prices: $3995.00
USD per person based on two people sharing a room together. Internal Indonesia airfare included.
$725.00 USD single supplement.
International airfare
is extra. Tax Deductible Donation to OFI included in the price. Group limited
to 13 people.
Prices and itinerary subject to change.
Prices based on a minimum of 13 participants.