Trip to Borneo to See Orangutans
Dec 12th, 2014, 06:26 AM
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Trip to Borneo to See Orangutans
Greetings -
My husband has offered to take me to Borneo to see orangutans for my 40th birthday. This is a lifelong dream!
I'd love to hear from any of you who have been to Borneo to see orangutans. Tours seem to very greatly from an incredible (and incredibly expensive) tour with Dr. Galdikas herself, to the extremely rustic sleeping on boat decks on mats with mosquito nets (and no guarantees of sightings).
There's a lot to choose from! I love the Galdikas trip, and know it will be mind blowing, but the price tag scares me. I want to know that I will see orangutans close up and possibly have some sort of interaction with them.
We'd also love to spend a little time snorkeling in Borneo before we head back to the states.
I welcome your thoughts!
Warmly,
Bobbie
My husband has offered to take me to Borneo to see orangutans for my 40th birthday. This is a lifelong dream!
I'd love to hear from any of you who have been to Borneo to see orangutans. Tours seem to very greatly from an incredible (and incredibly expensive) tour with Dr. Galdikas herself, to the extremely rustic sleeping on boat decks on mats with mosquito nets (and no guarantees of sightings).
There's a lot to choose from! I love the Galdikas trip, and know it will be mind blowing, but the price tag scares me. I want to know that I will see orangutans close up and possibly have some sort of interaction with them.
We'd also love to spend a little time snorkeling in Borneo before we head back to the states.
I welcome your thoughts!
Warmly,
Bobbie
Dec 12th, 2014, 06:59 AM
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If you want to see orangutans up close and perhaps have interaction with them, then you want to go to a "rehab" center, where the orangutans are essentially captive. There are a number of those, both on the Indonesian side of Borneo (Kalimantin) and on the Malaysian side (Sabah and Sarawak)).
If you want to see orangutans in the wild, you want to go to the Danum Valley in Sabah or another jungle lodge. Take a look at the Borneo Rainforest Lodge.
Places in Malaysian Borneo are more accessible than those in Kalimantin.
Also, consider whether you want a tour. You don't need to have a tour to see orangutans either in the wild or in rehab centers. Going independently will cost you MUCH less than the tour prices.
When I went to Borneo, I really wanted to see orangutans in the wild. So we went to the Borneo Rainforest Lodge. I scheduled the trip so that we had some time in Kuching after that, so if we didn't see any orangutans in the Danum Valley, we could visit a r rehab center near Kuching. Fortunately, we saw orangutans in the Danum Valley and didn't need to visit the rehab center.
Of course, whether you take a group tour or go independently, you can schedule time for snorkeling at either end of your trip.
If you want to see orangutans in the wild, you want to go to the Danum Valley in Sabah or another jungle lodge. Take a look at the Borneo Rainforest Lodge.
Places in Malaysian Borneo are more accessible than those in Kalimantin.
Also, consider whether you want a tour. You don't need to have a tour to see orangutans either in the wild or in rehab centers. Going independently will cost you MUCH less than the tour prices.
When I went to Borneo, I really wanted to see orangutans in the wild. So we went to the Borneo Rainforest Lodge. I scheduled the trip so that we had some time in Kuching after that, so if we didn't see any orangutans in the Danum Valley, we could visit a r rehab center near Kuching. Fortunately, we saw orangutans in the Danum Valley and didn't need to visit the rehab center.
Of course, whether you take a group tour or go independently, you can schedule time for snorkeling at either end of your trip.
Dec 12th, 2014, 08:06 AM
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About twenty years ago, I traveled independently to Tanjung Puting in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia, to visit Dr. Galdikas' Camp Leakey. I made arrangements through a travel agent in Banjarmasin about whom I read in a guide book (Lonely Planet?). He contacted a guide he knew in Pangkalanbuun (sometimes spelled Pangkalan Bun) who rented a boat for me. I flew to Pangkalanbuun from Banjarmasin, met the guide, bought several recommended supplies (I remember socks), and set off with him, the boat captain, and one crew member down the river to the this big national park. As I recall, it took about two hours to reach the park, where, near the entrance, is a small hotel and, nearby, facilities for rehabilitating orangutans. Interacting with them and walking up the paths holding their hands was a life-changing experience. The hotel is very modest. It is made of boards and, thus, the interior walls are dark brown. Whenever I went into the bathroom, day or night, I carried a flashlight to shine around. The food is basic. But, walk out on the deck, watch the proboscis monkeys jump the trees across the river, and you forget any desire for more luxurious accommodations. Camp Leakey is actually several hours upstream from this initial location and consists of various buildings for research, dining, accommodation of staff, and such. There were orangutans in the wild there.
Tanjung Puting also offers the possibility for hiking. I did not do any because my time was limited and I was not prepared for it.
I have seen these very expensive trips advertised and I'm sure that people who can afford them benefit from many advantages. Nevertheless, a trip planned by oneself is a trip owned by oneself and can be meaningful. If I were you, I would contact some travel agents in Pangkalanbuun. Since you are going to Borneo for two purposes---and not wandering around as I was---you could fly to Pangkalanbuun directly from Jakarta or from Surabaya (in case you decided to go to Borobudur or if you decide to go to Bali). I consider my visit to Tanjung Puting the best travel experience of my long life and I encourage you to make the effort to go.
I highly recommend Dr. Galdikas' autobiographies (I believe that she wrote two---or two on her work). Some details of life at Camp Leakey will astound you. ZZ
Tanjung Puting also offers the possibility for hiking. I did not do any because my time was limited and I was not prepared for it.
I have seen these very expensive trips advertised and I'm sure that people who can afford them benefit from many advantages. Nevertheless, a trip planned by oneself is a trip owned by oneself and can be meaningful. If I were you, I would contact some travel agents in Pangkalanbuun. Since you are going to Borneo for two purposes---and not wandering around as I was---you could fly to Pangkalanbuun directly from Jakarta or from Surabaya (in case you decided to go to Borobudur or if you decide to go to Bali). I consider my visit to Tanjung Puting the best travel experience of my long life and I encourage you to make the effort to go.
I highly recommend Dr. Galdikas' autobiographies (I believe that she wrote two---or two on her work). Some details of life at Camp Leakey will astound you. ZZ
Dec 12th, 2014, 12:34 PM
#5
intrigued, I googled Camp Leakey and found this:
http://orangutan.org/our-projects/research/camp-leakey/
very interesting.
i think that this is the thread about the visit by the single female traveller to this region:
http://www.fodors.com/community/asia...amp-leakey.cfm
http://orangutan.org/our-projects/research/camp-leakey/
very interesting.
i think that this is the thread about the visit by the single female traveller to this region:
http://www.fodors.com/community/asia...amp-leakey.cfm
Dec 13th, 2014, 03:22 AM
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While we were in Kuching in July 2009 we went to the Semonggok Orang-Utan Rehabilitation Park...
http://www.wonderfulmalaysia.com/sar...ife-centre.htm
From our notes, we got the No6 bus from Kuching to the Park. Took 45 minutes in an old bone-shaker, and dropped us outside the gate.
Admission was 3R (less than a $). Walk for 20 minutes along a sindle track road, with thick vegetation at either side. The track twists and turns up and down hill. Very hot. We meet up with several other tourists.
A Park Warden opens up a 600 metre track leading into the jungle and feeding area. The track is thick with undergrowth, twisting tree roots, and thick with tall trees. Thankfully the trees offer some shade. Lots of noise from the insects and birds in the jungle.
We stop, and the Warden emphasises the need to be v.quiet. There was no guarantee that the orangutans would show up. The wait was exciting and tense, and it started to thunder.
20 minutes passed with no luck. The warden was then told by walkie-talkie that we might have luck closeby, and we were told to follow him quietly.
All of a sudden there's a rustling in the trees, and a mother carrying her baby swings from a tree v.close to us. There are no barriers, everyone is spellbound. The mother orangutan then climbs onto a wooden bridge, sits there and watches us.
Shortly after another adult [male] appears, feeding on fruit, and spends the next few minutes entertaining us with his acrobatics.
A wonderful afternoon!
When we were in Yogyakarta (Java) a few weeks ago, we went to the Gambira Loka Zoo. We aren't zoo people, so didn't really have any great expectations.
But the place was fabulous, and we spent 3 hours there. Not once did I get the feeling of any of the many, many animals being mistreated.
We were the only westerners there, and the place was v.busy with school groups, and Asian tourists. So we actually felt on show ourselves, and lost count of the number of times we asked to be photoed with a group!
While we were there there was a short show put on, and part of that was a young orangutan entertaining us. After the show we were able to have individual photos taken with some of the animals.
I've got an absolutely wonderful photo of my Mrs sat with her arm round the orangutan, with them looking lovingly into each others eyes - priceless!
http://www.wonderfulmalaysia.com/sar...ife-centre.htm
From our notes, we got the No6 bus from Kuching to the Park. Took 45 minutes in an old bone-shaker, and dropped us outside the gate.
Admission was 3R (less than a $). Walk for 20 minutes along a sindle track road, with thick vegetation at either side. The track twists and turns up and down hill. Very hot. We meet up with several other tourists.
A Park Warden opens up a 600 metre track leading into the jungle and feeding area. The track is thick with undergrowth, twisting tree roots, and thick with tall trees. Thankfully the trees offer some shade. Lots of noise from the insects and birds in the jungle.
We stop, and the Warden emphasises the need to be v.quiet. There was no guarantee that the orangutans would show up. The wait was exciting and tense, and it started to thunder.
20 minutes passed with no luck. The warden was then told by walkie-talkie that we might have luck closeby, and we were told to follow him quietly.
All of a sudden there's a rustling in the trees, and a mother carrying her baby swings from a tree v.close to us. There are no barriers, everyone is spellbound. The mother orangutan then climbs onto a wooden bridge, sits there and watches us.
Shortly after another adult [male] appears, feeding on fruit, and spends the next few minutes entertaining us with his acrobatics.
A wonderful afternoon!
When we were in Yogyakarta (Java) a few weeks ago, we went to the Gambira Loka Zoo. We aren't zoo people, so didn't really have any great expectations.
But the place was fabulous, and we spent 3 hours there. Not once did I get the feeling of any of the many, many animals being mistreated.
We were the only westerners there, and the place was v.busy with school groups, and Asian tourists. So we actually felt on show ourselves, and lost count of the number of times we asked to be photoed with a group!
While we were there there was a short show put on, and part of that was a young orangutan entertaining us. After the show we were able to have individual photos taken with some of the animals.
I've got an absolutely wonderful photo of my Mrs sat with her arm round the orangutan, with them looking lovingly into each others eyes - priceless!
Dec 14th, 2014, 09:49 AM
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During our trip to Borneo this past June, we saw Orangutans in the wild on the Kinabantangan river but we did not see them at the Borneo Rainforest Lodge (a few others at the lodge did see them, but not many).
Dec 14th, 2014, 12:29 PM
#11
I can’t tell you how excited I am to find this on Fodors! I’m in the midst of planning a trip to Indonesia for 2016 and have been doing some research into a visit to Central Kalimantan (Indonesian Borneo). We’re planning to go to Java and Bali, and I have been intrigued by the idea of seeing wildlife – orangutans, in particular – but don’t want to devote a lot of travel time to this. I had initially looked at northern Sumatra, but the logistics aren’t easy. The connections between Java and Kalimantan, however, are easier and the visit can easily be done in 3-4 days.
There is not much on Fodors about this area, but if you go to Trip Advisor, you’ll find quite a number of posts; look at the following: Pangkalan Bun, Central Kalimantan, Tanjung Putting NP (national park) for discussions about how to travel here.
Here are some threads on TA that I’ve found helpful in my own research:
Tanjung Putting National Park:
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic...an_Borneo.html
Klotok river boat recommendation:
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic....html#39576618
Tanjung Puting NP Klotok hire on arrival
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic....html#38031349
The trip to the Tanjung Putting National park in Central Kalimantan is actually a pretty established one. From what I’ve read so far, you can certainly book through an agency, but it’s pretty easy to book it yourself directly with an independent agent. Prices will range considerably, so it’s worth it to do your research. There are some names that come up very frequently and have good reviews (the name Isy Iskandar comes up frequently, among others—no I’m not promoting him!).
What I’ve found so far….a common trip is a 3-night visit, spending 2 nights on a klotok, a wooden riverboat which includes the crew, chef, and guide. The travelers typically sleep on the deck in the open (with mosquito netting). Most reviews are terrific for this experience. A 3rd night is often spent at Rimba Eco Lodge. A visit to Camp Leakey, which was established by Birute Galdikas, as well as other stops at feeding stations, is also part of the usual tour. None of these are luxury settings (contrast that with Borneo Rainforest Lodge), but the prices also much less expensive. If sleeping on the klotok doesn’t appeal, it’s also possible to stay at Rimba Eco Lodge for several days and participate in their tours (or use your own agent, I suppose).
http://rimbaecolodge.com/
While the sightings of orangutans in the wild may be limited, it’s pretty certain that you’ll have some close encounters with semi-wild orangutans at Camp Leakey and the other stations. For my money, that’s pretty cool. And, sightings from the boat can include a wide range of other animals.
And here’s a great blog by someone who travel independently; great information about hiring a klotok & guide:
http://www.moiwalkabout.com/blog/klo.../#.VIxFTTHF-H4
So I hope this helps. It’s a place that I’m planning to visit and, if you do go, definitely let us know how it goes!
Paule
There is not much on Fodors about this area, but if you go to Trip Advisor, you’ll find quite a number of posts; look at the following: Pangkalan Bun, Central Kalimantan, Tanjung Putting NP (national park) for discussions about how to travel here.
Here are some threads on TA that I’ve found helpful in my own research:
Tanjung Putting National Park:
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic...an_Borneo.html
Klotok river boat recommendation:
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic....html#39576618
Tanjung Puting NP Klotok hire on arrival
http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic....html#38031349
The trip to the Tanjung Putting National park in Central Kalimantan is actually a pretty established one. From what I’ve read so far, you can certainly book through an agency, but it’s pretty easy to book it yourself directly with an independent agent. Prices will range considerably, so it’s worth it to do your research. There are some names that come up very frequently and have good reviews (the name Isy Iskandar comes up frequently, among others—no I’m not promoting him!).
What I’ve found so far….a common trip is a 3-night visit, spending 2 nights on a klotok, a wooden riverboat which includes the crew, chef, and guide. The travelers typically sleep on the deck in the open (with mosquito netting). Most reviews are terrific for this experience. A 3rd night is often spent at Rimba Eco Lodge. A visit to Camp Leakey, which was established by Birute Galdikas, as well as other stops at feeding stations, is also part of the usual tour. None of these are luxury settings (contrast that with Borneo Rainforest Lodge), but the prices also much less expensive. If sleeping on the klotok doesn’t appeal, it’s also possible to stay at Rimba Eco Lodge for several days and participate in their tours (or use your own agent, I suppose).
http://rimbaecolodge.com/
While the sightings of orangutans in the wild may be limited, it’s pretty certain that you’ll have some close encounters with semi-wild orangutans at Camp Leakey and the other stations. For my money, that’s pretty cool. And, sightings from the boat can include a wide range of other animals.
And here’s a great blog by someone who travel independently; great information about hiring a klotok & guide:
http://www.moiwalkabout.com/blog/klo.../#.VIxFTTHF-H4
So I hope this helps. It’s a place that I’m planning to visit and, if you do go, definitely let us know how it goes!
Paule
Dec 14th, 2014, 01:09 PM
#12
Paule, thank you so much for posting those links - I've just spent a very happy ½ hour looking at some very interesting ideas, plus of course some lovely orang-utang pics!
please keep posting your planning thoughts - I'm sure that they would be very helpful to to someone like me who is just beginning to think about a trip to this area.
please keep posting your planning thoughts - I'm sure that they would be very helpful to to someone like me who is just beginning to think about a trip to this area.
Dec 14th, 2014, 01:35 PM
#13
annhig,
It's a pleasure to post my planning! It's what I do to relax from work--though I seem to have too many trips to plan, and not enough time.
I'm a bit embarrassed by my obsessive planning since it's still over a year away. My husband has made me promise too discuss only one trip at a time -- and since we are off to Spain in May, Indonesia is not yet the "official" travel topic (though I do leak a few tantalizing tidbits, like lovely orangutans and klotoks on the river!). But give me an excuse to share my plans and I'm a happy camper -- uhh, traveler!
It's a pleasure to post my planning! It's what I do to relax from work--though I seem to have too many trips to plan, and not enough time.
I'm a bit embarrassed by my obsessive planning since it's still over a year away. My husband has made me promise too discuss only one trip at a time -- and since we are off to Spain in May, Indonesia is not yet the "official" travel topic (though I do leak a few tantalizing tidbits, like lovely orangutans and klotoks on the river!). But give me an excuse to share my plans and I'm a happy camper -- uhh, traveler!
Dec 14th, 2014, 01:44 PM
#14
I'm the same, progol - I have several trips on the go at the same time - for me it's Venice in Feb [that's booked], possibly another italian trip sometime in 2015, also possibly Cuba in nov/Dec 2015, [DH's idea so i owe it to him to start looking at that] and this trip in 2016, which only occurred to me as a possibility about 24 hours ago!
Also DH wants to spend an extended time in France, learning french - but it's going to be hard to fit that in.
Also DH wants to spend an extended time in France, learning french - but it's going to be hard to fit that in.
Dec 14th, 2014, 02:26 PM
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Orangutans have been on our (my) radar for a while as well. Our friend went on Irene Spencer's tour with Dr. Galdikas and said it was the best trip of her life. Then several other friends signed up the following year and it's now become a 'thing' in my community of compulsive travelers. But I just looked at the price...yikes! Truly appreciate your post, Zambezi. I did have a feeling that DIY was possible.
I'm with you progol and annhig, planning too much at once. We our yearly winter jaunt w/ two other families to Mexico (Tulum this year). Then I'm tagging along to 5 Asian cities with Mr. C in March. Then London for a wedding in April. Then maybe Patagonia tacked onto a work trip in the fall. Oh wait, did I leave out the summer?
Thanks for the diversion. Now forcing myself to get back to work and hoping to figure out a way to join all of you in 2016.
I'm with you progol and annhig, planning too much at once. We our yearly winter jaunt w/ two other families to Mexico (Tulum this year). Then I'm tagging along to 5 Asian cities with Mr. C in March. Then London for a wedding in April. Then maybe Patagonia tacked onto a work trip in the fall. Oh wait, did I leave out the summer?
Thanks for the diversion. Now forcing myself to get back to work and hoping to figure out a way to join all of you in 2016.
Dec 14th, 2014, 03:07 PM
#16
crosscheck, yikes, that tour with Irene Soencer is astronomical! Yes, the DIY is certainly doable -- the cost for 2 people is more than I'll pay for the entire trip, airfare included!
I'm thankful for Fodors, where I can release my obsessions... Probably should find a meeting of Travelers Anonymous, if there was one, don't think I'm ready to give up this addiction! I manage to save up my 3 out if 4 weeks vacation for one annual vacation, tho am now beginning to see retirement around a distant corner.
annhig - we may yet see you in France -- it's one of the places that we imagine that we'd have an extended stay someday.
I'm thankful for Fodors, where I can release my obsessions... Probably should find a meeting of Travelers Anonymous, if there was one, don't think I'm ready to give up this addiction! I manage to save up my 3 out if 4 weeks vacation for one annual vacation, tho am now beginning to see retirement around a distant corner.
annhig - we may yet see you in France -- it's one of the places that we imagine that we'd have an extended stay someday.
Dec 15th, 2014, 12:51 AM
#19
crellston - glad that it's helpful!
I spend far too much time researching future trips and if my obsession can help others, I can feel somewhat justified in this behavior - and I say this only slightly tongue-in-cheek! Truly, I've gotten so much help here, that I really am pleased that it helps. And selfishly, if you go in a few months, I'll benefit by your excellent report.
I spend far too much time researching future trips and if my obsession can help others, I can feel somewhat justified in this behavior - and I say this only slightly tongue-in-cheek! Truly, I've gotten so much help here, that I really am pleased that it helps. And selfishly, if you go in a few months, I'll benefit by your excellent report.
