Orangutan in Borneo

Indonesia’s Wild Kingdoms: Jungle to Reef

Scenic ocean and islands in Siladen, Maumere, Indonesia

Indonesia’s Wild Kingdoms: Jungle to Reef

Wildlife in Tangkoko Reserve, Sulawesi, Indonesia

Indonesia’s Wild Kingdoms: Jungle to Reef

Mount Tangkoko in Tangkoko Reserve, Sulawesi, Indonesia

Indonesia’s Wild Kingdoms: Jungle to Reef

See Indonesian Wildlife at its Best: Orangutans, Sun Bears, Mantas, and Komodo Dragons

Days: 15 | From: $12,180/per person

  • Stay at best-in-class hotels
  • Enjoy curated tours with superb private guides
  • Get up-close-and-personal with the wildlife of Indonesia

This 15-day Indonesia journey takes you to Borneo’s Tanjung Puting National Park to cruise jungle rivers and see orangutans, Samboja Lestari to support sun bear conservation, and Sulawesi’s Tangkoko Reserve to spot rare wildlife like tarsiers and black macaques. You’ll then unwind on Siladen Island with world-class snorkeling and diving before sailing through Komodo National Park to swim in coral reefs, watch flying foxes at sunset, and encounter the legendary Komodo dragons. Finally, end on the sparkling beaches of Bali.

Kelsey Wenger Destination Specialist at Vaya Adventures

Talk to a Vaya Travel Specialist

We tailor itineraries to your dates and interests, adjusting hotels, excursions and length as desired.

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We consistently receive 5 star reviews from our discerning clients.

At a Glance

  • Jakarta
    1 night: spend the night in Indonesia's capital city
  • Tanjung Puting National Park
    2 nights: come face-to-face with wild orangutans in the jungles of Borneo
  • Samboja Lestari Sanctuary
    3 nights: witness sun bear conservation firsthand and explore jungle canopies
  • Tangkoko Reserve
    1 night: search for rare wildlife in a rainforest surrounded by Sulawesi volcanoes
  • Siladen Island
    3 nights: choose your own adventure on this tropical island: snorkel, scuba dive, climb volcanoes, or simply unwind
  • Labuan Bajo
    1 night: spend the night in the gateway to Komodo National Park
  • Komodo National Park
    2 nights: snorkel with mantas and playful sea turtles, visit pink-sand beaches, and look for komodo dragons
  • Sanur
    1 night: wrap up your adventure with a night in one of Bali's quaint seaside towns

All itineraries are fully customizable. We will send you a personalized variation that reflects your interests and travel dates at no extra cost. Call to discuss your travel plans with one of our Specialists who know this region firsthand.

5-Star Reviews

Find out why our discerning travelers consistently rate us with 5-stars.

Sample Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Jakarta

Welcome to Indonesia! Upon arrival in Jakarta you will be met by your private guide after clearing immigration and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day will be free to relax and settle in before beginning your journey.

Accommodations: Grand Anara Airport Hotel

Conveniently located just minutes from Jakarta's airport, Grand Anara Airport Hotel offers a comfortable and modern stopover for travelers arriving in or departing from Jakarta. Rooms are bright and well-appointed, with contemporary furnishings and amenities designed for a restful stay. The hotel features a restaurant serving Indonesian and international dishes, a fitness center, and a rooftop pool with city views.

Day 2: Flight to Borneo and the Orangutans of Tanjung Puting

Early this morning you will fly to Pangkalan Bun, where you will be met and transferred to the port of Kumai to board your private Klotok riverboat. As you begin your journey into Tanjung Puting National Park, your first stop will be Tanjung Harapan, an orangutan rehabilitation center.

After a short walk through the forest you will watch the afternoon feeding of the orangutans before continuing with a leisurely cruise along the river. Along the way you may spot proboscis monkeys in the trees and, during certain times of year, fireflies flickering among the nipa palms at dusk. Your renovated Klotok boat features air-conditioned ensuite cabins and an open-air upper deck for viewing the rainforest, with meals prepared onboard by the crew.

Accommodations: Kumai Riverboat, 2 nights

Kumai is a traditional wooden riverboat built in the style of a Kalimantan klotok, designed for comfortable cruising along the waterways of Tanjung Puting National Park. The boat features three air-conditioned cabins with en-suite bathrooms, indoor and outdoor dining areas, and a shaded sundeck for viewing wildlife. Guests are looked after by a dedicated crew, including a naturalist guide, and meals are freshly prepared on board.

*Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Orangutan Conservation in the Jungle

This morning, your boat will leave the wide Sekonyer River for a narrow black-water canal that leads deep into the forest. On arrival at Camp Leakey you will walk along boardwalks into the jungle to the orangutan feeding area, where you can watch these great apes emerge from the trees to the calls of the rangers. You will continue your walk through the forest in search of more wildlife before re-boarding the boat. As you cruise downstream you may spot additional animals and birds along the riverbanks before mooring for a peaceful overnight surrounded by the forest.

Accommodations: Kumai Riverboat, 2 nights

*Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Final River Cruise and Flight to Balikpapan

Enjoy a final cruise along the Sekonyer River, with one last chance to spot wildlife along the mangrove-lined banks. Following lunch on board you will disembark at Kumai port and transfer to Pangkalan Bun airport for your flight to Balikpapan, connecting through Jakarta. Upon arrival you will be met by your guide and driven about an hour to your lodge at the Samboja Lestari Sanctuary.

Accommodations: Samboja Lodge, 3 nights

Samboja Lodge is an eco-lodge set within the Samboja Lestari conservation area near Balikpapan, surrounded by reforested jungle that is home to orangutans, sun bears, and a wide variety of birdlife. Built primarily from recycled and sustainable materials, the lodge features uniquely designed rooms with private balconies overlooking the forest canopy. Facilities include a restaurant serving Indonesian and international dishes, a rooftop tower for wildlife viewing, and guided walking trails throughout the reserve. Staying here supports the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation’s conservation efforts, with opportunities to learn about rehabilitation projects and the reforestation program.

*Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Sun Bears and River Safari

This morning you will walk from your lodge to the sun bear compound at Samboja Lestari, home to one of the world’s largest sun bear conservation projects. From 8:00 to 11:00 you will assist with preparing and distributing food while learning about the challenges of protecting these endangered animals.

After lunch at the lodge you will set out in the late afternoon for a two-hour excursion along the Sungai Hitam, or Black River. Guided by local fishermen, you will explore this tidal waterway by boat in search of proboscis monkeys and other wildlife before returning to the lodge for the evening.

Accommodations: Samboja Lodge, 3 nights

*Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Rainforest Canopy Walk and Jungle Wildlife

This morning you will travel to Bukit Bangkirai Forest Park for a short walk through the rainforest and a climb into the canopy along suspended bridges, reaching heights of 40 meters for views of the forest and its wildlife. From this vantage point you may spot macaques, leaf monkeys, maroon langurs, gibbons, and hornbills.

You will return to the lodge for lunch, then in the afternoon visit the man-made islands near Samboja Lodge, home to orangutans that cannot be released into the wild. From the shore you will observe them being cared for by the sanctuary staff before returning to the lodge for an afternoon at leisure.

Accommodations: Samboja Lodge, 3 nights

*Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Travel to Tangkoko Reserve

Today you’ll transfer to Balikpapan Airport for your flight to Manado. On arrival you will be met and driven about an hour and a half to Tangkoko Nature Reserve, a protected area spanning three volcanic mountains and home to many of Sulawesi’s unique species. In the evening you will set out on a guided jungle walk in search of the reserve’s rare wildlife, including crested black macaques and the tiny tarsier, one of the world’s smallest primates.

Accommodations: Tangkoko Sanctuary Villa

Tangkoko Sanctuary Villa is a small lodge located at the entrance of Tangkoko Batuangus Nature Reserve, home to tarsiers, black macaques, hornbills, and other endemic wildlife. Accommodation is in simple but comfortable rooms and bungalows, each with air conditioning, en-suite bathrooms, and verandas overlooking the gardens. Facilities include a restaurant serving Indonesian and international meals, shaded outdoor lounge areas, and easy access to guided treks into the reserve. The property provides a quiet base for exploring the park’s rainforest trails while supporting local conservation and community initiatives.

*Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Jungle Walk in Tangkoko and Transfer to Siladen Island

Early this morning you will return to Tangkoko Nature Reserve for a three-hour walk, with opportunities to spot monkeys, birds, and the park’s giant fig trees. After lunch at your hotel, you will check out and drive about an hour and a half to Manado harbor, where a short boat ride will bring you to Siladen.

This tranquil island is known for its white-sand beaches, clear waters, and vibrant coral reefs, making it a haven for snorkelers and divers. The rest of the afternoon will be at leisure.

Accommodations: Siladen Resort & Spa, 3 nights

Siladen Resort & Spa is an exclusive boutique dive resort located on Siladen Island in Bunaken National Marine Park. Accommodation includes beachfront and garden villas, many with private terraces or open-air bathrooms, blending natural materials with modern comfort. Facilities feature a beachfront infinity pool, a spa offering traditional Indonesian treatments, a PADI-certified dive center, and a restaurant serving Mediterranean and Indonesian cuisine with fresh seafood. The resort emphasizes sustainability and provides direct access to some of Indonesia’s best snorkeling and diving, with vibrant coral reefs just steps from the shore.

*Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Days 9-10: Free Days on Siladen Island

Enjoy two full days to enjoy the beauty of Siladen Island and the many activities offered at your resort. You may choose to snorkel straight from the beach or take a boat into Bunaken Marine Park, where walls of coral teem with reef fish, turtles, and sometimes even reef sharks. Diving excursions are available for all levels, while dolphin-watching cruises set out in the early morning in search of pods that often play in the bay.

On land, you might take part in a cooking class, practice yoga in the treehouse studio, or venture out for a trek in Tangkoko Rainforest or a climb up Mt. Mahawu volcano. For quieter moments, you can relax on the island’s white-sand beach, indulge in a treatment at the spa, or arrange a private dinner by the sea as the sun sets.

Accommodations: Siladen Resort & Spa, 3 nights

*Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Travel to Labuan Bajo

This morning you will check out and transfer by boat and car to Manado Airport for your flight to Labuan Bajo, connecting through Jakarta. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Labuan Bajo, a small harbor town on the western tip of Flores, is the gateway to Komodo National Park and the starting point for your upcoming sailing adventure. The rest of the day will be at leisure.

Accommodations: Plataran Komodo Resort

Plataran Komodo Resort & Spa is a beachfront retreat on Waecicu Beach, just outside Labuan Bajo and the gateway to Komodo National Park. The resort features private villas with traditional Indonesian design, indoor and outdoor living spaces, and terraces that open directly to the beach or gardens. Facilities include a swimming pool overlooking the ocean, a spa offering Indonesian-inspired treatments, and a restaurant specializing in fresh seafood and regional cuisine.

*Includes: Breakfast

Alternative lodging options:
Ta’Aktana , Sudamala Seraya , Sudamala Komodo Resort

Day 12: Sailing Adventure Begins: Kelor, Manjerite & Kalong Island

Transfer to Labuan Bajo harbor, where you will board a modern phinisi yacht for a three-day, two-night journey through Komodo National Park. Your first stop will be Kelor Island, where you may take a short hike for panoramic views or enjoy a swim before returning to the yacht for lunch.

In the afternoon you will continue to Manjerite for snorkeling, then to Pink Rock for paddleboarding and exploring the vibrant coral reefs. As evening falls you will sail to Kalong Island to witness the spectacle of thousands of flying foxes taking to the sky at sunset. Cruise toward Padar Island, where you will anchor overnight.

Accommodations: Samara II, 2 nights

Samara II is a traditional Indonesian phinisi-style boat designed for exploring the islands and waters of Komodo National Park. With just four cabins, the vessel offers an intimate sailing experience, featuring air-conditioned rooms with en-suite bathrooms and a mix of double and twin configurations. Common areas include an indoor lounge and dining space, as well as a spacious sundeck for relaxing between excursions. Guests are served freshly prepared Indonesian and international meals on board, and a dedicated crew provides guiding and support during daily activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, island hikes, and visits to see Komodo dragons.

*Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13: Island Sunrise, Komodo Dragons, Snorkeling with Mantas

You will begin the day with a sunrise hike on Padar Island, taking in sweeping views of its rugged hills and turquoise bays before returning to the yacht for breakfast. From there you will sail to Pink Beach, where you may relax on the sand or snorkel in the crystal-clear waters.

Later you will land on Komodo Island for a guided trek to see the world’s largest lizards, the legendary Komodo dragons. After lunch onboard, the journey continues to Taka Makassar and Manta Point for the chance to snorkel alongside majestic manta rays. The day concludes with an evening crossing to Sebayur Besar for an overnight stay

Accommodations: Samara II, 2 nights

*Includes: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14: Snorkeling at Sebayur and Transfer to Bali’s Sanur Coast

Enjoy a final snorkeling excursion at Sebayur Kecil or the more secluded Sebayur Besar, both home to colorful coral reefs and abundant marine life. You will then return by boat to Labuan Bajo and transfer to Komodo International Airport for your flight back to Bali. Upon arrival in Denpasar you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Sanur, a charming coastal town on Bali’s southeastern shore. Known for its golden beach, calm waters, and relaxed atmosphere, Sanur is a wonderful place to stroll along the beachfront promenade, enjoy fresh seafood, and buy any final gifts before heading home.

Accommodations: Sudamala Resort Sanur

Sudamala Resort, Sanur is a boutique property located in Bali’s quieter coastal village of Sanur, a short walk from the beach. Suites are decorated with Balinese art and handcrafted furnishings, featuring spacious layouts, private balconies or terraces, and semi open-air bathrooms. Facilities include a central swimming pool surrounded by tropical gardens, a spa offering traditional Balinese treatments, and an art gallery showcasing local and international artists. The resort’s restaurant serves Indonesian and international cuisine, with the option for al fresco dining. Its location provides easy access to Sanur’s beachside promenade, shops, and cafés.

*Includes: Breakfast

Day 15: Departure

Say goodbye to Indonesia and head to the Denpasar airport to catch your departing flight.

*Includes: Breakfast

Popular Ways to Customize This Itinerary

  • Head to Saleh Bay or West Papua for a chance to encounter the gentle giants of the sea, whale sharks

  • Add some time in Bali to experience the local culture

Contact us to learn about more options for designing and customizing your trip.
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