Bali & The Orangutans of Borneo

Start the day with a visit to Kerta Gosa, or Hall of Justice, built in 18th century in Klungkung. It is beautifully laid out within a moat and provides an exquisite example of the Klungkung style of painting and architecture which can be seen in their ceiling murals. Continue through spectacular views of terraced rice fields to Besakih temple, located on the slope of Mount Agung, Bali highest volcano. It is called Mother Temple of Bali as it houses ancestral shrines for all Hindu Balinese and a complex of nearly 24 temples. Our next stop is Kintamani where you can enjoy your lunch with a breathtaking view over the caldera lake, Danau Batur. Driving down, we arrive in the bottom of a lush green valley, where the Gunung Kawi temple, Bali largest ancient monument is located. It consists of 10 rock-cut candi (shrines) – memorials cut out of the rock face in imitation of actual statues and stand in 7m-high sheltered niches cut into the sheer cliff face. Our last stop will be Goa Gajah.

Start your cultural trip with a visit to Tohpati, which is known for its batik and continue to Celuk, the center of exquisite silver works and Mas, for fine woodcarvings. Enter Ubud, the cultural heart of Bali with many fine art galleries, and a home to a score of local and foreign artists. One of them is Agung Rai Museum of Art which has an extensive collection of paintings by Balinese, Indonesian and foreign artists in classic Balinese and contemporary styles. Afterwards, you can test your bargaining skill at Ubud art market prior to a visit to Puri Saren Agung whose royal family ruled Ubud from the late 1800’s until 1917.

Take an excursion which shows you the must sees of West Bali starting at Pura Taman Ayun, founded by the King of Mengwi in the 17th century. It has three ascending levels of spacious courtyards containing rows of shrines and pavilions and is surrounded by a wide moat. Continue to Alas Kedaton, the holy monkey forest with its tall nutmeg trees. Your last stop will be Tanah Lot temple, one of the holiest temples in Bali which is built atop a huge rock and surrounded by the sea. Enjoy the wonderful sunset where the golden red sky frames the temple roof and the waves crash into the rocks below.

Airport transfer with private vehicle and English-speaking driver.

Fly one way from Bali to Yogyakarta.

This tour will bring you to the world's biggest Buddhist monument complex. Pick up from the hotel and drive about one hour to visit Borobudur. Looming out of a patchwork of bottle-green paddies and swaying palm tops, this colossal Buddhist relic is one of the continent's marvels. Built around 800 A.D after the decline of buddhism and the shift of power to East Java, the monument was abandoned soon after its completion. For centuries the complex lay forgotten, buried under layers of volcanic ash. Climb up to the top and enjoy a wonderful view on the Menoreh mountains. Enough time is given to stroll around the complex and to discover its beauty. Afterwards continue to visit the nearby located temples such as Candi pawon, Mendut. Around lunchtime return back to the hotel.

You will be picked up from your hotel and driven to the Prambanan village to visit the Prambanan Temples. The Hindu temple complex was erected in the 9th century while Java was ruled by the Hindu Sanjayas Old Mataram in the north. The complex consists of 4 major temples/shrines such as Candi Shiva Mahadeva, Candi Brahma and Candi Vishu, Candi Nandi as well as the Candi Sewu. The Ramayana story is carved into the walls of the temples. Enough time is given to stroll around and to observe the beautiful carvings.

You will be picked up by private vehicle with an English speaking guide and transferred between Semarang Airport and Yogyakarta.

Fly one way from Semarang to Pangkalan Bun on Borneo.

Upon your arrival at the Iskandar Airport in Pangkalabun, Central Kalimantan, you will be transfered to the pier for a boat cruise to Rimba Lodge.

Spend the afternoon at leisure, watching the canopy and lower branches of the dense forest in search for the local wildlife.  The local Proboscis Monkeys are most often spotted in the tree systems alongside the river.

Early in the morning you will depart on a half day of trekking to explore the local wildlife and there habitats. Explore the forest searching for a variety of primates, before heading off to the Research Center to observe the feeding of the Orangutans, Natai Lengkuas and Proboscis Monkey’s at roughly 11:30AM. Next you will continue to Camp Leaky, trekking through the rainforest. This camp was established in 1971 to support research activities in Tanjung Puting Wildlife Reserve. Now this area also functions as Orangutans rehabilitation centre. Over the years, the camp has served the research efforts of several scientists and students. Tourist will be able to walk on certain trails to observe without disturbing the research in progress. A lunch will be provide.

In the afternoon, enjoy some time on your own to relax.

Depart the Rimba Lodge via boat cruise for a transfer to the Iskandar Airport in Pangkalabun.

Fly one way from Pangkalan Bun to Surabaya.

Fly one way from Surabaya to Bali.

Airport transfer with private vehicle and English-speaking driver.

Airport transfer with private vehicle and English-speaking driver.