GUARDIANS OF THE FOREST

24-29 MAY 2026

Borneo.

A land of ancient rainforests and untamed beauty, where every journey reveals something new. Whether it’s your first expedition or your fifteenth, Borneo offers encounters unlike anywhere else. From watching wild orangutans swinging gracefully through the canopy, to spotting proboscis monkey along jungle rivers, or gliding by boat through mist-covered waterways at dawn, this island delivers some of the most extraordinary wildlife experiences on Earth.

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Discovery

This river expedition has its roots in Kalimantan, the Indonesian side of Borneo. It was here that I first boarded a traditional klotok, setting off along the winding waterways that cut through ancient rainforests. Days drifted by peacefully along jungle-clad banks, while nights were lulled by the sounds of the forest.

Between encounters with orangutans, proboscis monkeys leaping through the mangroves, and hornbills flying overhead, I was struck straight to the heart. The slow rhythm of life on the klotok offers an intimacy with the landscape that no other type of journey can provide.

Whether it’s organising a first expedition to Tanjung Puting National Park to see orangutans up close, a multi-day voyage deep into remote tributaries, or a photographic itinerary dedicated to the extraordinary wildlife of the jungle, Borneo delivers a completely different kind of adventure. Here, knowing which river to travel, the best season to visit, and how to combine time on the water with experiences on land is essential.

Journeys

TANJUNG PUTING

Explore Tanjung Puting National Park in Indonesian Borneo: an unforgettable expedition by boat along the Sekonyer River, discovering wild orangutans, pristine rainforest and incredible biodiversity.

JERUMBUN

Jerumbun is a small village located in the heart of Tanjung Puting National Park, in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia.

Jerumbun serves as an ideal base for exploring Tanjung Puting National Park, renowned for its unique biodiversity and the opportunity to observe orangutans in their natural habitat. Its strategic location along the river allows visitors to embark on klotok excursions (traditional wooden boats) to spot wildlife and participate in volunteer programs that contribute to the conservation of the local ecosystem.

Best time to visit

Lying right on the equator, Indonesian Borneo (Kalimantan) enjoys warm, steady temperatures all year round, with the humid climate typical of a rainforest. The main factor to consider when planning your trip is not the temperature, but the rainfall.

The driest season runs from June to September, when rains ease and conditions are ideal for exploring the rivers by klotok boat, observing orangutans in rehabilitation centers, and spotting wildlife along the riverbanks. April and May, as well as October and November, are transitional months with a bit more rain, but with lush forests and fewer visitors — perfect for those seeking a quieter experience. During the rainy season, from December to March, downpours are more frequent and intense; excursions can be more challenging, but the landscapes are at their greenest and nature is at its most vibrant.

6-DAY PHOTOGRAPHY ADVENTURE

From close encounters with orangutans to night walks in untouched rainforest, this journey offers rare opportunities to capture wildlife in their natural habitat. Experience remote villages, magical firefly-lit rivers, and exclusive areas rarely visited by anyone else – a true paradise for nature and wildlife photographers.

Experience Cost: 2300 euro

Date Workshop: 24-29 Maggio 2026

Tanjung Harapan
Our journey begins at Tanjung Harapan, the first camp of the park. Here we will witness the orangutans at their feeding station – an extraordinary chance to observe these fascinating primates up close in their natural environment.
The day will be fully dedicated to exploring this area, with plenty of time for photography, observation, and soaking in the atmosphere of the rainforest.
As night falls, we will set out on an evening jungle walk – a magical opportunity to spot nocturnal wildlife in one of the best locations personally chosen by our local guide.
Village Visit & Jerumbun Exploration
In the morning we will cross the river to visit a local village, where we can observe daily activities and experience authentic moments of community life.
Afterwards, we continue our journey to Jerumbun, a pristine and remote part of the forest that requires a special permit for access. Along the way, we may encounter incredible wildlife such as the proboscis monkey, with its distinctive nose, or a variety of tropical birds – perfect opportunities for wildlife photography.
At night, we will embark on another jungle walk in the Jerumbun area. This is one of the best places to spot nocturnal species: with some luck, we may encounter the tiny tarsier, a clouded leopard, or even a snake moving silently through the forest.
Camp Leakey Exploration
In the morning we will set off on a jungle trek through Camp Leakey, one of the most famous research and rehabilitation centers for orangutans. Surrounded by dense rainforest, this area offers a unique atmosphere for both trekking and photography.
In the afternoon, we will visit the orangutan feeding station. Camp Leakey is renowned for close encounters, giving us the chance to observe these magnificent primates from a very short distance – an unforgettable highlight of the journey.
Return to Camp One and Deep Forest Experience

Today we return to Camp One and set off on a new trek through the surrounding forest. Afterwards, we will venture into the deeper parts of the jungle, where we will spend the night immersed in a truly wild and isolated environment. Here we will sleep in the forest, surrounded only by the sounds of nature.
After sunset, we will have the rare opportunity to explore this pristine area on a night walk. Almost no one ventures here after dark, offering an exclusive chance to experience the forest’s nocturnal life in complete solitude.
Return to Tanjung Harapan & Fireflies Experience
In the morning we leave the deep jungle by small boat, heading back to our main houseboat. From there, we will return once more to Tanjung Harapan to visit the feeding station and spend more time observing the orangutans.
Later in the day, we will travel further down the river for a magical evening surrounded by thousands of fireflies. We will anchor and spend the night here, falling asleep under a sky filled with glowing fireflies and countless stars.
Departure
After breakfast, we will leave the national park and transfer back to the airport, bringing our unforgettable adventure to an end.

General info

Our klotok, a faithful travel companion along the rivers of Borneo, offers everything you need to experience the adventure in full comfort: cozy double beds, two bathrooms for the group, and electricity provided by a generator.
As we venture deeper into the forest, the signal fades away, leaving only the sounds of nature. Nights are spent in the open air, protected by mosquito nets, fully immersed in the authentic breath of the jungle.