Wild Encounters from Borneo to Bali

13 days
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3.5/5 Great
30 reviews  
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Group Tour
Board the newest ship in our fleet, the National Geographic Orion, and set out from Singapore to explore remote archipelagos in the South China Sea and snorkel amid a mind-boggling array of marine species. Then encounter the endangered orangutans of Borneo, tracing the island’s coast from the protected forests of Sarawak to Tanjung Puting National Park. Visit...

Overview

Trip type
Group Tour
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Moderate

Highlights

    • Meet with National Geographic grantee Biruté Galdikas on a visit to Camp Leakey, an orangutan research and conservation center she established in the forests of Indonesian Borneo.
    • Skim through the jungles of Tanjung Puting National Park on an all-day excursion by local boat, and interact with orangutans and other rare wildlife at one of the Orangutan Foundation International's rehabilitation centers.
    • Explore the incredible array of Borneo’s flora and fauna Bako National Park, home to seven different ecosystems.
    • Spend two days snorkeling the coral reefs off the pristine, uninhabited isles of the Natuna and Anambas archipelagos.

What's this trip about?

    Board the newest ship in our fleet, the National Geographic Orion, and set out from Singapore to explore remote archipelagos in the South China Sea and snorkel amid a mind-boggling array of marine species. Then encounter the endangered orangutans of Borneo, tracing the island’s coast from the protected forests of Sarawak to Tanjung Puting National Park. Visit the Camp Leakey research center, and venture down jungle waterways by local boat to observe orangutans and other rare creatures. 

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Details

Itinerary focusOperator does not provide
Group sizeStandard Group - 25 + people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportN/A
Start CitySingapore
End CityDenpasar

Travel Themes

  • 50 plus
  • Cultural
  • High Adventure
  • National Parks
  • Nature & Wildlife

Destinations

  • Asia
  • Indonesia

Activities

  • Kayaking
  • River cruise
  • Snorkeling
  • Wildlife viewing

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Itinerary

Days 1, 2, & 3: U.S./Singapore/At Sea

Depart for Singapore, crossing the international date line and arriving the following afternoon. We will have time to explore Singapore’s diverse neighborhoods before boarding the National Geographic Orion. As we set sail on the South China Sea, hear talks by our experts and get acquainted with our ship and its amenities.

(D; B,L,D)

Day 4: Anambas Archipelago

Our first stop is the remote Anambas Archipelago, where we’ll snorkel unspoiled reefs and end the day with a beach barbecue.

(B,L,D)

Day 5: Natuna Archipelago

Scattered in the South China Sea between Borneo and the Malaysian peninsula, the 272 islands of the Natuna Archipelago are graced with white-sand beaches and volcanic peaks, and fringed with coral reefs. Depending on the weather, we will likely stop to snorkel at eith...

Day 6: Bako National Park, Sarawak, Borneo

In Bako National Park, thick rain forests give way to secluded beaches, and the coast is carved with sea arches and colorful sea stacks. The park harbors seven distinct ecosystems and most of the plant species found in Borneo. Enjoy a full day to explore on a variety of walks and hikes, go birding, and track rare primates like the proboscis monkey.

(B,L,D)

Days 7, 8, & 9: Kuching/At Sea

Continue to Kuching, the capital of the Malaysian state of Sarawak, visit the Semenggoh Wildlife Centre, discuss ongoing research on orangutan behavior, and hear about a successful program that has reintroduced more than a thousand endangered animals into the wild. Du...

Days 10 & 11: Tanjung Puting National Park, Kalimantan

Set on a peninsula jutting out from the southern edge of Kalimantan, Tanjung Puting National Park is a trove of rare species and diverse habitats. While the park is home to some 220 bird species and numerous monkey species, its most famous residents are the endangered...

Days 12 & 13: At Sea/Denpasar, Bali/ U.S.

Cross the Java Sea to the lovely Indonesian island of Bali. Disembark the following morning and transfer to the airport for your return flight.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $9,550
Price per day$735
Single supplement (single occupancy)$4,740
Last Updated: 6/9/2018

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with National Geographic Expeditions.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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National Geographic Expeditions span the globe and are designed to reflect our travelers' broad spectrum of interests, from small-ship expeditions and classic train journeys to photography workshops and family adventures. When you travel with us, you'll enjoy boundless opportunities to be surrounded by natural wonders and exotic wildlife, to explore celebrated archaeological sites, to learn about different cultures and share in local traditions. A National Geographic expert or expert team accompanies each expedition, sharing their knowledge and passion for a region and making each experience enriching and unforgettable.

An Extraordinary Legacy of Exploration

National Geographic Expeditions, the travel program of the National Geographic Society, was founded on the same belief in the importance of exploration that distinguishes the Society's 125-year history. Launched in 1999, National Geographic Expeditions now operates hundreds of trips each year, spanning all seven continents and more than 60 destinations.

Since its founding in 1888, the Society has developed incredible resources—from its network of experts, contacts, and Society-sponsored researchers all over the globe, to the top-tier editorial staff of National Geographic and National Geographic Traveler magazines, and the books, maps, and film and television divisions. National Geographic Expeditions taps these resources to create unique and authentic expeditions to fascinating parts of the world.

As part of the National Geographic Travel group, National Geographic Expeditions aims to fulfill the Society's mission to inspire people to care about the planet by providing meaningful opportunities to explore it. Proceeds from all travel programs support the Society’s efforts to increase global understanding through exploration, education and scientific research.

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National Geographic Adventures are unique, active itineraries for intrepid travelers that feature spectacular places, cultural interaction, and physical challenge: the perfect mix for an unforgettable adventure. Trek through some of the world's most legendary mountain ranges and veer far off the beaten path, discovering wild landscapes by foot, kayak, horseback, or camel. Each adventure has a designated activity level—from Easy to Ultimate Challenge, and you'll have the option to take it easy or push your limits on a harder hike throughout most trips. Your group will never be larger than 16 travelers, and you'll explore in the company of top guides, enjoying adventures that are both physically active and culturally rewarding.

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National Geographic Student Expeditions offer active summer travel experiences for high school students in some of the world's most amazing places. With the guidance of dynamic trip leaders and top National Geographic experts, students explore their interests, build new skills, and experience new landscapes and cultures firsthand. Each type of program—expedition, field workshop, community service trip, and photo workshop—is designed to educate and inspire, combining adventure, discovery, and cultural immersion. Photo workshops are led by a National Geographic photographer and include instruction and daily photo shoots. Students in our community service programs live in a village and work with community members on a variety of service projects. On each expedition and field workshop, students get involved in a unique, hands-on project that allows them to delve deeper into a specific topic—such as photography, wildlife and conservation, filmmaking, or archaeology—and further engage with the places they visit.

National Geographic Difference

Travel that’s tailored to your interests: Whether you're a budding photographer, a natural history enthusiast, a parent looking for a great family trip, or a traveler seeking an active adventure, you'll find an array of opportunities that fit your passions and interests.

The beauty of happenstance: Some of the best moments in travel occur when you least expect them. So that you can savor these instances and enjoy each place in a way that’s meaningful to you, we offer options and build free time into our itineraries wherever we can.

Travel in good company: Lasting friendships often begin on National Geographic Expeditions. Your traveling companions are Society members like you: active, engaged, and curious about the world.

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We'll take care of the details: Leave the legwork to us. We take care of the logistics and details so you can relax, enjoy, and immerse yourself in the places you are exploring.

Exceptional resources at your fingertips: To help prepare for your trip, we’ll send you detailed information specific to your trip, including National Geographic books, articles, or maps relating to your destination. You’ll also receive a 20-percent discount on your next purchase* from our gift catalog or online store—shopng.com—as well as a free one-year subscription to a National Geographic magazine of your choice.

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Logistics

Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
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Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Travelstride Take
Join an expedition-style ship, the Orion, as it sails to Borneo to visit an orangutan research station.
Additional Information
Trip ID
nation-wilencnat

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