Wild Islands of Sri Lanka, Borneo, and the Andaman Sea
Overview
Highlights
- Head out on game drives to see elephants or leopards in southern Sri Lanka’s national parks.
- Go snorkeling or diving amid the incredible reefs of Pulau We and the Andaman Islands.
- Venture into the UNESCO World Heritage site of Galle Fort, Sri Lanka, and get to know the indigenous peoples of Sumatra’s remote interior.
- Skim through the jungles of Tanjung Puting National Park on all all-day excursion by local boat, and interact with orangutans and other rare wildlife at the Orangutan Foundation International's rehabilitation center.
What's this trip about?
Details
Travel Themes
Destinations
Activities
Trip includes
- Accommodations
- Meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Entrance fees, excursions, and sightseeing noted as included in the itinerary;
- All gratuities except those for train or ship's crew, unless otherwise noted on the itinerary page; Ground transportation during the expedition
- Transfers to and from group flights where applicable
- Services of National Geographic experts and/or local guides, lecturers, expedition leaders, and any other staff
- Taxes, port charges, baggage handling, and service charges
Itinerary
Depart the U.S. for Colombo, Sri Lanka’s capital city, and arrive the next day. Transfer to our hotel for an evening at leisure.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Set out on a tour of the city, its colonial buildings, and its picturesque promenade. Later, embark the National Geographic Orion.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Our first port of call is the fortified town of Galle. As we enter the harbor, pass under the ramparts of Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site built by Portuguese and Dutch settlers in the 16th and 17th centuries. Spend time ...
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The district of Hambantota stretches along Sri Lanka’s southern coast, home to wetlands, grasslands, gorgeous beaches, and archaeological sites. Strap on your binoculars and set out on a wildlife safari in your choice of the region’s national parks, searching for elephants, leopards, wild buffalo, and prolific birdlife.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
As we cross the Indian Ocean, enjoy two days to relax, taking advantage of the ship’s amenities and listening to talks by our expedition team.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A string of volcanic isles that split the Bay of Bengal from the Andaman Sea, the Andaman Islands are blanketed by tropical forests and ringed by unspoiled coral reefs and beaches. The islands are India’s most far-flung state, kn...
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After a day of sailing the Andaman Sea, arrive at Pulau We, a rocky island at the western tip of the Indonesian archipelago. Discover the island’s volcanic landscapes on a walk among steaming fumaroles, and stroll through the fri...
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Follow the coast of Sumatra into the Malacca Strait to the port city of Medan. From here, we head into the hinterlands of Indonesia’s largest island on one of two full-day excursions. Head to Bukit Lawang, a reserve in the Gunung...
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Our passage between Sumatra and the Malay Peninsula brings us to the incomparable city-state of Singapore. Here in this bustling metropolis, past and future collide and a rich colonial legacy vies with thriving local cultures. We...
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Spend two days on the South China Sea as we make our passage to Borneo. Our destination is Kalimantan, the portion of the island that belongs to Indonesia.
Meals: Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Set on a peninsula jutting out from the southern edge of Borneo, Tanjung Puting National Park is a trove of rare species and diverse habitats. Board local boats for a full-day excursion into the forest, gliding on narrow c...
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner(Day 20), Breakfast(Day 21)
Cross the Java Sea to Bali. Disembark the following morning and transfer to the airport for your flight home.
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Dates & Availability
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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Tour Operator
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.
National Geographic Adventures
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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Logistics
What's excluded
- Air transportation and related fees (except as indicated in the itinerary)
- Activities noted as optional in the itinerary
- Gratuities for train
- Passport, visa, and permit expenses
- Medical expenses and immunizations
- Baggage/accident/cancellation insurance
- Personal expenses, such as laundry, telephone calls, and alcoholic beverages
Accommodation
17 Breakfast, 18 Lunches and 18 Dinners
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