Wild Islands of Sri Lanka, Borneo, and the Andaman Sea

21 days
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3.5/5 Great
30 reviews  
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Group Tour
Elephants and orangutans; fortified towns and futuristic cities; remote cultures and far-flung islands fringed with jaw-dropping coral reefs: a voyage across the eastern Indian Ocean promises a wealth of unforgettable encounters. Board the National Geographic Orion to explore a kaleidoscope of natural and cultural wonders from Sri Lanka to the Andaman Islands...

Overview

Trip type
Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy

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?

    Elephants and orangutans; fortified towns and futuristic cities; remote cultures and far-flung islands fringed with jaw-dropping coral reefs: a voyage across the eastern Indian Ocean promises a wealth of unforgettable encounters. Board the National Geographic Orion to explore a kaleidoscope of natural and cultural wonders from Sri Lanka to the Andaman Islands, Sumatra, and Indonesian Borneo

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Details

Itinerary focusOperator does not provide
Group sizeOperator does not provide
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportAll internal transport included (including local flights)
Start CityColombo
End CityBali

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • National Parks
  • Nature & Wildlife

Destinations

Activities

  • Culture
  • Historic sightseeing
  • Nature
  • River cruise
  • Scuba diving
  • Snorkeling
  • Wildlife viewing

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

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Itinerary

Travel Map

Days 1 & 2: U.S./ Colombo, Sri Lanka

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.

Day 3: Colombo

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.

Day 4: Galle

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 ...

Day 5: Hambantota

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.

Days 6 & 7: At Sea

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.

Days 8 & 9: Andaman Islands, India

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...

Days 10 & 11: At Sea/Pulau We, Indonesia

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...

Days 12 & 13: At Sea/Sumatra

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...

Days 14 & 15 : At Sea/Singapore

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...

Days 16 & 17: At Sea

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.

Days 18 & 19: Tanjung Puting National Park, Borneo

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...

Days 20 & 21:  At Sea/Denpasar, Bali

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

Price From $10,520
Price per day$501
Last Updated: 2/22/2018

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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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

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Meals Included

17 Breakfast, 18 Lunches and 18 Dinners

Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
Trip ID
nation-wilislnat

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