- Journey through Indonesia’s diverse animal habitats, searching for unforgettable wildlife moments
- Join expert local guides to track wild orangutans in Gunung Leuser National Park
- Seek prehistoric-looking dragons on the islands of Komodo and the lesser-visited Rinca
- Snorkel at Manta Point, a hotspot for giant manta rays and turtles
- Visit Bali to discover the artistic hub of Ubud
Primates & Dragons of Indonesia
Wildlife
Activity Level
Easy & Moderate
See our Activity Level Guidelines to check if this holiday is right for you.
Comfort Level
Classic
Come face to face with two of Indonesia’s most mesmerising inhabitants, orangutans and Komodo dragons
‘Here be dragons’ goes the old cartographers’ adage, and in Indonesia there are, with forked tongues, venomous saliva and scaly bodies. Tracking Komodo dragons in the national park of the same name is just one of the experiences this vast country offers on this two-week trip through Sumatra, Bali and Komodo. We explore the jungles around Bukit Lawang looking for orangutans and various monkeys, take to the seas as we snorkel with a myriad of colourful fish and possibly swim with manta rays and uncover the culture and natural beauty of central Bali.
Want to travel next year? Check out the Primates & Dragons of Indonesia (2026) itinerary.
Highlights
Key Information
- Accommodation: 8 Classic nights (hotels), 5 Simple nights (3 lodge, 2 boat)
- Travel by minibus, boat and internal flight
- Group normally 4 to 16, plus leader. Minimum age: 16
- Countries visited: Indonesia
What's Included
- All breakfasts, four lunches and two dinners
- All accommodation
- All transport and listed activities
- Tour leaders throughout
- Group arrival and departure transfers available
What's Not Included
- Travel insurance
- Single accommodation (available on request)
- Visas or vaccinations
Itinerary
Medan Ubud
Depart London
Depart London
Start Medan, Sumatra; drive to Bukit Lawang
Meet the tour leader at the airport at 9am (subject to change – see Final Joining Instructions) and then the rest of the group (it is normally possible to meet the tour leader at our pre-tour hotel at 7.30am and go with them to the airport to meet the rest of the group – though this needs to be arranged beforehand). From the airport, we drive to Bukit Lawang (approximately four to five hours) on the edge of Gunung Leuser National Park, stopping for lunch on the way.
The rest of the afternoon is free to relax and explore the village. Bukit Lawang is one of the most accessible places to spot orangutans, thanks to an orangutan conservation programme that has been operating on the eastern edge of the park since the 1970s. The Gunung Leuser National Park is one of the final orangutan strongholds, with more than 5,000 thought to be living in the wild. Sumatran elephants, Sumatran rhinos and Sumatran tigers all live in the park, though very rarely seen. The village is attractive, built along one side of the river; relaxing at the riverside, it is not uncommon to see wild orangutans come to the water to drink.
Welcome dinner: From 2026, every departure of this trip includes a welcome dinner at the start of the adventure.
Accommodation: Eco Lodge Bukit Lawang (or similar)
Walk in Gunung Leuser National Park in search of orangutans
This morning, we head into Gunung Leuser National Park, which is one of the two remaining habitats for Sumatran orangutans. This is one of the largest national parks in the world and we spend time with our guide and have an opportunity to explore the trails, searching for orangutans and other wildlife. The hike itself is a leisurely couple of hours and there is a good chance of seeing Thomas’s leaf monkeys and long-tailed macaques plus, hopefully, one of the orangutans who inhabit the forest. Our hike ends at the one-time feeding station, where we have an improved chance of spotting orangutans.
Accommodation: Eco Lodge Bukit Lawang (or similar)
Full day with local guides in Gunung Leuser National Park
This morning, we return to the old orangutan rehabilitation centre. Those who want will then venture further from the park headquarters, discovering the flora and fauna of the park, and continuing our search for orangutans and other wildlife. The park hosts approximately 700 different animal species: more than 175 mammals, including Thomas’s leaf monkeys, macaques and gibbons; 320 birds; 190 reptiles; and amphibians. Other mammals include Sumatran elephants and the elusive Sumatran tiger and rhinoceros, although the last is unfortunately facing imminent extinction. We are unlikely to encounter these shy animals. This excursion lasts approximately six hours, including time spent at the feeding station, and can be taxing given the steep, muddy terrain and hot and humid climate. Reasonable fitness is required and, therefore, completely optional. For anyone who chooses not to undertake the jungle hike, the rest of the day is at leisure to relax at the lodge.
Accommodation: Eco Lodge Bukit Lawang (or similar)
Morning village walk and cooking demonstration; afternoon return to Medan
This morning, we explore the cultural side of Bukit Lawang. Following a walk through the village, we head to a local house where we watch an Indonesian cooking demonstration by one of the villagers. This is followed by a homemade local lunch. In the afternoon, we return to Medan (approximately four hours) where we spend the night before our early morning flight tomorrow.
Accommodation: Aryaduta Hotel (or similar)
Fly to Denpasar, Bali; transfer to Sanur
We fly to Bali via Jakarta. We aim to catch an early morning flight with good connections to minimise travel time but this may not always be possible and we may have to take a later flight. If all goes as planned, we arrive in Bali in the early afternoon and transfer to our hotel in Sanur near the beach. The rest of the day is free to relax and plan any optional activities for tomorrow.
Accommodation: Swastika Bungalows (or similar)
Free day to relax on the beach or optional activities in Sanur
Today is a free to enjoy Sanur. There are numerous options both on land and water whether you’re feeling active, want to take in culture or just relax on a nearby beach. Some of these options include a full-day temple tour, downhill biking tour, rafting or a Bali village tour.
Accommodation: Swastika Bungalows (or similar)
After a relaxed morning, fly to Labuan Bajo, Flores
Today we fly to Labuan Bajo at the western tip of Flores island. This town is the main entry point into Komodo National Park and, as such, has been growing in popularity as a tourist destination. We aim to catch the afternoon flight, which means we leave for the airport around 12.30pm and arrive at our hotel in Labuan Bajo later this afternoon.
Accommodation: Puri Sari Hotel (or similar)
Board the boat; look for Komodo dragons on Rinca
Komodo National Park, established in 1980, is comprised of islands and the surrounding sea and includes mangrove forests, seagrass beds and colourful coral reefs. The three main large islands are Komodo, Rinca and Padar although many smaller islands come within the park boundaries.
Boarding the boat early, we set sail for the next three days. Our first destination is Rinca, which we visit after lunch. Rinca is one of the islands that houses Komodo dragons but is also home to wild pigs, buffalos and birds. Going ashore, we go on a trek accompanied by a local island ranger to look for Komodo dragons in their natural environment.
Afterwards, we return to the boat and set sail for Padar, where we go snorkelling in the pristine waters. In the late afternoon, we can walk to a hilltop to watch sunset above the national park.
Accommodation on the boat is fairly basic and is a mix of bunks and mattresses on deck.
Accommodation: Boat
Track Komodo dragons and snorkelling excursion to see manta rays
This morning, we head to Komodo island. Upon arrival, we trek to Banunggulung, the riverbed where the dragons used to be fed fresh goats (until the mid-2000s). The hike takes us through spectacular scenery and there are many unusual plants along the way. There are about 2,000 Komodo dragons on the island plus wild boar, deer and buffalos. There is also good birdwatching with cockatoos and Gosong birds among others.
Following this, we visit Pink Beach where we have time to snorkel with good chances of seeing parrotfish, clownfish and, with a bit of luck, various other sea creatures including sea turtles. There is ample time to swim and snorkel and enjoy the beach before we head towards Manta Point, so-named as giant manta rays, some with a wingspan of 13ft (4m), are regularly seen here. Our final leg today takes us to Gili Laba Island, where we drop anchor for the night.
Accommodation: Boat
Final day in Komodo National Park before returning to Labuan Bajo
Those who wish can rise before dawn to visit a viewpoint on Laba Island to watch the sunrise.
Later on, we can snorkel more around Laba Island before setting sail again. Time permitting, we make one final snorkelling stop at Kanawa Island on the way back to Labuan Bajo. Returning to Labuan Bajo, we transfer back to our hotel for the night.
Accommodation: Puri Sari Hotel (or similar)
Fly to Bali; transfer to Ubud; Bali's cultural heartland
We fly back to Denpasar (flight times can vary) and drive (approximately two hours) to our final destination, Ubud, surrounded by rice fields and temples.
Ubud gets its name from the Balinese word ubad (medicine); the town was originally important as a source of medicinal herbs and plants, but these days is known for its artistic community, awash with art workshops and galleries. The history of Ubud can be traced to the eighth century, when a Buddhist priest came to Bali from Java. He meditated at the confluence of the two Wos rivers at Campuan, just west of the modern town centre. A shrine was established and later expanded by Nirartha, a Javanese priest who is regarded as the founder of Bali’s religious practices and rituals as we know them today. When Ubud became a Dutch protectorate at its own request, the colonialists interfered little, allowing the traditional arts and culture of the area to remain relatively unchanged. From the 1930s onwards, Western artists and intellectuals arrived and furthered the local art scene, among them Charlie Chaplin and HG Wells. Ubud is still a haven for literati, glitterati and art collectors.
Accommodation: Ananda Cottages (or similar)
Hike to Batur Volcano; visit Gunung Kawi Temple, Tirta Empul Temple and Tegalalang
Our first stop on our tour of central Bali is the Kintamani area, where we go on a 3mi (4.5km) hike from the rim of the Batur caldera, descending through black lava fields. We can learn more about the volcano and enjoy views over the crater and surrounding area.
Our tour continues to the Tampaksiring area where we visit Gunung Kawi Temple. Set amid rice terraces, this 11th-century temple features 10 rock-hewn candi (shrines) carved into the cliff itself. They stand at 23ft (7m) and combine both Hindu and Buddhist attributes. The descent to the candi involves numerous stairs (which we also have to climb back up!). After this, we can visit Tirta Empul Temple, known among Balinese Hindus for its holy waters, which are believed to wash away bad spirits. The final stop of the day is Tegalalang for sweeping views over paddy fields.
Accommodation: Ananda Cottages (or similar)
Free day in Ubud; optional trekking or rafting
Today is free to wander through the vibrant streets of Ubud enjoying the cafes, shops, temples and theatres or go on another optional trip exploring other parts of the island. Your tour leader can advise you on how best to spend your time.
Accommodation: Ananda Cottages (or similar)
End Ubud
The trip ends after breakfast. If you’d like more time to explore this beautiful part of the world, speak to your sales representative. Alternatively, join our post-tour extension to the Gili Islands, where white sands and a slice of paradise await.
Depart Ubud
Trip ends after breakfast for Land only clients. Those on the group flights will be taken to Denpasar airport in time for their flight home.
Arrive London
Post-trip Extensions
Bali Island Extension
Extend your adventure with additional nights on your chosen island: Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno or Nusa Penida.
Whichever you choose, a tropical paradise awaits: white sands, palm trees, and warm waters teeming with rays, sharks and other marine life.
Spend your time snorkelling, diving or just relaxing by the turquoise sea and taking in the atmosphere. Our extensions include hotel pick up, transfer, fast boat and meet and greet services at each ferry port, plus as many days accommodation as you wish.
On your return, hotel pick up, fast boat transfers and a meet and greet service are included, either taking you to Ubud, a south Bali hotel, or to Denpasar Airport. If you have a same day flight connection, we advise this to be after 8pm.
Speak to your sales representative for more information and to discuss accommodation choices.
Trip Experts
Elly Siregar
Expert Leader: Indonesia
Reviews
Add your own reviewdelivered on primates and dragons
Varied trip that delivered on primates and dragons. Saw many Orang Utans , some very close ( rangers keeping us tourists back) . Getting to Komodo islands early meant many of them were out and about , as opposed to later in day when its hot and they seek out shade .
Most Inspirational Moment
Seeing alpha male Orang Utan coming close , a few metres away , to study us. Not sure who was watching who .
Thoughts on Group Leader
Pleasant , good interaction with group , readily to impart information ( and repeat )
Advice for Potential Travellers
The second hike in Eco Lodge park was definitely a challenge without providing much more wildlife sightings than the morning walk. Thats the risk you run with nature . If you have any doubts about your fitness then think twice about the afternoon walk . We were fortunate in that a bigger boat was used for our trip ( unplanned maintenance on original boat ) for a group of 8 , so there were enough cabins , each with en suite shower and toilet. The snorkelling was shambolic to say the least. If you were not on deck when decision was made to enter water then you simply missed out. No roster or check for any passengers who were in their cabin . The local leader was a pleasant chap but briefing consisted of " stay together " while he simply took off and left group strung out in the water. No back marker or other crew in water with guests , difficult to spot leader ( he was far away anyway ) and left to own devices in terms of what you might see, no account of differing abilities of group . I have been on live aboards in Maldives multiple times as comparison, there was always leader plus at least one crew ( sometimes more ) in water , briefing on currents , checks that each guest was OK in water , wildlife ,coral etc pointed out and group kept roughly together , leader visible and obviously monitoring the group. All of that lacking on each of the snorkel sessions this trip .
Some good some bad…
Some parts of this trip were great. But like the previous reviewer the accommodation on the boat really let it down. The ppl in the cabins had a much better time as they were able to sleep. I read the trip notes and understood it to be shared bunk rooms with communal bathrooms. But it’s double cabins that have private bathrooms. No shared facilities, no where to store your stuff and sleeping on the deck was ok until the boat moved both nights (around 1am – 5am). Making it incredibly noisy, windy and cold on deck. If I understood this I doubt I would of booked this trip.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Elly was a great group leader
Advice for Potential Travellers
Leeches… in Sumatra even though I was wearing walking shoes, trousers and socks they still got me. I would take gaiters or thicker socks next time.
Reply from Exodus
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. We’re glad to hear that some parts of the trip were enjoyable, but we’re truly sorry that the boat accommodation fell short of expectations.
We understand how disappointing it must have been to find the sleeping arrangements and facilities different from what you anticipated. Your feedback about the lack of shared spaces, limited storage, and the discomfort of sleeping on deck—especially during overnight boat movements—is concerning. We also regret any confusion caused by the trip notes and will review them to ensure they more clearly reflect the actual setup onboard.
Your comments are invaluable and have been shared with our product team. We’re committed to improving the clarity of our pre-trip information and the comfort and safety of our accommodations so future travellers can enjoy their adventure without these issues.
Thank you again for your honest review. We hope you’ll consider traveling with us again, and we’ll work hard to make your next adventure a better one.
Exotic trip with a few flaws
The itinerary for this trip was remarkable – saw oragutans and Komodo dragons in the wild, snorkeled, and enjoyed touring around Bali and the various islands. Did the Gili Trawangan extension and went scuba diving there. And Elly was a wonderful tour guide. However, there were some downsides, including the boat in the Komodo islands and some of the other transportation. The boat itself was not very comfortable, and actually a little dangerous in certain regards. The boat was not set up to accommodate the number of people on the tour, so was at times crowded and uncomfortable in the common area. There wasn’t just an option to sleep on the deck, but a requirement for a few people, as there were not enough cabins to accommodate the entire group. And when those deck sleepers needed to use a restroom in the middle of the night, they had to barge in to one of the cabins in the dark – no restrooms on the boat except inside the few cabins. The dining table where they served all the food buffet-style was crammed in a small room, with the stairs leading down to a couple of the cabins right alongside of the table -as you were getting your food, it would have been extremely easy to fall down them if you weren’t very careful. The refrigerator with all of our drinks was very often blocked by people sitting at the table, so there was major shuffling to do you when you wanted to get a drink. There was a low railing around the boat, which in rough seas would have been very easy to fall overboard.
there was only one support skiff with the boat that could only take half of us ashore at a time, so getting everyone onshore took forever. The local guide that accompanied us on the Komodo boat trip was not very good. He didn’t do any kind of assessment of everyone’s snorkeling abilities but instead took off on the first snorkel in a strong current, and didn’t look back to see if everyone was following, or try to keep the group together. People fell way behind and because there was only one skiff, that skiff couldn’t (nor ever intended to, it seemed) stay with the snorkelers. People were scattered over a large area in the water and in some cases, were told to just wait in the water when the first half of the group had already filled the skiff for the return trip to the big boat. It was a situation ripe with the potential for disaster. And the guide wasn’t around to stay with the people who had to remain in the water waiting. And if you wanted to jump in and swim off the big boat, the ladder was so high in the water that it was very difficult to get back on the boat – and there was no safety line deployed behind the boat to make it any easier, or safer, to get to the boat.
Other transportation was disappointing. The small group of us that went on the Gili Island extension had to wait over an hour at port the ferry terminal, after arriving back in Bali, for the driver to show up to transport people to the airport for thir flights. I stayed a couple extra nights in Bali before going home, and the driver that was supposed to transport me from the hotel to the airport never showed up at all – the hotel had to make alternate arrangements for me.
In closing, it was a wonderful, adventerous trip, but Exodus has some work to do to make it a little safer and comfortable.
Most Inspirational Moment
Seeing an orangutan up close!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Elly was great. She had to deal with some interesting personalities on the trip, and did a great job accomodating everyone's needs.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be aware that hiking through the jungle in Sumatra is more strenuous than the description in the itinerary, the boat in the Komodos is challenging, and Gili Trawangan isn't quite the "tropical paradise" they wax poetic about in the itinerary description. While the water is absolutely beautiful and the scuba diving was nice, the island itself isn't nearly as lush and tropical as described. Still worth the visit, but not what I expected based on the description.
Reply from Exodus
Thank you so much for sharing your experience with us. We’re thrilled to hear that the itinerary left such a strong impression—seeing orangutans and Komodo dragons in the wild, snorkelling, scuba diving in Gili Trawangan, and exploring Bali and its surrounding islands sounds truly unforgettable. We’re also delighted to hear that Elly made a positive impact as your tour leader.
That said, we’re very sorry to learn about the issues you encountered, particularly with the boat and transportation arrangements. Your feedback about the boat’s safety, comfort, and capacity is concerning, and we take these matters seriously. We understand how frustrating it must have felt to sleep on deck, navigate cramped dining areas, and manage limited restroom access. The snorkelling situation and lack of proper support from the local guide are especially troubling, and the activity has already been moved to calmer waters following discussions between our healthy and safety and local teams. The railings on the boat have also been raised higher as a precaution.
We also regret the delays and missed transfers during the Gili Island extension and your departure from Bali. These logistical hiccups are not reflective of the standard we aim to provide.
Your comments have been shared with our product team, and we’re actively reviewing the boat setup, guide training, and transportation coordination to ensure future trips are safer and more comfortable for all guests.
Thank you again for your thoughtful and detailed review. We’re glad you had a memorable adventure overall, and we hope to welcome you on another journey—with improvements in place—soon.
What an amazing adventure with a great bunch of people.
I had booked this trip to visit Indonesia and see the Komodo dragons which did not disappoint. On the whole the trip was very well organised and the guide was exceptional.
However both the outgoing flight and transfer at Kuala Lumper and the return flight had very tight connection times. I have given some feedback to Malasian airlines as I do not feel that I should have had to run through a very large airport with bus transfer between international and domestic terminals to make my connection. The airline, knowing many ( at least 20) people needed this connection, should either have put on direct transport or guaranteed the flight be held to allow us to confortably get to the flight. Whilst reasonably fit,at 65 I expect this even without a 7Kg backpack I would struggle!!!
I also feel a little more time to acclimatise to the humidity and rest after the long journey before the first hike in the Jungle would have benefitted some of the group including myself. The Ecolodge at Bukit Lawang was anything but eco other than cold water which could easily heated by means of solar panels non of us could find anything eco about it. Whilst it was convenient for the jungle there were many other hotels close by that may have had better washing facilities. All the group felt a warm shower with sufficient water to actually wash, rather than a dribble , would have welcomed us to Indonesian heat better than this lodge.
On return to Medan there was bearly time to enjoy the pool at that hotel and to enable more sleep and avoid another early start, I wonder if there is not an airport hotel that would be more suitable.
There was one American lady on this trip who did not have the fitness required to be able to complete the trip without putting others at risk. Her deafness also caused some issues as she would rudely overtalk the leader and failed on many occasions to hear the istructions needed and Elly would constantly have to repeat them.
Most Inspirational Moment
I really enjoyed the time we spent on the boat. The snorkelling with clear clean waters and corals in a better condition than I have previously seen were amazing. To see the Komodo dragons, that have been protected for a significant amount of time ensuring their protection was inspiring, showing that humans can sustain wildlife when the correct measures are put in place. The indonesian people also inspired me.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Elly was a fantastic leader a friendly caring individual with a positive outlook and always finding a solution to any problems we may have. I would fully recomend her ever vote for her as leader of the year.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Read the travel notes given by Exodus and prepare accordingly! Whilst this seems obvious it still amazes me that people do not always have the correct equipment and level of fitness required.
Primates & Dragons of Indonesia
It was a great trip. Exceeded all my expectations.Our guide Elly was brilliant and always on hand if we needed anything. The local guides that were used on various parts of the trip were also very good. On the 2 days spent in the forest in Bukit Lawang we saw Orang Utans within 20 minutes of leaving our lodge. Getting fresh local fruit in the middle of the jungle was a very welcome treat. Possibly the juiciest pineapple i have ever eaten. On the boat trip to Komodo and Rinca Islands the food was very good and fresh. Sleeping on the deck of the boat was great. Saw about 15 Komodo’s over the visits to the two Islands. the snorkelling off the both on numerous occasions was brilliant. Crystal clear waters where we saw loads of turtles and fish to rival the Barrier Reef. Bring an underwater camera, I didn’t and i’m sorry i didn’t. The only slight gripe i have was the walk to the volcano/lava fields. In my opinion this was a waste of time. Elly had asked us if anyone wanted to try Durian fruit. A few of us said yes, so Elly stopped at a stall selling it. Trying Durian fruit has been on my bucket list for a long time. It tastes as disgusting as it smells but I’m glad i tried it. Overall it was a great trip and one i would highly recommend.
Most Inspirational Moment
Seeing the Orang Utans and the Komodo Dragons. Also seeing turtles while snorkelling.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Elly is a great guide. Always there if we needed us. The local guides we used during the trip were also great.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Bring good walking boots/shoes for the jungle. It had rained during the night we were in Bukit Lawang and the jungle floor was very slippery underfoot. If you intend to go snorkelling bring an underwater camera/go pro.
Fantastic
From beginning to end this trip was one wow moment after another. The trip itinerary is well structured into 4 parts, all quite different. Trekking the jungle in Bukit Lawang and being lucky to see so many orangutan was unbelievably moving. The two very different stays in the chilled out beach town of Sanur and Ubud with its monkey forest (not on the itinerary but a must to visit). Flores islands were just stunning, loved the two nights sleeping on deck quite literally under the stars. The unexpected highlight of this trip was probably the snorkelling ….never have I seen such a variety of fish, corals and abundance of life underwater.
Most Inspirational Moment
So many moments, the very human like and curious orangutans, being charged at by a 3 meter long male Komodo, the tranquility of the temples and the peace just sitting on deck watching the sunrise in the mornings. The walk up the hill on Padar was worth every step to watch sunsetting over the islands.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Ely is one of the best. She guided us efficiently and effortlessly through many flights, journeys and experiences over the 14 days. Her enthusiasm never faltered even keeping us company on what should have been her rest days. Her concern for our safety was paramount even sitting in the tender boat watch over us whilst snorkelling. Ely made the trip the fantastic experience it was.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Long trousers a must for the jungle, be prepared because these leech get everywhere!
Inspirational Indonesia
I have been on several wildlife trips with Exodus and I think this is probably , all things considered the best one that I have been on when taking into account the wonderful support of the guide Elly and the great crew on the boat . The variety of activities on offer, the locations, the food and the hotel accommodation all had a part to play in contributing to that recommendation.
Most Inspirational Moment
For me as an interested amateur wildlife photographer I have to say that the most inspirational moment was getting such great shots of the orangutans in Sumatra. Wildlife can never be guaranteed but we were very lucky to see as may as we did . I also got some wonderFul shots of the Komodo dragons and Thomas leaf monkeys.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Elly was a fantastic leader and was so enthusiastic and knowledgeable about her country and its nature. Nothing was too much trouble for her and she was always concerned about our well being. Elly always took us to great restaurants that she had checked out beforehand. .
Advice for Potential Travellers
I bought my visa on arrival at Medan airport with no problems whatsoever. I chose to change some currency before I got there and was able to pay in IDR though I think a colleague paid in euros. There is a fair bit of climbing both in the jungle and temples so a walking stick(s) are handy . I was provided with a bamboo stick for the jungle. I only went on 3 hour walks into the jungle . I heard that the 6 hour walk was considerably more strenuous with not much more to be gained in terms of wildlife sitings.
Exceptionally good adventure holiday
I’ve been lucky enough to travel on many small group adventure holidays over the years, and this is one of the absolute best. It features a well designed itinerary that balances activity and rest, an exceptional tour leader, and wonderful settings for wildlife viewing, scenery and culture. Although some of the walks are on the challenging side (at least if you’re unfit like I am), the days of travelling provide a good opportunity to rest up and to reflect on what you’ve seen. I finished the trip feeling both that I’d seen and done a lot, and that I was rested and had been able to relax – not something I find with many holidays where it’s either one or the other! The variety is exceptional, feeling like several holidays in one and yet all integrated well into an overall package. The standard of the accommodation and food was also really good. I’d very highly recommend the trip to anyone who enjoys this type of holiday.
Most Inspirational Moment
Seeing manta rays close up underwater was the absolute highlight for me, but also seeing orangutans and gibbons in the wild and all of the time on the boat were wonderful experiences.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Elly was a truly exceptional group leader who is surely deserving of formal recognition from a tour leader awards programme. Very well organised, caring, helpful, great communication skills, assertive enough to get things done but never anything other than kind to everyone. She knew the trip inside out and made every element run smoothly - there was nothing she hadn't anticipated and sorted. On our free days she accompanied us for free on walking tours of the relevant places, something that is not required of a tour leader and was done entirely out of her own goodwill. She managed a difficult situation when one of our group fell seriously ill and had to be hospitalised, ensuring that he and his wife were supported even when they were on a different island, whilst also delivering the itinerary for everyone else to a high standard. This must have been extremely hard for her but she never gave any sign of it.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Don't underestimate the toll that the heat and humidity of the jungle will take on you, particularly when combined with the jet lag and tiredness after a long flight. Take it easy and don't push yourself too much. The six hour jungle trek in Bukit Lawang is really tough (I didn't do it myself) and the participants didn't see anything more than we saw on the three hour trips. You definitely need walking boots with ankle support - you'll be glad of them several times over the course of the trip and they're worth the extra weight. The boat is not as basic as the trip notes suggest - if you have been on other 'liveaboard' boats you are likely to be pleasantly surprised. There is electricity for charging, space to sit and relax and if you choose to sleep on deck, you'll find it very comfortable and enjoy a good view of the stars. There are multiple en suite bathrooms with showers and plenty of space. Some of the hotels only have bar soap so if you prefer a liquid soap then it's best to take some with you, plus some shampoo and conditioner. It's always hard to get a sense of the fitness level required for a trip as what one person finds hard can differ from another. The challenging factors here are the heat and humidity, and some short but steep up and down hill walks including multiple steps. In Bukit Lawang the paths are rough and full of hazards like roots and fallen trees, and can be extremely muddy and slippery. The pace is always as slow as you need with multiple supportive and sympathetic guides and I never felt pressured to go faster than I could manage. You also do have the option to miss out any of the active elements if you need to. I was very worried about the temple in Bali with the multiple steps but actually it's not too bad at all, as the steps are broken up by stops to see things. If you could manage the 3 hour treks in Bukit Lawang you can certainly manage that. The snorkelling is generally easy in still water with good buoyancy, suitable for beginners, and again well supported. The only more challenging swim is for the manta rays. You need to be ready to go quickly and to stick with the guide and swim fast.
Perfect trip
Loads of wildlife, orangutans, komodo dragons, snorkeling with huge manta plus monkeys, turtles, water buffalo, wild boar, deer.. The list goes on. Hindu temples and shrines, great scenery, food, an excellent guide, good local guides and transport, comfortable hotels and a group that gelled. A fantastic mixture of wildlife and culture.
Most Inspirational Moment
Sleeping out on deck on our boat. Baby orangutans playing in the trees. The friendliness of the Indonesians. Snorkeling with manta.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Elly was excellent. Everything you want in a group leader and more. Organised, enthusiastic, warm. She really looked after us and made sure we made the most of our trip.
Advice for Potential Travellers
The walking in Sumatra is muddy and slippery. You need walking shoes/boots, not trainers or sandals. And insect repellant. If you have your own snorkeling gear, bring it, you will get good use out of it.
WOZ - Sept.
Excellent trip, great group and great group leader. Guides also excellent. People very friendly and helpful. Went smoothly and fulfilled expectations.
Most Inspirational Moment
The Great Argus Pheasant (aka the 'Sumatran pigeon').
Thoughts on Group Leader
Elly was Superb. Nothing to suggest for improvement other than a little more research on restaurants.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Ignore hotel and accommodation restaurants. There are much better and better value restaurants outside the accommodation. Go in the dry season. We had very little rain (other than the usual afternoon downpours in the jungle).
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