orangutan at a wildlife reserve in Borneo

Orangutan

Orangutans are the most arboreal of the great apes and spend most of their time in trees. Camp Leakey in Borneo's Tanjung Puting National Park is a center for research on this rare species.

Photo by Stephane Bidouze

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Faces in the Forest

Discovering Borneo’s Natural and Cultural Wonders aboard the Orion

Faces in the Forest route-map
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Trip Details at-a-Glance

Cost From: $8425   see pricing
Length: 11 days
Arrive: Benoa, Bali
Depart: Singapore
Lodging: 10 nights aboard 106-guest luxury vessel describe
Meals: All meals included aboard ship
Activity: Wildlife & Natural History, Cultural Adventures, Small Ship Cruising
Trip Level: Cultural exploration and walking tours
1 explain

Highlights

  • Interactions with orangutans at Camp Leakey in Tanjung Puting National Park
  • Wildlife of Bako National Park
  • Kuching, Semenggoh Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre
  • Zodiac excursions, snorkeling coral reefs, village visits, naturalist guides


Best cruise on a small ship. Camp Leakey was an experience like we have never had before—a wonderful cruise.Fred V.—Denton, TX

Choosing the Right Trip

We work hard to help you choose the right trip for you, paying attention to your individual interests, abilities, and needs. If you have questions about the level of comfort or any of the activities described in this itinerary, please contact us.
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References

We are proud to have an exceptionally high rate of repeat travelers. For more information, we would be happy to put you in touch with a client who has traveled with us.

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The island of Borneo is one of the wildest places on earth, home to flora and fauna that are among the most biologically diverse in the world. Aboard the Orion, we explore its undiscovered gems including Camp Leakey in Tanjung Puting National Park, where orangutans are rehabilitated for release into the jungle, and lush Bako National Park, with its secluded beaches and rainforest. This is an ideal place to experience the wonders of Borneo’s rich ecosystem—the park provides a refuge for Borneo’s 15,000 species of plants, 222 species of mammals, 420 resident birds, and numerous  reptile, amphibian, and fish species. We also visit the Semenggoh Wildlife Centre, established for the rehabilitation of captured wild animals, and enjoy snorkeling excursions among the fringing coral reef systems of isolated island archipelagos.

Itinerary at a Glance

For a more complete description, Download Full Detailed Itinerary

Days 1-2
Bali, Indonesia

Arrive in Benoa, Bali, and embark aboard the Orion II (2012) or Orion (2013). Day 2 is at sea en route to Borneo.

Day 3-5
Tanjung Puting National Park / Camp Leakey / Gunung Palung

Tanjung Puting protects vast tracts of wetlands and tropical forest. We explore by local boat, visiting orangutan feeding stations as well as Camp Leakey itself for the rare opportunity to interact with orangutans. Tanjung Puting also boasts the bizarre-looking proboscis monkey and seven other primate species in addition to more than 220 species of birds.

Days 6-7
At Sea / Kuching, Sarawak / Semenggoh

After a day at sea, we head to Kuching, the capital of the Malaysian state of Sarawak and home to the Semenggoh Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre. We we will visit the Centre and witness the work they do in caring for orangutans and other wildlife of Borneo.

Day 8
Bako National Park, Sarawak

In addition to abundant wildlife, Bako National Park has lush rainforests, secluded beaches, jungle streams and waterfalls, and numerous hiking trails. Our walks reveal many bird and primate species found throughout the park.

9-11
Natuna and Anambas Archipelagos / Singapore

On snorkeling excursions, we explore the abundant coral reefs and diverse marine life of the isolated island archipelagos of Natuna and Anambas. Disembark in Singapore and depart.

For a more complete description, Download Full Detailed Itinerary

Note: These cruises are not exclusive Wilderness Travel departures. The itinerary, lecturers, and other arrangements are subject to change at the discretion of the ship operator.

What the Trip is Like

The trip is rated Level 1, Easiest. There are shore excursions featuring walks, and it is appropriate for anyone in good health who is physically active.

Explanation of Trip Levels

 

Departures

Oct 25-Nov 4, 2013  Bali to Singapore

Nov 18-28, 2013  Singapore to Bali

Trip Cost

2013 Cruise Rates by Cabin Category
Aboard the Orion
Per person, double occupancy

Categories Price
B $8,425
A $9,785
Junior Suite $11,620
Deluxe Suite $12,725
Balcony Suite $15,190
Owners Suite $17,645

Single Supplement: limited availablity, call for details

Deck Plan

B
 Oceanview staterooms on Deck 3 with window* and sitting area. 175 sq. ft. Suites 301, 322, 323. *Staterooms 322 and 333 have twin portholes.
 

 
A
 Oceanview staterooms on Deck 3 with large oval window and sitting area. 180 sq. ft. Suites 302-321.
 

 
JS
 Junior suites on Decks 4 and 5 with window and sitting area. 218 sq. ft. Suites 401-419, 512 (175 sq. ft. with twin beds)
 

 
DS
 Deluxe suites on Deck 5 with window and large sitting area. 230 sq. ft. Suites 511, 515.
 

 
BS
 Balcony suites on Deck 5 with floor to ceiling sliding glass doors and small balcony for viewing the breathtaking scenery. 230 sq. ft. Suites 501, 503-506, 508.
 

 
OS
 Owner’s suites on Deck 5 with floor to ceiling sliding glass doors*, French balcony for taking in the sea breeze, and separate bedroom*. 345 sq. ft. Suites 502, 507, 509, 510. *Suite 509 has two large rectangular windows instead of a balcony; suite 502 has living room space incorporated into bedroom area.
 

 

Trip Cost Includes:

  • Accommodations aboard the Orion
  • All meals included aboard ship
  • Services of an experienced cruise staff
  • 24-hour room service
  • Use of the ship’s sporting equipment and facilities
  • Port and handling charges
  • Zodiac and tender transfers
  • Access to the ship’s library of CDs/DVDs
  • Government fees and taxes

Trip Cost Does Not Include:

International airfare, visa and passport fees, transfers to/from ship, optional shore excursions, baggage, cancellation and accident insurance, any items of a personal nature including but not limited to laundry charges, shopping onboard, bar expenses, hairdressing and massage treatments, medical services, telephone and internet charges, and gratuities to shipboard personnel.

Trip Payment Schedule*

At time of reservation: 25%
120 days prior to departure: Balance

*Please note that this differs from our regular catalog departures.

Cancellation and Transfer Fee Schedule*

Minimum fee: None
91-120 days prior to departure: 25% of trip cost
90 days or less: 100% of trip cost

*Please note that this differs from our regular catalog departures.

The Orion

Designed and constructed in Germany in 2003, the 106-guest Orion features five-star comfort in a casual and relaxed atmosphere. Each of the 53 spacious staterooms and suites boasts ocean views, sitting area, well-appointed marble bathroom, flat-screen satellite TV, DVD/CD player, Internet connection, personal safe, hairdryer, and mini-bar. The Orion also has a library, boutique, medical center, health spa and salon, outdoor Jacuzzi, and a restaurant. Two high-speed tenders service the ship and ten Zodiacs are available for landing at remote locations. Sports equipment includes ten kayaks. The Orion has a crew of 75 and has the highest classification in terms of its Ice Class Hull, as well as being stabilized for comfort.

Deck Plan

B
 Oceanview staterooms on Deck 3 with window* and sitting area. 175 sq. ft. Suites 301, 322, 323. *Staterooms 322 and 333 have twin portholes.
 

 
A
 Oceanview staterooms on Deck 3 with large oval window and sitting area. 180 sq. ft. Suites 302-321.
 

 
JS
 Junior suites on Decks 4 and 5 with window and sitting area. 218 sq. ft. Suites 401-419, 512 (175 sq. ft. with twin beds)
 

 
DS
 Deluxe suites on Deck 5 with window and large sitting area. 230 sq. ft. Suites 511, 515.
 

 
BS
 Balcony suites on Deck 5 with floor to ceiling sliding glass doors and small balcony for viewing the breathtaking scenery. 230 sq. ft. Suites 501, 503-506, 508.
 

 
OS
 Owner’s suites on Deck 5 with floor to ceiling sliding glass doors*, French balcony for taking in the sea breeze, and separate bedroom*. 345 sq. ft. Suites 502, 507, 509, 510. *Suite 509 has two large rectangular windows instead of a balcony; suite 502 has living room space incorporated into bedroom area.