Primates & Dragons of Indonesia

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13 Days Excluding Flights From

0 Days from

£ 3699

Wildlife

Activity Level

Easy & Moderate

Comfort Level

Classic

Ways to Travel :

Guided Group

Activity :

Wildlife

Wildlife Rating :

Group Size :

4 - 16

Ages :

16+

Trip Code :

WOZ2

Carbon Footprint :

97kg CO2e per person per day

Join the best local guides to track Indonesia’s most iconic inhabitants: Komodo dragons and orangutans

‘Here be dragons’ goes the old cartographers’ adage. In Indonesia, there are. Join the best local guides to see them for yourself (including on the lesser-visited island of Rinca) on this wildlife-rich adventure through Sumatra, Komodo and Bali. There are plenty more highlights too: spot orangutans in the jungles around Bukit Lawang, snorkel at a gathering spot for manta rays and turtles, and dive deep into the culture of historic Jakarta and arty Ubud. With our tour leader’s insider expertise, every wild wonder comes vividly to life.

Highlights

Journey through Indonesia’s diverse animal habitats, experiencing 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

Key Information

Accommodation: 7 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 leader throughout
Group arrival and departure transfers available

What's Not Included

Travel insurance
Single accommodation (available on request)
Visas or vaccinations

Sustainability and Impact

As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.

We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.

This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony through practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.

TRIP

WOZ2 - Primates & Dragons of Indonesia

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Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

For flights call us on 0203 733 5948 or enquire when booking online

Regional flights available

Competitive flight prices

Specialist Flight Support

ATOL protected

Itinerary

Medan, Sumatra Ubud, Bali

Begin your adventure in Medan, the largest city on the island of Sumatra, and a jumping off point for many visitors to Indonesia.

Meet the tour leader either at the airport or pre-tour hotel (see Final Joining Instructions for more details) and transfer (approximately four to five hours) to the village of Bukit Lawang on the edge of Gunung Leuser National Park, stopping for a light lunch en route.

The rest of the afternoon is free to relax and explore. 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 village is attractive, built along one side of the river; relaxing by the river, it is not uncommon to see wild orangutans come to the water to drink.

Around 6pm, the group comes together for a welcome briefing, a chance to get to know each other a little better and learn more about the adventures ahead.

Your tour leader then ensures a big Indonesian welcome by arranging a group dinner.

Accommodation: Eco Lodge Bukit Lawang (or similar)

Meals included: Dinner

Head into Gunung Leuser this morning, one of the two remaining habitats for Sumatran orangutans. Here, we’re joined by an expert local guide 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)

Meals included: Breakfast

Return to the old feeding station this morning for another chance to spot orangutans. Those who wish can then head deeper into the jungle, continuing our search for the ‘gardeners of the forest’ and other wildlife, guided by the insider knowledge of our local experts.

The park is home to around 700 animal species, including macaques, gibbons, Sumatran elephants, and plenty of birdlife.

This optional excursion lasts approximately six hours, including time at the feeding station, and includes steep, muddy terrain and a hot, humid climate. For anyone who chooses not to undertake the jungle hike, the rest of the day is free to relax at the lodge.

Accommodation: Eco Lodge Bukit Lawang (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

Discover the cultural side of Bukit Lawang this morning with a village walk, witnessing daily life play out and learning about the history and heritage of the people.

After, head to a local house to watch an Indonesian cooking demonstration by one of the villagers, followed by a homemade lunch of local dishes.

Return (approximately four hours) to Medan in the afternoon, where we stay before our early morning flight tomorrow.

Accommodation: Aryaduta Hotel (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

Rising early, we catch a morning flight to Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia. Upon arrival, transfer to our hotel to check in and refresh, before heading out to explore Kota Tua (the old town) and harbour front with our tour leader.

Our exploration takes us to: Fatahillah Square, a lively plaza that often hosts traditional dance performances; the Jakarta History Museum; and Wayang Museum, which is dedicated to Javan wayang puppetry. We also visit the street food hub of Glodok, also known as Chinatown, the maritime museum, before finishing with a stroll around Sunda Kelapa, the old port of Jakarta.

Accommodation: Neo Puri Indah Hotel (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

Fly to Labuan Bajo today, 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)

Meals included: Breakfast

Dedicate the next three days to exploring the wildlife-rich Komodo National Park, staying on a boat for a truly immersive experience. Established in 1980, Komodo is comprised of three main islands (Komodo, Rinca and Padar) and the surrounding waters, which include mangrove forests, seagrass beds and vibrant coral reefs.

After boarding the boat early, our first destination is Rinca, which we visit after lunch. The island is home to Komodo dragons but also wild pigs, buffalos and birds. Going ashore, we join an island ranger on a trek to look for Komodo dragons in their natural environment.

After, we return to the boat and sail to Padar, where we snorkel in the pristine waters. In the late afternoon, we can walk to a hilltop to watch sunset above the national park.

Accommodation: Boat

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Head to Komodo island this morning. Upon arrival, we trek to the riverbed of Banunggulung, where the dragons were fed fresh goats until the mid-2000s. The hike takes us through spectacular scenery and there are many unusual plants along the way. Of course, we look for Komodo dragons, but there are other animals to spot, including wild boars, deer and buffalos, plus good birdwatching with cockatoos and gosong among others.

After, 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 turtles.

There is ample time to swim, snorkel and enjoy the beach before we head to 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

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Those who wish can rise before dawn to visit a viewpoint on Gili Laba to watch the sunrise.

Later, we can snorkel more around the 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)

Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch

We fly 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.

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)

Meals included: Breakfast

Today’s walk begins early, arriving at the start point around 7.30am. Head on a gentle trek across the ancient caldera and savanna of Mount Batur, navigating through black lava fields. Most of the route is relatively flat and not strenuous.

A light refreshment is provided at a rest point, where you can enjoy a magnificent view of Mount Batur and learn about the Batur National Geopark.

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. 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, 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 is Tegalalang for sweeping views over paddy fields.

Accommodation: Ananda Cottages (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

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)

Meals included: Breakfast

You’ve tracked orangutans in the jungle, witnessed real-life dragons, and explored the culture of Indonesia, but now it’s time to begin your return journey home.

Alternatively, if you’d like to extend your adventure, speak to your sales representative to discuss our large range of extension options, including our post-tour island extension, where white sands and a slice of paradise await.

Meals included: Breakfast

Post-trip Extensions

Bali Island Extension

Primates & Dragons of Indonesia

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.

Essential Info

Is this trip for you?

This trip is rated Activity Level 2 (Easy & Moderate) with a Wildlife Rating of Three. Visit our Activity Level Guidelines page for further information or our Wildlife Holidays page for more on our Wildlife Ratings. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip, please contact us.

Journeys: On most travel days, the average journey time is four to six hours, though traffic is often the determining factor in how long journeys take. There is plenty of time for sightseeing and the trip has stops where we spend two or more nights. Due to the vagaries of internal flight schedules in Indonesia, travelling from Medan to Labuan Bajo normally requires two days, so we have broken up the journey with a stopover in Jakarta.

Suitability: The wildlife tracking is fairly accessible for anyone with reasonable fitness, though the optional longer jungle trek in Bukit Lawang should not be underestimated. This takes place in hot and humid conditions, along potentially slippery mountainous terrain littered with roots. Good walking shoes/boots are highly recommended, especially if it has been raining. There are local men who can assist you for a small fee should you wish. The walks on Komodo and Rinca are not too strenuous.

Accommodation: When we visit Komodo National Park, we spend two nights on a boat where the sleeping arrangements are basic. There is a mix of bunk beds and mattresses on deck. Many people, however, enjoy sleeping on the deck under the stars. Spending two nights on the boat allows us to maximise wildlife viewing around the islands.

Flexibility: On the boat, there could be a change in itinerary/route according to weather conditions to ensure overall group safety and enjoyment.

Tourism in Indonesia: Service may not be as fast or reliable as you are used to and Indonesian attitudes towards certain things such as animal welfare and food may differ from your own. That said, if you come ready for an experience, the country’s rewards will not fail to deliver.

Komodo dragons: Local guides in Komodo warn that women who are experiencing their period should avoid visiting as the smell of blood may attract the dragons. We have consulted with various highly experienced people and, as long as normal precautions are taken, and you stay with the group (which people should do in all cases anyway), the risk is negligible.

Following a review of all our trips we have categorised this trip as generally not suitable for persons of reduced mobility. However if you are a regular traveller on such trips, please contact customer services to discuss the trip and your personal condition.

Joining Instructions

Key information

Start hotel: Eco Lodge Bukit in Lawang, Jalan Besar Jl. Bukit Lawang, Sampe Raya, Kec. Bohorok, Kabupaten Langkat, Sumatera Utara
Phone: +62 812-6079-983
Recommended arrival time: This trip starts at Medan Airport. The group will all meet with the tour leader for the transfer
Airport: Medan Airport (KNO)

Getting to the start hotel

We provide one group transfer from the airport to the hotel, which you can join at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.

It is also possible to meet the tour leader at our pre-tour hotel at 7am and go with them to the airport to meet the rest of the group – though this needs to be arranged beforehand. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times.

Please note: If you are not able to join the group arrival transfer or be at the Medan pre-tour hotel by 7am, you need to pay for an additional transfer locally to catch up with the group. As this is over four hours, the transfer is expensive.

Catching your return flight

There’s one group transfer to Denpasar Bali Ngurah Rai Airport (DPS), which you can join at no extra cost. Please speak to your sales representative for the time of the transfer. If the group transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative.

Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.

Location start: Medan, Sumatra
Location end: Ubud, Bali

Vaccinations and Health

Indonesia

There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for hepatitis A, polio, tetanus, typhoid, cholera, hepatitis B, Japanese encephalitis, rabies and tuberculosis. There is also a high risk of malaria in Irian Jaya (Papua) and low risk in Bali, Lombok, Java and Sumatra. Please speak to your doctor or travel clinic for the best course of action on all the above.

You will also need a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you’re arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.

Additionally, dengue and zika fevers are known risks in places visited. Both are spread by mosquitoes. There are currently no vaccines or prophylaxes available; therefore, we recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.

Methanol: The FCDO warns travellers to be cautious of methanol poisoning when travelling in destinations visited on the trip.

Visa

Indonesia

Many nationalities can apply for a 30-day visa on arrival at Jakarta, Medan, Surabaya, Batam, Bali and Yogyakarta at a cost of 500,000 Indonesian rupiah (approximately US$33). Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.

Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.

All Indonesia Arrival Card

The All Indonesia Arrival Card is a health and customs declaration that must be completed three days (72 hours) prior to arrival.

• Visit allindonesia.imigrasi.go.id
• Switch the website to English → select “Foreign Visitor”
• Fill in the required details:
– Personal: nationality, full name, date of birth, passport number & expiry date, contact information
– Travel: arrival/departure dates, e-Visa (if applicable)
– Transport & Accommodation: airport/port of arrival, flight/ship details, hotel or residential address
– Health & Customs: recent symptoms/travel history, items to declare (e.g., animals, electronics, baggage)
• Submit the form to receive a QR code
• Present the QR code (printed or digital) along with your passport upon arrival

Travelers must still obtain the appropriate visa for their stay. Travelers with visa exemptions are still required to complete the All Indonesia Arrival Card.

Food & Drink

Indonesian cuisine is generally fairly simple and cheap, with rice as the main staple, though noodles are also common, accompanied by dishes flavoured with cloves, chilies, coconut and lemongrass. Fish is popular but meats are also common.

Peanuts are a popular ingredient, especially in dishes such as sate or gado gado, so you should inform your tour leader if you have a peanut allergy. Nasi (rice) and mie (noodles) are very popular, especially the staple dish nasi goreng (fried rice). Quite often tea or water (aqua) is drunk with a meal. Beer is not always cold, and coffee is unfiltered and usually very sugary.

Vegetarian food is available in Indonesia; however, the concept of vegetarianism can be misunderstood so if you are a vegetarian, please be clear and state that you don’t eat meat, chicken or fish. Please advise at time of booking if you have any dietary requirements.

Weather

Indonesia has an equatorial monsoon climate with the weather remaining similar throughout the year. It is hot and humid; temperatures range from 23C-33C (73F-91F) during the day and rarely drops below 20C (68F) at night. In the mountains, temperatures are much cooler; on the coast, sea breezes usually keep temperatures comfortable. In most parts of Indonesia, the rainy season falls between late October and early May, though rain occurs throughout the year. Rain tends to come in sudden tropical downpours.

TRIP

WOZ2 - Primates & Dragons of Indonesia

Departure Date

Number Of Passengers*

Message*

To enquire about an existing booking click here

First Name *

Last Name *

Email *

Phone *

Keep me up to date with news and offers from Exodus by email.

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Find out more about how we use your data

Request a Brochure

Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

Hotels, lodges and a boat

We aim to secure locally owned accommodation that is well located, offers good value for money, and plenty of comfort. To help you find your ideal adventure, each trip is given a Comfort Level rating, which indicates the overall standard of accommodation. For more on our ratings, see our Comfort Level guidelines.

On this trip, we spend seven nights in hotels, three nights in lodges, and two nights on a boat in Komodo National Park.

Komodo National Park: Boat (nights 7-8)

Exploring Komodo by boat allows us to fully immerse ourselves in the natural beauty of the national park and maximise our wildlife viewing. The nights are idyllic, as we’re anchored in quiet bays, while accommodation is a mixture of bunks in cabins and mattresses on deck with shared bathrooms. It’s simple accommodation, but the chance to explore Komodo in an intimate way makes it worth it.

Worth knowing

Tailor your trip: Extend your adventure by securing extra hotel nights before or after the main itinerary. Speak to your sales representative to book.
Private rooms: Like most tour operators, we room solo passengers together. If you’d prefer to have a private room, it’s normally possible to do this for a supplement. The single supplement does not apply for the two nights spent on the boat in Komodo National Park. Speak to your sales representative to book.
Bukit Lawang: The hotel in Bukit Lawang only has cold water, but as outside temperatures are hot this is refreshing.