Wild Indonesia: Wildlife Adventure in Quest of Exotic, Endangered, and Endemic Species in Sumatra |Komodo NP |Sulawesi

Indonesia, officially the Republic of Indonesia, is a country in Southeast Asia and Oceania between the Indian and Pacific oceans. It consists of over 17,000 islands,including Sumatra, Java, Sulawesi, and parts of Borneo and New Guinea. It is located on a hotspot of tectonic activity in the Pacific Ocean, with... More

Indonesia, officially the Republic of Indonesia, is a country in Southeast Asia and Oceania between the Indian and Pacific oceans. It consists of over 17,000 islands,including Sumatra, Java, Sulawesi, and parts of Borneo and New Guinea. It is located on a hotspot of tectonic activity in the Pacific Ocean, with 129 resulting volcanoes, known as the Pacific Ring of Fire. With a population of around 238 million people, it is the world’s fourth most populous country, and across its many islands Indonesia comprises distinct ethnic, linguistic and religious groups.

Explore the Wild Indonesia Wildlife Adventure:

Wild Indonesia Wildlife holidays also offer up white palm-fringed beaches, verdant rainforests, exotic wildlife – including orang-utans, proboscis monkeys, komodo dragon and, black macaque, tarsier “the world’s smallest primate” red maleo birds, hornbills and cuscus.
Your journey begins in northern Sumatra and the Gunung Leuser National Park .This is a land of vast untouched rainforest and the last stronghold for the Sumatran orangutan and seven other species of primate. From here you head to Komodo National Park for three nights sailing through the azure waters on board a comfortable yettraditional

Indonesian sailing yacht and encounter with the Komodo dragons . For your finale, head northern part of Sulawesi, known for its fauna and flora that’s found nowhere else including one of the most expressive primates on the planet, the charismatic crested black macaque .

On this trip, you’ll explore the wilderness, fascinating wildlife adventure of 3 most  important national parks in Indonesia which are famous for exotic, endemic, rare & endangered wildlife in the world.

Sumatra: A Haven for Exotic Wildlife

Gunung Leuser National Park in Sumatra: Is one of the richest tropical rainforests in Southeast Asia. Covering up to 7927 km2 and straddling the border of North Sumatra and Aceh provinces, it is one of the last places on earth with critically endangered orangutans living in the wild. The Sumatran orangutan (Pongo abelii) is one of the three species of orangutans. Critically endangered, and found only in the north of Sumatra, it is rarer than the Bornean orangutan but more common than the recently identified Tapanuli orangutan, also found in Sumatra. This region is also the habitat of other wildlife: Elephants, rhinos, tigers, siamangs, Thomas leaf monkeys, macaques and gibbons are just a handful of the thousands of species found in this unique eco-system. Together with Bukit Barisan Selatan and Kerinci Seblat National Parks, Gunung Leuser National Park is an UNESCO World Heritage Site (listed 2004), a Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra.

Komodo National Park: Home of the Dragons

Komodo National Park, located in the center of the Indonesian archipelago, between the islands of Sumbawa and Flores, is composed of three major islands (Rinca, Komodo, and Padar) and numerous smaller ones, all of them of volcanic origin. Located at the juncture of two continental plates, this national park constitutes the “shatter belt” within the Wallacea Biogeographical Region, between the Australian and Sunda ecosystems. The property is identified as a global conservation priority area, comprising unparalleled terrestrial and marine ecosystems and covers a total area of nearly 2,000 km2. The Park has been created to conserve the Komodo dragon and its habitat, and also
to protect the area’s terrestrial and marine biodiversity and has been selected as one of the “New 7 Wonders of Nature”.

“The Park is UNESCO World Heritage Site: “These volcanic islands are inhabited by a population of around 5,700 giant lizards, whose appearance and aggressive behaviour have led to them being called ‘Komodo dragons’. They exist nowhere else in the world and are of great interest to scientists studying the theory of evolution.” (quote from unesco.org)”.”

Sulawesi: Endemic Species and Pristine Nature

Tangkoko Batuangus Nature Reserve in the northern part of Sulawesi island , 70 kilometres from Manado city. The reserve covers an area of 8,718 hectares (88 km2 ), and includes three mountains: Mount Tangkako at 1,109 metres , Mount Dua Saudara at
1,361 metres, and Mount Batuangus at 450 metres. Tangkoko Batuangus Nature Reserve protects at least 127 mammal, 233 bird, and 104 reptile and amphibian species. Of these 79 mammal, 103 bird, and 29 reptile and amphibian species are endemic to the island. Threatened mammals include the Celebes crested macaque, of which about 5,500 remain on the island, spectral tarsier, Sulawesi bear cuscus and Sulawesi dwarf cuscus. Birds include the Green-backed Kingfisher, Sulawesi Lilac Kingfisher, Sulawesi Dwarf Kingfisher, knobbed hornbill, Sulawesi hornbill and maleo bird.

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Highlights

  • Embark on a thrilling journey through Indonesia’s pristine wilderness, from lush rainforests to vibrant marine ecosystems.
  • Witness iconic and endangered wildlife, including the majestic Orangutans, Komodo Dragons, Tarsiers, and exotic bird species.
  • Experience world-class snorkeling and diving in crystal-clear waters, exploring coral reefs teeming with marine life.
  • Trek through untouched jungles, volcanic craters, and savannahs, uncovering breathtaking landscapes at every turn.
  • Relax on stunning pink sand beaches and cruise between the picturesque islands of the Komodo archipelago.
  • Immerse yourself in rich cultural experiences, engaging with local communities and learning about their sustainable lifestyles.
  • Discover traditional rituals and savor authentic Indonesian cuisine, blending adventure with cultural immersion.
  • Be inspired by conservation efforts and the harmony between Indonesia’s diverse ecosystems and its heritage.

Fly from any convenient airport in Europe to Jakarta.
(Flight is not included in the tour price, but we will be happy to make you an individual flight offer.)

Welcome to Jakarta, Java!! Upon arrival at the Jakarta Soekarno Hatta International airport and after necessary immigration control, you are met by your hotel representative or local guide and transfer to your hotel (15 minutes)  – look out for your name on a sign/paging board in the arrivals area. Rest of the day free for relax & get acclimatised.

 

Meals: No Meals
Accommodation: FM7 Resort, 1-night

Today you will take a flight to Medan, the capital of North Sumatra. Upon arrival at the Kuala Namu International airport in Medan you are met by your tour guide and transfer
to Bukit Lawan. 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. You
should be arriving sometime in the early afternoon and check in to your hotel. You will have time to go out for Nature walk around in the forest or your local guide/ranger will orrange hike to nearby Bat Caves, where you explore an amazing geological formations and lots of bats roosting inside the cave is just fascinating to watch. The rest of the day free to relax.

 

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Eco Lodge Bukit Lawan OR Jungle Inn Bukit Lawan 4-nights

Over the three days, our professional team will healp you exploring the wilderness of Sumatra’s mountainous National Park. This is one of the largest national parks in the world and you spend time with your guide & park ranger and have an opportunity to explore the trails, searching for orangutans and other wildlife. You have plenty of opportunities to experience the incredible biodiversity of this spectacular ancient rainforest. Your guide will take the easier trails to explore accessible tracts of the rainforest, with a particular focus on searching for the park’s eight species of primate and there is a good chance of seeing Thomas’s leaf monkeys and long-tailed macaques plus, hopefully, one of the endearing Sumatran orangutans who inhabit the forest. 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 four to six hours,
including time spent for lunch, and can be demanding at times 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 longer jungle hike, the rest of the day is at leisure to relax at the lodge.

 

Meals: Breakfast|Lunch|Dinner
Accommodation: Eco Lodge Bukit Lawan OR Jungle Inn Bukit Lawan

Enjoy your breakfast and off the scenic road to Berastagi for overnight stay. Berastagi a welcoming township nestled in the cooler Karo Highlands at the altitude of 1300m with
its refreshing weather and magnificent mountain scenery surrounded by the two volcanoes Sinabung (2417 m) and Sibayak (2172 m). Before check in to your hotel visit local Fruit Market and stroll around the town which is swarming with activity and scenes from traditional Karo life and also enjoy the views of two active volcanoes, Sinabung and Sibayak.

During the Dutch colonial period, Berastagi served as a retreat for the Dutch due to its cooler climate. The town’s strategic location amidst lush greenery made it a favored destination for the Dutch officials and planters seeking respite from the tropical heat of other regions.

 

Meals: Breakfast|Lunch|Dinner
Accommodation: Kalang Ulu (deluxe room) OR Grand Mutiara Hotel

Mount Sibayak is simply spectacular. Rise early to begin your impressive short trek from the base to the Sibayak volcano for sunrise view. It takes about 1.5 to 2 hours from
the nearest road and can therefore be explored by anyone in reasonably good shape. It’s bit challenging going up very early when it’s still dark to reach the summit at sunrise.But the views are marvellous & rewaring.

With over 120 active volcanoes fuming around Indonesia, Gunung Sibayak at 2,212 metres in Northern Sumatra is one of Indonesia’s best accessible mountains and amongst the top volcanoes in terms of effort to enjoyment ratio. Mt. Sibayak provides excellent views of Berastagi and the surrounding countryside, including the neighbouring Mt. Sinabung, which is frequently erupting since 2010 after lying dormant for 400 years. Although Mt. Sibayak has been quiet for the last century, new steam vents and seismic activity indicate that the volcano is merely only taking a break. Geothermal activity is high on and around the volcano and offers a very unique experience for visitors with many fumaroles near the crater lake, the sound they make as jets of hot gas and steam shoot out is tremendously eerie and can get as loud as a starting jet plane engine. Take your time to let this bizarre moonscape scenery sink in before you begin your moderate descend back to the car and drive back to your hotel for late Breakfast.

After breakfast leave for Samosir. On the way to Lake Toba you will visit a small village of Dokan (Desa Dokan) 25km south of Berastagi is arguably the best of the Karo villages
as it has five well preserved and occupied traditional houses and ancient graveyard.

The Batak are known for their distinctive traditional communal houses; large stilted buildings with high, steeply pitched roofs built from wood and bamboo held together
with fibre from the ijuk palm, which is also used a roof thatching. Despite being constructed of entirely natural materials, without nails, pegs or spikes, some houses have been continually occupied for between 200-300 years, preserved by smoke and heat from indoor fires which keeps the wood and roof thatching dry. The peak roofs are usually adorned with a carved bulls head, the official Karo symbol of strength.

The magnificent Sipisopiso waterfall at the north end of the lake near Tongging is a highlight and equally well worth the stop. One of the highest waterfalls in Indonesia, the
sight of the 120m high cascade plunging into a gaping canyon in the otherwise flat Karo plateau is dramatic, especially when you realise that there’s no river. The waterfall is
actually fed from an underground river flowing through the rim of Lake Toba. The best view of Sipisopiso is from near the car park but if you can’t resist the urge to get closer
to hear the roar of the water and feel the spray on your face, there’s a well formed trail (with hundreds of stairs) that will take you right down to the edge of the canyon. Continue the scenic drive until you arrive at the harbor (Tigaras or parapat) from where you cross the lake by ferry to Samosir Island: Your vehicle & the driver will also ferry across. Arrive on the harbor on the island of Samosir, you continue driving to your hotel
for overnight.

 

 

Meals: Breakfast|Dinner
Accommodation: Tabo Cottages OR Toledo Inn

Today you will explore the beauty and cultural aspects of Batak by visiting Ambarita village to see the Stone Chairs and court yard of Siallagan’s clan and Simanindo village to see the museum of the Batak’s Tribe.

The Batak Museum at Simanindo documenting the history and culture of Toba’s traditional inhabitants is an excellent place to start before heading south to Ambarita 300-year-old Stome Chairs, where important matters were discussed among village
elders & rulers.

In times past, the ancient stone chairs for which the village is famous, were occupied by a council of village rulers who met to decide on important tribal matters such as the fate
of a captured enemy. If death was the verdict, the victim was brought to the dining table in the middle of the chairs, beheaded, dissected and cooked, often with a little buffalo
meat. The councillors would feast on the hapless victims flesh, washed down with his blood. Pretty gruesome stuff!

If time permits drive up to Pusuk Buhit at 1,982 m, the highest place to views Lake Toba and local villages in the Sianjur Mula Mula valley below. You can also visit Batak’s traditional house in the valley villages.

Meals: Breakfast|Dinner
Accommodation: Tabo Cottage  OR Toledo Inn

 

 

After your liesurely breakfast you retrace your drive back past terraced rice fields & palm plantations to Medan in time to catch your flight back to Jakarta where you spend the night before your early morning flight tomorrow. You overnight at the hotel close to the airport again ready for your next leg of the journey.

 

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: FM7 Resort Hotel, 1-night

Luggage ready, today the day has come to know one of the most important centers of the world’s largest lizard – the Komodo dragon in Komodo National Park which is located within Indonesia’s Lesser Sunda Islands. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986.!!!

After breakfast and at the right time you will have the transfer to the airport to catch the flight to Labuan Bajo at the western tip of Flores island. This town is the main entry point into Komodo National Park.

Upon arrival at the airport your guide will be waiting for you to transfer to the jetty and board the traditional phinisi, settle into your cabin then sail for Sabay Kecil and Komodo
National Park. Sabayor Kecil, located within the Komodo National Park, is a beautiful dive along a steep rock bank adorned with coral and colorful tropical fish. We keep watch for dolphins and various seabirds as we sail. At Sabayor Kecil, you can enjoy your first snorkel over the coral reef where a plethora of colourful reef fish including Napoleon wrasse, groupers and stingrays can be seen. There are also some stunning white sand beaches to enjoy before you return to the boat to enjoy sundowner & relax before a leisurely supper.

 

Meals : Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Accommodation : Elyssia Phinisi or Similar(Private Chartered Boat) 3-Night

Note: Sailing route and day-today activities are likely to be altered by the vessel’s captain and same is depend upon the weather patern & tides.

This morning you start by exploring the island of Rinca and will most likely encounter your first Komodo dragons. Rinca is one of the islands that houses Komodo dragons but is also home to wild pigs, buffalos and birds. Going ashore, you go on a trek accompanied by a local island ranger to look for Komodo dragons in their natural environment. You
can enjoy some short walks around the island to marvel at these impressive reptiles up close. After spending the morning exploring the island, you set sail for Karang Makassar
stopping at Manta Point, so-named as giant manta rays, some with a wingspan of 4m, are regularly seen here. This is a reliable feeding ground for manta rays and one of the best
snorkelling locations in the Komodo National Park. You may also stop at another snorkelling site with an excellent coral reef with good chances of seeing parrotfish,clownfish and, with a bit of luck, various other sea creatures including sea turtles.

Before end of the day head to Kalong Island – or commonly known as Koaba Island by the locals, meaning big bats or flying foxes – is a beautiful island tucked away from the
northern part of Rinca Island. The island is covered in mangrove plantations, hosting thousands of flying foxes that live in the trees during the daytime to protect them from
the heat of sun.

The exotic attraction of these bats flying over the island happens at sunset time. Around dusk time, thousands of bats emerge from the trees, coming out from their hiding place
to find food, flying energetically and covering the sky, performing one the most stunning natural displays in the park. You will be able to admire this impressive spectacle for
nearly 30 minutes, when wave after wave of bats pass over the anchored boats.

 

Meals : Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Accommodation : Elyssia Phinisi or Similar(Private Chartered Boat)

Today you have a flexible day to explore Komodo and Padar Islands. To start with you could start early to Komodo island to enjoy more close encounters with the dragons in different settings and also discover some of the different plant, insect and bird life here.Upon arrival, you hike to Banunggulung, the riverbed where the dragons used to be fed fresh goats (until the mid-2000s). The hike takes 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, Timor deer and buffalos. You can also enjoy some of the unusual & endemic birdlife of Komodo including yellow-crested cockatoo, Western (Asian) Koel,white-bellied sea eagle, Brahminy kite, blue-tailed bee-eater, Sunda pygmy woodpecker and black-naped oriole.

Following this, you may like to visit Pink Beach where we have time to snorkel (bit crowded during the high season). Your final leg today takes you to Padar Island, where anchor will be droped for the night.If you feel fit & time permits, you go for Padar Island Sunset Hike or Sunrise Hike following morning for the breath-taking view of Kamodo National Park.

 

Meals : Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner
Accommodation : Elyssia Phinisi or Similar(Private Chartered Boat)

Today is your final morning. After breakfast and saying good bye to the crew on board,you will disembark and transfer to the Labuan Bajo where you stay a night at a nice hotel walking distance from a beautiful beach.

 

Meals : Breakfast
Accommodation : The Jayakarta Suites Komodo Flores or Similar 1- Night

 

Please note: Komodo Marine Park and National Park fees are not included and will need to be paid locally at the ranger office. Diving is also optional & same can be organised
onboard & pay directly.

Today you drive back to the airport in time to catch a domestic flight to Bali or Jakarta to catch for your onward flight back home.

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Trip Facts

Giving back to the communities is our responsibility!

With every trip, you also support the SWAN and thus projects for Sustainable Community development and Biodiversity protection.

Our primary NGO partner is Social Welfare Association of Nepal (SWAN), with whom we have carried out multiple CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) projects. Besides carrying out regular CSR activities in the areas of education and women empowerment, we have supported relief and rehabilitation initiatives in the aftermath of several natural disasters like earthquake, immediate response to COVID-19 pandemic across Nepal. 

Giving something back to the world is a special and responsible affair of travel-to-nature Asia right from its inception. When you travel with travel-to-nature Asia and SWAN-Nepal, you become an integral force for change in addressing the most pressing social and wildlife conservation issues. Your tourism funds help transform the future of under-privileged and marginalized communities and transform the future of at-risk natural places you travel. Portion of our profit flows to local communities who live with and steward nature, creating jobs and improving livelihoods.

By joining one of our holidays you are playing a vital role in bringing positive changes in the lives of local community.

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