The Wild heart of Borneo and Sumatra – Wildlife Safari 2027

Name: The Wild heart of Borneo and Sumatra – Wildlife Safari 2027
Rating: 5 (4 reviews)

Birding, Botanical, Conservation, Culture, Wildlife

Overview
Highlights
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Itinerary

Searching for endangered wildlife in Borneo and Sumatra, we explore majestic rainforests, waterways and national parks to learn about one of the most bio-diverse places on earth. This journey offers the opportunity to discover regions ignored by conventional tourism, meet rangers, researchers and locals who protect endangered wildlife habitats. Beginning with Tanjung Puting National Park in Kalimantan (Borneo), we stay at Rimba Orangutan Eco Lodge and enjoy daily cruising along the Sekonyer River. Here we are guaranteed to see orangutans, Proboscis monkeys, macaques, langurs and gibbons along with lowland bird species. We visit orangutan feeding stations and learn about the rescue and rehabilitation efforts.

We travel to Sumatra and explore the jungles of Way Kambas National Park, still home to tigers, rhinos and elephants. Whilst sightings are rare, the thrill of tracking these wild animals in their natural habitat is a ‘once in a lifetime experience’. Staying in Satwa Elephant Eco Lodge we use safari style vehicles and river boats for wildlife viewing with a chance of seeing tapir, sun bears, Siamang gibbons, deer and endemic birdlife and if we are lucky, we may spot Sumatran elephants in the wild. We learn about local conservation efforts when visiting a nearby local Village to learn about their ecotourism program and the local Rangers Station, where we hear the rangers amazing stories first-hand and learn about their anti-poaching and reforestation projects.

Visit the world’s richest nation in terms of its biodiversity
Explore diverse ecosystems of Tanjung Putting & Way Kambas NPs
Stay in unique eco-lodges supporting local communities and observe animals in their natural habitats
View orangutans, gibbons & other primates on river cruises & in conservation centres
Track animals in their natural habitat & hopefully spot Sumatran elephants in the wild
Enjoy colourful traditional presentations
Learn about conservation projects
Meet researchers & support locals who protect endangered wildlife habitats

Tour date: 26 April – 05 May 2027

Price: Twin share/person (starts / ends Jakarta)

Regular Price: A$9,390

Advanced Early Bird Price: Twin share/person (if booked and deposited by 31 August 2026) A$8,890

Early Bird Price: Twin share/person (if booked and deposited by 31 October 2026) A$9,090

Single Supplement: A$570

Note: For guests who request a single room the single supplement will be charged. For single people who prefer to share, we will try to find a suitable room-mate, but if this is not possible the single supplement surcharge will apply.

Minimum Group Size: 8 guests

Special Interest: Wildlife, Botanical, Birding, Culture, Conservation

Walking Rating: Easy to Moderate: 2-10km per walking day (humidity, swamp crossings, agility required for entry into small river boats). Age is not necessarily as important as your fitness and recent walking experience, and anyone of reasonable fitness should be able to join this tour. We reserve the right to be flexible with the itinerary to allow for unforeseen circumstances including weather conditions and group fitness.

Inclusions

9 nights twin share accommodation – 3 star hotels & comfortable eco-lodges with private western facilities
Airport transfers at start of tour in Jakarta
Meals include – 9 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 8 Dinners (strict dietary requirements cannot be accommodated on this tour)
Private vehicle and boat transfers required for daily activities in tour program
Internal domestic flights & taxes (Jakarta – Pangkalan Bun; Pangkalan Bun – Jakarta – Bandar Lampung; Bandar Lampung – Jakarta)
National Park, museum entry & photographic fees
Professional tour leader assisted when required by local tour guides, National Park rangers
Group tips where required
Pre-departure material including personalised A-Z tour information and destination tour companion

Exclusions

International airfares & taxes
Airport transfers
Heavy or excess baggage
Travel insurance
Personal expenses e.g. tour leader tips, drinks (water, alcohol, tea & coffee), laundry, telephone, optional tours / excursions
General tips outside of basic group tips

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Orangutan hanging from tree branch in lush rainforest canopy during nature tour

Orangutan baby feeding – Kalmantan, Borneo

Proboscis Monkey – Kloto – Kalmantan, Borneo

Klotoks on the river – Kalmantan, Borneo

★★★★★ 5/5 (4 reviews)

★★★★★

Wow, what an awesome introduction to Japan! Hokkaido – the second largest and northernmost island of Japan. We joined the Spirit of Spring Tour and savoured every minute of it. This was a first for us in many ways: our first trip to Japan and our first group tour, and we're so glad we chose Park Tours. The coach was spacious and luxurious (literally three seats per person!), our driver was exceptional, Yuichi was a knowledgeable and engaging local guide, and Luke was an outstanding Park Tours leader who engaged us with his colourful storytelling of past travel experiences and gave us thoughtful (but fun!) challenges during the longer bus rides between destinations. The itinerary was packed with a wide variety of activities and attractions across the island. We wandered through stunning fields of pink phlox and tulips in every imaginable colour, learnt about and experienced Ainu culture, and visited the Drift Ice Museum, where several large chunks of drift ice from the most recent winter had been transported and preserved in a walk-through cold-room exhibition. Oh, and don't leave without trying the Drift Ice Soft Serve ice cream—it was delicious... and blue! 😊 We walked through misty, snow-laden tracks to volcanic crater rims and lakes, and cruised around the spectacular Shiretoko Peninsula hoping to encounter whales, dolphins and orcas. We felt as though we'd hit the jackpot. Not only did the weather cooperate, allowing the cruises to go ahead, but we were treated to three orcas making gentle appearances through the mist in incredibly calm conditions. We also spotted three brown bears wandering the shoreline and rocky cliffs from the safety of the boat. Other unexpected wildlife highlights included red-crowned cranes standing in a farmer's paddy field (they'd apparently missed their migration call!), a raccoon dog, wild foxes and an impressive variety of birds. One of my favourite parts of the tour was the hands-on cultural experiences. We made soba noodles in a local community hall and kitchen, then watched and participated in traditional mochi making at a local farm using an usu (a deep wooden mortar) and kine (a large wooden mallet). Timing is definitely everything during this process! Best of all, on both occasions we got to enjoy the fruits of our labour—yum! The accommodation was varied, with both traditional Japanese and Western-style options. Wherever possible, we chose traditional Japanese rooms to complete the experience. Most of the hotels provided yukatas (light cotton robes) for guests to wear to breakfast, dinner and the onsens. Ahhh... the onsens! I very quickly became a fan of this wonderful Japanese tradition. Soaking in steaming hot pools, both indoors and outdoors, many designed as natural rock pools nestled within beautiful gardens, was incredibly relaxing. Some even had private outdoor baths where you could simply sit, listen to the trees swaying in the breeze and gaze up at the star-filled night sky. It was magical. There's so much more I could say about this trip, but one comment from Yuichi has stayed with me. He said that once you've experienced one season in Hokkaido—as we did with spring—you'll inevitably want to return to experience the others, because each season has its own unique character and beauty. I can honestly say he was right. I'm already planning my next adventure. Thanks, Luke, for a wonderful experience. And if I can offer one piece of advice to anyone considering a Park Tour—anywhere—don't think about it... JUST DO IT!!

Monette Gardiner Japan, Spirit of Spring - A Journey in Hokkaido's Landscapes, Wildlife and Culture 2026 19/07/2026

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★★★★★

We have recently returned from a 14-day 'Japan, Spirit of Spring - A Journey in Hokkaido's Landscapes, Wildlife and Culture 2026’ walking holiday with Park Tours. We absolutely loved the trip! We were attracted to this tour by the opportunities to experience the local cultures, including that of the indigenous Ainu people, and to get off the beaten tourist track and explore National Parks, World Heritage areas and Ramsar Wetlands with a small group of like-minded people. As first time travellers to Hokkaido, we were pleasantly surprised at the wide variety of landscapes, from volcanic peaks with the last of the winter snows, to steaming fumeroles and bubbling hot mud and springs, to fresh green birch forests, wide open seascapes, and rich farmlands. There were many highlights, not the least being walking up close to these fumeroles and sulphur deposits on extinct volcanoes, walking among old forests next to crater lakes, learning about the Ainu culture and experiencing some of their folk dances and music, the local foods and learning how to make some of our own, and seeing wild bears and orcas. We stayed in a range of accommodation styles, almost all with onsens so we could soak in the warm waters at the end of the day. And wearing kimonos, supplied by our accommodation, to breakfast and dinner was a great touch. Our experiences were enhanced by our Japanese tour leader, Yuichi, and Park Tours' owner, Luke. We learned so much more than we would have as independent travellers, with Yuichi's enthusiasm for all things Hokkaido and explanations of culture, food and wildlife, and Luke's love of the outdoors and experiences in natural and unspoilt environments.

Kay N Japan, Spirit of Spring - A Journey in Hokkaido's Landscapes, Wildlife and Culture 2026 24/06/2026

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★★★★★

I had a wonderful time in Hokkaido with guides Luke and Yuichi our local Hokkaido tour guide, both of whom had good senses of humour which is very important on a trip. Hokkaido is truly beautiful and as a dairy farmer’s daughter I loved the dairy farms, the crops and the forests’ brilliant green spring leaves. Then there were the lakes and fascinating Sea of Okhotsk, the museums, and the varied hikes. Thrills like the sulphur pools, walks in the snow and rafting (both novelties). The sight of bears from the safety of a boat, orcas, a snake, cranes, and unexpected fumeroles. The tulip farm and pink moss phlox were curiosities. I must say that Japanese food is not my favourite but the variety ensured that there was enjoyment to be found. Ice cream and beer were winners. Attempts to concoct noodles, sushi and mochi were a bit of a nightmare. Our hotels were varied and wearing a kimono to dinner was a great idea because it saved dressing up. All in all, I had a fantastic time and wouldn’t have missed it for quids.

Jane Purton Japan, Spirit of Spring - A Journey in Hokkaido's Landscapes, Wildlife and Culture 2026 11/06/2026

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★★★★★

I had a fabulous trip and really enjoyed the opportunity to discover the wilder side of Japan in Hokkaido. Highlights were the cruises to see bears and orca, unexpectedly walking in the snow on the mountaintop (with steaming volcanic vents as a backdrop), and learning about the Ainu culture and the winter landscapes with sea ice in northern Hokkaido. It was also wonderful to stay in onsen resorts and enjoy donning a kimono and soaking in the hot springs most days - my knees have never felt better! Our Hokkaido guide Yuichi and ParkTours leader Luke were fantastic and enthusiastic guides, and shared my interest in the appreciation and understanding of wild places and biodiversity.

Sarah Ashmore Japan, Spirit of Spring - A Journey in Hokkaido's Landscapes, Wildlife and Culture 2026 10/06/2026

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