Borneo Expeditions

Nestled in the heart of the Malay Archipelago, Borneo is the third largest Island in the world. The southern two-thirds of the island are divided into the four provinces of West, Central, South and East Kalimantan. The northern coast is divided into the states of Sarawak and Sabah. The tiny nation of Brunei is wedged between these two Malaysian states. Borneo is home to the world's oldest tropical rainforests which, until recently, covered the entire island. Since 1950 almost 50% of the Island has been cleared to satisfy the western world's appetite for cheap timber and palm oil.

Amongst the planet's most biologically diverse ecosystems, prepare to feel as though you have just stepped into a zoological paradise, such is the diversity of Borneo's floral, faunal, and cultural ecology. Relax, sit back and fathom these numbers.15000 plants (400 only recently discovered), 222 species of mammals, 420 resident birds, 100 amphibians, and 394 species of fish. Borneo falls within the "Coral Triangle', and this implies even more, 500 species of reef building corals, a global epicentre of marine biodiversity - no wonder the WWF has put this region on the top of its list for marine conservation.

Rajahs, Riches & Rainforests
2012 Departures - 18th January, 4th August & 30th December

We will visit some of the key destinations in Malaysian Borneo, from the famous Bako National Park to the remote islands of Pulau Tiga. The Semenggoh Wildlife centre for orangutans, near Kuching, provides us with an opportunity to view, first hand, one of our closest relatives. The national parks of Tanjung Datu, Bako and Similajau provide us with a snapshot of the diverse ecosystems that once covered the entire island, and now provide refuge for the abundant wildlife. In addition, a visit to the Sarawak Cultural Village, near Kuching, will expand our understanding of the people of Borneo, and our visit to Bandar Seri Begawan in Brunei highlights the diversity of cultures embedded through the island.

Secrets of Sabah
2012 Departures - 28th January, 25th July, 12th September & 20th December

We will explore some seldom visited and very remote islands to take advantage of the marine diversity that exists in the heart of the coral triangle. In addition we visit the key destinations of Sandakan and the Kinabatangan River. Described as Malaysia's Gift to the Earth, the Kinabatangan is a wildlife mecca and we immerse ourselves deep within its beauty with an inclusive overnight stay in the rainforest lodges of Sukau. We have the chance to view, wild orangutans, proboscis monkeys, macaques, Bornean pygmy elephants and countless bird species as we journey along the river. We will explore the tragic history of the WWII Sandakan Death Marches, where only 6 survived from the initial 6,000 participants. Our visit to Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary gives us an insight into the plight, and struggle to save, one of our closest relatives.

Across the Wallace Line
2012 Departures - 7th February & 22nd September

From the clear tropical waters of the Derawan Islands to the remote Kutai National Park, our expedition will take us down the seldom visited eastern side of Borneo. A visit to Samboja Lestari to view the reforestation projects and rehabilitation of the orangutans near Balikpapan is sure to be a highlight. We cross the famous Wallace Line, named after the 19th century British naturalist, and take an overnight journey through the ancient and mystical Toraja Land in Sulawesi. We will finish off the journey with an insight into the ancient Goan Kingdom and the more recent Dutch history of Makassar.

Camp Leakey - Faces in the Forest
2011 Departure - 29th December
2012 Departure - 8th January, 17th February, 14th & 24th August, 2nd & 12th October

A myriad of exciting destinations await us as we voyage along the southern and western coastlines of Borneo. From isolated tropical islands to diverse National Parks, our itinerary will showcase some of Borneo's undiscovered jewels. We will be joined by Dr. Galdikas onboard Orion II and at the landmark Camp Leakey in Tanjung Puting National Park, allowing us the opportunity to view the rehabilitation of the ex-captive orangutans. Tanjung Puting is one of the great wonders of Borneo and is a wildlife mecca. We also visit Gunung Palung and Bako National Parks to examine, first hand, the complexity of ecosystems that once covered the entire Island. They now provide a refuge for Borneo's 15,000 species of plants, 222 species of mammals, 420 resident birds, and numerous other reptile, amphibian and fish species.

Borneo, Borobudur & Beyond - Voyage of Discovery
2012 Departure - 22nd October

This is the first time Orion is offering this exciting itinerary with the highlights of two of our Borneo voyages on the one expedition - Tana Toraja, "Land of the Heavenly Kings" and the orangutans of the world famous Camp Leakey plus a day trip to the extraordinary lost temple of Borobudur in Central Java. This stimulating voyage of discovery will explore the ancient cultures, amazing wildlife and temples of South East Asia like no other.

Our exploration starts with the creative surf culture and green volcanic mountains of Bali. You'll experience prehistoric times when expedition guides lead us in search of one of the world's largest reptiles, the fabulous Komodo dragon in the world-renowned Komodo National Park. There's the fascinating colonial history and culture of Makassar and the majestic panoramas, captivating villages and dramatic ceremonies of Tana Toraja with its unique culture, and gentle people.

Be amazed at Tanjung Putting, one of the natural wonders of the world, home of Camp Leakey and the famous Orangutan Foundation International that affords guests the rare opportunity to get close to orangutans.

All this plus the opportunity to visit legendary Borobudur, the long-lost 9th century Mahayana Buddhist temple of Central Java. Abandoned sometime in the 14th century and rediscovered from the overgrown jungle in 1814. And now listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage site.

There will be afternoons of swimming and snorkelling or just relaxing on some of the most secluded beaches in South East Asia.