Wildlife in Focus | Experience Borneo

01 - 07 September 2026

Witness the wonders of Borneo’s rainforest in the heart of an orangutan sanctuary

Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the rainforest with a unique experience to observe and ethically photograph Bornean wildlife while supporting the mission of BOS Foundation.

This unforgettable experience is for native landscape lovers, wildlife spotters, and aspiring nature photographers looking to lean deeper into the vast expanse of ecosystems in and around Samboja Lestari. From walks in the rainforest to watching orangutans roaming freely on the Sanctuary Islands, a week with us will allow you to observe wildlife with creative and educational support from our experienced team. Grab your binoculars and/or camera as we show you this world through BOS’s lens and absorb yourself in the natural world.

What to know:

• Location: East Kalimantan
• Arrival/departure airport: Balikpapan
• Availability: 01 – 07 September 2026
• 7 days/6 nights
• All organic meals included (vegan/vegetarian/gluten free options available)
• Up to 10 people

A week on our trip is for anyone looking to observe, capture, and appreciate one the most biodiverse ecosystems in the world. And best of all, watch rescued orangutans roam freely on specially designed sanctuary islands.

Get booking

Wildlife in Focus activites

Orangutan Sanctuary

A highlight and extreme privilege of our trip is touring Samboja Lestari Orangutan Sanctuary. Samboja Lestari (translated as ” Samboja Forever”) is currently a home to over 200 orangutans that have been released into 6 islands around the lodge. Our detailed tour, will get you one-of-a-lifetime opportunity to deepen your orangutan knowledge but also observe the behaviour of rehabilitated individuals living within the complex.

As seen in

Nature spotting and photography in Borneo

Your trip is designed so that nature spotting and photography is embedded within your rainforest experience. We have curated a number of workshops where we gather you to encourage the deepening of your knowledge and skills, including dawn and dusk practices, mindful observation, and understanding wildlife behaviour to enhance your photographic adventure. We will then take these skills out into the field as we show you the stunning scenery of Samboja Lestari with the calls of the orangutans in the background. A week on our trip is for anyone looking to observe, capture, and appreciate one the most biodiverse ecosystems in the world.

Sun bear enrichment

Here you will discover how the smallest bear in the world plays an important role in the environment as you observe and learn about them, directly with us at one of the world’s largest sun bear sanctuaries.

Activities you could be doing

Rainforest Trek

Less than one hour drive from Samboja Lestari lies a protected forest area for orangutans, sun bears, proboscis monkeys, 242 species of birds (9 species of hornbills!) and more!

Tree planting

There are more than 100,000 young trees of many varieties in our nearby plantation. Make your contribution to regenerating the forest for years to come by planting trees with our local staff.

Sungai Hitam Boat Cruise

Following a 30 minute drive from Samboja Lestari, you will take a leisurely boat ride along the Sungai Hitam river to see highly endangered proboscis monkeys and a traditional river side village of houses built on stilts.

Canopy Bridge

See the rainforest from a different perspective by walking along the Canopy Bridge, 30 meters above the forest floor. A must-do activity!

All fitness and abilities are welcome. Our trips are designed to be inclusive and supportive but please note that some activities take place on rainforest terrain and may involve walking for a few hours at a comfortable pace.

Wildlife that you may see

With the expertise of our local guides, you’ll uncover hidden gems and discover the vibrant life of the rainforest. Every wildlife encounter becomes a truly unforgettable experience.
All the photos shown here were captured during our trips.

Orangutan

Sunbear

Broadbill

Hornbill

Pig-tailed macaque

Proboscis monkey

Water monitor

Lantern fly

Red winged dragonfly

Accommodation

We have chosen a special place for our trip. Located in the Borneo Orangutan Survival’s beautifully appointed eco-lodge where aesthetics and artisanal handicraft blend seamlessly into its breath-taking surroundings. You don’t have to even move from your bedroom with its panoramic views to enjoy the abundant wildlife all around.

Each twin room has its own en suite and exceptional views of the rainforest. For an extra fee, you can book a double bed kings room on the top floor of the lodge with an 180 degree view over the forest canopy, or a double bed queens room below that features an intimate 180 view of the forest understory. An unforgettable experience.

Discover more of the eco-lodge

View the gallery

View more photos

All the photos shown here were captured during our trips.

The sunbears were so cute, being surrounded by the rainforest as we’re so close is amazing, you can hear the orangutans which is really special. We’ll be back for sure, and we’re bringing the family.

Dan & Charlotte

I could not fault a single thing. The yoga was wonderful and to be starting my day with those views across the rainforest, the sound of the rain coming down and Rebeca’s calming but challenging yoga was the perfect start to each adventure.

Eloise

Extended activities

Here are some incredible recommended activities to extend your trip with. To accommodate, we are happy to arrange extended stays at our lodge (subject to availability).

Mahakam River Adventure Tour

5 days / 4 nights
The Kalimantan Mahakam River is one of the greatest adventure tours of Indonesia, where the poison darts of the blow pipes still move their way through the rainforest!
The houseboat provides lodging and full-board meals for several days during your trip, giving you a unique experience of living on a river. Several highlights of the tour include traditional villages, dance performance, wildlife, jungle trekking, museum and a Royal Palace.

Trekking in Kutai National Park

3 days / 2 nights
Kutai National Park in East Kalimantan has been established to protect a wild population of around 2000 wild orangutans and other species, as well as traditional Bugis Dayak villages.
We will go deep into the Bornean rainforest in search of endangered fauna and flora, staying overnight in the Camp Kakap. Perhaps one of the most exciting experiences is a night rainforest trek when the cacophony of sound is quite overwhelming!

Derawan Archipelago

Welcome to paradise! The classic tropical islands of the Derawan Archipelago are where you go to trade jungle trekking and orangutans for white unspoiled beaches, palm trees and warm blue sea. Snorkel or take an optional scuba excursion to see schools of barracuda, whale sharks, green sea turtles, manta rays and more near Derawan’s coast.

Komodo and Rinca

Visit the Komodo dragon feeding grounds, swim in a beautiful coral garden, or simply relax by the ocean, and prepare to have your breath taken away by such unforgettable locations as Batu Cermin cave, the Rinca & Komodo Islands, and the famous Pink beach! During your time you will have the chance of witnissing animals include the water buffalo, monkeys and, of course, the famous Komodo dragon.

01 – 07 September 2026

Secure your place for only £1,999

Book your place

Further info

Deposit

Your deposit will need to be paid as soon as possible to secure your space on the trip. This can be done via the form above. Deposits are non-refundable. You can choose to pay the full amount today which is additional to the deposit amount or you can pay for the remainder at a later date. If you have any questions before paying your deposit then get in contact with us at events@bos-uk.org.

Allergies & dietary requirements

The price for your accommodations also includes all 3 meals per day (not including alcohol). Please note that while we can cater for different diets, we would like to be informed about your dietary requirements/allergies in advance.

Experience levels

Our trips are open to anyone 18+ years old. All fitness abilities are welcome.They are designed to be inclusive and supportive but please note that some activities take place on rainforest terrain and may involve walking for a few hours at a comfortable pace.

Wildlife in Focus
All experience levels are welcome whether this is your first time holding binoculars or a camera or whether you’re looking for the chance to explore a new place to expand your portfolio.

Equipment guidelines

Please bring your own camera and binoculars. DSLRs, compact, phones are all welcome, as well as large lenses and stabilisation tools within reason. No selfie sticks permitted.

Weather

Considering that the trip takes place within a rainforest, the weather can naturally be unpredictable. Please note that we may be prevented from doing some of the activities if this is the case. Replacement activities will be offered during these times.

What's included

Full board accommodation, transportation in Borneo and all day and half-day activities mentioned in the program.

What’s excluded

Airfare.
The airport shuttle is only included on the day the trip begins and ends. An extra fee will be added if you arrive or depart on alternative days.

Flights

Any flights arriving in Borneo on the first day of the program and departing after program finishes. Let us know if you are planning to arrive/depart on different days. Please remember that airfare is not included. The airport shuttle is only included on the day the retreat begins and ends. An extra fee will be added if you arrive or depart on alternative days.

Cancellation policy

Please note that unless the trip is cancelled, your deposit is non-refundable as costs need to be paid for in advance.

Contact us

If you have any queries or like to chat about the best options for you, please contact us via email on events@bos-uk.org or phone us at: +44 (0)20 3355 0569.