March 10th - 24th, 2025
Explore Southeast Asia with Natural Exposures! Close encounters with the primates of Borneo—photograph orangutans and the clumsy, awkward proboscis monkeys. Visit the archipelago home to prehistoric Komodo dragons. Snorkel and swim with giant manta rays in one of the most diverse water ecosystems in the world. Special access permits for the best light on Borobudur Temple in Yogyakarta, the world’s largest Buddhist temple. Visit and photograph locals, villages, and green rice paddies far from the tourist scene. Model photo shoots with Indonesian dancers, fire dancers, a whip dancer, and local fishermen with nets.
Join us on a visit to a small part of the world’s largest island nation in order to get to know and photograph its people, culture, charismatic primates, and insurmountable nature. With private boats, boutique accommodations, and sublime food, we show you Indonesia the way you’d want to see it. And whether you’re an expert photographer or a novice with a point-and-shoot camera, Dan will show you how to get the best photographs of the wildlife, landscapes, and people of Indonesia. Can you feel that warm ocean breeze? Join Natural Exposures island hopping in 2025!
2025 Orangutans, Dragons, and Temples Photography Tour Travel Plans
Imagine verdant green rice paddies, the world’s largest Buddhist temple, orangutans so close you could almost touch them, fearsome Komodo dragons, and colorful coral under turquoise water. Imagine Indonesia.
This adventure is great for the photographer and non-photographing spouse with minimal, easy walking to the orangutan feeding stations.
A little about our past visits to these areas…
The locals are honest, friendly, and very family orientated. People are spiritual and calm, always smiling and accommodating. We’ve always felt very safe and invited. Where else in the world can you go with no guns or drugs, and not even knives on the dining table?! Beautiful tropical islands, aqua blue waters—some of the world’s best snorkeling is around Komodo Island. Airports are safe, efficiently run, and clean. Accommodations are clean and have air-conditioning and private bath. Many are luxurious. The food is fabulous.
We’ve learned around 99% of orangutan tours are on the Malaysia side of Borneo, which is SUPER touristy. You might as well go to a zoo. Malaysia Borneo is easy to get to, which means everyone is there. We prefer not see orangutans in these city parks with boardwalks of families, screaming children everywhere, and orangutans swinging on ropes. We’re visiting the Indonesian side of Borneo—rural and authentic, with simple yet comfortable accommodations.
We’re going at the best time to see orangutans, both wild and released. In Yogyakarta (referred to as “Jo-gja”), we met a wonderful photographer. He will take us by cars and show us his favorite, non-touristy places to photograph here. We will stay at boutique accommodations in Yogyakarta and on Flores Island (near Komodo Island) and day trip on a private yacht.
Orangutan, dragons, and temples—a very diverse and exciting tour of Indonesia!
Monday, March 10 (D)
VIP arrival service in Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia at Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) at any time of day.
Secluded within the boundaries of exclusive Jimbaran Bay on the island’s southern coast and off the tourist strip, the five-star InterContinental Bali Resort was designed to blend modern convenience with traditional Balinese architecture. You can find amenities from sports to sophisticated dining, to the indulgence of Spa Uluwatu, and state-of-the-art business services at this luxury Bali beach resort. You’ll find great photo opportunities right at our resort.
To unwind from traveling and to get inspired for our trip, we’ll gather for a welcome dinner at one of the hotel’s restaurants.
Overnight InterContinental Bali (10 minutes from DPS airport)
Tuesday, March 11 (B, L)
Today is free to spend at your leisure. Relax and enjoy the amenities of the InterContinental Bali. Lounge by one of six pools, take a walk along the white sand beach, work through jet lag with a massage at the spa, zen out in a yoga class, or sip on a glass of wine while watching the sunset on the beach.
Or get out and explore Bali! We will hire cars today to go sightseeing around the island, including a visit to a Monkey Forest. Bali is a “tourist beach destination,” a great place to relax but also very busy and congested, so our time is limited on this island.
Overnight InterContinental Bali
Wednesday, March 12 (B, D)
Enjoy the morning at the InterContinental Bali and take advantage of what this luxury property has to offer.
This afternoon we will fly one hour to Yogyakarta on Java. Our hotel is outside the city in rural Java, close to local villages and rice terraces.
Surrounded by lush teak forests, Plataran Borobudur Resort & Spa transports guests to another time and place, where days gently unfold against the backdrop of the magnificent Borobudur Temple and the picturesque Menoreh Hills.
Amid this unbelievably beautiful and atmospheric setting, experience utmost peace and privacy within traditional Javanese villas, spacious havens of supreme comfort with a private pool. Indulge in sublime, soul-soothing spa pampering and exquisite gastronomy with an unparalleled view of Borobudur Temple at every turn. Walk the long corridor that stretches between Patio restaurant’s Joglo and colonial buildings, and be awed by the feeling that wherever you stand, “Borobudur Follows” – an experience unique to Plataran Borobudur. Mystical, magical, and unforgettable.
We’ll have dinner at sunset on a balcony overlooking Borobudur temple, the single largest Buddhist structure on earth—built between AD 750 and 842—with steaming Mount Merapi in the background. This is one of the world’s truly great ancient monuments. Few who visit fail to be taken by both the scale and remarkable attention to detail that went into its construction. Set as it is in the heart of the verdant Kedu Plain, the backdrop of active volcanoes only enhances the sense of awe and drama.
We will spend four nights at Plataran Borobudur to enjoy the luxurious setting and fully explore the area.
Thursday, March 13 (B, L, D)
At sunrise, we’ll catch the morning light on Borobudur Temple as we shoot from the hotel balcony. The temple consists of six square and three circular platforms topped by a central dome and is decorated with 2,672 relief panels and 504 Buddha statues. You could look at the temple all day and not see everything. The temple is a three-dimensional representation of the universe from a Buddhist perspective.
After breakfast, we’ll depart for the rice terraces to enjoy both culture and landscape as we photograph the locals working the terraces. The terraces shine emerald and are backed by thatched roof huts. After it is harvested, the rice is dried on wicker beds, creating an aesthetically pleasing tableau.
We hope to see the local sport of pigeon racing. The male birds are released some distance away and come zooming back to their mates, held aloft by their trainers. Pigeon racing is an important part of Javanese life, and participants spend a great deal of time and money on the sport.
In the afternoon we’ll head over to the Borobudur Temple to capture the many platforms, Buddha statues, and intricate relief panels in the light of the sunset.
Overnight at Plataran Borobudur
Friday, March 14 (B, L, D)
Today we’ll start the day with a morning shoot off the balcony or take a five-minute drive to nearby temples. We may spend the morning at the timeless rice paddy terraces, watching the light move over the verdant green and the locals tending their fields.
A special photo shoot with local Indonesian dancers is on the agenda.
Overnight at Plataran Borobudur
Saturday, March 15 (B, L, D)
This morning either shoot the Borobudur Temple from the balcony again, now knowing its shapes and angles to catch the best photography opportunities or utilize a special permit to visit the temple early. If we go with the latter, Indonesian models will enhance our photos.
The afternoon offers several opportunities for photography or non-photography activities. We can visit a local market and experience the scents, colors, and energy, and perhaps pick up a souvenir or two. Another option is to take in a yoga class—Indonesia is known for yoga of every variety. If stretching your body isn’t your thing, take a Javanese cooking class and stretch your mind and culinary skills. To shoot Javanese street scenes, we can line up a Volkswagen and driver to show you the sights—you’ll feel just like the paparazzi.
Tonight we’ll have a special dinner in the opulent and elegant Kastil Restaurant in our hotel. The regional cuisine is locally sourced and market fresh.
Overnight at Plataran Borobudur
Sunday, March 16 (B, D)
Today we fly to the island of Borneo! Make note, if you want to see orangutans in a city “park-like setting” with mass amounts of tourists, families, and children, you go to the Malaysian side of Borneo. We prefer to head to the Indonesian side, a wild area of Borneo to see orangutans.
It’s about a two-hour scenic boat ride to Rimba Orangutan Ecolodge where we will check in, have dinner, and get an introduction to Rimba. Keep your eyes open for river dolphins. The lodge is perched over the Sekonyer River on the edge of the Tanjung Puting National Park, one of the few places on Earth where you can still see wild orangutans.
Overnight at Rimba Orangutan Ecolodge for three nights. This lodge is in the heart of orangutan habitat. Accommodations are very simple and clean with private bathrooms, solar electricity, and air-conditioning. Rimba Lodge is run by locals who help protect orangutan habitats by purchasing more land for the wildlife.
Monday, March 17 (B, L, D)
Eat early breakfast on a private wooden boat called a klotok as we travel upstream to two orangutan feeding stations.
Our traditional boat is open-air, great for breezes when we are moving up and down the river. It has a cover to protect it from the sun and rain. The boat is very clean and has an onboard bathroom with a flush toilet. Our meals onboard will be prepared by the cook who lives on the lower level of the boat. A generator can be turned on to charge batteries.
One of the feeding stations is the famous Camp Leakey, established in 1971 by Professor Biruté Galdikas, a student of Professor Louis Leakey (together with Jane Goodall and Diane Fossey). The walk is an easy, flat 15-minute walk. We will get close-up views of the orangutans at the feeding stations which will make for an unforgettable experience, as well as amazing photographs. Enjoy watching and photographing the acrobatic young orangutans, affectionate mothers and babies, and massive, territorial, and dominant males.
In addition to seeing the endangered orangutans, we have the opportunity to see (or hear) eight other species of primates including gibbons and proboscis monkeys, butterflies, and a host of birds.
We will be back for dinner and wandering around the ecolodge. By following the boardwalks, you can take the bird walk and perhaps “meet” the resident macaque monkey troop.
Overnight Rimba Orangutan Ecolodge
Tuesday, March 18 (B, L, D)
Today will look much like the previous day with breakfast and lunch on the klotok and AM and PM visits to Camp Leakey. You will forever remember these special encounters with these beautiful creatures in their natural habitat.
Overnight Rimba Orangutan Ecolodge
Wednesday, March 19 (B)
Today we will photograph along the river as we head to the airport for our return flight to Denpasar. Overnight at InterContinental Bali
Thursday, March 20 (B, D)
Spend the day at leisure, regroup, and get ready to head to Flores Island. Tonight we’ll gather for a private fire dance shoot on the beach. Overnight at InterContinental Bali
Friday, March 21 (B, L, D)
Weather permitting, we have an early AM model shoot with a local fisherman throwing his net into the water. After our shoot, we’ll head back to the hotel for breakfast and checkout.
Today we fly to Flores Island. For the next couple of days, we’ll embark on private traditional Phinisi boats to explore the local islands, looking for Komodo dragons, snorkeling, swimming with manta rays, and beach combing.
Overnight Plataran Phinisi Felicia / Phinisi Ambasi or similar
Saturday, March 22 (B, L, D)
Komodo National Park encompasses 669 square miles and includes three larger islands: Komodo, Padar, and Rinca, and 26 smaller ones. It is home to 5,000 Komodo dragons and made up of rusty-red volcanic hills, savannahs, and forests. Offshore, the coral reefs draw divers and snorkelers from all over the world.
We’ll stop at Komodo Island to photograph the world’s largest lizard—the Komodo dragon. Observe these 3-meter-long lizards. In the early morning they are most active, so we will look for them then before they seek shelter from the heat and sun.
Not surprisingly, Komodo Island is home to a whole bunch of Komodo dragons, and we will have a chance to see and photograph them. It’s also an island of immense beauty. We can stroll along Pink Beach where the sand is actually a mix of white sand and bits of red coral. And because the island is gorgeous from the highest point on land to the abundant fish below the sea, we will snorkel in one of the top snorkeling destinations in the world.
We will spend the next two nights at the beautiful Plataran Komodo Resort and Spa on Waecicu Beach.
Sunday, March 23 (B, L, D)
One last morning of island hopping by private phinisi boats. Tonight we will enjoy an evening photo shoot of whipping dance on the beach at sunset. Caci whip fighting is a traditional Manggarai dance and an important part of the Manggarai culture. Our farewell dinner will be beachside this evening. Tonight, drift asleep as the sound of waves lap against the sandy beach outside our villas.
Overnight Plataran Komodo Resort and Spa
Monday, March 24 (B)
Already reminiscing about our amazing trip, we will catch a flight back to Bali and depart for home from DPS in the evening.
SCROLL DOWN TO SEE GUEST IMAGES FROM PAST BORNEO TOURS WITH US!
Guest Limits
11 Guests Maximum
Trip Cost
12,900 pp, DBL occupancy
Single sup: 1,650
Pricing in US dollars
Deposit
$2500 Per person due at time of booking
Visa, MasterCard, AmEx, Discover, or check acceptedDeposits are non-refundable. If cancellations are necessary, we require this request in writing. We will do our best to resell your space. Only if we can resell your space, we will refund (minus deposit and discounts given to sell your space). No partial refunds are possible for unused services.
Installments
February 15, 2024: $5,000 pp first installment
October 15, 2024: Final paymentCheck or Zelle only for the first and final installments. Please make checks payable to Natural Exposures and mail to:
Natural Exposures
810 N. Wallace, Suite E
Bozeman, MT 59715Included
- Private small group travel with professional photographer Daniel J. Cox
- Airport transfers on scheduled arrival and departure days
- Entrance fees to all locations indicated including early/late entrance permits, National Parks, orangutan feeding stations
- Meals where indicated (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner) with beverages (wine, beer, soft drinks)
- Accommodations as noted in itinerary
- All internal flights as noted in itinerary
- Gratuities for guides, drivers, and boat staff
- Snorkel gear on vessel
Not Included
- International airfare
- Airport transfers pre/post tour
- Laundry, Internet charges, and other miscellaneous expenses
- Beverages (included only during meals)
- Any attractions/activities not listed on itinerary
- Any extra costs due to travel disruptions/delays beyond our control
- Trip/emergency medical evacuation insurance insurance (recommended)
- Gratuities for porters, spa, and room staff
- Any itinerary changes out of our control
- Please Note: There has been talk about the fee dramatically increasing for visitors to see the Komodo Dragons. If this fee increases to over $100 per guest, guests will have to pay the difference over $100. Right now the fee is $35, and Natural Exposures will cover any fee up to $100 per guest.
Flights to Book
March 10, 2025
Arrive Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia (DPS) any time of day.March 24, 2025
Depart Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia (DPS) late day or evening.Travel Insurance
Travel/emergency medical evacuation insurance is not required for this photo tour, but we always recommend purchasing it for any trip. We recommend one or more of the following, depending on your needs:
Global Rescue
(use code natexp)Allianz Global Assistance
(use travel agency ID F203564)Terms & Conditions
Natural Exposures cannot control nor is responsible for abnormal weather, natural disasters, or any other disaster that might affect the trip. Travel insurance should be purchased to cover any missed flights or medical problems that may affect/delay your travel. National Parks have the right to change our itinerary.
By booking a trip with Natural Exposures, you agree to the following CANCELLATION AND LIABILITY POLICY
Accommodations for 2025 Orangutans, Dragons, and Temples Photography Tour
March 10-11 and 19-20, 4 nights
InterContinental Bali
Secluded within the boundaries of exclusive Jimbaran Bay on the island’s southern coast, the InterContinental Bali Resort was designed to blend modern convenience with traditional Balinese architecture. This luxurious beach resort offers amenities from sports to sophisticated dining, the indulgence of Spa Uluwatu, and state-of-the-art business services.March 12-15, 4 nights
Plataran Borobudur Resort & Spa
Surrounded by lush teak forests, Plataran Borobudur Resort & Spa transports guests to another time and place, where days gently unfold against the backdrop of the magnificent Borobudur Temple and the picturesque Menoreh Hills.Amid this unbelievably beautiful and atmospheric setting, experience utmost peace and privacy within traditional Javanese villas, spacious havens of supreme comfort with a private pool. Indulge in sublime, soul-soothing spa pampering, and exquisite gastronomy with an unparalleled view of Borobudur Temple at every turn. Walk the long corridor that stretches between Patio restaurant’s Joglo and colonial buildings, and be awed by the feeling that wherever you stand, “Borobudur Follows” – an experience unique to Plataran Borobudur.
Get off the beaten path and discover the real Indonesia with tailored destination activities, enjoyed in the gaze of one of the most awe-inspiring ancient wonders of the world. Mystical, magical, and unforgettable.
March 16-18, 3 nights
Rimba Orangutan Ecolodge
Rimba Orangutan Ecolodge is located in one of the few remaining places on Earth where orangutans can be seen in the wild. Perched over the Sekonyer River on the edge of the Tanjung Puting National Park in Central Kalimantan, Rimba provides a unique base to explore the lush surrounding rainforest and encounter orangutans, eight other primate species, and rich bird life. This lodge is very rustic and basic but has private bathrooms and air-conditioning. It is the best lodge in the area to see the orangutan in the wild.March 21, 1 night
Plataran Phinisi Felicia / Phinisi Ambasi or similar
Plataran Private Cruises offers an incredible journey through Flores and the Komodo Islands. Imagine exploring emerald forested islands and secluded beaches, seeing the fearsome Komodo dragon up close, and discovering spectacular diving and snorkeling sites that boast pristine reefs and unparalleled marine life.Ideally placed to explore these amazing destinations, this fleet of luxury yachts and phinisi ships are each equipped with their own private jetty to provide the utmost privacy and convenience for guests.
Experience a private, intimate, and unforgettable trip aboard Plataran Private Cruises, equipped to make your journey exceptional with traditional cabins, full kitchen facilities, and the warm pampering of their able and experienced crews.
March 22-23, 2 nights
Plataran Komodo Resort & Spa
Secluded in a quiet cove on Waecicu Beach on the island of Flores, Plataran Komodo Resort & Spa is a true tropical paradise, a luxurious base for indulging in sun-kissed days of relaxation and adventure in one of Indonesia’s most beautiful and untouched regions.A million miles away from the daily hustle and bustle, luxuriate in the privacy of intimate yet spacious villa abodes that are a charming blend of luxurious comfort and Javanese style. Dine beside the ocean waves, on the beach, or on the jetty – all under the Flores sun or beneath a romantic canopy of stars.
Helpful Information for 2025 Orangutans, Dragons, and Temples Photography Tour
PASSPORT and VISA
Your passport must be valid at least six months beyond your date of arrival. Two blank pages are required for the entry stamp. A visa is not required for stays of less than 30 days. A visa will be issued upon arrival for those staying less than 30 days (500,000 Indonesian Rupiah, about $35).
Entry requirements may change prior to trip time. For the most up to date entry requirements, please visit the U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs or Indonesian Immigration.
FLIGHTS
There are many flights to DPS. If you search your city to DPS on Google, it will give you a list of all airlines and flight times, and you can choose which suits you best and book on the corresponding airline’s website. We usually fly Delta. Garuda Airlines is a partner of Delta that flies to, from, and within Indonesia.
Flights to/from Denpasar, Bali (DPS) with a stopover—including Sydney, Narita, Hong Kong, Qatar, Singapore, and many more—are available from many airlines. You may want to extend your trip with the stopover. Remember, if you spend any time in another country between flights, you may need to obtain a visa for that country (this includes Australia, which is very easy to get online and good for one year).
The internal flights (included in the tour) are on larger planes with good overhead space and are very organized. However, at times, airlines will cancel flights usually with only a couple of day’s warning. There are many domestic airlines to choose from, but we have to be flexible with any changes to the itinerary that are out of our control.
VACCINATIONS
It’s always best to make sure you’re up to date with routine vaccinations and to check in with your doctor or a medical professional ideally 4-6 weeks before travel to discuss your personal needs.
CDC Vaccination Recommendations
Note: There is no risk of yellow fever in Indonesia. The government of Indonesia requires proof of yellow fever vaccination only if you’re arriving from a country with a risk of yellow fever. This does not include the US. If you’re traveling from a country other than the US, check this list to see if you may be required to get the yellow fever vaccine: Countries with risk of yellow fever virus (YFV) transmission.
CURRENCY
The Indonesian Rupiah is the currency of Indonesia (symbol Rp).
PHYSICAL CONDITION
This trip is easy overall for most guests. The most strenuous parts of the trip would be:
- If you climb to the top of the temples (uneven stairs) which is optional.
- The rice terrace area has a gradual walk up and around them, but this is optional, and you can do it at your own pace.
- At some point we may not be able to dock our boat directly against the dock and will have to walk over/through another boat docked. We will try to avoid this, but it may happen.
- Flat walking for about 15-25 minutes to/from the orangutan feeding stations.
- Snorkeling
LANGUAGE
Bahasa Indonesia, a dialect of Malay, is the official language of Indonesia. This is the primary language taught in schools and is used by most Indonesians to communicate outside of their homes. However, over 700 native languages are spoken throughout the archipelago by various local or regional residents!
GENERAL INFO
Indonesia is the largest country in Southeast Asia and the largest archipelago in the world. It is comprised of 17,500+ islands and spans a distance equivalent to one-eighth of the Earth’s circumference! It’s known for its beaches, volcanoes, and of course, the Komodo dragon and orangutan—Indonesia is the only place in the world these species can be seen in the wild! Indonesia is second only to Australia in terms of total endemic species and holds 20% of the world’s coral reefs.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
We highly suggest purchasing travel insurance due to the islands being volcanic; different volcanoes are often rumbling at any given time. All is unpredictable. Emergency medical evacuation insurance in case of a medical emergency is always good to have too, especially since we will be in some remote areas and on islands.
Have a question?
Have a question about this tour? We're happy to answer any queries you may have.
Testimonials from Natural Exposures' Explorers
"Proboscis monkeys leaping from 40-feet high trees executing a belly-flopper in the Sekonyer River. An orangutan swinging gracefully through the trees with its infant tucked under its arm. A giant komodo dragon reaching up on the trunk of a tree for succulent honey. Snorkeling with manta rays gracefully gliding beneath us. It’s just part of the photographic excitement that we experienced on Natural Exposures’ first adventure to Indonesia. The trip has some logistical challenges as we had to fly from Bali, to Java, to Borneo, to Flores Island to put us in a position to see these remarkable creatures in their own habitat. But, hey, you don’t get unique photos of wildlife in the wild by going to your local zoo! We highly recommend this outstanding adventure for a very special opportunity to photograph these creatures, meet the friendly people of Indonesia, and experience the richness of its culture."
Rainer and Julie Martens, Florida
“Three trips in one! Spending time in the jungles of Borneo is not something we would normally consider but our past experience with Natural Exposures made us very comfortable joining this tour and we are very happy we did. We visited three distinct areas of Indonesia and photographed the best of each area. The Orang-utans in Borneo, the dragons in Komodo National Park, and the Hindu temples and rice paddies of Java. Every day had new photography opportunities, great food, as well as the ever-friendly residents, hotel staff, tour guides, and fellow explorers who elevated the trip to another level. Not only did I pick up new ideas to improve my photography but the cooking class at Boroburdur was a great way to learn new food ideas. It is those little extras that make Natural Exposure trips special. Thanks to Tanya for putting this unique experience together and thanks to Dan for his always helpful photographic advice.”
Tom Stewart, Ontario
"This was my first time visiting the Asian side of the world. It was a very diverse trip with Temples, Komodo Dragons and Orangutans. From very luxury resorts to wave rocking boats this trip had it all. All the people we met from resort staff to village residents were friendly. We got to spend a lot of time in the muslim culture and that is a very positive eye opening experience. For the first time ever, we were asked to be photographed many times. Talk about reversing roles! Another plus is the fantastic food plus the best chocolate desert ever (unanumously agreed to by all of us) on the boat part of the trip. And of course I will never ever forget my very first and second massage at the SPA at Plataran Borodour given by Tari - wow. Dan and Tanya created another masterpiece of a journey and I highly recommend it."
Fred Kurtz, Indiana
"If you ever want to travel to another country and you want to go first class, travel with Natural Exposures. They are number one in showing their guests the best time ever in the classiest way. I would recommend Natural Exposures Tours to everyone. If you want to go in style, go with NE!"
Michelle Duggan, Massachusetts
"Tanya and Dan’s logistic skills provide a seamless photo tour where one can truly enjoy the experience. With unlimited photographic opportunities Dan’s instruction has taken my photography to a higher level."
Linda Henry, Oregon
"I just wanted to again thank you for a wonderful week of photography and relaxation away from the office. It was a really a good group."
Sue Wolfe, Texas
"What a trip
What a group
What a fabulous everything
To our next encounters with nature"Maud and Leon Soriano, Florida
