Indonesia Explorer

By Invitation

The 2027 Indonesia Explorer photography workshop combines unique access, carefully selected locations, and a focused approach to creating a strong body of work across Indonesia. Designed around exploration this workshop covers volcanic landscapes, dense jungle environments, and culturally rich locations that offer depth, atmosphere, and original potential.

The itinerary is the result of many years of fieldwork, and offers diverse and visually powerful subject matter throughout the journey. Included on this experience is the opportunity to photograph wild orangutans in their natural habitat of the complex Kalimantan jungle ecosystem.

From photographing orangutans beneath the rainforest canopy to capturing dramatic volcanic vistas, this workshop is structured around spending extended time within each environment, allowing photographers to create a cohesive body of work across multiple environments. 

Beyond the photography itself, the workshop places a strong emphasis on immersion and connection to place. Photographers will enjoy individual guidance customized to your goals, whether that is improving technique, refining your vision, or honing fieldcraft.

Accommodations are comfortable and clean, ranging from five-star hotels to jungle lodges, all with private bathrooms, A/C, and delicious, freshly-prepared Indonesian cuisine.

This is a focused, field-intensive workshop designed to give photographers access to diverse subjects, all in one memorable experience.

What to Expect

This workshop takes place in the dry season, with the chance of scattered rain periods. We will cover elevations from sea level to 2740m (9000ft) above sea level. The temperature range is typically 24°C to 31°C (75°F to 88°F).

Activity Level

Moderate

Guests should be in good health and able to:

• Take short to medium distance hikes on flat and/or undulating terrain on well-formed paths and jungle trails
• Carry their own camera equipment on walks

Visas

A very easy online purchase of a Visitor Visa is all that is required for most nationalities to enter Indonesia for up to 30 days. ASEAN country citizens can enter visa-free.

Workshop Fees

To confirm your place on this workshop we require a deposit payment of 50% of the total fee. Balance of the workshop fee is due on 21 June 2027. Payments may be made by internet or international bank transfer. We also accept Visa, Mastercard, and American Express payments (+3% card fee).

Terms and Conditions

Please ensure you read our terms and conditions.

Trip Leader

Phillip Bartlett

Phillip is a professional nature and wildlife photographer, workshop instructor, and expedition leader whose exploration of Indonesia began in 1992. Together with his wife Engelina, a descendant of the Royal Kingdom in Central Java, they began leading Indonesia photo workshops and photography tours in 2015.

Fluent in Bahasa Indonesia, the official language of Indonesia, Phillip has a deep understanding of its diverse cultures. His ability to communicate fluently has enabled him to establish a wide network of relationships across the archipelago, ranging from remote Papuan hill-tribes to the President's personal security detail, which is a tale in itself.

With over two decades of experience as a full-time photographer, Phillip generously shares his knowledge and passion for Indonesia with photographers from around the world. His commitment to providing exceptional experiences has led to collaborations with respected international photo workshop providers.

Phillip is also credited with pioneering New Zealand multi-region photography workshops. In 2005, he founded Capture New Zealand, offering exclusive photography workshops in New Zealand.

Currently, Phillip is focusing on photographing Indonesia's most elusive and endangered wildlife species, celebrating the natural wonders that call the world's largest archipelago home.

Reviews

Read more feedback from our clients on our testimonials page.