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Life on the Equator

Orangutan Photography Workshops

14 Days from IDR172,000,000

Dates: 22 September 2026 - 5 October 2026
Locations: Komodo, Borneo/Kalimantan, Java
Group size: Limited to 5 participants
Activity level: Easy
Experience: Wildlife, Culture, Landscape

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From the island-dotted waters of the Komodo National Park to the wild jungles of Borneo and on to the volcanic landscapes of East Java, this exhilarating photo workshop will take you into the very life of Indonesia. We begin our journey in the Komodo National Park, part of the Flores island group. Travelling by private-charter luxury phinisi (traditional wooden sailing ship) we navigate through the maze of volcanic islands searching for the world’s largest monitor lizard: the Komodo Dragon. We then fly to Borneo (known in Indonesia as Kalimantan) to photograph orangutan, proboscis monkeys, and a variety of other animal and bird species which are found in the jungles of the Tanjung Puting National Park. Returning to Java we explore Indonesia’s most spectacular volcanic landscapes, plus capture poignant portraits of the people of East Java in traditional markets where tourists seldom visit.

Indonesia is a land brimming with the fabulous and fantastic; the diversity of experiences on this adventure is astounding and complemented by first-rate local support, comfortable lodgings, and authentic Indonesian cuisine. While this workshop has been designed for dedicated photographers, non-photographers who have joined us in the past have always been enthralled with the journey.

Itinerary

Day 1: Bali to Komodo National Park

We meet this morning at Ngurah Rai Airport for our flight to the island of Flores, gateway to the Komodo National Park. Upon arrival we transfer to our luxury phinisi (traditional Sulawesi hand-built wooden sailing vessel) and settle into our home for the next three nights. Our plan today is to sail directly to the island of Rinca to photograph Komodo dragons. While looking for dragons we may also encounter buffalo, deer, and other local wildlife. We then return to our ship for a delicious, relaxed Indonesian welcome dinner.

Days 2 - 3: Komodo National Park

Komodo National Park was established in 1980 with UNESCO World Heritage status given in 1991. Komodo dragons (Varanus komodoensis) are the world’s largest monitor lizard. They can grow to lengths of up to 10ft and typically weigh 150lbs. As the apex predator in the Komodo National Park the dragons are an exciting and formidable reptile to witness in the flesh. Expert Park Rangers will guide us as we capture powerful images of dragons on Rinca and Komodo islands. Komodo National Park is also known for its spectacular volcanic islands which we will spend time photographing. In between the photography there is time to relax and soak in the idyllic views as we sail through the azure waters of the Flores Sea in style and comfort.

Day 4: Komodo National Park to Surabaya

This morning we begin the return cruise to Labuan Bajo and transfer to the airport for our flight to Surabaya. We arrive at Surabaya in the afternoon and check in to our hotel. The rest of the day is yours to refresh and prepare for our travel to Borneo/Kalimantan.

Days 5 - 9: Surabaya to Kalimantan/Borneo

This morning we take a short domestic flight to the island of Borneo, which although is only 73% controlled by Indonesia is the largest land area in the country's archipelago. Indonesian Borneo is known as Kalimantan, and we will be basing our stay here in the Tanjung Puting National Park which is home to approximately 6,000 Bornean orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus). Tanjung Puting National Park was originally established as a reserve in the 1930s by the local Dutch government to protect the orangutans and proboscis monkey found here. In 1977 it was designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and was given National Park status in 1982. There are three orangutan rehabilitation centres found within the park.

Upon arrival we will be met by our local jungle guide and transferred to our private riverboat, which is called a klotok. From the port it is approximately two and a half hours to the jungle lodge located in the national park. The lodge is simple, with clean, comfortable rooms which include air-conditioning and private bathrooms with western facilities and hot water. All of our meals will either be served at the lodge or aboard our klotok and are tasty and nutritious.

During our stay we will maximising our time in the field as we explore the national park’s main river by klotok in the search for orangutans. We will make visits to the orangutan rehabilitation centres and photograph at the feeding platforms, which have been set up in the jungle to support released orangutans. In addition to orangutan, wildlife which we expect to encounter as we cruise the river includes proboscis monkeys, langurs, macaques, hornbills and kingfishers.

We return to the port town in the evening on Day 9 and transfer to our hotel in preparation for the following morning's flight.

Day 10: Kalimantan/Borneo to East Java

After breakfast we take the return flight to Surabaya. We then transfer by private vehicles and travel to a nearby town in the East Java province, visiting an adjacent volcano along the journey. We arrive at our hotel in the early evening.

Days 11 - 13: East Java

We are out early again this morning to explore a nearby traditional produce market. As this area is well off the tourist trail we are the curiosity here and the local Javanese are very friendly and welcome having their portraits taken. We then return to the hotel for breakfast and later in the morning we move to a nearby town, where we will be based for three nights.

Day 14: Departure

After breakfast we return to Juanda International Airport, Surabaya, to begin the journey home.

Workshop Fees

IDR 172,000,000 double occupancy

IDR 185,000,000 single occupancy

All amounts are in Indonesian Rupiah and are per person.

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 22 May 2026. Payments may be made by internet or international bank transfer. We also accept Visa, Mastercard, and American Express payments (+3% card fee).

What's Included

  • All-inclusive meals from lunch on Day One until breakfast on the departure day
  • Domestic flights as indicated in the itinerary
  • Premium hotel accommodations 4 - 5 Star
  • Jungle lodge stay in Tanjung Puting National Park, private rooms with A/C and Western facilities
  • Private-charter riverboat in Tanjung Puting National Park with purpose-built rooftop photography deck
  • Tanjung Puting National Park entrance and Park Ranger fees
  • Orangutan Feeding Stations fees
  • Luxury Phinisi private charter Komodo National Park, private cabin with A/C and Western facilities
  • Komodo National Park entrance and Park Ranger fees
  • Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park entrance fees
  • Toyota Landcruiser Hardtop excursions into the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park
  • Private transfers throughout the workshop by modern, comfortable vehicles with only 3 persons per vehicle
  • Local taxes and fees
  • Local guide fees

What's Not Included

  • Any travel services required to arrive at the workshop commencement location
  • Any personal items such as alcoholic beverages and souvenirs
  • All Covid-19 vaccination, pre-flight and immigration associated costs according to current travel and arrival regulations
  • Gratuities for support crew, guides, and porters
  • Visa and other immigration fees where applicable

Terms and Conditions

Please ensure you read our terms and conditions.

Trip Leader

Phillip Bartlett

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 gifted 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 — 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

Did a recent trip with Phillip and top notch from start to finish, have been on many many trips with him and there is a reason - extremely well planned, top notch subject matter, and lots of fun. Highly recommended.

David and Wipada Salmanowitz

Phillip is an experienced and thoughtful workshop leader. Having traveled with him previously in Indonesia I can say his trips are well-planned, offering a variety of photographic experiences. His years of experience, and ability to speak the local language, made for a journey that was amazing and intimate. I’m looking forward to when I return to Indonesia with Phillip in 2025. (Reviewed on Google)

Dale Grosbach

I just returned from a wonderful photo trip to Indonesia with professional photographer Phillip Bartlett. This was my second time in Indonesia and third overall trip with Phillip Bartlett. Like every time before, everything was planned with meticulous detail. As always. Phillip worked hard behind the scenes to make sure all the domestic airline trips, hotel accommodations and transportation services ran smoothly. Again this was my third trip with Phillip and definitely won't be my last.

Dr. Lawrence Korpeck

Read more feedback from our clients on our testimonials page.