Orangutans & Cultural Java
| Dates: | 11 April 2026 - 22 April 2026 |
|---|---|
| Locations: | Borneo/Kalimantan & Java |
| Group size: | Limited to 6 participants |
| Activity level: | Easy |
| Experience: | Wildlife, Culture, Landscape |
Fully booked
Contact UsThe Orangutans and Cultural Java photo workshop weaves its way through a fascinating blend of exciting wildlife, living landscapes and fascinating ancient culture. We visit Yogyakarta, the cultural heart of Java, fly to Kalimantan (Indonesian Borneo) to photograph orangutan and other wildlife in the lush rainforest, explore Indonesia’s most spectacular volcanic landscape at the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, and photograph at traditional markets in East Java. Indonesia is a land brimming with the fabulous and fantastic. The welcoming character of the Javanese makes our visits to the markets and rural areas rich in photo opportunities. The endemic primate wildlife in Kalimantan is entertaining in behaviour and appearance; their engaging expressions often conveying a thoughtful inquisitiveness. The volcanic history of East Java has produced raw, powerful landscapes which offer spectacular photo opportunities. The diversity of experiences on this adventure is astounding and ably matched by first-rate local support, comfortable lodgings, and delicious Indonesian cuisine.
This is a fantastic opportunity to produce an exciting, unique portfolio of life and land in Indonesia.
Photo Gallery
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 in Kalimantan/Borneo to 2740m (9000ft) above sea level at Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park. The temperature range in Kalimantan and East Java is typically 24°C to 31°C (75°F to 88°F) while in Bromo the average temperatures are 10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F).
Activity Level
Easy
Guests should be in good health and able to:
- Take short walks on flat and/or undulating terrain on well-formed 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.
Transportation
For land transportation we use our own team of highly experienced drivers and travel in late-model Toyota Innova or similar vehicles, with 3 guests per vehicle. The roads and highways we travel on are all sealed-surface and well maintained. During our visit to the Bromo Tengger National Park we use Toyota Landcruiser Hardtop 4x4 vehicles and travel on a mixture of sealed-surface and smooth off-road trails.
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 11 January 2024. 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
- 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
- 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
- All-inclusive meals from dinner on Day One until breakfast on the departure day excepting Lunch and Dinner on Day 7
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 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
Talk about variety! Phillip Bartlett delivered well beyond his promised itinerary! His familiarity with the areas and knowledge of the local guides and drivers really pampered us all. The accommodations ran the gamut from "best available" to 'drop-dead gorgeous'! His understanding of timing & lighting in the mornings in various spots really enhanced both the photographic experience & visual enjoyment. Humor, food, great stories, new/old friends, what could be better than that! Having travelled with him now, three times, we look forward to the next two, and then some!
Alan and Phyllis Britten
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.