Orangutans & Volcanoes

Dates:	19 April 2027 - 30 April 2027
Locations:	Borneo/Kalimantan & Java
Group size:	Limited to 8 participants
Activity level:	Moderate
Experience:	Wildlife, Landscapes, Culture

Fully booked

The 2027 Orangutans and Volcanoes Indonesia photography workshop has been designed for passionate photographers who want maximum time in the field, expert access, and diverse subject matter—spanning wildlife, landscapes, and local culture.

We start in the jungles of Kalimantan (Indonesian Borneo), based in close proximity to prime Bornean orangutan habitat. Expect well-structured days photographing orangutans in their natural environment, with opportunities to capture behavior, interaction, and intimate portraits. You will also encounter Proboscis monkeys, langurs, macaques, and rainforest birds—giving you many opportunities to create a diverse wildlife portfolio.

Next, we travel to East Java to photograph the surreal volcanic landscapes of the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park. Sunrise light over the caldera, shifting mists, and steaming craters provide dramatic, moody conditions perfect for powerful landscapes compositions. We will also spend time in traditional East Javanese markets—vibrant, fast-moving, and full of rich character, offering excellent opportunities for street and documentary work.

Photographers will enjoy individual guidance, flexible shooting schedules, and minimal impact in sensitive environments. Instruction is hands-on and customized to your goals—whether that's improving technique, refining your vision, or building a cohesive body of work.

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 you unforgettable images across multiple photographic genres—all in one experience.

Photo Gallery

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival Jakarta

Arrive into Indonesia through Jakarta and transfer to nearby airport hotel. Meet in the evening for group welcome dinner and orientation.

Day 2: Jakarta to Kalimantan/Borneo

Today is a travel day as we depart Jakarta and take a domestic flight to Kalimantan, the Indonesian part of Borneo. We arrive in the late morning and transfer to our local hotel.

Days 3 - 5: Kalimantan

Over the next three days we will explore a nearby river system by boat, dedicating our time to photographing orangutans and the diverse range of other wildlife that inhabits this tropical ecosystem. The highlight of this region is the presence of two pre-release islands—protected areas where rehabilitated orangutans undergo their final stages of adaptation before being released into the open jungle. Cruising slowly around these islands provides excellent opportunities to observe and photograph orangutans in semi-wild conditions, offering rare access to this critical phase in their conservation journey. Throughout our time on the river, we’ll also keep an eye out for Proboscis monkeys, macaques, gibbons, and a wide array of birdlife, making the most of the early morning and late afternoon light from the comfort of our traditional riverboat.

Days 6 - 9: Kalimantan continued

After breakfast, we make our way to a different region of Kalimantan—an area that offers a different perspective on orangutan habitat and behavior. We will spend the following three days exploring this area, moving through forest trails and along waterways, with plenty of unhurried time to observe and photograph orangutans in varied settings. This change in location gives us access to new environments and a broader range of photographic opportunities—not just of wildlife, but of the jungle itself and the unique environment which defines this part of Kalimantan.

Day 10: Kalimantan to Java

This morning, we take a short domestic flight to Surabaya, the capital of East Java. Upon arrival, we transfer by private vehicles to a nearby town—a scenic drive of about 90 minutes. After settling in, the rest of the day is yours to relax and recharge after our adventures in the jungle.

Day 11: Java

We depart the hotel at midnight, traveling by private vehicles into the highlands toward Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park. The drive takes us through the cool, misty darkness of East Java’s interior as we position ourselves in time for sunrise over the volcanic plateau. Sunrise is expected around 5:30 AM, when first light reveals the surreal landscape—Mount Bromo’s smoking crater, the vast caldera floor, and the ridgelines of surrounding volcanoes emerging from the morning mist.

We return to the hotel in the late morning for some well-earned rest after our early start. For those interested, there will be an optional visit to the town’s central traditional market—a lively and authentic setting perfect for candid street photography. From vibrant produce stalls to everyday interactions, it’s a great opportunity to shift focus from landscapes to people and culture, capturing a different side of life in East Java.

Day 12: Departure

This morning private vehicles will transfer the group to Juanda International Airport, where we’ll say our goodbyes as you begin your journey home.

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

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.

Transportation

For land transportation we use our 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.

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 19 January 2027. 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

Accommodation in comfortable, private rooms for 11 nights
Domestic flights as indicated in the itinerary
Orangutan Feeding Stations fees
Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park entrance fees
Toyota Landcruiser Hardtop excursions into the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park
Kalimantan National Park entrance fees
Private transfers throughout the workshop by modern, comfortable vehicles with only 3 persons per vehicle
Local taxes and fees
Local guide fees
Conservation 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
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

I have had the pleasure of joining Phillip on a few Indonesian trips now and can honestly say that his meticulous planning and attention to detail have made for lots of memorable photographic and cultural experiences. The small group adventures that Philip undertakes ensure we are all well looked after. With the ability to communicate and interact with the locals, Phillip provided us with a number of unique and fun interactions. I am already packing my camera gear in readiness for his next adventure! (Reviewed on Google)

Sam Mariani

I have done multiple New Zealand photo workshops with Phillip Bartlett (Capture New Zealand) and so when he invited me on an Indonesia photo trip I didn’t hesitate. What a great adventure with an amazing mix of wildlife, landscapes, and local culture. Never a dull moment! And I appreciated that Phillip spoke Indonesian which meant that we could explore places well off the tourist path. The whole experience was far above my expectations and I hope to return to Indonesia again soon on another workshop. (Reviewed on Google)

Alan Barker

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

Read more feedback from our clients on our testimonials page.