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Ultimate Tigers of Sumatra

Sumatra Tiger Photo Tours

9 Days from IDR158,000,000

Dates: 21 July 2025 - 29 July 2025
Locations: Sumatra
Group size: Limited to 4 participants
Activity level: Easy
Experience: Wildlife

Only 2 places available

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This Ultimate Tigers of Sumatra Photo Workshop is the first ever wildlife photography experience of its kind in Indonesia and is an exceptional opportunity to find and photograph this extremely rare big cat. Through our close association with a wildlife conservation organisation we have been permitted access to prime Sumatran Tiger habitat not open to the general public. The area where our workshop is based is home to a healthy, stable population of Indonesia's apex predator. Prey is so abundant that the tigers' territories are significantly smaller compared to the typical range in other parts of Sumatra.

Prior to our arrival the resident expert trackers will be monitoring regularly used trails and corridors through both the use of camera traps and also visual inspection of established "marking" spots. On this workshop we will be using vehicles for pre-dawn and afternoon/evening wildlife drives in the jungle. While finding and photographing the majestic Sumatran Tiger is our highest priority this area is wildlife-rich and we expect to encounter a variety of other animals. Sumatran Tapir (also known as the Malayan or Asian Tapir), Sun Bear, Sumatran Barking Deer, Swamp Buffalo, Lesser Mouse-Deer, Asian Palm Civet, and a variety of primates and birds also make their home here.

To give photographers the best possible chances to capture rare images of Sumatran Tigers, in addition to our jungle drives we will also have two professional field camera trap kits available for use.

As the name suggests, this photo workshop will take place on the island of Sumatra, which is located west of Indonesia's most populated island Java. Arrival into Indonesia will be through Jakarta. We will then take a domestic flight to Sumatra and transfer to our base using both land and water transports.

The lodgings on this workshop are comfortable, clean private rooms with full Western-style facilities including hot water showers. Meals are freshly-prepared delicious Indonesian cuisine. Please let us know if you have any specific dietary requirements as we can usually accommodate these.

Sumatran Tigers are one of the rarest tiger species on earth and while we are guided by highly-experienced trackers who have precise knowledge of the tigers' territories, corridors, and behaviors there are no guarantees of sightings.

This photo workshop is without question the ultimate opportunity available to find and photograph Sumatran Tigers in the wild. Limited to only four participants and suitable for all levels of photographer, with one-to-one support and tuition throughout the workshop.

As we are accessing carefully-managed conservation areas participation on this workshop is by application. Please contact us to register your interest.

Itinerary

Days 1 - 8: Sumatra

The workshop begins on the 21st of July with a domestic flight from Jakarta to Sumatra. We have a one-night stay at our arrival city. Very early on the following morning we will transfer by land and water transport to our comfortable lodge, which will be our base for the duration of the workshop.

Prior to our arrival into tiger territory the resident expert trackers will be monitoring regularly used trails and corridors through both the use of camera traps and also visual inspection of established "marking" spots. During our stay in this area we will be using vehicles for pre-dawn and afternoon/evening wildlife drives in the jungle.

In addition to our jungle drives we offer the opportunity to use our pro field camera trap kits. You will need to supply a camera body and wide angle lens for this. We will set the trap up with you and guide you on optimal camera and lens settings.

Day 9: Sumatra to Jakarta

After an early breakfast we will depart the lodge and travel back to the airport for our domestic return flight to Jakarta. If your departing flight home is not until the following day we can recommend and arrange an airport hotel for you. 

What to Expect

This workshop takes place in the dry season, with the chance of scattered rain periods. All of our locations are either at or very close to sea level. The temperature range is typically 24°C to 31°C (75°F to 88°F). 

Activity Level

Easy

Guests should be in good health and able to:

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

IDR 158,000,000 double occupancy

IDR 167,000,000 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 21 April 2025. 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 8 nights
  • All-inclusive meals from lunch on Day One until breakfast on the departure day
  • Domestic flights Jakarta to Sumatra return
  • Jungle safari drives as indicated in the itinerary
  • 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 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.