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Peregrine Travel Centre

Borneo and Beyond: Orangutans, Dragons & Whale Sharks

Borneo and Beyond: Orangutans, Dragons & Whale Sharks

From AUD $20,995

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Description

Welcome to your Indonesian expedition—where ancient volcanoes meet gentle giants of the sea, and every day brings encounters with wildlife and cultures shaped by fire and water.
Over the next 12 days, you’ll journey by traditional klotok boats to witness endangered orangutans at Camp Leakey, walk across Mount Bromo’s otherworldly “sea of sand,” and swim alongside magnificent whale sharks in Saleh Bay’s pristine waters. This isn’t passive observation of nature —you’ll experience first-hand, traditional buffalo races staged in your honour and explore prehistoric landscapes where Komodo dragons roam free.
Each morning brings new adventures shaped by Indonesia’s extraordinary diversity. You’ll navigate between 17,000 islands spanning dramatic geological contrasts, from Borneo’s pristine rainforests to Java’s active volcanic peaks. Walk among living dinosaurs on remote islands, and join village celebrations where ancient customs blend with Islamic and Hindu influences.
From tracking proboscis monkeys through Tanjung Puting’s Sekonyer River to snorkelling coral-tinted sands at Pink Beach, every experience connects you with environments few traveller’s witness. Our small expedition community of just 30 guests ensures intimate wildlife encounters and authentic cultural exchanges, as well as opportunities for snorkelling rich areas of marine wildlife.
This is expedition travel where geological forces meet biological wonders: immediate, educational, and utterly extraordinary. Your Indonesian adventure begins the moment you board Paspaley Pearl.

Trip Name
Borneo and Beyond: Orangutans, Dragons & Whale Sharks
Days
12
Overview
Vessel Type: Yacht Length: 50 meters Passenger Capacity: 30 Built / Renovated: 2021 / 2024 Paspaley Pearl is a boutique expedition vessel designed for intimate exploration in remote and pristine regions. With only 15 staterooms and suites, each blending refined comfort with practical detailing, the ship offers a relaxed yet elegant retreat at sea. Interiors reflect a modern take on grand touring style, with rattan, linen and copper finishes creating a warm, textural palette. Select suites boast private balconies, and all offer spacious bathrooms with premium Aesop toiletries, quality linens, and generous storage. Whether enjoying a quiet moment in the Sunset Lounge or unwinding in the upper-deck jacuzzi, guests are surrounded by thoughtfully crafted spaces designed to enhance both connection and reflection. At just under 50 metres, Paspaley Pearl is purpose-built for accessing secluded destinations beyond the reach of larger ships. Her advanced propulsion system, featuring twin Azipod thrusters and dynamic positioning, ensures whisper-quiet operation and exceptional manoeuvrability without disturbing delicate seabeds. Onboard technology reflects a deep environmental commitment, with systems that reduce emissions, repurpose heat, and minimise waste. Equipped with custom expedition tenders, Zodiacs, kayaks, and dive gear, Paspaley Pearl invites guests to engage with the natural world through immersive activities—while returning each day to superb dining, seamless service, and the understated luxury of true small-ship expedition travel.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 Bali - Cultural Gateway to the Indonesian Archipelago
Board Paspaley Pearl this afternoon in Bali, where Hindu traditions create a distinctive cultural landscape evident in daily offerings adorning streets and temples. Our crew will welcome you aboard with refreshing cocktails, before setting sail through the harbour past traditional fishing communities. Tonight, join our expedition team for briefings about the remarkable volcanic landscapes and diverse cultures we’ll encounter across Indonesia’s vast archipelago.
Day 2 - Day 2 Sumenep, Madura - The Soul of Madura's Architectural Treasures
Explore architectural treasures reflecting Chinese, Arab, and European influences in “the Soul of Madura,” discovering the homeland of Indonesia’s third-largest ethnic group. Walk through multicultural heritage sites while learning how this region’s Majapahit Empire connections influenced the colours of Indonesia’s national flag.
Day 3 - Day 3 At Sea - Crossing to Borneo's Pristine Wilderness
Connect with expedition community during our crossing toward Borneo as naturalists prepare you for extraordinary wildlife encounters. Learn about orangutan conservation, proboscis monkey behaviour, and remarkable “bird lakes” while understanding Dr. Biruté Galdikas’ revolutionary primate research at the world-renowned Camp Leakey conservation centre.
Day 4 - Day 4 Camp Leakey & Tanjung Puting National Park - Orangutan Encounters
Journey by traditional klotok boats through pristine rivers to witness endangered orangutans during feeding times. Walk rainforest boardwalks where proboscis monkeys display distinctive features while over 220 bird species create forest symphonies, exploring unique “black rivers” serving as vital waterbird rookeries.
Day 5 - Day 5 At Sea - Volcanic Landscapes Ahead
Reflect on primate encounters while expedition team prepares you for Indonesia’s dramatic volcanic landscapes. Join enrichment sessions about geological forces creating these islands, learning about Mount Bromo’s active crater and the indigenous Tengger community’s spiritual connections to volcanic environments.
Day 6 - Day 6 Probolinggo (Mount Bromo) - Walking on the Moon
Journey by 4WD across Mount Bromo’s spectacular “sea of sand” to walk crater rims of this active volcano named after Brahma. Watch the changing light transform the 10-kilometre Tengger caldera while learning how indigenous communities maintain sacred traditions including casting offerings into active craters.
Day 7 - Day 7 At Sea - Marine Conservation and Traditional Fishing
Join enrichment sessions about marine conservation and traditional fishing practices preparing for extraordinary marine encounters ahead. Learn about whale shark behaviour, traditional ‘bagan’ fishing platforms, and conservation efforts while scanning waters for wildlife during our approach to Sumbawa.
Day 8 - Day 8 Saleh Bay, Sumbawa - Swimming with Gentle Giants
Experience intimate encounters with magnificent whale sharks around traditional floating fishing platforms called ‘bagans’. Swim in crystal-clear waters alongside gentle giants reaching over 12 meters in length, known locally as ‘gurano bintang’, while supporting sustainable eco-tourism initiatives protecting these remarkable creatures.
Day 9 - Day 9 Komodo National Park - Land of the Dragons
Enter this UNESCO World Heritage Site where world’s largest lizards roam free. Join park rangers for guided walks through savanna grasslands searching for Komodo dragons growing over 3 meters long, exploring dramatic landscapes while learning about conservation efforts protecting these prehistoric predators.
Day 10 - Day 10 Komodo National Park - Pink Sands and Vibrant Reefs
Visit Pink Beach—one of only seven such coloured beaches worldwide—and snorkel vibrant coral reefs teeming with over 1,000 fish species. Continue dragon tracking while understanding how this Wallacea ecoregion location creates remarkable combinations of Australian and Asian fauna through evolutionary isolation.
Day 11 - Day 11 Badas, Sumbawa - Traditional Buffalo Racing Spectacle
Witness traditional buffalo races (Barapan Kebo) staged specially in your honour, where decorated buffalo pairs thunder across muddy fields while riders balance on wooden ploughs. Experience ceremonial events rooted in ancient agricultural traditions while observing traditional rice pounding and weaving demonstrations.
Day 12 - Day 12 Bali - Journey's End with Lasting Memories
Return carrying memories of Indonesia’s extraordinary diversity from swimming with whale sharks to witnessing endangered orangutans, walking active volcanoes to encountering living dragons. Final opportunities exploring Bali’s artistic traditions provide perfect conclusions to your remarkable journey through one of Earth’s most biodiverse regions.
Day 13 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change. 

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
12-01-202723-01-2027AUD $20,995Ocean Double Stateroom
12-01-202723-01-2027AUD $21,995Ocean Twin Stateroom
12-01-202723-01-2027AUD $23,495Ocean Stateroom
12-01-202723-01-2027AUD $29,495Horizon Suite
12-01-202723-01-2027AUD $35,495Pearl Suite
23-01-202703-02-2027AUD $20,995Ocean Double Stateroom
23-01-202703-02-2027AUD $21,995Ocean Twin Stateroom
23-01-202703-02-2027AUD $23,495Ocean Stateroom
23-01-202703-02-2027AUD $29,495Horizon Suite
23-01-202703-02-2027AUD $35,495Pearl Suite

Inclusions

    • Camp Leakey’s Orangutan Encounters, Borneo: Journey by traditional klotok boats along the Sekonyer River to witness endangered orangutans at Camp Leakey, learning about Dr. Biruté Galdikas’ pioneering conservation efforts in Tanjung Puting’s pristine rainforests.
    • Mount Bromo’s Volcanic Sea of Sand, Java: Walk across the surreal “sea of sand” surrounding Mount Bromo’s active volcanic crater, immersing yourself in an otherworldly landscape shaped by Indonesia’s dramatic geological forces.
    • Saleh Bay’s Whale Shark Swim, Sumbawa: Swim alongside gentle whale sharks in the crystal-clear waters of Saleh Bay, engaging with sustainable eco-tourism practices near traditional fishing platforms in one of Indonesia’s most biodiverse marine environments.

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