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Borneo Orangutan Trek 2027

Join orangutan expert Lou Grossfeldt on an unforgettable Borneo adventure, filled with jungle trekking, epic wildlife encounters, and meaningful support for orangutan conservation.

19-26 March 2027

Travel Dates

$390 $240

Registration Fee

$2,999

Trip Cost

Paid upfront or in instalments
*Minimum numbers apply

3/5

Challenge Grade

$3,000

Fundraising Target

Separate to Registration fee and Travel Cost

Early bird offer: sign up before 12 August 2026 and save $150 on your registration fee!

The Difference You'll Make

For 25 years, Borneo Orangutan Survival Australia (BOS Australia) has worked to rescue, rehabilitate and release orangutans back into the wild.

Across Borneo, orangutans are losing their homes to rapid deforestation. With the species critically endangered, immediate action is needed to safeguard and restore their precious rainforest habitat.

By joining this incredible BOS Australia - Borneo Orangutan 2027 adventure, you’ll directly support BOS Australia’s vital conservation work and help protect the future of orangutans and the rainforest they call home.

The funds you raise will help:

  • Protect and restore critical rainforest habitat through reforestation and conservation initiatives
  • Provide food, enrichment and daily care for orangutans currently in rehabilitation and sanctuary care
  • Support veterinary treatment and specialised care for sick, injured and elderly orangutans
  • Build safe, permanent sanctuary enclosures for orangutans that can no longer be released into the wild

Together, we can help create a future where orangutans can live safely in the wild, free from the threat of extinction.

BOS Australia - Borneo Orangutan 2027
BOS Australia - Borneo Orangutan 2027

Trek with Primate Expert Lou Grossfeldt

This is a unique opportunity to trek alongside one of Australia's leading primate experts, Lou Grossfeldt.

As Primate Manager at Sydney Zoo and Vice President of BOS Australia, Lou has spent more than 25 years working with primates and supporting orangutan conservation. Throughout the adventure, you'll have the chance to learn directly from Lou about orangutan behaviour, welfare, and the challenges facing these incredible animals in the wild.

Her firsthand knowledge and conservation experience will bring a unique perspective to the journey, connecting you more deeply with the cause you're supporting and the impact your fundraising will help create.

How it works

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Secure your place

Register by clicking the "Register now" button, and choose your payment plan for the travel cost. For more details, see our FAQs.

Start Fundraising

Using the fundraising page we build for you, and book a call with your fundraising coach.

Meet the team

Meet like-minded travellers and hear from the charity about the difference you're making.

Your Adventure Begins

Set off on your adventure! Make lifelong friends during a shared challenge experience.

Trip notes

Upon arrival in Balikpapan, you will be transferred to our hotel. This afternoon, we will meet our fellow team members and our guide for a welcome briefing before we enjoy our first team dinner together.

Accommodation: 4-star hotel, twin-share

Meals: D

After a leisurely morning, we take a short flight from Balikpapan to Berau from where we continue our journey to Miau Baru/ Wahau by car. The journey is expected to take approx. 5 hours. Miau Baru is a village of the Kenyah Dayak ethnic group. There, you may still encounter elderly women wearing traditional ear ornaments and tattoos. Visit the communal longhouse and take a walk through the village. During the walk, you can observe the daily life of the Dayak people. It is a good opportunity to interact with the villagers and learn more about their way of life. We enjoy dinner and an overnight stay in simple hotel accommodation in Long Wehea, a short drive from Miau Baru.

Optional cultural experience: Evening Dayak dance ceremony in Miau Baru, 1 hour, AU$23 pp

Accommodation: Basic hotel, twin-share

Transfer time: 75-min flight, 5-hour drive

Meals: B L D

After breakfast, we continue our journey and explore the 38,000-hectare Wehea Tropical Virgin Rainforest, located in the Muara Wahau region and home to the Dayak Wehea and Dayak Bahau tribes. This pristine rainforest boasts exceptional biodiversity, featuring more than 60 species of tropical trees and over 100 species of wildlife, including orangutans, lizards, clouded leopards, deer, and a wide variety of birds. Lunch will be provided en route. Tonight we will stay at Wehea Jungle Lodge and enjoy dinner together.

Accommodation: Basic jungle lodge, twin-share

Transfer time: 3-hour drive

Meals: B L D

After breakfast, we will enjoy a full day exploring the dense jungle and diverse wildlife of the Wehea Rainforest, offering a glimpse into Borneo’s remarkable ecological wealth. Optional night jungle treks offer the chance to observe the rainforest after dark and experience its unique nocturnal wildlife.

Accommodation: Basic jungle lodge, twin-share

Meals: B L D

We enjoy a leisurely morning in the heart of the Wehea Rainforest before departing by 4WD vehicle. A scenic three-hour drive brings us to the main road, from where we continue for approximately four hours to Berau Airport to catch our flight to Balikpapan. On arrival in Balikpapan, we transfer to Samboja Lodge, located around one and a half hours from the airport. Tonight we enjoy a delightful welcome dinner.

Accommodation: Samboja Lodge, twin-share

Transfer time: 7-hour drive, 75-min flight, 1.5-hour drive

Meals: B L D

Our first day at Samboja Lestari begins! This morning we visit the man-made Orangutan Islands where unreleasable orangutans live comfortably in a semi-wild environment. A tour of the office of Samboja Lestari offers us a 360-degree view of the park from the top of a tower.

After lunch and some time to relax, we take a tour of the sun bear sanctuary - the world’s largest - where we observe the sun bears and discover how the smallest bear in the world plays an important role in the environment. We have the opportunity to get hands-on with sun bear enrichments. We might hide fruit around the enclosure and watch the sun bears search for it or gather leaves to create hessian sack enrichments and observe as the bears explore, problem-solve and interact. In the late afternoon, we will enjoy a 2.5-hour tour of Sungai hitam aka. the ‘Black River’. After only a 30-minute drive from Samboja Lestari, we join a local fisherman on a boat ride along the Sungai hitam tidal river. If we are lucky, we might see highly endangered Proboscis Monkeys, yellow ringed cat snakes and other wildlife. We return for a delicious dinner at the lodge.

Accommodation: Samboja Lodge, twin-share

Meals: B L D

A one-hour drive from Samboja Lestari lays the forest park of Bukit Bangkirai. We can explore the forest and climb into the forest canopy using connecting bridges to a height of 40 meters. Platforms provide a perfect vantage point for observing macaques, leaf monkeys, maroon langurs, gibbons and hornbills. Our local guide can take us for a trek through the forest to get another close-up view of this spectacular ecosystem. Later this afternoon, we take part in a tree-planting activity at Samboja Lestari and contribute directly to ongoing reforestation efforts that help restore habitat for Borneo’s wildlife and support local conservation initiatives. Tonight, we gather for our final team dinner and a presentation from Borneo Orangutan Survival Australia and celebrate our amazing Bornean adventure.

Accommodation: Samboja Lodge, twin-share

Meals: B L D

On our final morning on Borneo, we bid farewell to Samboja Lestari and take a one-hour drive to the protected forest area of Sungai Wain. This was the first orangutan release site for the BOS foundation and 75 rehabilitated orangutans were released here between 1992-1998. With much luck, we may be able to spot one of the orangutans, but it’s not guaranteed as they are completely wild again. What a way to finish off our Bornean adventure!

Our tour ends after lunch and we are transferred to Balikpapan airport for our flight home or to continue on to our next holiday destination. Please book flights departing after 5:00 PM today.

Transfer time: 2-hour drive

Meals: B L

Package Inclusions: Domestic airfares as per the itinerary (10kg checked luggage allowance) • Transfers as per itinerary • Accommodation in 4-star hotel, basic hotel, jungle lodge, Samboja lodge, all based on twin-share • Meals as per itinerary • Water on trekking days • Local English-speaking guide • Entrance fees as per itinerary

Package Exclusions: International airfares • Travel insurance (compulsory) • Visas • Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages • Personal expenses • Tips and gratuities

Fundraising for good

New to the wonderful world of fundraising, or worried you won't hit your fundraising goal? Don’t worry, we’re here to help. The Inspired Adventures team will support you with a personalised plan, regular coaching, and plenty of resources. From online campaigns to trivia nights, bake sales and creative ideas, we’ve got tried-and-tested tips to help you reach your goal.

meettheteam-linkedin-sam

Meet Samantha - your personal fundraising expert, who will be with you every step of your fundraising journey!

Sample Fundraising Plan

$1,000 >

Online Direct Donations

  • Send out personal emails to your network with a clear, specific ask. For example: “My goal is to have 50 people donate $20 each to my cause. Can you help by donating $20?”

  • Use the Grassrootz fundraising platform to share your page on social media, copy your unique URL, and download your QR code in just one click, it’s that easy!

  • Ask your family and friends to reach out to their networks and help spread the word.

Sausage Sizzle

  • Host a BBQ at your local Bunnings, Woolworths, sports club, or workplace.

  • Advertise in your local newspaper and invite everyone you know to come along.

  • Offer vegetarian or gluten-free options to maximise your sales.

$2,000 >
$3,000 >
A few extras
BOS Australia - Borneo Orangutan 2027

Why you'll love this adventure

  • Trek through the pristine Wehea Rainforest, one of Borneo’s last great wilderness areas, home to incredible biodiversity and breathtaking jungle landscapes.
  • Encounter extraordinary wildlife, from orangutans and sun bears to proboscis monkeys, hornbills and other rare rainforest species.
  • Gain exclusive insights from orangutan experts and conservationists, learning firsthand about the challenges and successes of protecting this critically endangered species.
  • Help create a brighter future for orangutans by raising funds for vital rescue, rehabilitation and rainforest restoration programs.

Frequently asked questions

Can't find the answer to your question? Get in touch via email (info@inspiredadventures.com.au) or phone (1300 905 188). We’re always here to help!

How challenging is this adventure?

This adventure is ranked 3/5. While no extensive trekking experience is required prior to registering, our adventures are specifically designed for people who are relatively fit and willing to train. The Borneo trek is a physical challenge, involving jungle trekking. The fitter you are, the more you'll enjoy the experience. 

You'll be well supported on the adventure, with the guides and your team all cheering you on. You’re free to move at your own pace and we’ll take frequent breaks. 

How many people will be on my adventure? 

We believe small group travel is better for the planet, and better for you. Our adventures average between 10 - 20 participants, connected by their commitment to the greater good.

Can I join an Inspired Adventure on my own?

Of course, most people do! Throughout your adventure journey, we’ll connect you with your fellow adventurers so you can get to know each other before you hit the road.

What is the general age range of participants?

The minimum age for this adventure is 18, however younger ages are considered on application. We have had participants aged 16–84+ take part in our challenges, all united by their sense of philanthropy and adventure.

I have dietary requirements, will I be catered for? 

Of course, we’ll happily arrange for any dietary requirements you’ve noted during booking to be catered for. Please advise your local guide on Day 1 as well. You'll be fed very well while you’re on the adventure, but if you have a very specific dietary requirement or severe allergies, often it’s best to pack some extra things as back-up.

Do I have to carry my own bag?

On most adventures, you'll only need to carry a day bag with essentials for your day of activities. Your luggage/big backpacks will either stay at your accommodation, be transferred to your next accommodation, or will be carried by porters.

Who is Inspired Adventures?

BOS Australia has partnered with Inspired Adventures to bring you this adventure of a lifetime. Over the last 20 years, Inspired Adventures has taken over 8,000 people, just like you, on adventures all around the world, raising over $52 million for important causes. When you choose to travel with Inspired Adventures and BOS Australia, you can be confident you’re in the best hands.

How do I train for this adventure? 

We will provide you with information on how to prepare for your adventure when you register. In addition, we recommend that you consult your GP and a personal trainer to develop a training plan that will prepare you for the challenge.

As part of your training, we recommend making use of your free time to complete several day hikes. You should aim to be able to walk in hilly terrain for 6-8 hours comfortably and get up and do it again the next day.

It is sensible to start training as early as possible before you go on your trek. 

What is the accommodation like? 

Accommodation on this adventure includes a mix of hotels, lodges and basic jungle lodges, all on a twin-share basis.

Will I be sharing accommodation?

Accommodation on this adventure is based on twin-share. You will be paired with a teammate of the same gender and, whenever possible, age group. Single rooms are available at an additional cost and subject to availability.

I’m travelling with a friend, can we stay together?

Absolutely! If you’re travelling with a friend, please make note of this and we’ll pair you together.

How do I fundraise?

Never fundraised before? Not sure where to start? No worries, we don’t expect you to do it alone. You'll have regular support from the Inspired Adventures fundraising team, who will help you make a fundraising plan to meet your target. Alongside personalised coaching, we’ll also send you lots of ideas and resources on how to fundraise. From online fundraising to trivia nights, to bake sales and out-of-the-box ideas, we have years and years of tried and tested tips to make your fundraising a success.

What happens if I don’t meet my fundraising target? 

It’s normal to worry you won’t meet your fundraising target, but we know you can do it. In fact, with the support of Inspired Adventures, almost everyone goes on to raise far more than they imagined. 

By registering for the adventure, you agree to raise the minimum fundraising amount specified. Like you, we’re looking to make a significant impact for our charity partners, so the goal is for each person to have met their fundraising target before departure. If you fail to raise the minimum fundraising target by this time, we’ll review the situation on a case-by-case basis.

I’m travelling with a friend, can we fundraise together? 

Absolutely! Fundraising with a friend is a great idea. Just remember the fundraising target is per person, so you'll each need to meet the minimum fundraising goal to participate. We know you can do it.

Is my donation tax-deductible?

The funds raised for BOS Australia are tax-deductible (conditions apply).

The total cost to participate in this adventure is $3,389 which is inclusive of:

  • Registration fee: $390 (non-refundable after 5 days)
  • Travel cost: $2,999 (includes a $950 non-refundable travel deposit)

In addition, you are also committing to raising $3,000 (per person) for BOS Australia.

What happens if I need to cancel?

If you find yourself unable to attend, please notify us in writing as soon as possible.

  • If you cancel within 5 days of registration, your registration fee and travel deposit (if applicable) you have paid will be refunded in full, less card transaction fees. 
  • Cancellations made more than 5 days after registration are non-refundable. However, Inspired Adventures will issue a credit voucher for the full travel cost, valid for use on another challenge within 12 months of the original departure date. If the voucher is used after 12 months, it will be valid for 50% of the original travel cost.
  • For cancellations made 90 days or fewer prior to departure, no credit voucher will be payable.

Do I need travel insurance?

Travel insurance is mandatory for international travel to cover cancellation, hospital, emergency evacuation and lost luggage. We recommend purchasing your policy as soon as possible. It is up to you to ensure you have fully comprehensive travel insurance and you'll need to share these details with our team before departure. For more information, please visit www.inspiredadventures.com.au/travel-insurance-information.

What happens if there is a medical emergency?

Providing the safest possible environment is our highest priority and we have an outstanding safety record. All Inspired Adventures guides are first aid trained and well-equipped to handle any medical emergencies.

Do I need a visa to travel to Indonesia?

Australian and New Zealand passport holders require a visa on arrival for entry into Indonesia. 

Passports are required to be valid for at least six months after the date you return to your home country. You must have a valid passport before you can apply for a visa. For the most current requirements, refer to the Smartraveller website.

Take this new and exciting corporate social responsibility initiative and see your staff and brand take on this adventure as a team.

An Inspired Adventure with BOS Australia offers the following benefits:

  • Employee engagement opportunities to attract and retain staff
  • Long-term partnership with BOS Australia and increased community engagement
  • Improved employee wellness through the impact of paying it forward
  • Increased brand value through unique PR opportunities
  • Improved workplace mental and physical health with a focus on fitness and training for the challenge
  • Increased visibility through an innovative approach to corporate social responsibility
  • Team building opportunities across departments through the achievement of a common goal
  • Great networking opportunities

Find out more by downloading our corporate sponsorship pack HERE.

 

All information is subject to change and will be confirmed upon your registration.

Find Out More

Enter your details to find out more and hear directly from our team about how this adventure makes a difference.