See and Save the Asian Big 5
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See and Save the Asian Big 5 Clare Campbell, Wildlife Asia board member, invites you to join her for the trip of a lifetime, visiting Indonesia in March 2013 to see and save: Bornean orangutan Sumatran rhino Sun bear Silvery Gibbon Asian elephant ‘I urge you to book early for this exciting nine day tour as seats are limited. I can’t wait to introduce you to my favourite the Silvery gibbon and to escort you on a behind the scenes tour of our successful captive breeding program for Sumatran rhino.’ Wildlife Asia is a not for profit association staffed by zoology and conservation professionals raising awareness and funds in Australia to support projects throughout South East Asia, predominantly in Indonesia. The primary objective of Wildlife Asia is the protection and enhancement of the natural habitat of Asian wildlife. You are embarking on an adventure to places and amongst people whose lives are very different from your own. Many aspects of life in Indonesia will seem unusual. Remember that these are often the same aspects that make an area an exotic and attractive destination. While boat expeditions are considered easy, no trek is easy, even those rated “easy or moderate”. In addition to the personal physical challenges you may face, travel conditions can present unexpected obstacles, such as rough and bumpy roads and changeable weather. To prepare for this “pack” a flexible and relaxed attitude. Bring a spirit of adventure and inquiry, a healthy sense of humor and a willingness to encounter the unexpected and you will find your trip to Indonesia the adventure of a lifetime! Scott Lyall, Wildlife Asia, 0499 773 303, Garry Sundin, 0418 119 769, http://www.wildlifeasia.org.au/travel/ Big 5 Tour Indonesia As the sixth largest country, it occupies only 1.3 percent of the world's land surface, but has roughly 12 percent of the world's mammals, 16 percent of the world's reptiles and amphibians and 17 percent of the world's birds, 25 percent of fish and each year it finds more. Bornean orangutan Part of the the only genus of great apes native to Asia. Like the other great apes, orangutans are highly intelligent, displaying advanced tool use and distinct cultural patterns in the wild. Orangutans share approximately 97% of their DNA with humans. Sun bear The sun bear also known as the honey bear, is a bear found primarily in the tropical rainforest in Southeast Asia; North-East India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Southern China, Peninsular Malaysia, and the islands of Sumatra and Borneo. Sumatran rhino The most endangered rhinoceros species in the world. Fewer than 200 remain in fragmented populations across Sumatra and Borneo The population has declined by 70% over the last two decades due to poaching and destruction of its habitat. Asian elephant Distributed in Southeast Asia from India in the west to Borneo in the east. Asian elephants are the largest living land animals in Asia and are rather long-lived, with a maximum recorded life span of 86 years. Used for timber-carrying and transportation. Silvery gibbon Under threat due to habitat destruction and fragmentation from illegal logging, burning of forests for palm oil plantations, and encroachment from local human populations. Many gibbons are still lost each year to the illegal pet trade. Between 400 and 4,000 remain. BIG 5 TOUR EXPEDITION ITINERARY (9 days) 10 – 18 March 2013 Wildlife Asia is taking you on the ultimate journey through Indonesia to visit and help save some of the world’s most endangered animals Travel type: Group Travel 8 – 12 (max). Age limit 13 + Expedition grade: Easy to moderate in parts (some light trekking ) Activities: Wildlife viewing (Bornean orangutan, Sun bear, Sumatran rhino, Asian elephant, Silvery gibbon & more) reforestation programs, river cruising, bird watching and more. Visit animal rescue centers & Dayak villages Accommodation: Hotels, river boats & jungle lodges Transport: Klotoks, Buses, Private vehicles and on foot. Giving back: You will be supporting Wildlife Asia, a not for profit association, in their work protecting Bornean orangutan, Sun bear, Sumatran rhino, Silvery gibbon (all endangered species) and their rainforest habitat in Indonesia. Trip duration: Nine Days (9) Price: AUD$3,100 plus $1,000 fundraising (secured) prior to travel. EXPEDITION OVERVIEW There really is nothing like giving back. That’s right, in this specially crafted expedition you will visit the habitat of five of Indonesia’s highly endangered animals – Bornean orangutan, Sun bear, Sumatran rhino, Asian elephant, Silvery gibbon - and by doing so help protect their environment for generations to come. In 2013, Wildlife Asia continues their mission to assist with the long-term survival of Indonesia’s endangered animals by establishing responsible eco-tourism and by doing so raising much needed funds. The National Parks and Sanctuaries we will visit are home to many rare and interesting species, but it is the set of 4 species - Bornean orangutan, Sun bear, Sumatran rhino, Silvery gibbon- that we are directly supporting that we come here to visit. The sheer presence of these magnificence animals will provide a life changing experience. We will see both wild and rehabilitated animals and have the opportunity to get be educated by resident experts about all the various species we visit. The expedition is conducted by Garry Sundin whose Orangutan Odysseys travel agency has already helped 150 people experience the trip of a lifetime and has raised over $100,000 for wildlife conservation. The expedition is accompanied by Clare Campbell, a member of both the Silvery Gibbon Project and the Asian Rhino Project committees who will provide expert commentary and interpretation of the wildlife projects. WHAT TO EXPECT You are embarking on an adventure to places and amongst people whose lives are very different from your own. Many aspects of life in Indonesia will seem unusual. Remember that these are often the same aspects that make an area an exotic and attractive destination. While boat expeditions are considered easy, no trek is easy, even those rated “easy or moderate”. In addition to the personal physical challenges you may face, Travel conditions can present unexpected obstacles, such as rough and bumpy roads and changeable weather. To prepare for this “pack” a flexible and relaxed attitude. Bring a spirit of adventure and inquiry, a healthy sense of humor and a willingness to encounter the unexpected and you will find your trip to Indonesia the adventure of a lifetime! http://www.wildlifeasia.org.au/travel/ HIGHLIGHTS – too many to mention them all! See Asia’s “Big 5” endangered species – Bornean orangutan, Sun bear, Sumatran rhino, Asian elephant, Silvery gibbon Visit pristine rainforests Visit the rescue centers and see the amazing work being done by the wonderful support staff Travel up jungle rivers to witness Proboscis monkeys, leaf monkeys and Long-tailed macaques. See local Indonesia villages and learn about local Dayak culture Part of your expedition cost is directly donated to save these wonderful creatures ITINERARY – 10th to 18th March 2013 Day 1 - 10th March: Arrive Jakarta We will meet at the airport and provide your hotel transfer. Overnight at FM7 in Jakarta where we have tour briefing. Day 2 - 11th March: Jakarta to Balikpapan (East Borneo) Early morning fight to Balikpapan in east Borneo (Kalimantan) and drive to Samboja Lodge Hotel which has been set up and run by BOSF. Afternoon viewing at orangutan islands and sun bears enclosure. Overnight at Lodge (B, L, D) Day 3 - 12th March: Sun Bear Sanctuary - Balikpapan This morning we depart from Samboja Lodge and head to Kawasan Wisata Bear Sanctuary just outside Balikpapan and full day visit to Bear sanctuary, return to Balikpapan city and overnight hotel. (B,L) Day 4 – 13th March: Balikpapan – Pangkalan Bun (Central Borneo) Early flight out of Balikpapan to Pangkalan Bun. On arrival we shall be taken to Kumai harbor where we will board our klotoks (river boats) and head out into the National park. Late afternoon we shall proboscis monkeys overnight stay on the boats (B,L,D) Day 5 - 14th March: Tanjung Puting National Park – Pangkalan Bun Early start and head up river to Pondok Tanggui Feeding station #1. Then we travel further up river to the famous Camp Leakey for afternoon feeding. Afterwards we travel back to Kumai harbor while stopping to have dinner alongside the fireflies and watch the proboscis monkeys. Overnight at the Swiss Bellini Hotel (B,L,D) th Day 6 - 15 March: Pangkalan Bun - Banda Laumpung (Sumatra) Early morning city tour of Pangkalan Bun before flying out to Jakarta and onto Banda Lampung in Sumatra. We then travel to Eco lodge for our overnight stay and evening walk looking for slow lotus. Overnight lodge (B, D) Day 7 - 16th March: Way Kambas National Park (Lampung) Day full day viewing at Rhino Sanctuary & elephant in park. Late afternoon river cruise. Overnight at the Eco Lodge. (B,L,D) Day 8 - 18th March: Lampung – Jakarta (Java) Very early start back to Lampung airport and our flight back to Jakarta. We travel to Bodorol the location of the Silvery Gibbon conservation center & overnight at local accommodation (B, D) Day 9 - 19th March: Jakarta & Tour ends This morning we return for a final viewing and talk at the Gibbon center before our return to Jakarta and departure for home via late night flight (B) Note: We can assist with extra accommodation or a trip extension if required from this date. http://www.wildlifeasia.org.au/travel/ INCLUSIONS