Going off the beaten track in Bali’s countryside to feel the magic of ‘The Island of the Gods’


ETG Make Wildlife Travel Effortless
- Wild experiences without the chaos. From remote islands to jungle rivers, we design your trip so you can focus on the wildlife, not the logistics.
- Expert-led jungle encounters. Our naturalist guides know Indonesia inside out. From orangutans in Borneo to birdlife in Sulawesi, they’ll take you closer to the action.
- Ethical, immersive travel. Every trip is crafted with conservation in mind. You’ll return with extraordinary memories and the reassurance your holiday had a positive impact.
- Beyond the bucket list. Komodo dragons may headline, but Indonesia’s diversity is astonishing: pygmy elephants, proboscis monkeys, hornbills and coral reefs alive with colour.
- Real comfort, deep in the wild. Stay in eco-lodges and boutique retreats that blend beautifully into their surroundings, offering character and charm without compromise.



What’s included:
With ETG, what’s included goes well beyond the basics. From the moment your trip begins to your final farewell, the essentials are already taken care of, leaving you free to immerse, explore and enjoy without the hassle of hidden extras.
Here’s what comes as standard in all of our holidays:
Pricing:
As every holiday is bespoke, prices vary depending on destination, flights, hotel choices, inclusions and travel dates. We aim to include as much as possible upfront, so you know exactly where you are. As an approximate guide:
Wildlife Holiday Ideas in Indonesia
Indonesia is one of the world’s great wildlife destinations. Its islands shelter some of the richest biodiversity on the planet, with habitats ranging from rainforest to volcanic slopes and coral seas. In Sumatra and Kalimantan (Indonesian Borneo), orangutans swing through the trees while elephants and even rare rhinos roam below. Flores is the base for exploring Komodo National Park, where prehistoric dragons share their home with manta rays and vibrant reef life. And in Sulawesi and the Spice Islands, birdlife is dazzling, with endemic species found nowhere else.

Indonesia
Sulawesi & The Spice Islands
An extraordinary chance to explore several fascinating cultures, some incredible scenery and diverse native wildlife.
Highlights
Tana Toraja
Trekking through remote villages to see their fascinating funeral rituals
Tangkoko Nature Reserve
Spotting rare wildlife like the crested black macaques, tarsiers and birds
The Spice Islands
Explore the contrasting islands of bustling Ternate and sleepy Tidore
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Indonesia
Borneo, Java & Bali Adventure
Come face-to-face with the wondrous wildlife of Indonesian Borneo, explore the cultural heartland of Java and relax in Bali’s leafy countryside.
Highlights
Kalimantan
A once-in-a-lifetime experience in Borneo, spotting wildlife from your private houseboat
Java
Soaking up a surreal sunrise over ancient temples and volcanoes
Bali
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Indonesia
Komodo Adventure & Magical Bali
Combine the wondrous wildlife and natural splendour of Komodo National Park with the timeless, atmospheric beauty of Bali.
Highlights
Komodo National Park
Set off on a once-in-a-lifetime boat adventure, waking up each day surrounded by soul-stirring sea and sky
Komodo National Park
Dive into a vibrant marine world, swimming alongside turtles, nemo and gliding rays
Tabanan, Bali
Trek through lush rice paddies and volcanic valleys, getting a feel for Bali’s spiritual air
Meet Our Experts

“It’s pretty much impossible not to let your wild side out in Indonesia. Think epic landscapes, curious creatures around practically every corner, and snorkelling in waters so full of life it barely feels real.”
Lola Pasquier
Travel Expert
The Best Times to Go on a Holiday in Indonesia
Indonesia’s wildlife can be experienced year-round, but conditions vary by island:
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May to September: Best for orangutan trekking in Borneo and exploring Komodo National Park by boat.
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June to August: Excellent visibility for snorkelling and diving in Komodo’s waters.
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October to April: Wetter months across many islands, but still rewarding for birdwatching and cultural immersion, with fewer crowds.
The Best Wildlife Lodges in Indonesia
A wildlife holiday doesn’t mean compromising on comfort. In Kalimantan, rustic eco-lodges place you right by the rainforest. In Flores, boutique beach resorts provide a relaxing base after your Komodo explorations. And across Sulawesi and Bali, we’ll handpick characterful retreats that connect you to nature without sacrificing style. Wherever you stay, you can expect genuine hospitality and locations that bring the wildlife to your doorstep.

Minahasa, North Sulawesi, Indonesia
Gardenia Country Inn
High on a hill in Tomohon, this rustic retreat is surrounded by lush forests, volcanic peaks, and bright flowers.
Highlights
Highlights
Volcanic views,
Nature all around
Best for
Couples,
Families
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North Sulawesi, Indonesia
Tangkoko Hill Cottage
Simple, basic accommodation. Well placed for exploring Tangkoko National Park.
Highlights
Highlights
Close to Tangkoko National Park
Best for
Couples
Families
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Central Kalimantan, Indonesia
Rimba Orangutan Eco Lodge
A riverside eco-lodge in the Borneo rainforest. A great place to stay while spotting orangutans.
Highlights
Highlights
Once-in-a-lifetime adventure,
Exclusive access
Best for
Couples
Families
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Danum Valley Conservation Area, Borneo,
Borneo Rainforest Lodge
Borneo Rainforest Lodge in Danum Valley offers the most comfortable jungle stay in Malaysia, with expert-led wildlife treks and treetop experiences.
Highlights
Highlights
Wildlife sightings,
Jungle comfort,
Canopy walkway
Best for
Couples
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Kinabatangan River, Borneo,
Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort
Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort offers peaceful wildlife experiences in a remote mangrove setting, ideal for nature lovers in search of Borneo’s rarest species.
Highlights
Highlights
Eco-friendly,
Immersive nature
Best for
Couples,
Families,
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Kota Kinabalu, Borneo,
Hyatt Regency Kota Kinabalu
Hyatt Regency Kota Kinabalu offers sleek rooms, sea views, and top dining on the city’s lively waterfront—perfect for exploring Sabah’s capital in comfort.
Highlights
Highlights
Waterfront location,
City views
Best for
Couples,
Families,
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Indonesia, Bali, Sidemen
Surya Shanti Sidemen
Boutique hideaway and authentic Balinese experience in the remote eastern hills.
Highlights
Highlights
Beautiful boutique feel,
Staggering scenery
Best for
Couples
Families
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Indonesia Holidays
In Our Traveller’s Words
From Our Travelogue
Meaningful Wildlife Experiences in Indonesia
Wildlife travel here is never just about what you see, but how you experience it. Trek through Borneo’s rainforests in search of orangutans, sail between the islands of Komodo to spot dragons, or rise early in Sulawesi as the forest comes alive with bird calls. Alongside these encounters are quieter moments -snorkelling over coral reefs, visiting village markets, or sharing stories with local guides, that give your holiday depth and meaning.

Kinabatangan River, Borneo
Kinabatangan Wildlife Safari
The Sungai Kinabatangan, stretching 560 km from Sabah’s mountainous southwest to the Sulu Sea near Sandakan, is Malaysia’s second-largest river and one of Southeast Asia’s richest wildlife habitats. Known as a sanctuary for rare and endangered species, it offers exceptional opportunities to spot iconic animals such as Borneo’s endemic orangutan, pygmy elephant, proboscis monkey, crocodiles, and an impressive variety of birdlife, including hornbills and kingfishers.
Life along the Kinabatangan revolves around its waterways. With few roads, boat travel is the primary mode of transport and the best way to explore the rainforest’s hidden corners. A river cruise takes you deep into this wild and atmospheric ecosystem, where dense jungle lines the riverbanks and wildlife is often visible at close range.
However, the region also reveals the environmental challenges faced by Borneo. The abrupt borders between pristine rainforest and palm oil plantations serve as a stark reminder of habitat loss and the global demand for resources. Despite these threats, the Kinabatangan remains a stronghold for wildlife, particularly as you travel upstream to the more untouched areas near the tribal village of Abai or further towards Sukau.
To fully appreciate the river’s diversity and to increase your chances of seeing orangutans and other rare animals in the wild, we recommend spending at least two nights exploring different stretches of the Kinabatangan by boat. The experience of seeing these remarkable creatures in their natural habitat is nothing short of unforgettable.
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Danum Valley, Borneo
Danum Valley Coffin Cliff Trek
Around 20 years ago, a series of limestone holes were found on a cliff edge deep within Danum Valley’s primary rainforest. It was established that this was an ancient burial site of the local tribespeople, and you can discover their secrets.
Journeying with an expert guide, climb an upward trail to a height giving stunning views of the forest below. The coffins themselves are imbued with local spiritual beliefs: the higher you’re buried, the closer you are to heaven.
You’ll notice wood scattered around the area; this is because tribespeople buried their ancestors with iron wood, parts of which have sometimes fragmented off in the process of carrying them to the high cliff. Incredibly strong, termite proof and denser than water, the act of carrying up these cases is an incredible symbol of commitment and strength – they’re very heavy!
Absorb the spiritual atmosphere and take beautiful photos of the surrounding landscape before trekking onward through the valley.

Danum Valley, Borneo
Danum Valley Birdwatching
As a centre for conservation and ecological research, Danum Valley is one of the best places for bird-watching in Borneo, if not the whole of Malaysia.
It is one of the largest, most untouched regions of lowland rainforest accessible to visitors.
Try to spot a Whiskered Treeswift, one of the most unusual swifts as it sports moustache like white markings on its face and feeds by hunting from a little perch. Threatened species like the Driard’s Trogon – a beautiful red/amber bird – can also be seen on a lucky day. With expert guides available, you can learn about various bird types and seek out particular species that interest you the most.
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South Sulawesi
Explore Tangkoko Nature Reserve
Venture into the terrific Tangkoko Nature Reserve in North Sulawesi, which lies far off the typical tourist trail in Indonesia.
Bordering a stretch of the volcanic coastline of northern Sulawesi, Tangkoko Nature Reserve’s protected rainforest is a sanctuary for fascinating, free-roaming wildlife.
Here, you can come face-to-face with the friendly, critically endangered black crested macaques, spot the native bear cuscus, and watch for birdlife from hornbills to kingfishers.
Join a night walk with a park ranger to spot small, Yoda-like tarsiers clinging to the trees and take a peaceful boat ride through the mangroves to admire the reserve’s rich flora and fauna from the water.

Komodo National Park, Indonesia
Wildlife Spotting in Komodo National Park
Komodo National Park is a haven for wildlife lovers: over 250 types of plants, 58 species of mammals and 128 types of birds live here.
The UNESCO-protected park covers five main islands – Komodo, Rinca, Padar, Gili Motang and Nusa Kode – plus a handful of smaller ones dotted in between.
It’s a very different landscape from the rest of Indonesia. Instead of tropical rainforest, it’s dry, rugged and really hot – more like savannah than jungle. These conditions are actually perfect for reptiles, especially the legendary Komodo dragon, which thrives here.
It’s a unique and wildly beautiful part of the planet – and well worth seeing with a good guide while exploring Indonesia.
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Important FAQs about Holidays in Indonesia
Accommodation, guides, drivers, many meals and snacks, immersive wildlife experiences, and regional transfers. International flights can be added if required.
Yes. Many travellers blend wildlife with cultural or beach time, adding Java’s temples or Bali’s beaches for balance.
We’ll arrange internal flights and boat transfers as part of your bespoke itinerary, ensuring smooth and efficient travel.
Absolutely. Spotting orangutans, snorkelling reefs, or seeing Komodo dragons up close can be thrilling for children and adults alike.
No more than you want it to be. Wildlife experiences range from relaxed boat trips and boardwalk walks to more adventurous jungle treks. We’ll build the trip around your comfort level.
Absolutely. Many of our wildlife travellers are couples in their 50s, 60s or 70s who want something meaningful, well-organised and quietly adventurous.
The Curious Traveller’s Expert Guide to Indonesia
Curious to find out more? The Curious Traveller’s Guide to Indonesia is our experts’ edit of hotels, experiences and holiday tips. Get your complimentary copy today.
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