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Wildlife Holidays in Indonesia

Birds of paradise and Komodo dragons

AITO

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:

All flights (unless you’ve booked your own!)
Expert guides and drivers
All accommodation
Many meals and snacks
Immersive experiences throughout
All regional transfers
Tips
24/7 In-Country support
Personal travel consultant throughout

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:

Bespoke Holidays £4,500 - £8,500pp
Bespoke Luxury Holidays £8,500 - £14,500pp
Bespoke Family Holidays from £4,000 - £7,500pp

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.

Smiling kids on the Spice Islands

Indonesia

Sulawesi & The Spice Islands

20 Days

Indonesia

Borneo, Java & Bali Adventure

16 Days
Family

Indonesia

Komodo Adventure & Magical Bali

16 Days
Explore Full Itinerary
Smiling kids on the Spice Islands
20 Days

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

Explore Full Itinerary
16 Days

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

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

Explore Full Itinerary
Family
16 Days

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:

  • May to September: Best for orangutan trekking in Borneo and exploring Komodo National Park by boat.

  • June to August: Excellent visibility for snorkelling and diving in Komodo’s waters.

  • 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.

Gardenia Country Inn from above

Indonesia - Comfort

Gardenia Country Inn

Indonesia - Eco/Adventure

Tangkoko Hill Cottage

Lobby at Rimba lodge

Indonesia - Eco/Adventure

Rimba Orangutan Eco Lodge

Borneo - Eco/Adventure

Borneo Rainforest Lodge

Borneo - Eco/Adventure

Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort

Borneo - Luxury

Hyatt Regency Kota Kinabalu

Bali views at Surya Shanti, Sideman

Bali - Deluxe

Surya Shanti Sidemen

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Gardenia Country Inn from above

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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Lobby at Rimba lodge

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,

 

See More

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,

 

See More
Bali views at Surya Shanti, Sideman

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

Indonesia Holidays

In Our Traveller’s Words

Climing Ijen

First-class Island Hopping in Indonesia

Fantastic journey, away from the tourists hotspots, of Java, Borneo, Bali and Komodo. All means of transport and wide variety of experiences from primary jungle to volcanos to dragons.
Simon & David
9 July 2025

Temples, Volcanoes and Dragons of Indonesia

A 16 night family holiday with 2 teenage boys. We did enough cultural visits to keep mum happy but with volcano visit, swimming pools, Komodo dragons, snorkelling and seeing Manta rays the boys had a fantastically diverse holiday. I have used Experience Travel Group three times now and would highly recommend them.
Lynne
12 July 2019

A Brilliant Adventure (Bali and Beyond)

Decided we wanted to do more than just go to Bali so asked for something different and some travelling around, and what an adventure it turned out to be. Highlight climbing the Ijen volcano in East Java a fantastic experience with our very experienced guide... Then off to Sumba a magical and intriguing island... The whole trip was a great mixture of adventure, culture and lovely hotels.
Angie
25 March 2025

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 Wildlife Safari

Borneo

Kinabatangan Wildlife Safari

Borneo

Danum Valley Coffin Cliff Trek

Borneo

Danum Valley Birdwatching

Tangkoko National Park, North Sulawesi, Sulawesi, Indonesia

Explore Tangkoko Nature Reserve

Indonesia

Wildlife Spotting in Komodo National Park

View Experience Page
Kinabatangan Wildlife Safari

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.

View Experience Page

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.

 

View Experience Page

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.

View Experience Page

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.

View Experience Page

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.

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.