Papua, Borneo, Komodo
Wildlife, Culture and Landscapes a Photograpers Dream
26 Mar – 07 Apr 2026
Join Mark Rayner and I on an unforgettable 12 DAY photography adventure chasing a unique variety of birdlife in Papua, cruising up the waterways and in to the lush jungles of
Borneo in search of Orangutans, and the majestic wildlife of Komodo including the prehistoric dragons.
Highlights:
- Photographing the beautiful Birds of Paradise and many other bird species in Papua.
- Visiting Komodo National Park and photographing Komodo Dragons and traditional fishing villages
- Cruising through the beautiful islands of Komodo NP witnessing colourful sunsets and swimming in clean, pristine waters
- Photographing Orangutans and other wildlife in borneo
- Experiencing Indigenous Dayak culture and dance
- Visiting traditional Dayak villages on the Katingan River in Borneo
- Cruise through the ancient rainforests of the worlds third largest island- Asia’s Amazon
- Capture the early morning golden light on the beautiful Katingan river
- Improve your wildlife photography skills with feedback sessions and one on one guidance.
This adventure will provide an opportunity to photograph VERY UNIQUE wildlife including the beautiful, colourful birds of paradise of which there are 42 species, but there are also 52 other species of birds in the Waigeo area of PAPUA where we will spend 3 days photographing.
Then onto Komodo National Park where we will spend 2 nights/ 3 days photographing the prehistoric Komodo Dragons, the only place in the world where these fascinating creatures live.
But Komodo is not just about the Dragons, it’s also an area of stunning natural beauty and interesting fishing villages which we will visit.
Borneo is next, where we will stay on a comfortable house boat for 2 nights as we cruise up the beautiful, peaceful, calm Katingan river into the Sebangau National Park in search of wild Orangutans, Probiscous Monkeys and Hornbills., and a variety of Borneo birdlife.On a recent trip up this river I saw 40 hornbills!
In Borneo we will also be treated to a special dance performance from a local Dayak ( indigenous culture of Borneo ) dance group and we will visit traditional Dayak villages for some wonderful cultural photo opportunities.
David and Mark have been leading wildlife trips to Indonesia for the past 12 years and during that time have formed an outstanding, professional team of local guides and wildlife experts.
So come join us for an exciting, fun wildlife photography adventure on 2 of the 3 largest islands in the world !
The journey begins on March 26 where we all meet in Bali where we spend our first night.
The next morning March 27 we fly to Sorong in Papua, the second largest island in the world, arriving in the afternoon.
We will then go directly to the port where our private chartered boat will be waiting to take us to Waisai, where we stay overnight in our lodge.
March 28 We will be out in the early morning searching for birds !! What a way to start the day .
After breakfast at the resort, we will depart at around 07:30 for Lesser Urai Island. This small island is a great spot to observe species such as the Spice Imperial Pigeon, Violet-necked Lory, Great-billed Parrot, White-bellied Sea Eagle, Beach Kingfisher, Black-naped Tern, and more. This morning, we will go birding nearby the Resort area, searching for species such as Red-cheeked Parrot, Papuan Eclectus, Pied Imperial Pigeon, Hooded Butcherbird, White-breasted Woodswallow, Osprey, Beach Kingfisher, Collared Kingfisher, Pacific Woodswallow, and Willie Wagtail, among we will be searching for beautiful birds such as Papuan Eclectus, Blyth’s Hornbill, Pied Imperial Pigeon, Hooded Butcherbird, Raja Ampat pitohui and others.
March 29 Wake-up call at 04:30, followed by a light breakfast. We will then drive to a birding site known for both the Red Bird of Paradise and Wilson’s Bird of Paradise. The drive takes around 30 minutes, followed by a 40-minute hike into the forest. We will spend the morning observing birds and exploring the forest until around 09:00. On the way back, we’ll descend slowly while continuing to birdwatch, with a chance to spot species such as the Raja Ampat Pitohui, Yellow-billed Kingfisher, Golden Monarch, Common Paradise Kingfisher, and more. In the afternoon we will be out searching for species like the Yellow-faced Myna, Shining Flycatcher, Spangled Drongo, Beautiful Fruit Dove, Willie Wagtail, Whimbrel, Osprey, Brahminy Kite, and others. After dinner, we’ll go for a night birding excursion to search for Papuan Frogmouth, Marbled Frogmouth, and other nocturnal wildlife of Waigeo. Overnight in our Lodge
March 30 More bird watching in the morning and a bit of rest before heading back to Sorong in the afternoon. Overnight Sorong.
March 31 Catch the morning flight to Labuan Bajo our entry point into the Komodo national Park. We will board our boat in the early afternoon and head into the National Park. Overnight on our live aboard boat.
April 1st Bring your swimmers as the underwater world is just as beautiful as that above the water and an underwater camera if you so desire. We will sail around the Komodo National Park stopping off at different locations to photograph the Komodo Dragons, and other wildlife, visit beautiful pristine beaches, the famous Padar Island , a traditional fishing village to meet and photograph the people living here. This area is know for beautiful sunsets so hopefully we will get to experience that also.
April 2 nd Another incredible day photographing Komodo Dragons, and the beautiful landscapes of Komodo National Park. In the afternoon we head back to port and the airport to catch our early evening flight to Surabaya in Java we we stay overnight near the airport.
April 3 rd We catch the morning flight to Palangkaraya in Central Borneo and in the afternoon we will experience a very special Dayak dance performance just for your group. We will do some street photography in the old part of town before staying overnight in our 4 star hotel in Palangkaraya.
April 4 th Up early and we will spend the morning photographing Orangutans !!! We will travel on small canoes up the Rungan river in search of these beautiful, endangered creatures. Then we head out on the 3 hour drive in the afternoon and board our boat on the Kantigan river, and head into the real Borneo jungle, surrounded by the Sebangau National Park, as large as the island of Bali.
We spend the next 2 days in this beautiful area visiting Dayak villages , and tons of wildlife including probiscous monkeys and lots of hornbills.
One of the highlights will be cruising into the black lake areas with stunning reflections and photographing birdlife, surrounded by Borneo jungle.
April 6 th we spend the morning on the river and then drive back to Palangkaraya in the afternoon. Overnight Palangkaraya.
April 7 th fly back to Bali in the late morning. Tour ends.
Includes:
- All domestic flights
- All ground transport
- Staying overnight on boats in Komodo and Kalimantan
- All meals
- National Park fees
- All accommodation
- Local guide fees
- Dayak Dance performance
Excludes:
- Alcohol
- Tips
We require a 500 USD deposit to secure your place.
Please contact me directly if you wish to join , via email davidmetcalf312@gmail.com / davidmetcalfphotography22@gmail.com or WhatsApp +62 8111331255
