This workshop is open to beginners, professionals, and everything in between.

The only criteria are that you have a passion for nature and have the motivation to be learn and understand the jungle.

We’re also happy to make exceptions for non-photographers with a keen interest in conservation. Simply get in touch with our team and we can discuss how to make the most out of your trip.

The jungle is dense and filled with life, honestly too many animals to list. Orangutans are for certain. We can expect sightings of primates such as probiscus monkey, macaques, and gibbons.

Notable species of the more than 200 birds include egrets, hornbills, stork-billed kingfishers, oriental darters, brahminy kites, and many more.

Dozens of snakes, frogs, and countless insects abound are sure to be abundant.

On our excursions guided by Bain, we'll travel into the forest in search of Orangutan daily. Utilizing Bain's knowledge of the forest, he'll help us track down the primates in the forest. Both on foot and by boat, using traditional tracking methods relying on sight, sound, and calls in the forest. We may or may not actively participate in the tracking, due to the excessive heat and distances that Bain may need to cover on foot. Happily, many of the sightings will also occur from the deck of the boat, as wildlife frequently visits the trees overhanging along the river filled with fruit.

The orangutans we see are a mix of wild and rehabilitated individuals, habituated to human presence.

Feeding stations, operated by the Orangutan Foundation International (OFI), are located at key locations along the border of the National Park because there aren't enough fruit trees in the park to sustain the populations of Orangutan in the region.

OFI operates these feeding stations as part of their conservation efforts to support the orangutan population, which includes rescuing, rehabilitating, and eventually releasing ex-captive orangutans back into the wild. This ensures the orangutans have a reliable food source while they adapt to the forest environment and reduces human-wildlife conflict by providing monitored feeding areas.

The feeding stations also allow visitors to observe the orangutans and thus are part of the eco-tourism set up in the region. The financial benefits derived from eco-tourism play a big part in the conservation of the forest. Without eco-tourism, the forest is likely to be victim of deforestation.

These programs help to ensure the Orangutans in the region are well looked after and supported through OFI and tourism operations.

Personally, we don’t visit the feeding stations during feeding time as this is when other tourists will be present, and the feeding is not ideal for photography. We prefer to seek out the orangutans privately under Bain’s guidance. However, each day we make decisions as a group and our approach to the feeding stations depends on our luck in terms of spotting wild orangutans.

Generally, no. Venemous snakes are sometimes sighted, but not typically a threat unless provoked. There are two species of crocodile in the region, but not often sighted. We advise not entering the water unless instructed that it is safe to do so.

Low, but stay out of the water. No swimming.

We suggest bringing at minimum a DSLR/Mirrorless body (2 bodies would be best) and at least a 70-200mm telephoto lens, a wide-angle (i.e. 16-35mm or 24-70mm), and extra batteries, rain gear, and a tripod. If you have access to a super-telephoto lens, bring it for sure, but we’ll have the ability to get quite close to the wildlife and a 500mm definitely is NOT a requirement to capture amazing shots. Sigma & Tamron both make a great 150-500 (or similar) that is affordable. I've used them myself in the past for a few years.

Yes. This is the jungle. Mosquito nets are provided at night.

At times we might encounter other boats on the river, or people in the forest, but it will always be our goal to avoid other groups. With Bain as our guide, we visit lesser known trails and regions within the forest that are not accessible to normal visitors. Most often, we will be alone whenever possible.

The region where the workshop is being hosted is very safe, but standard safety protocols should be taken when traveling to any place you’ve never visited before. Be aware and be cautious. However, there are no major risks associated with traveling to Pankalan Bun and you’ll find yourself quite comfortable during your visit.

You will be travelling to Indonesia. It’s crucial that you check with your embassy in order to confirm if you need to apply for a visa ahead of time or if you can simply pick up a visa on arrival to Indonesia.

Drones are allowed, but not typically encouraged on these kinds of workshops. We are not allowed to fly drones within the National Park, only outside it.

Yes. Charging points and electricity are available throughout our stay. Plugs are EU style.

We've got a 10 GB/s neural-optic connection… to the jungle wifi. There's no internet connection available on the boat, but you'll honestly appreciate this after two days, disconnecting from the outside world. It's one of the bonus features of this trip, which will allow you to truly absorb the jungle, without the distraction of FB, IG, or your email.

Pangalan Bun (Iskandar Airport). From Jakarta, direct flights are offered by Nam Air. It's recommended to spend one night in Jakarta if flying from Europe or the US. It's also ideal to book long haul tickets on separate itineraries, otherwise the costs of the tickets will appear very expensive due to different airlines handling the bookings.

Of course! You can stay as long as your visa allows. I will be happy to make suggestions of locations to visit after the workshop if you decide to explore Borneo further!

During this time of the year, Central Kalimantan is at the tail end of the rainy season. Temperatures will be warm and there will possibly be a slight mixture of rain (possible) and sun providing unique conditions for photography.  The days can be quite warm in the morning and nights can be cooler, thus we recommend bringing several layers of clothes, especially a warm thermal for early morning and evening cruises in open boats.

The rainy season… A highly underrated time to photograph wildlife…

We'll be visiting the jungle during the transitional period when the last waves of seasonal rains might possibly occur. As such, we'll have the opportunity to mix the ability to easily spot animals in the lush jungle with stormy skies.

You can expect minor rain, for example in the afternoon. In reality, it’s a welcome respite from the heat of the day and adds a whole other level to the photography.

No. We are visitors to their forest and we will respect their presence and give them the space they need to live their lives in the jungle. Interactions are not condoned for the safety of the species and your own.

There is no malaria in the region where the workshop is hosted, so anti-malarials are not required, but you should always consult with a travel doctor to keep up to date.