Camp Leakey - Faces in the Forest: 10 Nights

Begin your idyllic cruise on the Orion II from Singapore. Unpack once, relax and enjoy leisurely days at sea as you cruise to:

Singapore – Embark
The British East India Company established a strategic trading post on the island of Singapore in 1819, which was to become an important post along the Spice Route. Although a thriving and modern metropolis, remnants of these early colonial days can be enjoyed in many traditional pursuits such as a rickshaw ride and Singapore Sling at the famous Raffles Hotel. A compact and efficient city, Singapore offers easy access from most international airports.

Bako National Park, Sarawak – Wet landing
Bako National Park heralds an early arrival for us as we have no time to waste in experiencing its rainforests, abundant wildlife, jungle streams, waterfalls, interesting plant life, secluded beaches and trekking trails. Very few places in the world pack so much natural beauty into such a limited area. Bako is one of the most rewarding parks in Sarawak for wildlife and protected since 1957, the animals are less wary of humans.

Kuching, Sarawak (for Semenggoh Rehabilitation Centre) – Dry landing

Kuching, Sarawak (overnight onboard) – Dry landing
The capital of the Malaysian state of Sarawak, and also the largest city on the Island of Borneo, Kuching is today a vibrant and lively city. Kuching is also home to the Semenggoh Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre. Established in 1975 for the rehabilitation of confiscated and surrendered wild animals, including orangutans, it is located just south of Kuching city and is situated within the beautiful Semenggoh Nature Reserve. The city itself has a bustling China Town district and many delightful buildings such as the palace of the White Rajah along with temples and mosques. We will arrive in Kuching mid morning, staying overnight and into the next day.

Pontianak, Kalimantan – Dry landing
Pontianak is one of the major cities in Kalimantan. The city was formerly the capital of the independent Sultanate of Pontianak and was founded in 1772 around an old trading station on the Borneo coast. It is built on swampy ground that is subjected to regular flooding by the river, requiring buildings to be constructed on piles to keep them off the ground. It has its name due to the story that the founder had seen appearance of pontianak ghost at the place to be built for the palace, which he fought to save the people. Pontianak sits right on the equator hence being widely known in Bahasa language as Kota Khatulistiwa - the Equator City.

Gunung Palung National Park, Kalimantan – Scenic Zodiac Cruising
Gunung Palung National Park is notable for its diversity of habitat types, ranging from mangrove and freshwater swamp forest, to lowland alluvial forest, to mountain forest, and for its diversity of wildlife. It is one of only a handful of parks in the world where orangutans can be seen in the wild. The orangutan is considered the umbrella species for conservation in the National Park, and is also an important ecological agent for seed dispersal and seed predation. It is believed that orangutans at Gunung Palung constitute one of the most dense and largest populations on Borneo. A census conducted in 2001 gives an estimate of 2500 individual orangutans, about 17% of the estimated population in Borneo and close to 10% of the world’s population.

Tanjung Puting National Park, Kalimantan (for Camp Leakey) (overnight onboard) – Dry landing
The area was originally declared as a game reserve in 1935 and a National Park in 1982. While the Park has a chequered history of weak protection, it remains substantially wild and natural. Best known for the orangutans and made famous through the efforts of Orangutan Foundation International, which is based at the landmark Camp Leakey research station. Tanjung Puting also boasts the bizarre looking proboscis monkey with its “Jimmy Durante” nose as well as seven other primate species. Tanjung Puting hosts over 220 species of birds, including hornbills, deep forest birds and many wetland species. Tanjung Puting is well known for its “bird lakes,” housing seasonal rookeries, endangered waterbirds and nesting grounds for white egrets.

Camp Leakey was established in 1971 by Dr. Biruté Galdikas and former spouse Rod Brindamour. It was named after the legendary paleo-anthropologist, Louis Leakey, who was both mentor and an inspiration to Dr. Galdikas as well as Drs. Jane Goodall and Dian Fossey. Originally consisting of just two huts, Camp Leakey is now an assemblage of permanent wooden structures designed to provide a base for scientists, staff, students, and Park Rangers.

Tanjung Puting National Park
Tanjung Puting National Park is a national park in Indonesia located on the island of Borneo in the Indonesian province of Central Kalimantan. The park is famous for its orangutan conservation.

Bali – Disembark
The Indonesian island of Bali represents an oxymoron. The city centre of Denpasar is crammed with hotels and tourist activity. It is renowned for its highly developed arts, including dance, sculpture, painting, leather, metalworking and music.

The countryside is picturesque incorporating rice paddies flooding the hillsides and volcanoes reaching to the skies. The rain-forests are lush and tropical, and the beaches are washed by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. The island is home to the vast majority of Indonesia's small Hindu minority.

Set sail from Singapore on your 10 night Camp Leakey–Faces in the Forest Cruise on Orion II. This 11 day cruise visits 5 different ports including Bako National Park-Sarawak, Kuching-Sarawak, Pontianak-Kalimantan, Gunung Palung National Park-Kalimantan and Tanjung Puting National Park-Kalimantan before arriving in Bali.

• Accommodations as booked
• Cruise transportation
• All meals onboard
• 24-hour room service
• Entertainment and educational programmes
• Use of ship's sporting equipment and facilities
• Port & handling charges
• Zodiac excursions and tender transfers
• Access to the ship's library of Govt
• Fees & Taxes
• Services of 75 experienced crew

OTHER INFORMATION

ABOUT Orion Expedition Cruises

Founded in early 2004, Orion Expedition Cruises has developed voyages to encourage guests to become a part of the region they are discovering.

Orion is a purpose built vessel designed to access the inaccessible, all in 5-star luxury. The ship combines the best and the latest in design with maritime and environmental technology, comfort and casual elegance. From the ice-strengthened hull to the chilled champagne and superb cuisine, this is expedition cruising at its finest.

Described as the latest in the quest to build the perfect expedition vessel *, all Orion’s staterooms feature ocean views and offer internet access, flat-screen TV, DVD/CD, a choice of twin and queen sized beds, a sitting area and marble bathrooms. Other on board amenities include a health spa with gymnasium, sauna, sun deck Jacuzzi and a stern marina platform.

Orion offers a range of included and optional Shoreside Expeditions designed to enhance the destination exploration for our guests. From Camel Safaris in Broome to snorkelling over pristine coral formations, there are many unique opportunities for guests to visit areas of Australia that even most Australians don’t get to see. As part of our commitment to offering guests an enriching experience, on board speakers have been selected for their knowledge and expertise on the regions they visit. Guests are invited to attend presentations in the 90 seat Lecture Theatre.

Our innovative expeditions are year-round and vary with the seasons:
- Summer (December, January and February) Antarctica and New Zealand Sub-Antarctic Islands.
- Autumn (March, April) in remote and unspoilt parts of Papua New Guinea and Melanesia.
- Winter (April to September) in the Kimberley and Arnhem Land.
- Spring (October, November) New Zealand and south-East Asia.

For Orion, sustainability is more than a fashion, a trend or a compelling need. Sustainability is a core component of our company’s originating vision and values. To explore “a path less travelled” requires a gentle step. To work with the challenges and opportunities these environments offer is the starting point of every journey.

A small ship – featuring the latest German designed environmental management technology. This purpose built design extends from the energy efficient engine, to the collecting of air conditioning condensation and recycling of grey water onboard. A ship designed to be fully self contained for up to 22 days at sea. A ship with environmental credentials designed to meet the strictest requirements for marine management established by the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators. Credentials that set the standard for best practice in all environments we operate in.

Community partnership – is the basis for all expedition itinerary design. We start first with an approach to the traditional owners, chiefs or heads of the communities, tribes or villages we hope to visit. We start a dialogue about their lives, their needs, and the opportunity of shared experience. A key ingredient in this discussion is authenticity. In most instances we are working with communities without tourism experience and it is important to us that our interaction with them is positive in ways that the communities feel are fair and beneficial to their needs and interests. They see the potential benefit to their people, but need investment, commitment and support to see this through. Our role is to nurture the partnership, ensuring both parties work together to protect their natural resources, sustain their well being and support cultural heritage.

Library

Bars and Lounges

Shopping

Sports and Spa

Salon

MV Orion II Photos

MV Orion II

MV Orion II

 

 

 

 

 

 

TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR THIS CRUISE

Terms of booking on this website

Information disclaimer

The rates on this website are often heavily discounted. This is due to our negotiated rates and bulk buying power. On very rare occasions, a rate may be displayed incorrectly due to our, or the cruise operator's error. In such a case, if you make a reservation enquiry with us at a quoted rate that is incorrect, we will notify you of any price change and give you the option to proceed or cancel. We make every effort to keep information on our site up to date, but we cannot guarantee this website is free of errors or omissions and retain the right to update or change the information published at any time.

Liability

To the extent permitted by law we/the owners of this website will not be liable to you or to any third party (whether in contract, tort, or otherwise) for any direct, indirect or consequential loss or damage (including but not limited to any accident, injury, delay or loss of enjoyment) arising out of your reliance upon information contained on this website, including but not limited to your use (or inability to use) any products or services described or procured through this website. When making a reservation via this website or over the phone, we ask you to agree to the terms and conditions displayed. Your reservation and cruise holiday will be governed by the terms of the agreement and any other documentation or information provided to you before you depart. Our total liability to you in relation to your use of this website and the information contained on this website will not exceed the dollar amount of the deposit we have received from you in relation to your booking. Refunds will not be made for bookings cancelled due to inclement weather. We strongly recommend that you take out travel insurance. Your use of this website is governed by the laws of Victoria and the jurisdiction of the Victorian courts.

Booking information

To reserve a cabin(s), you must complete our reservations enquiry form which is easy to follow and secured with the latest encryption technology. Once we receive your enquiry, we will contact you via phone or email, to advise of availability and confirm the final price is correct. A booking is confirmed when you have been emailed a confirmation notice and at this stage the deposit is processed on your credit card or your bank deposit has been received. Your deposit then becomes subject to the cancellation policy of the cruise line and Cruise Republic. These are stated in the terms and conditions.

When your booking has been confirmed we will send  you your cruise booking number for the cruise line. Once you receive your confirmation, please check your details carefully and notify us immediately if there are any incorrect details, as it may not be possible to make changes at a later date without incurring a penalty. If you are booking via phone, please first make sure you have read the terms and conditions. Our reservations consultant will ask you if you have read the terms and agree to them before proceeding. The onus is always on the customer to ensure they make themselves fully aware of the terms displayed on our website.

Information disclosure

In booking on/via this website you acknowledge that we disclose your information to your selected Cruise Ship company/operator.

Amendments

Once you have paid a deposit against your cruise, any changes made to the booking will incur an amendment fee of $25 plus and applicable fees set you by the cruise line. Please see the Cruise Company's terms and conditions for cancellation and amendment policy.

Cancellations

Once a deposit is made towards your cruise holiday it is deemed that you have accepted our terms and conditions, so are subject to any cancellation fees. Bookings canceled after the deposit is paid,  will incur a cancellation fee of $200. Plus any additional cancellation fees set out by the cruise line. Please see the Cruise Company's terms and conditions for cancellation and amendment policy.

Payments

Payments towards your cruise holiday made by credit cards are subject to a transaction fee of 2.5%. Cruise Republic accept Visa and Mastercard Cards only. Payments made by bank deposit do not incur any transaction fees nor do payments made using the BPAY payment system.

Privacy

Privacy of your information is an absolute priority to us. When you book we request whether you are interested in receiving further offers from us. If you decline, we will not email you with such offers. We also always give you the opportunity to unsubscribe and opt out of receiving these emails. We treat your details as confidential and we NEVER disclose your information to third parties other than the supplier who is fulfilling your cruise holiday.

Orion Expedition Terms and Conditions

Placing a reservation
Orion Expedition Cruises will make an offer of accommodation, the offer being valid for 4 days. The payment of the required deposit will confirm acceptance of the offer , the offer automatically expiring should a deposit not be received.

Deposit and final payment
To secure your reservation a deposit of 25% of the fare is required. The deposit must be accompanied by a completed and signed Guest Booking Form and is due within 4 days of booking. Final payment must be received by Orion Expedition Cruises no later than 100 days before sailing. Separate conditions apply to the Cancellation Protection Plan.

Guest form
A completed and signed Guest Form must be submitted with your deposit. For immigration purposes, on International Expeditions, a copy of your current passport must be received prior to the release of cruise documents.

Ticketing
Travel Documents will include passage ticket, baggage labels, itinerary, life onboard information, details of included and optional shoreside experiences, embarkation & disembarkation instructions.
Documents will be forwarded approximately 20-35 days prior to sailing. Failure to send Guest Form will delay documentation. For late payments and reservations placed within 7 days of sailing, documentation may be collected at the pier.

Cancellation fees
The following cancellation fees will apply to all reservations. The day on which notice is received by Orion Expedition Cruises will determine the applicable penalties.
Day on Which Notice is received                     Penalty
121 days and over - Antarctic cruises             $1000 pp
                                  - All other cruises                    No penalty
120 - 91 days prior to sailing                          Loss of deposit
90 days or less                                                  100% of fare
No show - no written notice                            100% of fare

*Please see Cruises Online (the agent) cancellation policy in their terms and conditions below.

Prices are subject to currency fluctuations, fuel price and tax increases and so can only be guaranteed once full payment has been received by Orion Expedition Cruises.

Cruise fare – What's included

Included in your cruise fare are accommodations as booked, cruise transportation, all meals onboard, 24-hour room service, entertainment and educational programmes, use of ship's sporting equipment and facilities, port & handling charges, Zodiac excursions and tender transfers, access to the ship's library of Govt. Fees & Taxes. Fares also include the services of 75 experienced crew.

Cruise fare – What's not included

Fares do not include items of a personal nature, including but not limited to: travel and medical insurance, laundry charges, shopping onboard, bar expenses, hair dressing and massage treatments, optional shore experiences, medical treatment, telephone and internet charges.

Money matters

All onboard prices are quoted in Australian dollars and, for your convenience, you may charge onboard expenses to your shipboard account. You can choose to settle your onboard account with

a credit or charge card. We accept American Express, Diners Club International, MasterCard and Visa. You may also use Travellers Cheques or cash. Please note there are no cash withdrawal facilities onboard and regretfully we are unable to accept personal cheques.

Gratuities

Gratuities are not expected, however if you wish to recognise exceptional service from an individual staff member , you are welcome to do so entirely at your discretion.

Passports and Visas

Passports are required for all expeditions including one or more international ports. Photo ID, such as a driver’ s licence, is required for all domestic expeditions. Our Reservations & Customer Service centre can provide specific advice for your selected departure.

Medical conditions & Physical considerations

Any medical condition, advanced pregnancy or disability must be advised to Orion Expedition Cruises when a request for accommodation is made. On every Orion voyage extensive use of the ship’ s Zodiacs will be made transporting guests between ship and shore. It is anticipated this travel may be physically demanding from time to time. In order for Orion Expedition Cruises to determine if safe passage can be offered, guests may be asked to provide additional information, such as a medical assessment of their fitness for expeditionary travel. All guests must sign a disclaimer onboard to participate in offship activities. Guests should be sure to bring onboard sufficient supplies of any prescription medication they may require.

Insurance

Orion Expedition Cruises strongly recommends that all guests purchase comprehensive international travel and medical insurance to cover lost or damaged baggage, personal property, medical evacuation. Australian Medicare system does not apply onboard Orion.

Life onboard Orion
DINING

All meals onboard Orion may be taken in a leisurely single sitting, free of fixed table assignments. Dining hours for the Constellation Restaurant and the Delphinus Outdoor Café will be provided with your tickets. 24 hour room service is also available.

Dress

During the day dress onboard is casual and relaxed. When venturing ashore we suggest you select practical clothing suitable to the part of the world you are visiting. Evening dress code onboard Orion is "smart casual", gentlemen being asked to wear a collared shirt. Jackets, ties and formal wear are not required.

Hairdressing

Our hairdressing salon is located on Deck 4. All staterooms and suites are equipped with a hairdryer .

Health facilities

The Vega Health Spa includes a gymnasium, sauna and massage facilities.

Laundry / Pressing facilities

Laundry and pressing services are available at an additional charge. Orion is not equipped with self service facilities.

Medical facilities

There is a doctor onboard. Consultation fees will be charged to your stateroom account.

Security / Visitor policy

As part of our security policy we regret visitors are not allowed onboard at any time.

Shoreside expeditions

We include a number of complimentary shore experiences utilising our Zodiacs. In addition we offer an exciting and diverse selection of optional shore experiences which can be either booked for in advance or reserved onboard and charged to your onboard account. Due to limited numbers on some experiences we recommend you pre-register to avoid disappointment. Details will be provided with your ticket.

Sports facilities

Orion is equipped with a fleet of ten 2-man kayaks for the use of guests in addition to a 4-man fishing boat. Snorkelling equipment (mask, fins & snorkel ) is available to all guests free of charge when conditions permit.

Valuables

Be sure to personally carry all valuables onboard and be sure not to pack them in the checked luggage. All staterooms and suites are equipped with a mini safe.

Voltage

The voltage on board is 110 and 220 volt (plugs are round sockets with two round pins). Adaptor plugs are available.