Jumping Spiders in the Cairns Botanic Gardens and the Wet Tropics of Queensland.
Part 1 Welcome, fellow adventurers, to the enchanting realm of the Cairns Botanic Gardens and the Wet Tropics of Queensland,
A surprise around every corner! Now in its 4th year with 8 Sessions already completed…this is a well-practiced tour. The Sumatra Photography Expedition is a nature photographer’s dream, set within one of the world’s richest biodiversity hotspots, the ‘Emerald Island’ of Sumatra. Each day brings extraordinary opportunities to capture gorgeous natural images of wild Orangutans. Strolling through the rich rainforest are iridescent insects and incredible spiders. Night walks reveal a hidden world as nocturnal creatures emerge under torchlight, offering endless surprises for both the eye and the camera.
Guided by passionate and experienced nature photographer Bridgette Gower and supported by a host of awesome local guides, you’ll capture unique rainforest moments that few get to experience. This expedition is more than a tour, it is an adventure into the living, breathing heart of the jungle, enriched by warm hospitality and cultural encounters, and a chance to return home with an inspiring portfolio and unforgettable images.
Session 1
with Singapore Combined Go Here:
8th to 17th April
Session 2
19th to 24th April
6 Days, 5 Nights
Maximum 8 Participants
2027 Prices
Double / Twin Share $2600 Per Person
Single Room $2740 Per Person
2028 Prices
Double / Twin Share $2750 Per Person
Single Room $2900 Per Person
Booking Fees apply depending on your payment method
All Prices in Australian Dollars and include GST
Part 1 Welcome, fellow adventurers, to the enchanting realm of the Cairns Botanic Gardens and the Wet Tropics of Queensland,
Part 1 Welcome to the Cairns Botanic Gardens, where the plants are gorgeous, the air is tropical, and the caterpillars…
Premium Night Walk Breeding Rhinoceros Beetles Hi, my name is Arthur and I live in Cairns, Queensland, Australia. I
Bridgette first travelled to Sumatra in 2019 with her yoga school, returning again in 2022 as their official photographer. Inspired by the incredible abundance of wildlife right on the doorstep of the accommodation—and within easy walking distance of the national park—she went on to create her own nature photography tour.
After running eight successful sessions over three years, Bridgette has carefully refined the experience into a well-paced itinerary that balances structure with flexibility, allowing for weather changes and unexpected wildlife opportunities. Her strong, long-standing relationships with local staff and management ensure every tour runs smoothly and seamlessly.
While Bridgette’s true passion lies in macro photography, she’s just as likely to be found venturing deep into the rainforest in search of more elusive subjects, from gibbons to the spectacular Great Argus Pheasant.
Our trusted local guides are a team of friendly, enthusiastic, and incredibly supportive young men who are consistently praised by participants. Having guided Bridgette since her very first visit in 2019—and on every expedition since—they have developed a deep understanding of what excites and inspires photographers.
With an intimate knowledge of the Gunung Leuser National Park rainforest, the team truly knows the environment like the back of their hand. Years spent in the field have shaped their exceptional wildlife spotting skills, along with a rich understanding of habitats, seasonal changes, and even the individual stories of the region’s orangutans—many of which they’ve witnessed firsthand.
They are with us every step of the way—helping navigate challenging terrain, carrying water refills, and keeping energy levels high with fresh fruit platters and well-earned rainforest lunches. The team also joins our night walks, offering both safety and expert spotting skills, helping us uncover the incredible nocturnal wildlife that makes Sumatra so special.
A Nature Photographers Trip of a Lifetime!
‘A surprise around every corner’
Aussie Macro Photos is proud to host a Sumatra Photography Expeditions. This is a nature photographer’s trip of a lifetime, giving you access to some of the world’s most incredible creatures in the Sumatran rainforest. The Gunung Leuser National Park is extremely rich in biodiversity and has endless opportunities for photographers to capture gorgeous images.
Get up close and personal to the IUCN Critically Endangered Sumatran Orangutans, as well as a number of other monkeys & primates including Gibbons. Marvel at the super-glamourous Great Argus Pheasant. Stroll through the accommodation grounds and see a host of harmless tree snakes, and other beautiful reptiles. Be wowed by the incredible colours and formations of arthropods, with endless butterflies, spiders and every other insect you can imagine!
This location is special for a number of reasons. This patch of UNESCO World Heritage Site and National Park once hosted a successful rehabilitation and release program for Sumatran Orangutans and thus many of the individuals are very used to humans. We will have opportunities to get great closeup images of these gentle primates, many of which are nursing mothers. Our accommodation, The Eco Lodge, backs onto this bio-centric wonder and does NOT use Palm Oil. A true eco-lodge with utmost integrity for a nature lovers retreat. The rooms are spacious, clean and comfortable. The restaurant provides a variety of classic Indonesian cuisine as well as Western meals.
Bridgette of Aussie Macro Photos has been to this location three times and has designed an itinerary for this Sumatra Photography Expedition from her experience to give you the best opportunities for seeing and photographing incredible creatures in their natural habitat. Our local guides are extremely gifted at spotting their local wildlife and provide excellent service to ensure our comfort and enjoyment.
Transfers to and from Medan to Expedition in air-conditioned comfort
Welcome and Farewell dinner
National Park Fees and Permits
Local guides, Jungle treks, Morning walks, Night walks
1 night overnight in the jungle (plus holding your luggage and other items in your room)
All breakfasts, food & water on tours
Comfortable accommodations
Flight costs to Medan
Visas
Accommodation in Medan, Sumatra (first night)
Some meals (See Itinerary for more info)
Alcohol and other bar drinks
09.00 Pickup from dPrima Hotel Kualanamu
Transit to Bukit Lawang (Approx 4 hours), arriving lunchtime. Chance to do any last minute shopping at Shopping Centre enroute.
Lunch at own expense
Expedition Welcome and Briefing
Afternoon Buggin (Insects, Arachnids, Reptiles)
Welcome Dinner (included)
Night Walk & Moth Trap (Insects, Arachnids, Reptiles, Amphibians)
Full day Jungle trekking (6-7 hours) Morning Tea, Lunch provided. (Orangutans, Monkey’s, Birds, Insects, Arachnids, Reptiles)
Dinner at own expense
Half day Jungle trekking (4-5 hours) Morning Tea, Lunch provided. (Orangutans, Monkey’s, Birds, Insects, Arachnids, Reptiles) returning 2 pm to re-pack for overnight in jungle. 3pm departure to jungle campsite.
Overnight in the jungle campsite, dinner provided
Night Walk & Moth Trap around Campsite (Insects, Arachnids, Reptiles, Amphibians)
Morning Walk around Campsite (Monkey’s, Birds, Insects, Arachnids, Reptiles)
Breakfast & Morning Tea provided
Tube rafting return
Lunch at own expense
Dinner at own expense
Night Walk & Moth Trap (Insects, Arachnids, Reptiles, Amphibians)
Full day Jungle trekking (5-6 hours) Morning Tea, Lunch provided. (Orangutans, Monkey’s, Birds, Insects, Arachnids, Reptiles)
OR Local market Tour (not included)
Farewell Dinner (Included)
Optional Birding Tour (Not included in Expedition cost)
Lunch at own expense
Checkout
Transport to Medan/Airport (Approx midday TBA)
Onward Flights no earlier than 6pm.
