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28/09/25 — 30/09/25 28/09/25 — 2/10/25 28/09/25 — 4/10/25 or
Sun 28 Sep Mon 29 Sep Tue 30 Sep Wed 1 Oct Thu 2 Oct Fri 3 Oct Sat 4 Oct
Camargue White Horses & Picturesque Provence Photography Tour × × × × × × ×
Camargue White Horses & Picturesque Provence Photography Tour

Camargue White Horses & Picturesque Provence Photography Tour

Provence, France has long draw artists with it's amazing light, gardens, medieval towns & wildlife. This tour will include shoots of the wild white Camargue horses & a festival celebrating the skill of its Horseman & so much more. Book Now!

We are advertising this tour early as we need to confirm it with our partners by Sept 25th 2025 so please enquire now if you are interested. A deposit will be required to be paid before this date to secure the tour. 

Provence captured my heart some years ago and it's long been my desire to add it to my photography tour options. It has drawn artists for centuries with its unique light quality and amazing views; it has even driven a few of them mad! We will spend our time in two distinct regions, the Camargue and the Luberon. The Camargue is a wetland of international importance home to hundreds of species of birds, including pink Flamingos and the Camarguais, a traditional breed of white horses who have lived wild in the harsh marsh environment for thousands of years. The Luberon is renown for its picturesque landscapes and charming medieval villages with ochre coloured buildings and rich history. Between the 2 regions we will visit some iconic places including Arles, St Remy de Provence and the Roman Aqueduct, the Pont du Gard. 

Our French partners will give us private access to the bird sanctuary, at dawn before they open to the public so that we can capture the flamingos and many other birds as they come into the marsh ponds from their roosting sites. They will arrange 5 different private shoots with the horses, some at the beach and others in the marshes. All shoots will give us time to photograph these magnificent animals. Our visit to the Camargue coincides with an amazing 2-day festival that celebrates the skill of the horseman of the Camargue, the Gardians, who look after the semi feral horses and the famous black Camargue bulls. 

After 5 full days of photography in the Camargue we will move further into Provence to explore more of what it has to offer. Our first destination is the ancient Roman Aqueduct, the Pont du Gard. The incredible UNESCO site is over 2000 years old and is an architectural masterpiece, 275 metres long built on 3 levels to move water to the Roman city of Nimes. We will move on to the walled town of Arles, one of my favourite towns in Provence, complete with its own Roman arena. It dated back before the Roman era but it has a medieval feel with narrow cobbled streets, shuttered windows and street cafes. Vincent Van Gogh spent time here and it feels like he only left last week as locations he painted works like Starry Night over the Rhone and Garden of the hospital are almost exactly the same. We will stay in Arles overnight, as it is a great place to wander around in the evening with so many photo opportunities. Just near our hotel there is a modern art centre called Luma Arles with an extraordinary 56-metre tower covered with 11000 stainless steel panels. It stands in a garden with a reflecting lake that gives us images so different from the rest of the region. 

We start our eighth day together with a visit to the picturesque Saint Remy de Provence on the way to the Luberon region. Saint Remy is the birthplace of Nostradamus and that has been associated with Van Gogh and other painters. The pretty paved streets give us multiple photo opportunities with little shops displaying their wares on the street edge, churches, hidden fountains and markets. We will move on to our hotel for the next few days in the village of Roussillon. After checking in we set off to photograph the first beautiful Luberon village, with the warm sunshine lighting up the flamboyant, technicolour glory of reds, yellows, oranges and pinks that merge one into the other as you wander around the spiralling streets of the village.

Our time in the Luberon will be a mixture of landscape, architectural and street photography, photographing different medieval villages perched atop ancient rock formations, frozen in time, with breathtaking views. Cobbled, winding, narrow streets, tall stone houses, with coloured shutters and quaint doors, dominating the valleys below, each with its distinct flavour for us to capture. 

For our final full day we will move to the City of Aix de Provence via one of the most beautiful villages in France, Lourmarin. Aix is the essence of Provence, where people sit on street cafes along the wide streets and plazas drinking coffee to see and be seen. Although it’s a larger place it still has the same relaxed feel that the villages and towns have. It was the home of artist, Paul Cezanne, and has inspired many more. The city has many fountains, churches, pretty squares and countless other images for us to capture.

We will have time after breakfast on our last morning in Provence to have a short photo walk near our hotel before we transfer to Marseille Airport by noon to check in for our homeward flights. 

What is included: 

11 nights Hotel Bed & Breakfast in single room (if you are traveling and sharing a room with a friend a discount can be applied) 

Welcome and farewell dinner

All land transport from pickup in Montpellier Airport to drop off at Marseilles Airport

Photographic guidance from 2 professional photographers, Anna-Mair Francis and Serge Krouglikoff

5 private shoots with the horses of Camargue

Hire of waders for horse shoots

Early entry into the Parc Ornithologique


What's not included: 

Airfares to Montpellier and from Marseilles

Camera or equipment

Snacks, Lunches or Dinners if not listed

Soft drinks or alcohol 

Mosquito spray (recommended for the Camargue) can be purchased at GBP 15 per bottle

Travel insurance

Tips

Laundry


Please note: The total cost of the tour is Pounds Sterling GBP 4630 as per our partners requirements which is approximately AUD$9555 (as of March 25) this figure in AUD may change. The deposit can be paid in AUD ($2000) using this website but I will also accept a deposit GBP1000. You will need to contact me to pay in this way. The final balance is to be paid in GBP (Pounds Sterling) to a UK bank account. 

Due to our partners terms and conditions we need a minimum of 6 people on this tour for it to go ahead so please do not book European flights until this tour has been confirmed. With this in mind we need to firm this tour up quickly. We will need deposits as soon as possible as we will need to confirm the dates with our partners twelve months in advance, End of September 2025. Once the tour is confirmed the deposit of $2000 is non refundable but if we do not numbers before then we will refund your deposit (minus booking fees). 


ITINERARY Tuesday 29th September – Friday 9th October 2026

As our days will have early starts we will have a break most afternoons to nap or upload images etc. Some days there will be sessions with photographer Anna-Mair Francis. 

Day 1. Tuesday 29 September

Flights arriving at Montpellier airport by mid-afternoon. You will be collected from the airport for transfer to your hotel in Aigues-Mortes
(Hotel Canal, Aigues-Mortes).

Late afternoon welcome/briefing meeting at the hotel.
Welcome dinner at local bistro included 

Day 2. Wednesday 30 September

We leave before dawn for the Parc Ornithologique, which is a natural Camargue wetlands area with one of the largest arrays of birdlife in Europe, including the famous Pink Flamingos. Our privileged local contacts provide us with access the park, before sunrise and before it opens to the public, so you can capture wonderful, exclusive images as the birds fly in at sunrise. We will guide you to the prime locations, among the waterways and lakes, to capture a variety of species, from single birds perched at the nest, to large flocks of pink Flamingos.

Late afternoon sunset, we photograph the Wild White horses running through the marsh. We shoot several drives with the horses running across and towards your field of view. We will also take shots of the ‘Gardians’ (Camargue Horseman) dressed in their traditional Camargue shirts & hats, trident in hand, surrounded by the herd as well as some close-up portraits of both the horses and the ‘weathered’ ranchers.

Day 3. Thursday 1st October

At sunrise, we our session with the wild horses, running together through the shallow waters of the marsh, with a different composition. In-between the action, we take portraits and close-ups of the horses on their own or in small groups.

In the afternoon, we head to the beach for a shoot with a beautiful trained white Camargue stallion. We photograph him rearing on the top of the sand dunes and running along the golden sand of the beach, making for striking action shots and beautiful portraits.

Day 4. Friday 2nd October

In the morning, we head out early to a different beach for the ultimate spectacle of the wild white horses running along the golden sand and through the surf, with sea spray flying. We shoot several drives in different directions, so you can capture an assortment of action pictures, with a variety of lighting conditions. We will also photograph the horses at a nearby lagoon.

In the afternoon, we photograph two sparring wild stallions, which is a unique opportunity to see the white horses entwined at full height, in feisty temperament, with their manes flying.

Day 5. Saturday Festival 3rd October

We start with traditional breakfast (‘casse-croûte’) in the meadow with the Gardians and locals, in traditional Camargue dress. Standing in the shallow stream, we are in the centre of the action to capture the Gardians rounding up the bulls to herd them into town for the Abrivado (the arrival).

Early afternoon capture festival life in and around the beautiful town of Aigues-Mortes, including bull racing; pop up theatre animation; abundant food and wine! 

Late afternoon, in Aigues-Mortes, it is time for the Bandido (the departure) – the Gardians flank one bull at a time as they gallop back through the narrow streets of town. The youngsters test their bravery by standing in the way as long as possible, to destabilise the horses and allow the bull to escape! Capture stunning action pictures of the horses and bulls, with the sun setting behind the stone archways of the old city gates. At midday and in the evening, there is a party atmosphere with a ball and concert on the main square.

Day 6. Sunday Festival 4th October

In the morning we capture the Abrivado, as they arrive for the day’s festivities. Again, the Gardians flank the bulls and they arrive at a gallop, clattering through the cobbled streets. Each farm (Mas) displays their skills with the bulls, herded by Gardians on horseback. Young lads attempt to get the better of the young bulls by distracting the horses –called the ‘Vachette’.

In the afternoon, we return to the meadow to capture the action of the arrival of the Bandido.

Day 7. Monday 5th October

Check out of the hotel after breakfast to visit the Roman Aqueduct the Pont du Gard. The bridge was constructed by the Romans, between 19 BC and 50 AD, as part of a grand undertaking to carry water 50 kilometres by aqueduct across hills and valleys, to Nimes.

We then leave for Arles, the capital of the Camargue and home to an ancient Roman arena and theatre. Arles is a lively melting pot of Celtic, Roman and contemporary culture. It was one of Vincent Van Gogh's favorite locations and little has changed since he set up his easle. 

Check into our Hotel in Arles Centre.

Enjoy a shoot on the river at sunset and capture the atmosphere of the old streets and the Roman arena at night.

Arles photo walkabout guided by Anna-Mair & Serge


Day 8. Tuesday 6th October

Check out of the hotel after breakfast to depart for the Luberon area of Provence, stopping at the picturesque Saint Remy de Provence on the way
(photo walkabout guided by Anna-Mair and Serge).

We check into our hotel in Roussillon and after a briefing meeting, we set off to photograph the first beautiful Luberon village, with the warm sunshine lighting up the flamboyant, technicolour glory of reds, yellows, oranges and pinks that merge one into the other as you wander around the spiralling streets of the village.

Optional group dinner in a family-run, local bistro at your own cost. 

Day 9. Wednesday 7th October

We set off before sunrise to photograph a stunning hilltop village known for its picturesque beauty and considered the jewel of the Luberon. We will capture the moment the sun rises over the valley floor and lights up the village, in the soft morning light. We return to the hotel for breakfast before returning to capture another of the famous Luberon villages.

In the afternoon, we set off again to photograph different medieval villages perched atop ancient rock formations, frozen in time, with breathtaking views. Cobbled, winding, narrow streets, tall stone houses,with coloured shutters and quaint doors, dominating the valleys below.

Day 10. Thursday 8th October

After breakfast we check out of the hotel to drive to the famous city of Aix-en-Provence (1 hr drive), home of Paul Cezanne. On the way we stop to enjoy and capture the town of Lourmarin, one of the loveliest Luberon villages and also officially one of The Most Beautiful Villages in France.

On arrival in Aix, we settle into the hotel and enjoy a walk to soak up the ambience of the beautiful city and capture street life.

Overnight Aix-en Provence and farewell group dinner included.


Day 11. Friday 9th October

After breakfast we enjoy a leisurely stroll through the picturesque city to for a final opportunity to capture its hidden treasures.

Check out of the hotel to depart for Marseille, arriving at around 12h00 to take your afternoon flight home.

Please note the itinerary is subject to change, due to unforeseen circumstances

Additional hotel nights before the tour in Montpellier and after the tour in Aix en Provence in Marseille can be arranged at extra cost. 












From AUD $9,555.00

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The Wilds of Borneo Photographic Tour 8 day 2025 Book Now Available × × × × × ×
The Wilds of Borneo Photographic Tour 8 day 2025

The Wilds of Borneo Photographic Tour 8 day 2025

As some can not spare two weeks for photography we have developed a shorter 8 day private guided wildlife photo tour, to some of our favourite locations including the Sun Bear & Orangutan Rehabilitation Centres. Join us for an awesome week.

As with all our small group tours, this shorter private wildlife tour is designed for photographers by photographers. Our senior guide not only is very knowledgeable with all things animals and birds but is also a very good photographer himself so really understands what we value. We take our time, going out at times when the animals are more likely to be active and resting when the animals rest. 

 

Our locations are chosen for the flora and fauna known to be there which increases our chances of seeing some extraordinary wildlife. Borneo is a diverse Island, made up of 3 countries, Indonesia, Brunei and our destination, the state of Sabah in Malaysia. Sabah has much to offer a photographer from the deep steamy jungles to long winding waterways and from the mysterious caves to fantastic culture so there are plentiful opportunities to get amazing photos. Sabah offers a varied amount of flora and fauna including the orangutan, proboscis monkey, hornbills, fireflies and over 5000 species of flowering plants found nowhere else in the world. We are visiting some jungle areas in the hope of seeing wildlife in their natural habitat but we start our tour by visiting the rehabilitation centres where we will see orangutans, sun bears and proboscis monkeys so one way or another you will see these wonderful creatures. 

This itinerary may run in reverse so either starting in Kota Kinabulu and ending in Sandakan or as stated below, Sandakan to Kota Kinabulu. Please do not book any flights until our agent has confirmed our final route. 

Day 1:  (D)

We start early afternoon with a meet and greet of the flight from Kuala Lumpur at Sandakan Airport (arrives 13:25) or a hotel pickup if you have arrived earlier in the week.  We transfer to Sepilok to check in to our hotel before heading out to the nearby Rainforest Discovery Centre to photograph the vast array of birdlife and hopefully the flying squirrels.

 

Day 2:  (BLD)

Today we will make two visits to the wonderful Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. We will be able to photograph many orangutans here although I expect we will see some in the wild as well. The centre rehabilitates injured and orphaned orangutan then slowly limits human interaction until they are independent and disappear into the surrounding jungle to live wild. Occasionally wild apes will come in from the jungle for a feed of bananas, which is very special to see. Our morning visit will be to the nursery and feeding platform to photograph these wonderful animals.  After lunch we will return when the area is quieter and then visit the nearby Sun Bear Conservation Centre. Sun Bears are the smallest of the bear family and are very vulnerable with very few left in the wild. There are more than 40 Sun Bears at the centre which have been orphaned or are ex-captive bears, some held to terrible conditions before coming to the centre. The centres aim is to rewild most of the bears but there are some who are resident at the centre as rewilding was not possible for them. We are very unlikely to see these in the wild so this will be our only opportunity to see these amazing creatures. 

 

Day 3:  (BLD)

We will explore the beautiful tropical gardens around our hotel before departing for the Kinabatangan River our home for the next 2 nights. On route we will stop at the Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary to see and photograph these extraordinary monkeys. The Kinbanatang River, which is the longest river in Sabah (560km) passes through many diverse habitats and eventually spreads out in to a huge fertile floodplain that supports many animals, birds and water life. We will stay here for 2 nights so that we get the most of what the river has to offer. The area was under threat from logging historically but now Sabah’s government have gazetted 27800 hectares creating the Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary. David Attenborough who filmed the documentary ‘The Private Life of Plants’ here made the area famous. 

 

Day 4: (BLD)

We will head out early morning and late afternoon along the river to spot for macaque and proboscis monkeys, gibbons and many other primates including orangutan, as well as crocodile, lizards and plentiful birdlife including hornbills and kingfisher. In this area there have been many sightings of pygmy elephants coming down to the river for a drink or to bathe. The river cruise in the afternoon will provide a beautiful sunset along the river. There is an option to join a night walk (RM20) after dinner when you can get up close with birds whilst they sleep in the trees around the resort. We have also seen frogs, native cats and the tiny western Tarsier. 

 

Day 5:  (BLD)

We depart the River and head towards the town of Lahud Datu. On the way we will stop at Gomantong Cave as this area is a favourite haunt of wild orangutan. They are often spotted here quite close up on the edges of the car park lazing in the canopies during the heat of the day. If you wish to visit the caves known for the swiftlets that create nests harvested for bird's nest soup then this is an optional extra as it is not for everyone. The caves main chamber is massive and with multiple openings which allows the light to filter through giving it a cathedral like atmosphere and great photo opportunities. However, the cave is also home to thousands of bats and cockroaches that over the decades have produced mounds of guano and the smell is quite overpowering. It is not recommended for people with weak lungs but if you wish to go in then Anna-Mair will accompany you. The cost per person is RM30 plus and additional RM30 camera fee. We will transfer vehicles in Lahud Datu for our onward journey to Tabin National Park our home for the next 2 nights. 

We will be staying within Tabin National Park for our last jungle adventure which are known for a huge variety of flora as well as insects, spiders, birds as well as the chance of the wild animals like orangutan, gibbon, macaque, otter and pygmy elephant.  Night drives or walks will give us the chance to see some of the nocturnal animals like the flying squirrels and the civet cat. Tabin National Park is known as Sabah's greatest wildlife sanctuary. It was created in the year 1984; the 300000 acres reserve is the largest wildlife reserve in Malaysia. It has areas of mud 'volcanos' which ooze mineral salts that attract many different varieties of creatures to it; even sun bears are known to visit although we would be very luck if we saw one. We will stay in the heart of the jungle at a river resort.  We may see the 3 largest of Sabah’s mammals, the Borneo Pygmy Elephant, Sumatran Rhinoceros and Tembadau or Banteng, which is like a wild buffalo. There are many mammals including otter, nine species of primate, three species of cats including the clouded leopards all of which are on the protected wildlife list and more than 300 species of bird.  We will head out after dinner for our first nocturnal safari. 

 

Day 6: (BLD)

We are likely to be awoken by the gibbon dawn chorus in the surrounding jungle and will head out after breakfast to one of the many trails through the Jungle looking for animals and birds that are out looking for a feed. This area is very lush and has areas where mineral salts come to the surface that is one of the reasons that there are so many animals that call Tabin home. The animals hide in the heat of the day so we will return to the resort for lunch and a rest before heading out again for another safari drive. 

 

Day 7:  (BLD)
Our final full day of photography will start with an early morning walk looking for the gibbon in the area before we have breakfast. After breakfast we will head out again with the cameras in the area around the resort. We will depart Tabin to return to Lahad Datu to get our flight to Kota Kinabalu where we will head to the coast for a sunset shoot and our farewell dinner. 

 

Day 8:  (B)

Breakfast at leisure before transfer to Kota Kinabalu International Airport for your onward flight to Kuala Lumpur

Please note: This tour needs a minimum number of 3 people to book before departure is confirmed. Please do not book your flights until the tour has been confirmed. A deposit of $AU2000 will secure your place now ($AU 750 of the deposit is non refundable)  If the tour does not go ahead then your deposit will be refunded minus any bank fees. 

The price is based on the currency conversion rate between Malaysian Ringgits and the Australian Dollar in January 2025. If there is a significant fall in the exchange rate before the balance is paid this cost will be passed on to you. This tour will only take place with a minimum of 3 people booking so please do not book flights to Kota Kinabulu until the tour has been confirmed. 

 

A non-photographer companion is welcome to join us although they need to be aware that this tour is all about photography and no alternative itinerary will be given for them. Having said that, the itinerary is of interest to any lover of nature. 

 If you are a single person who would like to share with another person of the same gender please book a twin share but if we are unable to match you with another person then the single supplement price will be applied. 

The full itinerary will be given nearer departure although some small changes may be applied. 

 


What's Included:

·       Airport transfers in Sandakan and Kota Kinabalu

 

·       Internal flight from Lahad Datu - Kota Kinabalu

 

·       All internal transport and accommodation

 

·       8 days/ 7 nights in Borneo -7 days of photography

 

·       Entry fees for all attractions unless stated as an option

 

·       All meals on Tour

 

·       Highly experienced local guides and drivers

 

·       Small group size

 

·       Photographic support from Anna-Mair Francis


What's not included:

·       Flights to/from Sabah and your home City Arriving Sandakan departing Kota Kinabalu

 

·       Camera tax (local tax on photographers charged at some location approx total RM150)

 

·       Tourism tax in hotels (RM10 per room/per night)

 

·       Entry into Gomantong Cave (RM30 plus RM30 camera tax)

 

·       Alcohol/soft drinks with meals

 

·       Photographic equipment

 

·       Laundry, gratuities, etc

 

·       Excess baggage (20kg limit on local flight)

 

·       Travel Insurance (we require a copy of your insurance with your final payment)

 

  • Duration : 175 Hours (approx.)
From AUD $5,495.00

Enter Number of Participants *

Choose a Time *

The Wilds of Borneo Photographic Tour 13 day 2026 × × × × × × ×
The Wilds of Borneo Photographic Tour 13 day 2026

The Wilds of Borneo Photographic Tour 13 day 2026

Tour full New dates for 2026 coming soon. Contact me to more details. Join us as we go deep into the jungles of Borneo to photograph its unique birds, flora & fauna. The tour is lead by a professional photographer & local expert guides.


As with all our tours, this private wildlife tour is designed for photographers by photographers. Our senior guide not only is very knowledgeable with all things animals and birds but is also a very good photographer so really understands what we value. We take our time, going out at times when the animals are more likely to be active and resting when the animals rest. 

We visit in May when there should be an abundance of fruit and flowers, which should increase our chances of seeing a variety of animals. We are intentionally visiting some remote jungle areas in the hope of seeing wildlife in their natural habitat and then we will visit some rehabilitation centres where will see orangutan, sun bears and proboscis monkeys so one way or another you will see these wonderful creatures. 
We arrive on the Saturday to start our 13 days of photography refreshed on the Sunday morning. 

Our locations are chosen for the flora and fauna known to be there which increases our chances of seeing some extraordinary wildlife. Borneo is a diverse Island, made up of 3 countries, Indonesia, Brunei and our destination, the state of Sabah in Malaysia. Sabah has much to offer a photographer from the deep steamy jungles to the long winding waterways and from the mysterious caves to steamy jungles there are plentiful opportunities to get amazing photos. 
Sabah offers a varied amount of flora and fauna including the orangutan, proboscis monkey, hornbills,fireflies and over 5000 species of flowering plants found nowhere else in the world. 

We will begin in Kota Kinabalu where we will start by visiting a cultural village experience where locals in traditional dress bring alive tribal customs. After lunch we will drive South for our first private river cruise to see monkeys and birds along the river before we stop for dinner. After dark we return to our boat to explore the banks for masses of fireflies that light up the trees like fairy lights. Although it's very hard to photograph it is one of the most wonderful nature experiences you will ever have. 


Monday we take an early flight to Lahad Datu on the Eastern Coast where we will meet our driver and venture into the rain forest jungle to experience all that it has to offer. We will be staying within Tabin National Park for our first jungle adventure which are known for a huge variety of flora as well as insects, spiders, birds as well as the chance of the wild animals like orangutan, gibbon, macaque, otter and pygmy elephant.  Night drives or walks will give us the chance to see some of the nocturnal animals like the flying squirrels and the civet cat. Tabin National Park, is known as Sabah's greatest wildlife sanctuary. It was created in the year 1984, the 300000 acres reserve is the largest wildlife reserve in Malaysia. It has areas of mud 'volcanos' which ooze mineral salts that attract many different varieties of creatures to it, even sun bears are known to visit although we would be very luck if we saw one. We will stay in the heart of the jungle at a river resort.  We may see the 3 largest of Sabah’s mammals, the Borneo Pygmy Elephant, Sumatran Rhinoceros and Tembadau or Banten, which is like a wild buffalo. There are many mammals including otter,  nine species of primate, three species of cats all of which are on the protected wildlife list and more than 300 species bird. 

Our next destination is the Kinbanatang River which is the longest river in Sabah (560km) passes through many diverse habitats and eventually spreads out in to a huge fertile floodplain on which supports many animals, birds and water life. We will stay here for 3 nights so that we get the most of what the river has to offer. We will head out early each morning and late afternoon along the river to spot for macque and proboscis monkeys, gibbons and many other primates (including an orangutan if we are lucky), as well as crocodile, lizards and plentiful birdlife including hornbills and kingfisher. With luck we might see pygmy elephants coming down to for a drink or to bathe. The cruise back in the afternoon also provides a beautiful sunset along the river. There is an option to join a night walk when you can get up close with birds whilst they sleep and if you are fortunate see frogs and the tiny western Tarsier. The area was under threat from logging but now Sabah’s government have gazetted 27800 hectares creating the Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary. 
 As we head West we will stop in the car park of the Gomantong Cave which is a favourite haunt of wild orangutan. They are often spotted here quite close up and can be seen lazing in the canopies during the heat of the day along the edge of the car park! If you wish to visit the caves this is an optional extra as it is not for everyone. The cave itself is known for the swiftlets that create nests harvested for bird's nest soup. The caves main chamber is massive and with multiple openings which allows the light to filter through giving it a cathedral like atmosphere and great photo opportunities. However, the cave is also home to thousands of bats and insects which over the decades have produced mounds of guano so the smell is quite overpowering. As I said, it's not for everyone but if you wish to go at your own cost, then Anna-Mair and the guide will accompany you. 

We are adding a new wilderness location to this tour, Deramakot Forest Reserve. Although this area is managed by the Forestry Department and is partly logged, large areas of jungle have been set aside to protect the rich wildlife that calls this area home. Deramakot Forest Reserve has 75% of Sabah’s mammal species found within its 55,507 hectares of forest including iconic species such as orangutan, pygmy elephants, Banteng (wild cattle), proboscis monkeys and the animals high on most people's list, the clouded leopards.  Whilst we can never guarantee seeing any particular animal it is particularly good for sighting cats. All five species of Bornean cats – Sunda Clouded Leopard, Marbled Cat, Bornean Bay Cat, Flat Headed Cat and Leopard Cat – live within Deramakot. The 4WD night safaris are the highlight of the trip to Deramakot. On a typical night we might photograph deer, flying squirrels, native cats, pygmy elephants, slow loris, owls and other birdlife. During the day we might see apes, monkeys, elephants plus many birds. 
Our final photographic destination is Sepilok where we will have 3 nights. Day one will be a bit of rest day after our hectic jungle experiences, with time to enjoy the pool and the beautiful garden setting around our hotel with a late afternoon visit to the nearby the Rainforest Discovery Centre with it's tree top walk which will bring us close to some amazing birds. The main reason for coming here is the Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre that works with orphaned, injured and stolen apes. If we haven't seen any orangutan yet that we certainly see them here. Although many of the apes here have come through the rehabilitation process it's location backing onto jungle means that wild apes will visit occasionally. We will visit the centre at least twice seeing the nursery and feeding sessions so you will get some great photos here. Next door is the Sun Bear Conservation Centre which does an incredible job at with 43 rescued ex-captive sun bears. The facility has large forest enclosures providing a natural environment facilitating their rehabilitation back into the wild. Sun Bears are the world's smallest bears and are on the vulnerable list. We will also visit Labuk Bay for a close up experience with the proboscis monkey.
Our tour will finish on Thursday with a transfer to Sandakan Airport. 
The full itinerary will be given on request although some small changes may be applied before departure. 


Please Note: A deposit of $AU2000 will secure your place now ($AU 750 of the deposit is non refundable)  If the tour does not go ahead then your deposit will be refunded minus any bank fees. The final balance need to be paid in Malaysia Ringott to the account of our agent. This balance will reflect the price in Malaysia Ringotts so depending on the exchange rate changes between the Australian Dollar and the Ringott so it may not totally reflect the price quoted it may be a little less or a little more. This tour will only take place with a minimum of 3 people booking so please do not book flights to Kota Kinabulu until the tour has been confirmed. 


What's Included:

  • Airport transfers


  • Internal flight from Kota Kinabalu - Lahad Datu

  • All internal transport and accommodation

  • 13 days/12 nights in Borneo -12 days of photography

  • Entry fees

  • All meals on Tour

  • Highly experienced local guides and drivers

  • Small group size

  • Photographic support from Anna-Mair Francis

What's not included:



  • Flights to/from Sabah and your home city arriving Kota Kinabalu departing Sandakan

  • Camera tax (local tax on photographers charged at some location approx total RM150)

  • Tourism tax in hotels (RM10 per room/per night

  • Entry into Gomantong Cave (RM30 plus RM30 camera tax)

  • Alcohol/soft drinks with meals

  • Photographic equipment

  • Laundry, gratuities, etc

  • Excess baggage

  • Travel Insurance (we require a copy of your insurance with your final payment)

  • Duration : 13 Days (approx.)
From AUD $7,995.00

Enter Number of Participants *

Choose a Time *

Photographic Tour of Bhutan (18 days) × × × × × × ×
Photographic Tour of Bhutan (18 days)

Photographic Tour of Bhutan (18 days)

Join us in 2025 on an amazing photographic tour of the Land of Happiness as we travel across Bhutan exploring the road less traveled. Bhutan is a photographer's paradise full of unique culture, landscape and colourful festivals.

Join us in 2025 on this amazing tour to the land of happiness with professional photographer Anna-Mair Francis. We will venture across the Country towards areas in the East which are rarely visited by Westerners. We will attend one (hopefully two) annual festivals in villages away from huge crowds where we will mix with locals and monks in their beautiful traditional dress to watch masked performers who enact historic dances about the fight between good and evil. We will visit a remote mountain town where women create complex silk  fabrics in their homes which sell worldwide. We will be expecting to photograph landscapes, people, cultural scenes, magnificent Dzongs, flora and fauna along the way. 

The Kingdom of Bhutan is an extraordinary place known for the concept of Gross National Happiness. In the foothills of the Himalayas it is full of temples, fortresses, forests and has a unique culture. Our professional photographer will be on hand for technical and compositional support. 

*Please note the price is based on 2024 prices and is based on $US 7995 which is approximately $AU 12,775. This amount in AUD may vary up or down depending on the exchange rate. The correct rate will be determined for you on booking. Please contact us for clarification. 

We need a minimum of 4 people for this trip to go ahead so please do not book flights until the trip has been confirmed. Although the tour commences on April 24th in Paro please be aware that you will probably need to arrive in Bangkok on April 23rd as the flight into Bhutan leaves very early on the morning of April 24th. There are other cities that you can transfer to a Bhutanese flights such as New Delhi and Kolkatta if you are coming from Europe but it is recommended that you are at these hubs on April 23rd as well.

Please note that the itinerary is subject to change:

We will publish the full itinerary as soon as possible but our route will be via Thimphu, Panakha, Phobjikhu, Jakar Valley, Khoma, Trashigang, Haa Valley and Paro. 

 

Costs: USD $7995 (approx AUD $12775) per person twin/double* room 
 
*Single supplement addition of USD $700 (approx AUD $1115) applies

#Pay a $AUD2000 deposit (AUD $500 of which is non refundable) on this site to hold your place and we will instruct you how to pay the balance in US Dollars once we have reached minimum numbers. If we do not reach minimum numbers we will return your deposit in full. Please do not book flights until we confirm departure.  This price are subject to change until we pay in full with our Bhutanese Agent.



Includes:

  • All internal transport including internal flight
  • 17 nights and 18 days in Bhutan

  • One (hopefully two) authentic cultural festivals

  • Visiting traditional weavers in Khoma

  • Small group size

  • All your accommodation and meals on Tour

  • Highly experienced Bhutanese guides and drivers

  • Photographic support from internationally renowned photographer Anna-Mair Francis.


What’s not included:


  • Flights to/from Paro to your home city

  • Alcohol or soft drinks with meals

  • Photographic equipment

  • Laundry, gratuities, etc

  • Horse ride up to Tiger’s Nest Monastery café  if required.
  • Entry to sites not on the itinerary 

  • Excess baggage

  • Travel Insurance
  • Bhutan Visa



Please note that the main group will enter and exit Paro from/to Bangkok but if you are travelling from Europe then flights should be arranged via India. 


Payment schedule: Deposit of AUD $2000 to secure the booking (AUD $500 of which is non refundable). Please note that the trip is not locked in totally as far as the Bhutanese agency is concerned until the total balance is received. So the balance will need to be paid as soon as practical. We need 4 people for the trip to go ahead, if we cancel the trip we will refund your full deposit to you. Please do not book flights until we confirm departure. 


See our Terms and Conditions


 This price are subject to change until we pay in full with our Bhutanese Agent.



  • Duration : 18 Days (approx.)
From AUD $12,775.00

Enter Number of Participants *

Choose a Time *