In the Heart of the Rainforest: A Transformative Retreat with Orangutans

Imagine waking up to the distant call of orangutans echoing through the canopy, stepping out onto a balcony that overlooks emerald-green rainforest, and starting your morning with a gentle yoga flow while the mist slowly lifts from the treetops...

Reading time: 3 minutes

This is not a dream!

It’s the beginning of a day on the BOS-UK Rainforest Retreat in East Kalimantan, Borneo.

Offered in August 2025 and again in March 2026, these seven-day, six-night retreats are a unique fusion of yoga, wildlife, and conservation. They are designed not only to reconnect you with your body and breath but also with the Earth itself. At the heart of the experience is a rare opportunity to witness and support the rehabilitation of endangered orangutans in one of the most biodiverse places on the planet.

Your home for the week is Samboja Lestari, an eco-lodge nestled within the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation's (BOS F) sanctuary. "Samboja Forever," as its name translates, is a 2,000-hectare rainforest regeneration project and home to over 200 rescued orangutans, many of whom roam free across six specially designed Sanctuary Islands. It is also a sanctuary for sun bears, the smallest and perhaps most endearing species of bear, each with their own rescue story.

Each morning begins with an invigorating hour of yoga, surrounded by the rustle of leaves, bird's wings or the curious eyes of a macaque. Evening sessions are timed with the setting sun, casting golden light across the canopy as your day winds down with grounding postures and deep reflection.

But this retreat is much more than a wellness holiday. It is a call to presence. Days are filled with immersive experiences that connect you to the land, the people, and the extraordinary creatures who call it home. You may find yourself crossing a canopy bridge 30 meters above the forest floor, feeling both humbled and exalted by the perspective. You may plant a young tree that, in time, will shelter birds, shade the undergrowth, and host the swinging paths of future orangutans.

One of the most unforgettable parts of the retreat is your guided tour of the orangutan sanctuary itself. Few people get the chance to observe these intelligent, soulful beings up close as they recover from trauma and learn to reclaim their wildness. You will gain deep insights into their personalities, habits, and the years-long process of returning them to their natural habitat. You will witness not just survival, but healing.

The retreat also includes a visit to one of the world’s largest sun bear sanctuaries. Here, you’ll observe how these often-overlooked animals play a crucial role in the ecosystem and learn how conservation teams care for each individual bear - and even have the opportunity to provide enrichment yourself. Their curiosity and gentle nature leave a lasting impression.

You may also embark on a river journey along the Sungai Hitam. Following a short drive from Samboja Lestari, a boat cruise reveals the unique ecosystem of Borneo's waterways. Watch as proboscis monkeys leap through mangroves and villagers paddle past homes built on stilts. It's a humbling reminder of the interdependence between humans and nature, and a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage.

Meals throughout the retreat are organic, nourishing, and crafted with intention. With vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options, you’ll dine on fresh tropical fruits, local vegetables, and lovingly prepared dishes that fuel your body for the day’s adventures. Every bite feels like a celebration of the natural abundance around you.

Accommodations at the lodge are as serene as the setting. Each twin room comes with its own en suite and sweeping views of the rainforest. For those seeking something extra special, upgrade options include a top-floor king room offering 180-degree vistas across the canopy or a more secluded queen room with enchanting views into the forest understory. It is a place where nature is not only around you, but truly a part of your experience.

Whether you’re a seasoned yogi, a conservation enthusiast, or someone simply longing for deeper connection, this retreat offers something rare: the chance to be still in a world that moves fast, and to make a tangible impact while doing so. It is an invitation to slow down, to open your heart, and to see the world - and yourself - anew.

With space for only ten participants on each retreat, the experience remains intimate and deeply personal. Every moment is carefully curated to balance structured activity with space for your own quiet reflection. Evenings are spent sharing stories under starlit skies or journaling your thoughts from the day, allowing your experiences to settle deeply.

This isn’t just a retreat. It’s a homecoming to nature, to purpose, and to the primal rhythm that lives within all of us.

For more details or to reserve your place in this once-in-a-lifetime experience, visit: experienceborneo.org/rainforest-retreat