SAMBOJA ECO LODGE - EAST KALIMANTAN

A new venture for The Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation (BOSF) is the construction of our Samboja Lodge facility. Here, for the first time, visitors will be able to work closely with us in the many projects currently active in Samboja Lestari in aid of saving our rainforests and the orangutan.

The Lodge's unique design is based upon local architecture. All interior and exterior walls are made of recycled materials. The cosmetic touches are all traditional Kalimantan handicrafts and are produced by both local and Dayak communities around the Island. You can even purchase these items if you decide you like them!

The Lodge is surrounded by lush vegetation and each room has its own patio or balcony in which to enjoy the greenery. The glass doors can fold open allowing you to choose between having a barrier to nature, or being completely open to it!

The area around the Lodge has been planted with many indigenous tree species, flowers and fruiting trees. There is also a salt lake, which attracts many animals right beside the Lodge. The Lodge rooms also overlook the Orangutan Islands. At night, the evening sky is full of stars and the Southern Cross is easily visible.

It is our hope that your stay with us will encourage you to continue your support for the preservation of our natural spaces. Through our planned visitors activities, you will be able to become a part of our daily work team. In this way, you will gain first hand knowledge on what is required to rebuild a forest and protect its wildlife. So come on, get your hands dirty, work and eat with us, and plant your own special tree as a lasting memory of your visit! You will even be able to track your tree's progress on the Internet.

Samboja refers to an area in Kalimantan about an hours drive from the capital city, Balipapan. About fifty years ago the area was clear cut by logging companies and left to fend on its own. The results were typical of deforested areas: soil depletion, species loss, and hearty fast growing "weedy" plants covering the previously forested landscape. The Samboja organization, part of BOS (The Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation), consists of three different projects; orangutan and sunbear rehabilitation and with the orangutans, eventual release back into their natural habitat, reforestation of the area with hardwood trees, and an ecolodge. We took our students to Samboja for a week so they could experience first hand a very interesting and unique aspect of Indonesia.
 

Rooms
Our Lodge Currently has 26 rooms completed (22 standard rooms with beds for sharing, AC) and 2 suites (queen size beds, AC and hot water) and 2 treetops suites (king size beds, fantastic views, AC and hot water).

The Lodge consists of two long levels and a center tower.
The lower level contains 12 rooms (6 on either side of the center tower), each with its own patio, private bathroom and twin beds for double occupancy.
The upper level has 10 rooms with balcony, private bathroom and twin beds for double occupancy as well.

The upper level has two VIP guests rooms with Queen size beds, air conditioning and hot water.
The ground level portion of the center tower houses a communal area for dining, laundry and kitchen facilites, Internet access area

The upper level of the tower accomodates two master VVIP suites complete with king size beds, Jacuzzi and large picture windows overlooking the Samboja Lestari area.
There is also a large viewing platform open to all guests.

LOCATION
Samboja Lodge is about 38 km from Balikpapan, East Kalimantan. Flights arrive daily to Balikpapan's International Airport from Jakarta or Singapore. You can reach Samboja Lodge with a taxi from the Airport, for 45 - 50 minutes.

GETTING THERE
Air - There are regular flights between Singapore and Jakarta to Balikpapan as well as flights from other Indonesian cities like Banjarmasin, Pontianak and Denpassar so it is comparatively easy and quick to move from one city to another.

Taxis - Taxis are available from the airport and from the city although Lodge guests will be met at the airport and taken to The Samboja Lodge in our own private mini-bus.

Angkots - local mini-vans are available and used to transport local people for a small fee in and around the areas of Balikpapan and neighbouring villages.

Local Markets - There are many traditional markets in Balikpapan and Samarinda (including Dayak handicrafts), as well as handicrafts made by local people in and around Samboja Lestari, which can be purchased at the Lodge.