WILD HALMAHERA
JUNGLE SURVIVAL TREK - EAST INDONESIA
Deep Jungle Trekking & Survival Skills – East Indonesia – 13 days
Book before August 15 2025 and save 10%
US$2999 per person – All inclusive
Difficulty - Challenging
4 – 8 Participants
November 19 – December 01
Booking deadline - October 15 2025
Languages Offered - English, German, Bahasa Indonesia
This is a world first! Venture deep into one of the least-known rainforests on Earth during this 13-day expedition across Halmahera, the largest island in North Maluku, Indonesia. Guided by an experienced IAJG instructor and Indigenous Tabaru experts, this expedition is all about equipping you with the knowledge and skills you need to plan and embark on your own adventures in a rainforest setting. You’ll learn essential jungle survival skills in a truly remote environment—far from tourist trails. Traverse dense jungle, discover hidden crater lakes, and establish your own camps while mastering core techniques like water purification, shelter building, fire making, tool use, and hazard awareness. Along the way, you’ll share in the ecological knowledge and traditions of the Tabaru people, gaining insight into their land, language, and way of life. This is not a cultural tour—it’s a demanding, hands-on experience where you actively participate in the daily realities of life and travel in the jungle. The journey ends with time to relax at a beach eco-resort before returning to Ternate. All meals, permits, and internal travel included.
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The Tabaru tribe, is an indigenous group residing on Halmahera Island in Indonesia.
Culture and Lifestyle
Subsistence: The Tabaru people traditionally engage in agriculture, fishing, and hunting.
Social Structure: Their society is typically organized into clans, with strong kinship ties. Leadership often involves elders or chiefs who guide community decisions.
Spiritual Beliefs: They practice animism, believing in spirits associated with natural elements. Rituals and ceremonies play a significant role in their cultural practices.
Language: The Tabaru people speak their own language, which is part of the Austronesian language family. Language preservation is important for maintaining their cultural identity.
Challenges: Like many indigenous groups, the Tabaru face challenges such as land encroachments, deforestation, and the impact of modernization. Efforts to preserve their culture and land are ongoing.
Current Situation: There are ongoing initiatives aimed at supporting indigenous rights and promoting sustainable development in their region. The Tabaru tribe continues to navigate the balance between tradition and modern influences. Understanding the Tabaru tribe provides insight into the rich cultural diversity of Indonesia and the importance of preserving indigenous ways of life.
By joining this expedition, you are supporting the Tabaru People by showing government that eco-tourism is an important tool in keeping their forest, culture and communities alive. Join us in sharing their story!
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Day 1: Welcome on Ternate island. A delicious welcome dinner, meet the team. and discuss the days ahead.
Day 2: Travel by speed boat to Halmahera island (around 60 min). Continue by vehicle to the trailhead. Two hours trekking up a hill to the first camp site on a volcanic crater lake.
Day 3 - Day 11: During the following days we traverse a dense jungle, uncover hidden locations, discover lakes and establish your own campsites for a true immersive experience.
You will gain hands-on experience in regionally relevant survival skills:
- Water collection and filtration.
- Fire making (wood selection & collection, ignition methods).
- Shelter building (natural and manmade).
- Physiological strength building and common medical issues associated jungle survival.
- Natural Hazards.
- Clothing and equipment selection.
- Safe and effective use of cutting tools.
- Sharpening techniques.
Day 12: Exfiltration and Relaxing at an Eco-Resort on Miti island. Optional reef snorkelling.
Day 13: Transfer back to Ternate by car and speed boat return to start point.
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This expedition is rated as challenging.
Fitness level: A good fitness level is essential. We strongly suggest engaging in activities like running, cycling or swimming to build stamina prior to this expedition, in order to prevent possible injuries due to navigating uneven, rocky and unstable terrain.
Your Expedition Leader: Mikel Yaki has been exploring the tropical rainforests of Southeast Asia and New Guinea since 1990. Driven by a childhood fascination with reptiles—especially Komodo dragons—he transformed his passion into a career guiding adventurous travelers through the rainforests of Indonesia and Malaysia. His survival expertise began in Europe and expanded through extensive time spent learning from Indigenous communities in New Guinea and the Moluccas. In addition to guiding, Mikel works as a professional liaison for international film crews, assisting with permits, logistics, and jungle location scouting. Around the campfire, his vivid stories of jungle adventure never fail to captivate.
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- Experienced IAJG expedition leader / Instructor.
- Tabaru Guide and Porters
- All meals and snacks.
- Internal transportation as detailed in the itinerary.
- Special permits and permissions needed for this trip.
- Two nights at Meti Cottage (Beach Bamboo Cottage, double occupancy) incl. 3 meals per day.
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Not included
- International flights or travel.
- Visa for Indonesia.
- Travel insurance (this is mandatory).
- Prophylaxis, as discussed with your travel doctor.
- Alcohol.
- Soft Drinks and alcohol at Meti Cottage, not included with meal.
- Personal trekking gear and equipment.
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Jungle Guides International – Terms and Conditions
(Effective June 2025)These Terms and Conditions govern participation in any course or expedition offered by Jungle Guides International (JGI). By registering for a JGI program, you acknowledge and agree to the terms outlined below.
1. Jurisdiction and Legal Framework
Jungle Guides International is a Canadian organization, and all agreements, disputes, or claims related to our services shall be governed by and interpreted in accordance with the laws of the Province of Nova Scotia, Canada, and applicable Canadian federal law.
Participants and guides agree to abide by these Terms regardless of their country of origin or location of the expedition.
2. International Association of Jungle Guides (IAJG) – Global Protection
Guides certified through the International Association of Jungle Guides (IAJG) operate as independent professionals within the JGI network. These Terms provide a framework for mutual respect, risk awareness, and fair conduct, ensuring appropriate protection for all guides operating under the IAJG framework worldwide.
3. Participant Responsibility
Participants agree to the following conditions before joining any JGI course or expedition:
Travel Insurance: Participants are required to purchase and maintain valid travel and medical insurance that includes emergency evacuation, accident, and repatriation coverage. Proof of coverage may be requested.
Travel Documentation: Participants are solely responsible for obtaining all necessary travel documents, including passports, visas, vaccination records, and permissions to enter Panama or any other destination.
Emergency Contact Information: Participants must provide emergency contact details prior to departure.
Liability Waiver: All participants must sign a Release of Liability, Waiver of Claims, Assumption of Risk, and Indemnity Agreement prior to travel. Failure to do so may result in removal from the program without refund.
4. Health and Physical Fitness
Participants must disclose any medical conditions or limitations that may impact their ability to safely participate. JGI reserves the right to decline participation if there is reasonable concern regarding safety, health, or group risk.
5. Cancellations and Refunds
Our cancellation and refund policy is designed to protect both participants and the local guides who invest significant time and resources preparing for each program.
Cancellation Policy:
More than 30 Days Before Expedition Start:
Full refund provided.15–30 Days Before Expedition Start:
25% of the total cost will be retained by JGI to cover preparation costs your guide may have ensued in preparation for your expedition. The remaining 75% will be refunded to you, along with any of the 25% retained, not otherwise used for any incurred costs.Less than 15 Days Before Expedition Start:
50% of the total cost will be retained by JGI. Of this, 25% will be paid directly to the guide, along with any costs ensued in preparation for your expedition. The remaining 50% will be refunded.Last-Minute Cancellations:
Managed on a case-by-case basis, in conversation with the lead guide. A minimum of 50% of the total cost can be retained.No-Shows:
Participants who fail to arrive on the agreed start date without notifying JGI in advance will forfeit 100% of their payment. No refunds will be issued.
6. Program Modifications or Cancellations by JGI
JGI reserves the right to cancel or modify any program due to unforeseen circumstances, including but not limited to safety concerns, natural disasters, political instability, or insufficient participant numbers. In such cases:
A full or partial refund may be issued, or
An alternative program or date may be offered.
JGI is not responsible for non-refundable travel expenses incurred by the participant.
7. Assumption of Risk
Participants understand that jungle expeditions and wilderness travel carry inherent risks, including but not limited to injury, illness, delays, environmental hazards, wildlife encounters, and limited access to medical care. Participation is voluntary, and participants assume full responsibility for all associated risks.
8. Respectful Conduct
JGI promotes a respectful, inclusive, and culturally sensitive environment. Participants are expected to act respectfully toward guides, local communities, and fellow group members at all times. Failure to adhere to behavioral standards may result in removal from the program without refund.
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Jungle Guides International
Release of Liability, Waiver of Claims, Assumption of Risk and Indemnity Agreement
IMPORTANT NOTICE: By submitting payment for participation in any Jungle Guides International course, expedition, or training, you confirm that you have read, understood, and agreed to the terms and conditions outlined below. This agreement affects your legal rights. Please read carefully.
1. Assumption of Risk
I understand that participating in wilderness-based training, expeditions, or travel programs with Jungle Guides International (JGI) involves inherent risks and hazards. These include, but are not limited to:
Illness or injury in remote locations with limited access to medical care
Interaction with wildlife, insects, or plants
Slips, falls, or injuries from rugged terrain, rivers, cliffs, or natural disasters
Exposure to extreme weather, physical exertion, dehydration, or environmental challenges
Delays, cancellations, or disruptions due to weather, political, or logistical factors
Risks during travel by foot, boat, vehicle, or air
Cultural misunderstandings or variable health and safety standards
I freely accept and fully assume all such risks, including the possibility of personal injury, illness, death, or loss of property.
2. Waiver of Claims and Release of Liability
By participating, I waive any and all claims I may now or in the future have against Jungle Guides International and all affiliated parties, including but not limited to:
Directors, employees, contractors, volunteers, agents, and training partners
IAJG-certified guides operating globally
Heirs, successors, and assigns
This includes claims for negligence, breach of contract, or breach of any legal duty of care, and applies to any loss, injury, or damage sustained in connection with my participation.
3. Indemnity
I agree to indemnify and hold harmless JGI and its affiliates from any and all third-party claims, liabilities, or expenses resulting from:
My participation in any JGI program
My conduct during the course or expedition
Any inaccurate medical or travel documentation provided by me
4. Medical Fitness and Insurance
I confirm that I am medically and physically fit to participate. I understand that:
I am solely responsible for ensuring I am healthy and adequately prepared
I must secure personal travel insurance, including coverage for injury, illness, emergency evacuation, and trip cancellation
I am responsible for all costs related to medical care, evacuation, or repatriation
5. Legal Compliance and Cultural Respect
I agree to abide by all local laws and respect Indigenous communities, wildlife, and the guidance of certified expedition leaders. I understand that disrespectful or unsafe behavior may result in removal from the program without refund.
6. Photography and Media (Optional)
Unless I notify JGI in writing, I grant permission for any photographs, videos, or written feedback collected during my participation to be used by Jungle Guides International for educational or promotional purposes without compensation.
7. Governing Law
This agreement is governed by the laws of the Province of Nova Scotia, Canada, and the applicable laws of Canada. Any disputes will fall under the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of Nova Scotia. This waiver applies internationally to all participants and is intended to protect JGI and IAJG-certified guides wherever they operate.
8. Agreement by Payment
By making payment to Jungle Guides International for any course, expedition, or training, I confirm that I have read, understood, and voluntarily agreed to the above terms.
This agreement is binding and enforceable without signature, and is deemed accepted upon payment.
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