Meet the Indigenous female ranger team protecting their orangutan and tiger relatives on the beautiful island of Sumatra, Indonesia.

We partner with the Nuraga Bhumi Insititute, an Indigenous-run organization in Sumatra that creates space for women and youth in conservation, to make this workshop come to life. You will have the exclusive chance to work and document alongside the fearless all-female ranger team, and to see how a resurgence of local Indigenous knowledge is being used to protect the community’s critically-endangered orangutan and tiger relatives.

IMPACT

Our goal is to facilitate collaborative relationships rooted in care. Participants will be co-creating their visual stories in collaboration with the Nuraga Bhumi team, with the option of also mentoring local talent at the same time. Images will be used to help champion their cause.

Impact is endless, depending on how deep the relationship goes. Past participants have published articles that have brought attention the organization, they have created fundraising campaigns, and so much more.

Participants will:

• Create a powerful story for their portfolios and for the Nuraga Bhumi team.

• Learn how to reimagine conservation storytelling with Indigenous communities at the forefront.

• Deepen their ethical storytelling practice.

TRIP DATES: november 4-16, 2027

COST: $5499 USD (SHARED)

$5999 USD (PRIVATE)

Nayla Azmi is a Batak woman born and raised on the island of Sumatra, Indonesia. Nayla is a storyteller, educator, translator and conservationist. She has been active in the conservation space for the past 7 years, mainly in elephant and orangutan conservation. She holds a Master of English literature. She is passionate about reclaiming her Indigenous roots and culture, and about sharing her knowledge with others. She is the founder of NURAGA BHUMI Institute, which she created during her time at Reclaim Power. NURAGA BHUMI Institute is an Indigenous women-led initiative based in Sumatra that helps Indigenous women, queer communities and other under representative people to engage in forest conservation safely. Our heritage is the forest. We believe it is our obligation and our mission as Indigenous women to live in reciprocity with our relatives who are the forest, the water, the animals, human beings, the sun, the moon and the soil. We envision an indigenized, inclusive and equal world that values Indigenous knowledge, Indigenous ways of being, and Indigenous guardianship in addressing conservation and climate issues. Through our various programs, we are providing opportunities, experiences, and education that empower Indigenous women to be active participants in conservation, and to help make their own paths and contributions in protecting Mother Earth.

Physical Rating: Moderate-Challenging

Day 1 

Fly into Medan and meet anytime during the day.  Our team will pick you up at the airport and bring you to a local 3-4 star hotel. You’ll meet up with the rest of the group in the evening to enjoy some local Indonesian cuisine and get to know your fellow travelers.

Day 2 

MEDAN

Orientation Tour. Go back in time on a tour through Medan’s colonial quarters, understanding the history that has evolved Sumatra towards the palm oil and other over-extractive industries we see today.

Participants will travel by private bus to the Medan Zoo where they will witness first-hand the challenges facing endangered species who are captured and trafficked.

Day 3-7

BUKIT LAWANG ECOLODGE

Travel by private bus to Bukit Lawang for three nights at the EcoLodge with two days of forest trekking. This is where we will see and photograph the critically endangered orangutan.  Having three full days of trekking to see these amazing animals that share 97 percent of our DNA in the wild will leave you breathless. Having the opportunity to photograph a critically endangered animal in the wild is an experience that will leave you changed! 

Day 8-10

BUKIT LAWANG HOMESTAYS

Now we check into more down-to-earth homestays to learn more about the work of Nature for Change and Nuraga Bhumi Institute. Visit the countryside, see programs in progress, and walk to an ancient bat cave. Walk with forest rangers and visit part of the Sumatran Wildlife Sanctuary—protected lands that buffer the Gunung Leuser National Park for critically endangered orangutans and tigers. See a restoration and replanting site at work, and maybe even plant your own tree!

DAY 10

MEDAN

After travelling to Medan, it’s time to select your best images and share them with the group over dinner.

Day 11

MEDAN
It’s time to see you off. Our team will drop you off at the airport with with memories that will last a lifetime!

what’s not included

• International air fare to/from Medan, Indonesia.

• Applicable tourist visas or vaccinations.

• Incidentals (e.g. snacks, souvenirs, etc.).

• Medical insurance (required).

• Airport taxes (if applicable).

• Tips or gratuities.

• Optional tours or activities (e.g. yoga, massages, etc.).

• SIM cards (bring an unlocked phone to access the internet!).

what’s included

• Airport pickup and drop-off in Medan, Indonesia.

• A local expedition leader that knows the region and will prioritize the safety of the group at all times.

• Mandatory Ethical Storytelling Certification

• All transportation between program activity destinations and to/from all included activities.

• Accommodations: Shared double rooms at 3-4 star hotels in cities alternated with an immersive homestay experience in the village where the patrol team lives (single room supplement: $500 USD).

• Many but not all meals are included (please allow 100-300 USD for additional meals, drinks and gratuities).

• Trekking and camera permits for Gunung Leuser National Park, and other entrance fees.

register here

DEADLINE TO REGISTER: SEPTEMBER 1, 2027 (FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED)

Please make sure you are a Professional Member before signing up.

You will be required to make a deposit to secure your space.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. What are Expeditions?

Expeditions are immersive field opportunities where photographers and visual storytellers travel to work alongside grassroots nonprofit partners around the world. Participants use their photography or video-making skills to create impactful visual stories that support the partner’s mission and programs.

2. Who can participate in an Expedition?

To apply, you must be a professional member of Photographers Without Borders and have experience in photography or video-making. This ensures storytellers are prepared to deliver high-quality work that benefits the community partners.

3. Do I need any specific certifications to go on an Expedition?

Yes. Participants are required to complete the Ethical Storytelling Certification before joining. This certification is included in the logistics/administration cost for those who haven’t completed it yet.

4. Are Expeditions suitable for beginners?

Expeditions generally expect participants to be comfortable travelers with prior visual storytelling experience. Beginners with minimal experience might not be best suited unless they already meet these requirements and the Expedition’s specific criteria. Photographers Without Borders

5. What’s the difference between an Expedition and a Storytelling School workshop?

• Expeditions are in-field experiences — travel with community partners, produce real stories for real impact, and work directly with organizations on the ground.

• Storytelling School workshops are educational programs focused on building your skills through guided instruction (online or in-person), without the travel/field component.

6. Are there limits on group size?

Yes. Expeditions typically range from 1–6 participants, depending on the specific trip and partner needs.

7. What do participants actually do on an Expedition?

While details vary by trip, duties usually include:

• Photographing/documenting local programs and community stories

• Creating images or videos that community partners can use for campaigns all year

• Potentially contributing to your own portfolio or pitches to media outlets
  Every Expedition’s itinerary and focus can differ based on the partner organization’s needs.

8. How long are Expeditions?

Duration varies by specific Expedition. Some may be short (around one week), others may last longer depending on the goals and logistics of the project. (Example: the Sumatra Expedition runs ~10 days).

9. Do I need special gear (e.g., underwater housing)?

There’s no general requirement for specialty gear like underwater housings — gear needs depend on the specific Expedition’s focus and environment. However, you should bring whatever equipment you need to fulfill the visual storytelling goals of that particular trip. Confirm gear needs with the organizers if you’re unsure.

10. What happens to the photos/stories created on the Expedition?

The images and video you make are shared with the community partner, who may use them year-round for advocacy, fundraising, or outreach. You also often gain material for your own portfolio and storytelling practice.

Okay, I’m ready!

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