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Colleen Curlewis Testimonial		My experience with the RAW team on the Earth for Orangutans adventure was positive and educational. The local guides were all friendly and helpful and I always felt I was in safe hands. Our Aussie tour leader, Jessica, is inspiring in her passion and encouraging with her actions. For me the highlight was being in the jungle. The natural environment was beautiful and the animals, while somewhat elusive, are so precious. It is important for guests to remember that the creatures may not reveal themselves. They are not performers on a stage visible upon demand, they are beings whose homes, as visitors, we are privileged to be in. The purity and tranquillity of the jungle around the waterfall cave was so magical, and even though the animals were elusive, in a way that made it better, because they are truly wild. Knowing they were there, hearing their voices echoing within the towering forest canopy, was a reward in itself. Our time at Green Lodge before and after the two nights of jungle camping was also wonderful. The welcoming locals, interacting with the elephants at CRU, the basic but comfortable cabins and the awesome fun of tubing was just perfect. I could happily have spent the whole time going between there and the jungle. So I’d like to say thank you to all the RAW team, for a friendly and unique experience that helped me to reconnect with the natural world again. This trip has reinforced my desire to work towards conservation efforts, but for taking personal responsibility for the impacts our own choices have on this finite fragile planet. Tread kindly, keep learning, share your knowledge. Everything is connected. Colleen Curlewis, February 2013, Earth 4 Orangutans Fundraising Adventure
Sharon Nelson Testimonial		We slept behind a waterfall in a cave on the amazing E4O Fundraising Tour I just returned from. I wont say too much in case you venture to this magical place but the RAW Indonesia team have a little something special waiting for you. They took great care of us as we trekked in, around and out and we went for nothing, well, except seeing an Orangutan swing by the cave, which it did, when we were out trekking ☺ It’s great to know they are living a happy life in their natural environment, without human intervention. Sharon Nelson, February 2013, Earth 4 Orangutans Fundraising Adventure
Maxine Siemering Testimonial		I have been very reluctant to post an excerpt of my journey for fear of not doing justice to the entire experience. From the moment I arrived in Medan I was captivated to the moment I left. An enormous part of me would still like to be in that amazing rainforest habitat - listening, looking and experiencing natures raw beauty. There were times of horrendous confrontation and this will daily drive me to make change and educate others to do the same. It was a journey of many highlights, laughs, education and pure fun, I cannot speak highly enough of all the people I was privileged to encounter - each one has left a lasting imprint upon me. To single out one moment it would be have to be when I forgot to breathe, I heard a voice call and saw a hand motion to come - there right in front of me - A mother Orangutan & baby, could I have prepared myself for this moment, no, it was profound, it was beautiful, it was as it should be, a mother gently & gracefully being. This mother is semi wild and it speaks loudly for the opportunity of a second chance, a chance to live in her natural habitat. I highly recommend this encounter to all. Maxine Siemering, February 2013, Earth 4 Orangutans Fundraising Adventure
		RWE provided me with a once in a life time experience that was unique and fun while also educating me on the importance of conservation and what we can do to help preserve our amazing flora and fauna for future generations. I will definately be recommending this tour to all of my family and friends. Jasmin Hart, Western Australia. March 2012 Elephant Odyssey Adventure.
		The reward at the end of a long and bumpy drive to Tangkahan – our first glimpse of the elephants and Green Lodge, our home for the next week. Instantly we relax, leaving behind the western world as the peaceful atmosphere works its magic. The days stretch out before us, filled with river tubing, jungle trekking, playing with the elephants, excellent food and great company. Who would have thought being on the go from morning until night could be so relaxing? Bathing the elephants, a traditional cooking class, sleeping in a cave, a night walk in the jungle, playing games and swimming with children from the village, the highlights of this trip are endless. And just when we thought nothing could top the experiences we already had, off we went on the four day Elephant Jungle Patrol. Four lovely days of riding through the jungle on elephant back, watching for Orangutans and other wildlife. Each night at the camps was spent getting to know our amazing jungle guides and mahouts. By the time we reached Bukit Lawang we were more like a family than just friends. It was an experience that touched the soul and the memories will never fade. Alison Beal, Victoria Australia. March 2012 Elephant Odyssey Adventure.
		The North Sumatra Elephant Odyssey Adventure is an amazing experience unlike any other holiday. It provides a great variety of activities – tubing down the river, bathing and riding an elephant, traditional cooking and medicine, visits to villages and local markets, jungle walks, the opportunity to see orangutans and other animals in the wild. I now have a much greater understanding of these communities and the issues involved in wildlife and habitat preservation in this region. Jess McKelson is inspirational in her commitment to the people and the animals of Sumatra and the practical ways in which she supports them. Most of all – the trip was a lot of fun and I would recommend it to anyone. Elisabeth Jackson. Melbourne, Australia. Elephant Odyssey Adventure
		Thank you so much, Jess, for providing me the most extraordinary life experience. Kylie. Country Victoria Australia. Elephant Odyssey Adventure.
		In 2010 I had the privilege of going to Sumatra with Raw Wildlife Tours. What a wonderful experience this was. I loved the people: Jess McKelson our leader, the other guides, the mahouts, the other participants, and all the other people we met in the course of our time there. I adored the elephants, their gentleness, their intelligence, their occasional wilfulness (Theo, that's you), and their enthusiasm for food. I loved the delicious food we had for every meal, all prepared from scratch every time. Swimming and tubing down the river was so much fun. The rainforest - fascinating. The monkeys - entertaining. Actually seeing wild orangutans - breathtaking. And feeling that we were doing our little bit to protect this special piece of our world was priceless. Sian Smith, Melbourne Australia. Elephant Odyssey Adventure.
		I travelled with Jess to Tangkahan in March 2010. Jess was an exemplary tour leader and guide, whose knowledge of and enthusiasm for the area, the wildlife, the local culture and people were instantly contagious. Through Jess’s care and support, the people living in this stunning, remote area at the edge of the jungle, have learnt alternate ways to earn income to support their families. This has enabled many of them to cease their previous involvement in pine oil plantations and illegal logging, activities which are so detrimental to wildlife and their environment. It was a joy to see the respect, admiration and affection with which Jess is held. Her visits to Tangahan are anticipated with great enthusiasm and between visits, she maintains frequent contact with her staff and the community. It is a privilege to be able to support the work of Jess and her colleagues at RAW Wildlife Encounters. I look forward to joining them again on many more wildlife adventures. Barb T, Melbourne Australia, Elephant Odyssey Adventure
		My Sumatran tan has all but gone, but the memories and fun from spending the most amazing 2 weeks exploring the jungle and Indonesian way of life will remain with me forever. Even now, a month after my RAW experience, I have a huge smile on my face while writing this testimonial – remembering many of the adventures had along the way. Visiting Tangkahan and Gunung Leuser National Park, experiencing first hand the local hospitality and their loyalty to the many local conservation programs implemented by Jess, was inspirational. Other highlights include learning about traditional medicines, scrubbing the elephants, tubing down crystal clear rivers and bushwalking with the calls of gibbons in the distance. In saying that, the absolute highlight for me was sleeping in a cave with a cascading waterfall, oh and I almost forgot – going on elephant patrol, now that was amazing! It is impossible to narrow it down to just 1 or 2 highlights, there are simply too many to mention and I do not want to give too much away. This is something I believe you must experience for yourself, photos and words don’t quite portray the true essence of the environment you are in. My guess is that if you are reading this, then you are thinking about booking an Elephant Odyssey, or perhaps another adventure that RWE offers. My advice to you is this (to plagiarize a well known phrase) – just do it!! Knowing that you are a part (even if only a small part) of providing the local communities with an income from eco-tourism, while at the same time being part of an organisation that is helping to increase awareness for the need to preserve the remarkable wildlife within this region is awe inspiring. Nerida Taylor (Melbourne, Australia) Elephant Odyssey Adventure
Graham family Testimonial		Just wanted to drop you a quick note to let you know our Tangkahan/Bukit Lawang holiday was fantastic. We all had such a great time - we have done a lot of travelling around the world and this was truly one of the best experiences we have had. The jungle, the environment, the activities and the people were superb. Ika and Bim Bim we absolutely excellent in all areas - we have never been treated so well and would now consider them friends to visit again and stay in touch with. The girls in the kitchen at Green lodge, the mahouts and everyone we came in contact with were a pleasure to be with. They all especially made our children welcome and the kids had so much fun with river tubing, waterfalls, elephants, games and food. Graham Family, Melbourne Australia. Custom Family Adventure
Katie Holbrook Testimonial		Overall this was the best holiday I have ever taken (and I travel heaps!!) I had the opportunity to experience so many things that I never thought I would and to also meet amazing and motivating people both within the tour group and in Sumatra. It was on a personal level, a life changing experience and I really proved to myself that I can pretty much do anything!! From diving off rocks into the river, to riding elephants bareback, and hiking with the guides through the jungle – it was amazing!! I can’t wait to go back!!! Jess – I cannot thank you enough for giving me this opportunity. Your passion and drive for Sumatra, the people, the animals and conservation is highly inspirational. Thank you!!! I can’t wait to get more study done and be able to contribute in some way to the conservation effort and to the education of the Tangkahan people and development of the community!! Katie Holbrook, Canberra NSW, Elephant Odyssey Adventure
		Personally, this tour was a dream come true. It allowed me to experience such close interaction with the elephants with the confidence that the animal and environment welfare is paramount. All of the senses were indulged, the mind and body was challenged and the memories along with the knowledge taken home are priceless. Leanne Garth, Elephant Odyssey Adventure
		Thanks so much to the guys at Raw Wildlife Encounters. Our trip to Nth Sumatra to see the Orangutans was a life changing experience. It was the best holiday we have had by far. The organisation of the whole trip from Director, Jessica McKelson, to our wonderful tour guides, Kristin and Jon, couldn't have been planned any better. We were looked after so well. Our sincere thanks. Lydia, Mick, Elyse and Caitlyn Profenna – Custom 3 day Adventure
		The 'Elephant Odyssey' was everything I had hoped for and so much more. The program was educational but never in a lecturing way, it was challenging yet always doable; a challenging day early on gave me a good understanding of my skills and surely provided a good insight for the team as well, on how to manage and guide the rest of the tour in terms of fitness levels or phobias. The tours were wonderful, magical, and at times very emotional. To see the commitment of the RAW team to the local community, to feel the kindness of the local people and to receive the friendship of the team was surely special. The wildlife in flora and fauna is stunning, the landscape is breathtaking, and the days were delicately planned to gently guide us into the jungle lifestyle, so that the four day elephant jungle patrol at the end felt as the most natural thing to do. Accommodation at Green Lodge and the three camps during the patrol was so much better and more comfortable than expected and the food was plentiful and delicious. The commitment of the guides and their support staff was amazing! A huge ‘Thank You! to the RAW team, the Green Lodge staff, the mahouts, the wonderful people in the camps, and everybody who taught us about traditional medicine, cooking and dance. You all did a fantastic job and I would love to see you all again soon! Rika Nauck, Elephant Odyssey Adventure

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