Tanjung Puting National Park Travel Guide

Essential Information

• Location: Central Kalimantan, Indonesia
• Size: 4,150 km² of tropical rainforest and wetlands
• Climate: Equatorial (hot and humid year-round)
• Best Time to Visit: June to October (dry season – best for wildlife viewing)
• Entry Requirements: Visitors must obtain a park entry permit and hire a licensed local guide
• Famous For: Orangutans, jungle river cruises, and pristine rainforest

Interesting Facts

• One of the Best Places to See Wild Orangutans – The park is home to over 6,000 orangutans, making it one of the best spots in the world to see these critically endangered primates.
• Home to Rare Wildlife – In addition to orangutans, you can see proboscis monkeys, clouded leopards, sun bears, gibbons, hornbills, and crocodiles.
• Traditional Klotok Boat Tours – Visitors explore the park aboard wooden klotok houseboats, offering a unique and immersive jungle experience.
• UNESCO Biosphere Reserve – Tanjung Puting is part of a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, emphasizing its rich biodiversity and ecological importance.
• Camp Leakey – The Most Famous Orangutan Rehabilitation Center – Established in 1971, this is one of the world’s most well-known orangutan conservation sites.

How to Get There

1. Fly to Pangkalan Bun
   • The nearest airport is Iskandar Airport (PKN) in Pangkalan Bun.
   • Daily flights operate from Jakarta, Surabaya, and Semarang.
2. Travel to Kumai Port
   • A 20-minute drive from Pangkalan Bun to Kumai, the gateway to the park.
3. Take a Klotok Boat to Tanjung Puting
   • The only way to explore the park is by wooden klotok boats (a 1-2 day journey through the Sekonyer River).

Best Things to Do in Tanjung Puting National Park

1. Visit Camp Leakey – The Heart of Orangutan Conservation
   • Observe rehabilitated orangutans returning to the wild.
   • See baby orangutans playing in their natural habitat.
2. Klotok River Cruise Through the Rainforest
   • A multi-day journey through dense jungle, where you’ll spot wildlife along the Sekonyer River.
3. Feeding Time at Pondok Tanggui
   • One of the best times to observe orangutans up close.
   • Park rangers feed rehabilitated orangutans to help them adjust to life in the wild.
4. Explore Tanjung Harapan Village
   • Learn about Dayak culture and how local communities coexist with nature.
5. Night Trekking to See Nocturnal Wildlife
   • Spot tarsiers, civets, owls, and glow-in-the-dark mushrooms in the jungle.
6. Visit Pesalat Reforestation Center
   • Take part in tree planting programs to help restore the rainforest.
7. Photography and Birdwatching
   • The park is home to over 200 bird species, including hornbills and kingfishers.

Best Accommodation Options

• Klotok Houseboats (Best for an Authentic Experience)
  • Sleep on the deck under the stars as you cruise through the rainforest.
  • Meals are prepared by an onboard cook.
  • Recommended for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
• Rimba Eco Lodge (Mid-Range Stay in the Jungle)
  • Located along the river, offering comfortable jungle cabins.
  • Ideal for those who want eco-friendly accommodation.
• Swiss-Belinn Pangkalan Bun (Luxury Hotel Option)
  • Modern hotel in Pangkalan Bun for those wanting a more traditional hotel stay before entering the park.

Top Attractions in Tanjung Puting National Park

• Camp Leakey – The most famous orangutan rehabilitation center.
• Sekonyer River – Home to klotok boat safaris and lush rainforest.
• Pondok Tanggui – A semi-wild orangutan feeding site.
• Tanjung Harapan – The first station in the park, with local cultural experiences.
• Pesalat Reforestation Center – Conservation efforts to restore deforested areas.

Getting Around

• By Klotok Boat: The primary mode of transport in the park.
• By Trekking: Short hikes are required at some stations (Camp Leakey, Pondok Tanggui).
• By Motorboat: Available for those short on time, but less eco-friendly than klotok boats.

Day Trips & Nearby Adventures

1. Visit Tanjung Keluang Beach (1 Hour from Kumai)
   • A beautiful secluded beach with turtle conservation programs.
2. Explore Pangkalan Bun Town
   • Visit the Istana Kuning (Yellow Palace), local markets, and traditional Dayak villages.
3. Sebangau National Park (2-3 Hours from Pangkalan Bun)
   • Another wildlife reserve rich in peat swamp forests and orangutan habitats.

Practical Tips

Pack Lightweight, Breathable Clothes: The rainforest is hot and humid.
Bring Binoculars: Perfect for spotting wild orangutans, birds, and proboscis monkeys.
Waterproof Your Gear: High humidity and unexpected rain showers can damage electronics.
Book a Guided Tour in Advance: All visitors must enter with a licensed guide or tour operator.
Respect Wildlife: Keep a safe distance from orangutans and never feed them.
Bring Mosquito Repellent: Essential for jungle treks.
Cash is Necessary: There are no ATMs inside the park, so bring enough cash for tips and local purchases.
Charge Devices Before Entering the Park: Limited electricity on klotok boats.

Conclusion

Tanjung Puting National Park is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, offering an authentic jungle experience and the rare chance to see wild orangutans. Whether you’re cruising on a klotok, trekking through dense rainforest, or watching baby orangutans at Camp Leakey, this park is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts.