The orangutan species found in Tanjung Puting National Park, Central Kalimantan, is Pongo pygmaeus, which is endemic to the island. Unfortunately, their habitat is disappearing at an alarming rate. To combat this, orangutan rehabilitation centers have been established to help ensure the survival of this remarkable species.
During our visit, we will explore two renowned orangutan observation sites: Tanjung Harapan and Camp Leakey. The adventure includes trekking through the jungle and observing wildlife along the riverbanks from a traditional houseboat. Along the way, you may spot proboscis monkeys, long-tailed macaques, and a variety of birds. One highlight of the trip will be experiencing the unique black-water river at Sungai Sekonyer Kanan.
Accommodation will be aboard a traditional houseboat known as a kelotok, which serves as your mobile home with modest amenities. The boat is operated by a captain and a deckhand, while a cook will prepare meals in the galley (kitchen) located on the lower deck. A toilet is also available at the back. Guests will stay on the upper deck, which is equipped with a table, chairs, and a front platform for wildlife observation. Meals are provided three times a day, and bedding, complete with a mosquito net, will be set up after dinner. This experience offers a unique way to connect with nature and observe the wildlife up close.
Transfer service is provided from Pangkalan Bun Airport (or your hotel) to Kumai, where you’ll board the kelotok boat and meet your crew.
We use traditional kelotok wooden riverboats, with the size tailored to your group. All boats are equipped with a Western-style toilet (not a squat toilet) and a Western-style shower (not a mandi). The boat features a lower deck for the crew and an upper deck reserved exclusively for you. The sides of the boat are open to provide a clear view, but they can be closed in case of rain. Meals, snacks, and drinks will be served onboard, and at night, mattresses and mosquito nets will be set up for your comfort.
The journey from the Kumai harbor to the entrance of Tanjung Puting National Park takes about an hour. The first stop will be at Tanjung Harapan, where orangutan feeding takes place at 3:00 PM.
As we continue cruising, the jungle comes alive with its vibrant sounds. You may hear proboscis monkeys, macaques, silver langurs, and a variety of colorful birds. The day concludes with a candlelight dinner and a thrilling overnight stay in the heart of the jungle.
After breakfast, we will cruise through the natural habitat of proboscis monkeys and crocodiles on our way to Pondok Tanggui. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to observe the orangutan feeding session at 9:00 AM.
Continuing the journey, we navigate through a junction where the water color changes, creating a stunning mirror-like reflection of the jungle—a truly surreal sight.
Next, we arrive at Camp Leakey, a renowned research and rehabilitation center for orangutans. The afternoon feeding session here takes place at 2:00 PM, offering a chance to witness these incredible animals up close. If fortune favors us, we might encounter the “King of Camp Leakey,” a dominant male orangutan known as Big Tom.
After exploring Camp Leakey, we will gently cruise downstream to the Nipa Palm Area. As night falls, depending on the weather, you might be treated to the enchanting sight of fireflies illuminating the trees. We’ll conclude the day with a candlelight dinner and spend the night in this serene area.
After breakfast, we will continue our journey by kelotok, cruising downriver toward Kumai. The adventure isn’t over yet, as there’s still a chance for wildlife spotting. Enjoy your morning coffee onboard while exploring the river, and you might catch sight of orangutans foraging in the trees along the riverbanks. This serene experience offers incredible memories.
If the weather is favorable, you may also spot long-snout crocodiles basking in the sun along the riverbanks. Upon reaching Kumai, you will be transferred to Pangkalan Bun. Before heading to your next destination, there’s an optional visit to an orangutan souvenir and handicraft gallery.
Flight cancellations to Pangkalan Bun are rare but can occur, often with very short notice. This can be a stressful situation, especially given the limited accessibility of airline customer service.
If your orangutan tour is scheduled to begin the same morning as your flight’s arrival, a cancellation would typically result in the tour starting a day later and being shortened by one day. However, since preparations are made based on your booking, the full tour price would still apply, even if it is reduced by a day.
To minimize the impact of a flight cancellation on your trip, we recommend taking at least one of the following precautions:
The primary attraction of Tanjung Puting is its orangutans, but the park also hosts the uniquely fascinating proboscis monkey, known for its distinctive “Jimmy Durante” nose, along with seven other primate species. The park is home to clouded leopards, civets, Malaysian sun bears, mouse deer, barking deer, sambar deer, and the wild banteng cattle.
Bird enthusiasts will delight in the over 230 species present, including hornbills, forest birds, and various wetland species. Tanjung Puting is renowned for its “bird lakes,” seasonal breeding grounds for several endangered waterbird species, including the only known nesting site in Borneo for white egrets.
The park also harbors two species of crocodiles (sometimes visible during river cruises!), numerous snake and frog species, and many threatened animals, such as the rare and auspicious Arwana, or “dragon” fish (bony-tongue).
Adding to its vibrant biodiversity are the dazzling arrays of colorful birds, butterflies, and moths that thrive throughout the park.
Our aim is to delight our guests with delicious Indonesian local dishes, enhancing the experience of enjoying a carefully prepared meal in the heart of the jungle aboard a romantic wooden boat.
Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served on the top deck in the dining area, while finger foods, snacks, and drinks are provided throughout the day. Tea and coffee are available at any time. If you have a preference for specific beverages, please let us know in advance through the booking form.
Tipping is customary in Indonesia, and while entirely optional, it is greatly appreciated by the staff. They will be delighted and grateful if you choose to tip.
There’s no set amount for tipping—it depends on your level of satisfaction with the service and your budget. For those seeking guidance, a general suggestion is for couples to tip 100,000 IDR per day for the guide and 50,000 IDR per day each for the cook, captain, and boat helper.
This is only a rough guideline, and you are welcome to adjust it based on your budget and group size. Any amount, big or small, is warmly appreciated.
