If you’ve ever dreamt of drifting down a jungle river while spotting orangutans in the wild, Tanjung Puting National Park in Borneo is the place to make that dream come true. And with the largest concentration of orangutans in the world, at over 6000 individuals, you have the best chance to see them here! Tucked deep in the heart of Central Kalimantan, this hidden gem is one of Indonesia’s best eco-adventures. Whether you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a conservation-minded traveler, or just looking for a truly unique escape, Tanjung Puting is the place for you.
What is Tanjung Puting
Tanjung Puting National Park is a lush, biodiverse tropical rainforest located in Central Kalimantan, Borneo, Indonesia. It’s one of the few places in the world where you can see orangutans in their natural habitat. Originally protected in 1936 and declared a national park in 1996, this park is now a UNESCO recognized biosphere reserve and home to thousands of plant and animal species.
It is also home to Borneo Foundation International an organisation founded by Dr Birute Galdikas, for the purpose of orangutan research and conservation efforts. Here you will be able to see both wild and rehabilitated primates along the Sekonyer river and at feeding stations.
What to do here
A multi day houseboat cruise on the Sekonyer River is the most common way to explore the park. You’ll glide past dense jungle on a traditional houseboat (locally known as klotok), spotting Bornean orangutans, proboscis monkeys, macaques, gibbons, hornbills and so much more. Most itineraries will include visits to feeding stations like the famous Camp Leakey as well as short hikes through the rainforest.
Do note that the houseboats are rather rustic, providing for a basic sleeping arrangements (mattresses on the deck with mosquito nets) with typical amenities including a western style toilet and shower. Most operators will include all meals onboard along with some side excursions such as night treks and canoe rides.
Is it Worth Going
If you love wildlife, this place is a dream. Tanjung Puting is one of the best destinations in the world to see both semi wild and wild orangutans up close while supporting vital conservation efforts. In fact, one of our favourite parts of this destination is how involved the local community is in wildlife conservation, with some tour operators contributing part of their profits to buy back land for orangutan habitat.
Who is it For
This adventure is perfect for nature lovers, eco-travelers, and anyone seeking something meaningful and immersive. It’s great for couples, families with older children (we recommend 10 years and up), and even solo female travelers (there are a few female led companies with women guides!). Be ready for a bit of rustic charm—this isn’t luxury travel, but it’s rich in experience.
How to Get There
Fly into Iskandar Airport in Pangkalan Bun, there are daily flights from Jakarta and Surabaya. Batik Air is your best bet for reliability, however Nam Air also operates this route. From the airport, you will either be picked up by your guide or you can take the official taxi into town. Tours usually start from nearby Kumai, and your tour operator will arrange a transfer from your hotel to the boat.
Best time to go
The dry season from June to September is the most popular time, with pleasant weather and high wildlife visibility. For fewer crowds, consider March to May—especially during fruiting season, when orangutans gather near the river. The rainy season from December to February can be quite wet but still offers a good opportunity to spot these great apes and avoid the crowds.
How Much Time to Spend
Most visitors choose a three-day, two-night river cruise, which is enough to visit key sites and soak in the jungle vibes. But we would really recommend taking an extra day and opting for the 4 day, 3 night which allows for a quieter, less rushed experience with more chances to connect with the park’s rhythms and see more wildlife along the river.
