Pangkalan Bun

A bustling riverside town and administrative center near Tanjung Puting, offering basic amenities and boat connections. It's a practical hub for those organizing expeditions into the national park or exploring the region.

Things to do

• Tanjung Puting National Park Tours — Organize multi-day boat expeditions from Pangkalan Bun to see orangutans, proboscis monkeys, and river wildlife in their natural habitat.
• Kumai River Boat Trips — Take a scenic boat ride along the Kumai River, the main waterway connecting Pangkalan Bun to the national park, observing local villages and mangrove forests.
• Sekonyer River Exploration — Navigate the tributary rivers by speedboat or traditional longjboat to reach more remote areas and encounter wildlife deeper in the park.
• Local Market Visit — Explore the morning wet market near the town center to see fresh catch from the Kapuas River and local produce while interacting with residents.
• Orangutan Rehabilitation Center — Visit Camp Leakey or other rehabilitation facilities within the park to learn about orangutan rescue and conservation efforts directly from local guides.
• Pangkalan Bun Town Walk — Stroll through the administrative center to see colonial architecture, government buildings, and get oriented with basic services like banks and pharmacies.

Food to try

• Patin Bakar — Grilled freshwater catfish (patin) from local rivers, typically seasoned with spices and served with sambal and rice.
• Udang Galah Rebus — Boiled freshwater giant prawns caught from the Kapuas and Sekonyer rivers, served with chili dipping sauce and lime.
• Soto Banjar — A spiced Banjarese turmeric soup with beef or chicken, traditionally eaten for breakfast or as a light meal in the region.
• Gabus Goreng — Deep-fried snakehead fish (gabus), a local favorite that's crispy outside and tender inside, often served at riverfront warungs.
• Kuah Garang Asam — A sour and spicy fish soup typical of Kalimantan, made with river fish, tamarind, and local herbs, warming and flavorful.

Local customs & good to know

• Boat Etiquette on Rivers — Always follow guide instructions during river travel, wear life jackets, and avoid sudden movements or loud noises to prevent startling wildlife.
• Respect for Indigenous Communities — When passing Dayak villages or during park visits, ask permission before photographing people and support local guides and boatmen fairly.
• Wet Season Awareness — The rainy season (October–April) can make roads muddy and boat travel unpredictable, so plan visits during dry season (May–September) for easier access.
• Conservative Dress in Town — Wear modest clothing in Pangkalan Bun's public areas and town markets, as it is a conservative Muslim-majority community in Central Kalimantan.