Tanjung Puting National Park

Taman Nasional Tanjung Puting

One of Indonesia's most famous orangutan sanctuaries and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve covering 415,000 hectares of pristine rainforest. Visitors can spot orangutans, proboscis monkeys, and diverse wildlife from river klotok boat tours.

Things to do

• Klotok River Cruises — Take traditional wooden riverboats through the rainforest waterways to spot orangutans, proboscis monkeys, and other wildlife in their natural habitat.
• Camp Leakey Visit — Visit the famous research station and orangutan rehabilitation center where you can observe semi-wild orangutans during feeding times.
• Tanjung Harapan Station — Explore this visitor center and research outpost located along the Sekonyer River to learn about orangutan conservation and spot wildlife.
• Rainforest Trekking — Hike through the dense tropical forest on guided trails to experience the park's biodiversity and search for elusive wildlife.
• Night River Safaris — Take evening boat tours to spot nocturnal animals like slow lorises, flying squirrels, and night-active birds along the Sekonyer River.
• Proboscis Monkey Watching — Seek out the distinctive long-nosed monkeys endemic to Borneo as they gather in riverside trees, especially during early morning and late afternoon.

Food to try

• Ikan Bakar Kalimantan — Grilled freshwater fish caught from local rivers, seasoned with traditional spices and served with sambal and rice at riverside lodges.
• Bubur Manado — A hearty rice porridge served with fried shallots, eggs, and savory broth, popular as a filling breakfast among local guides and boatmen.
• Garang Asam — A tangy soup made with local fish or chicken, tamarind, and aromatic spices that reflects Central Kalimantan's coastal-rainforest cuisine.
• Nasi Kuning — Fragrant turmeric rice cooked in coconut milk, commonly served at park lodges as an accompaniment to main dishes.
• Ulat Sagu (Sago Grubs) — A traditional protein source of indigenous Dayak people, sometimes offered at local homestays as a cultural delicacy, either grilled or fried.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Orangutan Space — Maintain at least 7 meters distance from orangutans during boat tours and photography, as they are wild animals and sudden movements can stress them.
• Hire Local Guides — Employ knowledgeable local guides from Kumai or Pangkalan Bun who understand animal behavior, park regulations, and contribute directly to conservation efforts.
• Follow Park Hours — Respect seasonal access restrictions and official visiting hours to protect wildlife breeding and nesting periods, particularly during monsoon seasons.
• Dayak Cultural Awareness — Show respect for the indigenous Dayak communities living around the park by asking permission before photographing people and supporting local homestay businesses.