Kutai National Park

Taman Nasional Kutai

One of Indonesia's most important rainforest reserves, protecting orangutans, proboscis monkeys, and endangered wildlife in pristine tropical habitat. Visitors can trek through the jungle and spot rare Bornean fauna in their natural environment.

Things to do

• Orangutan Spotting Trek — Early morning jungle walks through primary rainforest to observe wild Bornean orangutans in their natural canopy habitat, best conducted with experienced park guides.
• Sangkima Research Station Visit — Visit the riverside research station to learn about orangutan rehabilitation and conservation efforts while observing semi-wild individuals in recovery.
• Proboscis Monkey Boat Safari — Take guided boat trips along the Sangkima and Segah rivers at dawn or dusk to spot the park's distinctive long-nosed monkeys in riverside trees.
• Mentoko Trail Canopy Walk — Trek through lowland dipterocarp forest on the Mentoko trail system to encounter diverse wildlife including gibbons, hornbills, and flying squirrels.
• Kutai Bay Beach Exploration — Visit the coastal beaches and mangrove areas at the park's northern boundary to observe nesting sea turtles and diverse seabird species.
• Night Jungle Spotting — Nocturnal forest walks with headlamps to observe nocturnal wildlife including flying lemurs, slow lorises, and various frog species active after dark.
• Beras Basah Waterfall Trek — Hike to natural freshwater springs and small waterfalls within the park interior for forest bathing and wildlife observation in quieter areas.

Food to try

• Ikan Bakar Kalimantan — Grilled freshwater fish caught from the Sangkima River, seasoned with turmeric, garlic, and chili, typically served with sambal and lime.
• Nasi Kuning with Chicken — Yellow rice cooked with coconut milk, turmeric, and spices, paired with locally-hunted game bird or free-range chicken in park accommodations.
• Ulat Sagu (Sago Worms) — Protein-rich larvae harvested from sago palms, traditionally grilled or fried until crispy, considered a delicacy among indigenous Kutai Bornean communities.
• Perut Ikan (Fish Belly Soup) — Hearty soup made with fish organs and vegetables from local catches, flavored with galangal and served in park lodges.
• Ketupat with Sambal Terasi — Rice cakes wrapped in woven palm leaves served with shrimp paste sambal, a common breakfast staple at park gateways and local villages.

Local customs & good to know

• Hire Licensed Local Guides — All jungle trekking must be conducted with officially certified park guides who speak Indonesian and English, understand wildlife behavior, and enforce conservation rules.
• Respect Quiet Hours and Wildlife Distance — Maintain at least 15 meters from orangutans and other primates, avoid flash photography, and keep noise minimal during early morning wildlife observation when animals are most active.
• Support Indigenous Communities — Purchase handicrafts and food from Kutai Bornean villages at the park entrance; a portion of park fees supports local conservation and education programs.
• Follow Park Permit Requirements — Obtain mandatory entry permits and check-in at the Bontang or Kehje Serai visitor centers before beginning any trekking or exploration activities.