Tanjung Puting National Park

Orangutan paradise in Borneo jungle

Tanjung Puting National Park in Indonesia’s Central Kalimantan region sits along the banks of the Kapuas River. The landscape features dense tropical forest, swampy wetlands and winding waterways that support a wide range of wildlife. Visitors can observe orangutans foraging in trees, spot crocodiles basking on riverbanks and see birds moving through thick foliage. The park provides quiet trails for walking and boat rides to experience the natural environment up close. It remains an important area for conservation while allowing people to learn about local ecosystems firsthand.

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National Park in Indonesia

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Safety: 4.9

General Safety:	6
Health & medical:	4
Accessibility:	3
Tap water:	2

Read details

2/5

English proficiency varies widely in Tanjung Puting. Tour guides typically speak good English, while boat crew members may have limited language skills. In Pangkalan Bun, basic English is understood in tourist-oriented businesses, but communication can be

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Last update: 12 Oct 2026

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Tanjung Puting National Park Summary

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Exceptional for rainforest wildlife. Take riverboat safaris, watch wild orangutans, explore jungle trails and observe diverse tropical wildlife.

Place score

7.3

Best at:

Natural sites

Wildlife

Forests

Guided tours

Birdwatching

Personal score

Suited for

👶 6

Families

🧓 5

Seniors

♻️ 9

Sustainability

❤️ 8

Couples

Indonesia – Quick facts

Guide Etiquette Holidays Other

Power Grid:	230 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type C , Type F Type C: Type F: Read about power adapters
Currency:	Indonesian Rupiah (IDR) £1 ≈ IDR 24,141.20
Cashless info:	Rating 4/5 Cashless payments are becoming more common in urban areas of Indonesia, particularly in larger cities. Credit cards and mobile payment apps like GoPay and OVO are widely accepted in many establishments. Save with a travel credit card
eSIM providers:	Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison

Tipping:	Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory in Indonesia. A 5-10% tip is common in restaurants, and taxi drivers may expect small tips for good service.
Public drinking:	Public drinking is not commonly seen in Indonesia. Alcohol is consumed mainly in licensed establishments such as bars, restaurants, and hotels.
Public smoking:	Smoking is prohibited in many indoor public spaces, including restaurants, shopping centres, and public transport.

Independence Day (17 August)	A national holiday with celebrations and ceremonies
Nyepi (March/April)	The Balinese Day of Silence, celebrated with unique rituals and festivities

Emergency contact:	Emergency Number: 112
Taxi apps:	GoJek, Grab
Other:	Indonesia is known for its stunning natural landscapes, including beaches, volcanoes, and jungles. It is a great destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers.

Best times to travel

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for Tanjung Puting National Park, Indonesia

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High season:	June - Sep.
Shoulder season:	May, Oct.
Crowdedness:	4 (Moderate tourist numbers)

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Climate details

Orangutans visit the feeding platforms most reliably in the dry season, roughly June to September

Smoke haze from peat and forest fires possible August to October, worst in dry El Niño years

Don't miss

🦧 Observe wild orangutans at Camp Leakey feeding stations
🛶 Take a traditional klotok boat tour along Sekonyer River
🌳 Explore the lush rainforest on guided jungle treks
🌙 Join a night walk to spot nocturnal wildlife
🌱 Participate in tree planting for reforestation efforts

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Why travel to Tanjung Puting National Park?

Tanjung Puting offers a wildlife experience that feels both authentic and intimate, without the crowds you might find at more accessible wildlife destinations. The park's unique boat-based exploration system creates an immersive journey where you'll live aboard a traditional klotok boat, sleeping under the stars while listening to the symphony of jungle sounds. The opportunity to see orangutans in their natural habitat is unparalleled, especially at feeding stations like those at Camp Leakey, where conservation efforts have been ongoing for decades. What makes this place truly special is the complete disconnection from modern life and the deep dive into nature. The journey itself becomes part of the adventure – from the boat ride along the coffee-colored Sekonyer River to the short treks through the jungle to reach orangutan feeding stations. However, it's important to note that this is not a luxury experience. The humidity is constant, mosquitoes are abundant, facilities are basic and the journey to reach the park requires effort. But for those willing to embrace a bit of discomfort, the reward is an unforgettable encounter with one of our closest animal relatives in one of Earth's most biodiverse ecosystems.

🏯Places worth seeing

1 Feeding Station: Pondok Tanggui

🎡Places for activities

1 Camp Leakey
2 Pier Pesalat
3 Tanjung Harapan

🏞️Natural landmarks

1 Sekonyer

🎈Events

Orangutan Conservation Week
Dayak Cultural Celebrations
World Orangutan Day (August)
Borneo Bird Festival
Earth Day Conservation Events
Local Harvest Festivals
Traditional Boat Races
Conservation Fundraising Events
Wildlife Photography Competitions
Environmental Education Programs

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Knowledge before you go

Book klotok boat tours from Kumai in advance.
Visit Camp Leakey to see rehabilitated orangutans during feeding times at platforms.
Pack insect repellent, rain gear and modest clothing for jungle river boat trips.
Spot proboscis monkeys at dusk along Sekonyer River; they roar loudly in mangrove forests.

How to travel to Tanjung Puting National Park

The main gateway to Tanjung Puting is through Pangkalan Bun, a city in Central Kalimantan. Most visitors fly to Pangkalan Bun's Iskandar Airport, which has connections from Jakarta and other Indonesian cities. From the airport, it's a 15-minute drive to Kumai harbor, where your klotok boat journey begins. Tour operators typically arrange airport pickup and transfer to the harbor. The boat trip from Kumai to the entrance of the Sekonyer River takes less than an hour, after which you'll continue deeper into the park.

Access summary

From Pangkalan Bun (PKN): 15–20 min car to Kumai, 2–4 hr klotok.
From Jakarta: Direct flight to Pangkalan Bun about 1.5 hours, daily.
From Surabaya or Semarang: Direct flights to Pangkalan Bun, around 1–2 hours.

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Where to stay in Tanjung Puting National Park

Accommodation in Tanjung Puting is a unique experience centered around staying on traditional wooden klotok boats. These floating accommodations range from basic to somewhat comfortable, with most visitors sleeping on the upper deck under mosquito nets, lulled by jungle sounds. The boats typically have a crew including a captain, guide, cook and deckhand. For those preferring solid ground, there are limited options in Pangkalan Bun for before/after your park visit. The experience is rustic but authentic, with most tours being all-inclusive packages covering meals prepared by the boat's cook.

Hotel recommendations

*by rating and popularity. Commissions have no influence on the rankings.

Rimba Orangutan Eco Lodge

7.6

Orangutan Houseboat Ageyo Tanjung Puting Borneo

houseboat kelotok bee

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How to get around Tanjung Puting National Park

Exploring Tanjung Puting is primarily done by boat, specifically traditional wooden vessels called 'klotoks' that navigate the Sekonyer River. These boats serve as both your transportation and accommodation, moving slowly through the park's waterways and stopping at various feeding stations and points of interest. From the klotok, you'll disembark for short jungle treks to reach orangutan viewing areas. The river journey itself is part of the experience, offering opportunities to spot wildlife along the riverbanks.

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-20 %

Your exchange rate (GBP to IDR) is 20% better than in recent years. That means travelling now is considerably cheaper compared to the past.

Safety information overview

General safety

Tanjung Puting is generally safe regarding crime. The main safety concerns relate to the natural environment – slippery jungle trails, boat safety and wildlife encounters. Always follow guide instructions and never approach wildlife without proper supervision. The remote location means emergency assistance can be delayed.

Health & Medical

Medical facilities are extremely limited within the park. The nearest hospital is in Pangkalan Bun, with basic services. Bring all necessary medications and a comprehensive first aid kit. Malaria risk exists, so consult a travel doctor before your trip. Heat exhaustion and insect-borne diseases are potential concerns.

Accessibility

Tanjung Puting presents significant challenges for travelers with mobility issues. Boat access requires climbing up and down steep gangplanks and jungle trails are often muddy, uneven and without handrails. The experience is physically demanding with limited accommodations for accessibility needs.

Tap water

Tap water is not safe for drinking. Tour operators typically provide bottled water on klotok boats. Never drink river water without proper treatment. Stay well-hydrated in the hot, humid climate to prevent dehydration, which can happen quickly in this environment.