Tanjung Puting is a national park located in southern Borneo. This protected area of 355,000 hectares consists mainly of pristine rainforest traversed by several navigable rivers. It is indeed during cruises that visitors discover this lush jungle and its inhabitants—the orangutans.

History

The history of Tanjung Puting National Park began in 1971, when two young primatologists, Dr. Biruté Mary Galdikas and Dr. Rod Brindamour, discovered the Tanjung Puting region and decided to establish a research center there—"Camp Leakey"—named in honor of their mentor, paleontologist Louis Leakey.

Primatologist Dr. Biruté Mary Galdikas made groundbreaking discoveries about orangutans that have enabled us to better understand their behavior and protect them more effectively.

This center was not solely dedicated to studying these primates; it was also created to improve their quality of life while ensuring their protection. The researchers achieved remarkable success—Tanjung Puting is now home to approximately 6,000 orangutans, the largest population of wild orangutans in the world.

To finance their research and preserve the vast rainforest resource of Tanjung Puting, Dr. Galdikas decided to make it a paid tourist attraction, whose reputation has grown year after year. Revenue generated from tourism significantly contributes to research advances and park preservation.

In 1977, the park was recognized as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and in 1982, it was designated as a national park.

Visiting Tanjung Puting National Park

Tanjung Puting National Park is home to wildlife of incredible richness, with orangutans as the undisputed stars. It is one of the rare sites in the world, if not the only one, where you can see so many specimens gathered in one place. To observe them closely, the park has three viewpoints: Batas Waktu, Pondok Tanguil, and Camp Leakey.

Beyond the orangutans, the reserve is home to approximately 4,000 great apes, about 140 of which are part of the rehabilitation program. Tanjung Puting also serves as a refuge for more than 220 bird species. Additionally, a night trek through the jungle is an unprecedented experience that lets you admire a wealth of nocturnal species.

The park features a rehabilitation center where orphaned and captive-born apes relearn how to live in nature. Several platforms allow you to participate in the daily feeding of these rescued animals.

Cruising at Tanjung Puting

To observe the orangutans, cruises are organized from Kumai to Camp Leakey. Only a small portion of the park is accessible to visitors, with the rest reserved for rangers, researchers, and journalists.

Aboard a klotok, the region's iconic boat, you traverse the Kumai River before heading up the Sekonyer River and Sungai Kecil River to Camp Leakey. Cruises last 3–4 days and include several stops for jungle exploration and chances to spot orangutans and other wildlife.

Throughout the cruise and jungle walks, you can observe countless mammals, insects, and birds: proboscis monkeys (the famous long-nosed apes), long-tailed macaques, colorful large birds (the legendary Hornbill, symbol of the animist Dayak people, kingfishers), possibly crocodiles, leopards (the world's smallest but equally feisty), tarantulas and snakes, and more.

For the more adventurous, treks lasting at least a day are possible to reach the stops at Batas Waktu and Pondok Tanguil, though the trails are challenging.

Night Trek at Pondok Ambung

The night trek at Pondok Ambung, one of the research bases of the Orangutan Foundation UK, is a remarkable experience and allows you to observe unique nocturnal species. Your guide knows the jungle's secrets intimately and will help you find nocturnal specimens such as hairy tarantulas and other insects.

If conditions aren't too humid, you may even glimpse bioluminescent fungi—though best left untouched, of course.

Visiting Tanjung Puting National Park is not for those accustomed to comfort. It is an adventure that is far from easy. Between the crushing heat, mosquitoes, long treks, and more, this destination is reserved for adventurers ready to embrace the challenge.

Best Time to Visit?

The best period to visit Tanjung Puting National Park is during the low season from November to May. During this time, prices are reasonable and crowds are minimal. You can fully enjoy the beauty of the landscape and this exceptional heritage without the noise of boats and crowds disturbing your communion with nature.

Tanjung Puting National Park is located in the southwestern part of Borneo island, in South Kalimantan province, Indonésie. It is accessible only by waterway, which adds to its allure.

The first step to reach this park is to get to Pangkalan Bun Airport, which is served daily by flights from Jakarta. Next, head to the small town of Kumai, located about 30 minutes from Pangkalan Bun. It is from this town that you board a klotok, a motorized boat approximately six meters long, to head up the Sekonyer River and Sungai Kecil River to Camp Leakey.