Imagine spending 16 incredible days in the middle of the jungle, surrounded by the sound of the river, the calls of hornbills flying above, and the rustle of leaves as wild orangutans move from tree to tree. This was the journey of our guests, who came to Tanjung Puting National Park in Borneo with one special mission: to find the mysterious clouded leopard.
Sadly, the leopard never appeared. But nature always has her own surprises. Instead, they discovered so many other wonders that made the journey unforgettable:
- Orangutans in their true home, wild and free
- The funny proboscis monkey (bekantan) with its long nose
- Agile macaques and playful monkeys along the riverbanks
- The tiny but magical tarsius and slow loris during night walks
- A rare glimpse of the shy and beautiful red langur
- The majestic rhinoceros hornbill flying above the canopy
- The elegant sambar deer moving quietly through the forest
- The impressive Great Slaty Woodpecker, the largest woodpecker in the world, with its powerful call echoing through the jungle.
Every Day, a New Adventure in Tanjung Puting
Sixteen days in the jungle may sound long, but in Tanjung Puting National Park, time feels different. Each day offered something new, something extraordinary:
- Camp Leakey: the legendary research center where orangutans roam free. Seeing mothers with babies and dominant males at the feeding platform was like meeting the guardians of Borneo.
- Tanjung Harapan Feeding Station: a lively stop where orangutans swing gracefully down from the trees, reminding us of the success of conservation efforts.
- Pondok Tanggui: a magical place where young orangutans practice survival skills, sometimes coming so close you could look into their intelligent eyes.
- Night trekking in Borneo’s rainforest: flashlights revealed a secret world, with slow loris moving silently and tarsius leaping through the branches with glowing eyes.
- Safari river trips on the Sekonyer River: drifting at sunset, guests spotted proboscis monkeys preparing to sleep, hornbills flying overhead, and the jungle glowing gold in the fading light
Over 16 days, no two mornings were the same. Some began with the haunting call of gibbons, others with hornbills passing over the ecolodge. Some afternoons were full of trekking deep in the jungle, others were spent quietly watching the river’s reflection.
Travel Tips for Tanjung Puting National Park
Best Time to Visit
The ideal time to visit Tanjung Puting (Juni–September) is the most popular time to visit Tanjung Puting, with clear skies that make orangutan tours, river cruises, and jungle trekking even more enjoyable.
But don’t overlook the low season (October-April). Traveling outside the peak months means fewer visitors, a quieter atmosphere, and the same magical wildlife encounters. Based on our long experience in the park, Tanjung Puting is worth visiting all year round every season offers its own charm and Orangutans can be reliably seen all year round, along with other unique wildlife such as the endemic Proboscis Monkeys
How to Get There
Fly to Pangkalan Bun (PKN) from Jakarta, Surabaya, or Semarang. From the airport, it’s a short drive to Kumai harbor, where your jungle journey begins by boat.
Where to Stay
Stay at Rimba Orangutan Ecolodge, an eco-friendly lodge located right on the Sekonyer River. It’s the best base for exploring Tanjung Puting.
What to Expect
- Daily wildlife encounters in a natural setting.
- Simple but comfortable eco-accommodation.
- Activities include feeding stations, jungle treks, river safaris, and night walks.
Why Choose a Longer Stay
While short trips are popular, a longer Borneo orangutan tour gives you more time to witness rare species and truly immerse yourself in the jungle lifestyle.
“And don’t worry about the details from flights to accommodation we can arrange everything for your trip. All you need to do is come and let the adventure begin.”
Written by : Rina Sandra Dewi
