Deep in the heart of Central Kalimantan lies Tanjung Puting National Park, a sanctuary where time slows and the wild still thrives. The park’s winding rivers, dense rainforests, and golden canopies are home to one of the world’s most beloved species: the orangutan. But beyond its iconic residents, Tanjung Puting is also a story of conservation, resilience, and human connection.
Travelling through Tanjung Puting means embracing the art of slow exploration. Aboard a klotok, a traditional wooden houseboat, you drift through the calm waters of the Sekonyer River, watching life unfold on both sides, orangutans in their natural habitat, proboscis monkeys swinging in the mangroves, hornbills gliding through the canopy, and crocodiles basking lazily on the banks. The days unfold gently: guided walks through forest trails, visits to orangutan feeding stations at Camp Leakey, Tanjung Harapan, and Pondok Tanggui, canoe rides through hidden tributaries, and nights spent under the stars surrounded by the hum of the jungle.
Curated tours by Seek Sophie, Be Borneo Tour, and Amazing Borneo offer diverse ways to experience this world. Seek Sophie brings a conservationist touch with private four-day cruises led by passionate guides who share deep knowledge of the ecosystem, plus hands-on experiences like tree planting and visits to local eco-projects. Be Borneo Tour offers budget-friendly open trips, ideal for travellers seeking community and adventure without sacrificing comfort, with guided wildlife encounters and cozy klotok stays. Meanwhile, Amazing Borneo combines accessibility and local warmth, highlighting the park’s three main orangutan camps with engaging stories about the history and ecology of the area.
Beyond its natural beauty, each journey contributes to ongoing conservation efforts, local livelihoods, and responsible travel practices, supporting the communities who call this forest home. Visiting Tanjung Puting is not just about seeing orangutans; it’s about understanding the delicate balance of life that sustains them. It’s about slow travel that nourishes both the land and the traveller, a reminder that the most profound adventures are the ones that leave the lightest footprints.
