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Tanjung Puting National Park

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

national-park

Weather…

Tanjung Puting National Park, located in southern Borneo (Central Kalimantan), is world-renowned for its significant efforts in conserving Bornean orangutans. Covering over 4,150 square kilometers, the park encompasses a variety of ecosystems, including lowland rainforests, freshwater swamp forests, and coastal mangroves. Its centerpiece is Camp Leakey, established in 1971 by Dr. Biruté Galdikas for the rehabilitation and study of orphaned orangutans. Visitors typically explore the park via the Sekonyer River using traditional wooden boats known as klotoks. Beyond orangutans, the park is home to proboscis monkeys, gibbons, and a rich array of bird species. Despite its protected status, the park remains threatened by illegal gold mining and the encroachment of palm oil plantations in the surrounding areas.

Location: Indonesia
Nearby: Tanjung Puting (19 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	27	27	27	28	28	27	26	27	27	28	28	27
Rain mm	213	229	280	304	217	191	130	102	118	198	302	326

📋 Practical info

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Getting there

The standard method of accessing the park is by flying into Iskandar Airport in Pangkalan Bun, followed by a short drive to the port of Kumai. From Kumai, visitors typically charter a traditional 'klotok' wooden boat which travels up the Sekonyer River directly into the heart of the reserve.

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Best season

The most favorable conditions for wildlife viewing generally occur during the dry season between May and September, when the trails are accessible and humidity is slightly lower. During the wet season, heavy downpours can make forest trekking challenging and some remote feeding stations harder to reach.

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Terrain & paths

Visitors can expect a diverse landscape comprising primarily dense tropical swamp forests, meandering river waterways, and relatively flat but muddy jungle paths. The walks to the orangutan viewing areas are generally short and manageable, though the humid environment requires a moderate level of stamina.

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What to bring

Essential gear includes strong insect repellent containing DEET, breathable long-sleeved clothing, high-quality binoculars for observing wildlife high in the canopy, and lightweight walking shoes or boots. A reliable waterproof bag is also highly recommended to protect cameras and electronics while on the riverboats.

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Parking

Vehicle parking is typically organized in the port town of Kumai, where visitors leave their land transport behind before transitioning to the riverboats. Most tour operators and private boat captains can assist with arranging secure parking spaces near the designated jetty areas for the duration of the trip.

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Safety

Visitors must strictly follow the guidelines of park rangers, especially maintaining a safe distance from wild and semi-wild orangutans to prevent disease transmission. Hydration is crucial due to the intense equatorial heat, and care should be taken to avoid mosquito bites which can carry tropical diseases.

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Time needed

The classic river cruise experience, which includes stops at major rehabilitation centers like Camp Leakey, generally spans three days and two nights sleeping on the boat. Longer itineraries of up to five days are often chosen by wildlife enthusiasts seeking deeper immersion and a wider variety of monkey species.

Geography

Coordinates

-2.98333, 112.05000

Facts

The area was officially designated as a national park in 1982.
Camp Leakey was established as a research center in 1971.
The national park covers an area of approximately 415,040 hectares.
It is home to the largest wild population of Bornean orangutans in the world.
More than 200 species of birds have been documented within the park.
The Sekonyer River serves as the primary artery for transportation within the park.

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Can you see orangutans?

Yes, the park is world-famous for its orangutan conservation.

What is a Klotok?

A traditional wooden houseboat where you also sleep and eat.

How long should you stay?

A 3-day tour is well-suited to see Camp Leakey and surroundings.

Are there mosquitoes?

Yes, insect repellent is essential in the jungle.

Best time to go?

June to September is the dry season and the best time.

Tanjung Puting National Park: where is it located?

Tanjung Puting National Park is located in Indonesia.

Tanjung Puting National Park: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.

Tanjung Puting National Park: why is it worth visiting?

Tanjung Puting National Park, located in southern Borneo (Central Kalimantan), is world-renowned for its significant efforts in conserving Bornean orangutans.

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