Sabangau National Park

Sabangau National Park is a protected peat swamp forest in Central Kalimantan on the island of Borneo, Indonesia, known for its extensive peat domes and as an important habitat for Bornean orangutans. The park conserves a mosaic of peat forest, swamp channels and flooded forest that supports specialist flora and fauna.

Visitors to the park follow boardwalks and river channels to view wildlife, particularly orangutans, as well as gibbons and peatland bird species; research stations in the area support long-term ecological studies. The peat soils in Sabangau are deep and store large amounts of carbon, making the park ecologically significant beyond its biodiversity.

The area has been threatened by drainage, logging and peat fires in dry years, prompting conservation and research efforts to restore hydrology and protect habitat. Guided ecotours typically operate from Palangka Raya and nearby riverside settlements, with river travel and boardwalks used to reach observation points.

Sabangau National Park lies in Central Kalimantan on Borneo, southwest of the provincial capital Palangka Raya, and occupies roughly on the order of tens of thousands of hectares of peat swamp forest.

• Peat swamp and orangutans: The park protects extensive peat swamp forest that stores large amounts of carbon and supports high densities of Bornean orangutans and other peatland wildlife.
• Access and seasonality: Access is typically by guided boat and boardwalk routes from Palangka Raya-area bases; water levels and seasonal fires can affect access and wildlife visibility.

• Plan your visit from Palangka Raya and book a ranger-guided tour in advance - guides know the best river routes and locations to observe orangutans and other wildlife.
• Aim for early morning wildlife cruises during the dry season (roughly mid-year) for higher animal activity, but check local haze/fire reports before traveling as peat-fire smoke can affect visibility.
• Ask your guide about lesser-seen peat-swamp habitats and birding stops along the Sebangau River; these quieter sections are where many visitors miss concentrated birdlife and endemic plants.