Sebangau National Park
National Park Peat-swamp national park protecting endangered orangutans
Sebangau National Park protects Central Kalimantan’s peat swamp forest and orangutan populations; tourists come for river boat trips, wildlife spotting and to study unique peatland ecology.
Sebangau National Park is a protected area of peat-swamp forest on the island of Borneo in Central Kalimantan that contains significant habitat for Bornean orangutans and other peatland species.
The park is dominated by waterlogged peat forest, rivers and seasonal floodplain areas; access is typically by river canoe and research stations and guided boat trips support wildlife viewing and scientific work. Conservation focus is on peatland protection and orangutan populations.
The area was established and managed to conserve peat-swamp ecosystems and the species that depend on them, with research and monitoring programs operating alongside restricted visitor activity. The park continues to be an important site for orangutan conservation and peatland studies.
Located in Central Kalimantan, the park lies inland on Borneo and is accessed from nearby regional towns and the provincial center, Palangka Raya.
- Orangutan habitat: Protects extensive peat-swamp forest that is one of the largest remaining habitats for Bornean orangutans outside of strictly managed reserves.
How to Get to Sebangau National Park #
Sebangau National Park is reached from the nearest city, Palangka Raya. Most visitors base themselves in Palangka Raya and then drive about 20-30 km (roughly 30-60 minutes depending on route and road conditions) to river access points; from there you continue by motorized boat along the Sebangau (and Kahayan) rivers to research camps and wildlife viewing areas. Arrange a local guide or tour in Palangka Raya - public bus services into the park are limited, so private car/taxi plus boat transfer is the usual approach.
Tips for Visiting Sebangau National Park #
- Plan for the dry season (roughly June-September) for easier river and trail access, but avoid the peak peat-fire haze months (late September-October) when visibility and air quality can be poor.
- Reach the park from Palangkaraya - most visitors travel by road to the river and then by speedboat along the Sebangau River; confirm transfers with your operator ahead of time.
- Book a visit through the Sebangau research/park office or an accredited tour operator so you can get a registered guide and the necessary permits; guided river trips greatly increase wildlife sightings and reduce disturbance.
- Schedule wildlife trips for early morning boat rides when riverbank activity (including orangutans and other mammals) is highest, and always follow park rules: keep distance and do not feed or approach wildlife.
Best Time to Visit Sebangau National Park #
Go in the dry season (May-October) when trails and boat access are most reliable for wildlife viewing.
Weather & Climate near Sebangau National Park #
Sebangau National Park's climate is classified as Tropical Rainforest - Tropical Rainforest climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 22°C to 33°C. Heavy rainfall (2387 mm/year), wettest in March.
January
January is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (246 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (254 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is hot, feeling like 32°C with oppressive humidity. The wettest month with heavy rain (281 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is hot, feeling like 33°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (267 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is the hottest month, feeling like 34°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (207 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is hot, feeling like 33°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (146 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (101 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is hot, feeling like 30°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (102 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is hot, feeling like 30°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (133 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is hot, feeling like 31°C due to high humidity. Significant rainfall (158 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (236 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (256 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
