Sebangau National Park

National Park

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 PontianakPalangka RayaPangkalan BunTanjung PutingBanjarmasinBalikpapanSamarindaDerawan IslandsSebangau National Park
In this guide

Sebangau National Park essentials

Address: Sebangau National Park, Central Kalimantan (near Palangka Raya), Indonesia
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About Sebangau National Park

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.
When to Go

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.

Dry season (best access)
May-October · 24-32°C
Lower rainfall and easier access into the peat-swamp forest make boat trips and wildlife viewing more reliable.
Wet season (harder access)
November-April · 24-32°C
Heavy rains raise water levels and increase mosquitoes; some areas may be flooded or harder to reach.

Weather & Climate near Sebangau National Park

Climate

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.

Air Quality: AQI 67 Moderate
Best Time to Visit
JulyAugustJune
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
38°
Warmest Month
19°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Acceptable 23° - 31° 31° 246 mm overcast 88% 0.7 m/s 2.1 extreme 12.1h
February Acceptable 23° - 31° 31° 254 mm overcast 88% 0.8 m/s 2.2 extreme 12.1h
March Acceptable 23° - 32° 32° 281 mm overcast 88% 0.8 m/s 2.2 extreme 12.0h
April Acceptable 24° - 32° 33° 267 mm overcast 88% 0.7 m/s 2.2 extreme 11.9h
May Acceptable 24° - 32° 34° 207 mm partly cloudy 88% 0.7 m/s 2.0 extreme 11.9h
June Good 23° - 32° 33° 146 mm partly cloudy 88% 0.7 m/s 1.9 very high 11.9h
July Good 23° - 32° 31° 101 mm partly cloudy 86% 0.8 m/s 1.9 very high 11.9h
August Good 22° - 32° 31° 102 mm partly cloudy 80% 1.1 m/s 2.1 extreme 11.9h
September Good 22° - 33° 30° 133 mm partly cloudy 76% 1.0 m/s 2.0 extreme 12.0h
October Acceptable 23° - 33° 31° 158 mm overcast 78% 1.1 m/s 2.0 very high 12.1h
November Acceptable 23° - 32° 31° 236 mm overcast 84% 0.8 m/s 2.0 extreme 12.1h
December Acceptable 23° - 31° 31° 256 mm overcast 88% 0.8 m/s 2.0 extreme 12.1h
Getting There & Around

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.