Tanjung Puting
Park Indonesian national park noted for wild orangutan populations
Tanjung Puting National Park in Central Kalimantan is known for river safaris, orangutan rehabilitation centers (Camp Leakey among them), peat swamp forest and wildlife spotting by klotok (boat).
.jpg?width=1200)
.jpg?width=1200)
.jpg?width=1200)
.jpg?width=1200)
.jpg?width=1200)
,_Tanjung_Putting_National_Park_01.jpg?width=1200)
,_Tanjung_Putting_National_Park_02.jpg?width=1200)
,_Tanjung_Putting_National_Park_03.jpg?width=1200)
Tanjung Puting is a protected rainforest and peat-swamp area on the southern coast of Borneo in Central Kalimantan, Indonesia, covering roughly 4,000 square kilometres and noted for orangutan conservation. It is an internationally recognised site for primate research and rehabilitation.
The park is best known for its orangutan rehabilitation and research centres, riverboat (klotok) wildlife cruises along the Sekonyer River, and sightings of proboscis monkeys, macaques, hornbills and other swamp-forest species. Typical visitor itineraries are multi-day boat trips that include early-morning and late-afternoon feeding/viewing at established platforms.
Long-term fieldwork and rehabilitation activities began around Camp Leakey under primatologist Biruté Galdikas in 1971, and the area has since become a focal point for orangutan conservation and eco-tourism. Facilities and tour infrastructure have grown around the river corridors to support research and visitor access.
The park lies on Borneo’s southern coast, centred on the Sekonyer River and reached by boat from the port at Kumai (near Pangkalan Bun). The landscape is a mix of peat swamp forest, alluvial forest and coastal mangroves.
- Best time to visit: Best visited in the dry season (roughly July to October) when river travel is easier and wildlife is more visible.
- How to get there: Most access is by riverboat from the port at Kumai (near Pangkalan Bun); multi-day klotok trips of 2-4 days are the common way to explore the park.
- Orangutan viewing: Feeding sessions at Camp Leakey and Pondok Tanggui are scheduled and provide reliable orangutan viewing opportunities; follow guide instructions to avoid disturbing animals.
What to See #
- Camp Leakey: Established field research and rehabilitation centre founded by primatologist Biruté Galdikas in 1971; long-term orangutan research, rehabilitation and release programmes are based here.
- Pondok Tanggui: A visitor site with feeding platforms and simple visitor facilities on the Sekonyer River used for regular orangutan feedings and viewing.
- Sekonyer river corridor: A stretch of riverine forest and mangrove accessible by klotok riverboat that is commonly included on multi-day tours through the park.
How to Get to Tanjung Puting #
Most travelers reach Tanjung Puting via Kumai (near Pangkalan Bun). Regular boats (klotoks) and organized tours depart from Kumai port and travel upriver into the national park. Pangkalan Bun has an airport with flights from Jakarta and other Indonesian cities.
Tips for Visiting Tanjung Puting #
- Book a riverboat and lodge (klotok) with a reputable operator to visit Camp Leakey and other primate observation stations.
- Visit during the dry season (July-October) for easier travel on the rivers and more reliable wildlife sightings.
- Bring binoculars and be prepared for long quiet river stretches punctuated by sudden orangutan sightings.
Best Time to Visit Tanjung Puting #
July-October is the most reliable season for river travel and orangutan sightings, though the jungle is visitable year-round with logistical adjustments.
Weather & Climate near Tanjung Puting #
Tanjung Puting's climate is classified as Tropical Rainforest - Tropical Rainforest climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 22°C to 32°C. Heavy rainfall (2592 mm/year), wettest in December.
January
January is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (225 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (236 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (261 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is hot, feeling like 30°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (260 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is the hottest month, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. Heavy rain (264 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is hot, feeling like 31°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (189 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Significant rainfall (170 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Significant rainfall (146 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is warm with muggy conditions (dew point 23°C). Significant rainfall (140 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is hot, feeling like 30°C with oppressive humidity. Significant rainfall (181 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). Heavy rain (253 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is warm with stifling humidity (dew point 24°C). The wettest month with heavy rain (267 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
