Here in the remote south lies Tanjung Puting National Park, one of the world’s most extraordinary yet little-known wildlife destinations. Home to wild orangutans, proboscis monkeys, clouded leopards and sun bears, as well as more than 200 bird species including hornbills and kingfishers, it is a place where nature still takes centre stage.
To explore this untouched corner of Kalimantan, EXO offers overnight houseboat journeys along the Sekonyer River, the park’s vital artery. Travelling aboard private houseboats, guests enjoy close-up encounters with rare wildlife while still enjoying a high level of comfort throughout.
EXO Indonesia General Manager, Pablo Ramirez, recently returned from a journey through this wild and unforgettable landscape.
‘Endemic to the islands of Sumatra and Borneo, orangutans can’t be found anywhere else in the world. Visiting Kalimantan, the most remote area of Borneo and one of the most pristine areas of Indonesia, feels like stepping into another world.’
Exploring Kalimantan
To experience all that Tanjung Puting has to offer, EXO recommends a four-day houseboat journey.
During the days, guests will be surrounded by lush greenery as the boat navigates through winding waterways and hidden lagoons. Various bird species, macaques, Proboscis monkeys and more may be spotted as the boat cruises along the river.
Stops will be made along the way to go ashore and visit conservation projects, where guests will learn more about endemic wildlife and their natural habitats and the amazing work being done to preserve Tanjung Puting National Park. In addition, these centres provide an incredible opportunity to see orangutans and other wildlife in their natural environment.
At night time, there are options for guided walks at Tanjung Harapan or Pondok Tanggui to spot nocturnal wildlife. There may also be an opportunity to spot thousands of fireflies flickering amid the Nipa palms found along the riverbanks.
Conservation Efforts
Every traveller who sets foot in Kalimantan plays a vital role in preserving this fragile ecosystem. The most famous of these is Camp Leaky, the first orangutan rehabilitation program in Kalimantan.
Camp Leaky was established in 1971. The founder, Dr. Galdikas, aimed not just to rescue and rehabilitate wild-born, ex-captive orangutans but also to ignite a transformation in perceptions about wildlife conservation. Her efforts created a beacon for eco-tourism, laying foundational work that continues to inspire conservation efforts globally.
These days there are two additional projects in Kalimantan focused on orangutan rehabilitation: Tanjung Harapan and Pondok Tanggui.
Also of note is Camp Jerunbum, an important conservation project managed by Friends of the National Parks Foundation (FNPF). If time allows, EXO arranges for guests to meet with the staff, learn about the project and purchase a tree to help with their conservation efforts.
“In addition to orangutans, Tanjung Puting National Park is home to other rare species such as proboscis monkeys, clouded leopards and sun bears as well as more than 200 species of birds, including hornbills.. It is a spectacular- and relatively unknown – wildlife spotting destination.”
Getting there & Seasonality:
The nearest airport to Tanjung Puting National Park is Pangkalan Bun Airport (PKN) which has daily flights from Surabaya (SUB), East Java. Travellers coming from Bali can travel from Denpasar (DPS) airport to Pangkalan Bun with a short stopover in Surabaya.
From Pangakalan Bun Airport it is a twenty-minute drive to the houseboat pier.
Kalimantan has a tropical climate, with year round temperatures ranging from 20 – 30C and distinct wet and dry seasons. The best time to visit Kalimantan is from June to September when the weather is dry and, as a result, the orangutans and other wildlife are most visible. November to January are the wettest months and although travel is possible, it is not recommended. From February to May, rain is still present but much lighter, so travellers during these months still will likely see a variety of endemic species.
About EXO Travel:
EXO Travel is a premium Destination Management Company (DMC) providing bespoke travel solutions across a growing portfolio of global destinations. Our services range from one-off tours for individual travellers to memorable incentive trips for groups of hundreds or thousands.
Established in 1993, we’ve harnessed in-depth local knowledge and a widely-recognised penchant for authentic, groundbreaking touring to become a leading DMC for the premium travel market. As a Certified B Corporation, EXO is also demonstrably committed to sustainability and using travel as a force for good.
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