Imagine gliding along a serene river, surrounded by lush rainforests, with the distant calls of exotic wildlife echoing around you. Welcome to Tanjung Puting National Park—a place where nature’s beauty and conservation meet. Located in the heart of Central Kalimantan, Borneo, this is the world’s largest orangutan sanctuary, a haven for rare wildlife, and a must-visit for anyone who dreams of experiencing nature in its purest form.
Let’s explore why this iconic destination is more than just a national park it’s a window into the soul of one of the planet’s most precious rainforests.
A Historical Conservation Legacy
The park’s history dates back to 1937 when the Dutch East Indies government designated it as a nature and wildlife reserve. Later, on October 25, 1996, it was officially established as a national park. Covering an expansive 415,040 hectares (approximately 3,550 square kilometers), Tanjung Puting National Park consists of:
- 300,040 hectares of Wildlife Reserve
- 90,000 hectares of production forest
- 25,000 hectares of water area
The park is managed using a zoning system that includes core zones, jungle zones, traditional use areas, rehabilitation zones, and marine protected areas. These zones aim to conserve biodiversity, mitigate environmental threats, and support sustainable use.
Diverse Ecosystems Rare Wildlife
Tanjung Puting National Park hosts a remarkable range of ecosystems, such as:
- Lowland Tropical Rainforests: Towering trees teeming with wildlife.
- Peat Swamp Forests: Critical for carbon storage and biodiversity.
- Freshwater Swamp Forests: Home to numerous water-loving species.
- Mangrove Swamps: Vital nurseries for marine life.
- Dryland Forests: Supporting unique flora and fauna.
This ecological diversity supports over 38 species of mammals and 230 bird species. Rare and iconic species include:
- Orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus): The park houses 30,000-40,000 orangutans, making it the largest population in the world.
- Proboscis Monkeys (Nasalis larvatus): Known for their distinctive noses.
- Bornean Gibbons (Hylobates muelleri): Agile and vocal.
- Malayan Sun Bears (Helarctos malayanus): The smallest bear species.
- Sambar Deer (Rusa unicolor) and Muntjac Deer (Muntiacus spp.)
- Clouded Leopards (Neofelis diardi): Rare and elusive predators.
The park also boasts an impressive array of plant species, including:
- Pitcher Plants: Unique carnivorous plants.
- Keruing and Meranti Trees: Valuable timber species.
- Jelutung and Agarwood: Prized for their resin and fragrance.
This incredible biodiversity is not only a testament to nature’s resilience but also a vital resource for research, conservation, and tourism. The unique landscapes set the stage for one of the park’s most celebrated sites: Camp Leakey, the heart of orangutan rehabilitation.
Camp Leakey: The Heart of Orangutan Rehabilitation
Camp Leakey, established in 1971 by renowned primatologist Prof. Dr. Biruté Mary Galdikas, stands as a beacon of hope for orangutans. This center has rehabilitated countless orphaned and displaced orangutans, offering visitors an unparalleled opportunity to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
- Observe orangutans in their natural habitat.
- Participate in orangutan feeding sessions.
- Learn about the park’s conservation initiatives.
The journey to Camp Leakey is just as captivating as the destination itself. A klotok (traditional houseboat) ride along the Sekonyer River allows visitors to fully immerse themselves in Borneo’s lush rainforest.
Ecotourism and River Adventures
Exploring Tanjung Puting often begins with a journey on a klotok (traditional houseboat) from Kumai Port, gliding along the Sekonyer River. Visitors can enjoy:
- Multi-day Klotok Cruises: Sleep and dine on the boat while immersing in the natural surroundings.
- Tanjung Harapan Forest: A serene setting offering insights into orangutan rehabilitation.
Visitors can also engage with local communities through ecotourism programs, supporting alternative livelihoods and reducing reliance on activities like illegal logging.
The serene river journey offers a chance to spot proboscis monkeys swinging through mangroves, colorful kingfishers darting over the water, and even crocodiles basking on riverbanks.
“The Last Orangutan Sanctuary”
Tanjung Puting is affectionately called “The Last Orangutan Sanctuary,” providing a rare opportunity to witness Bornean orangutans in the wild. These intelligent primates share 97% DNA similarity with humans and are among the oldest evolutionary lineages of great apes, dating back 8-12 million years. As the world’s largest arboreal creatures, they are a testament to the park’s significance in global biodiversity conservation.
Prof. Dr. Galdikas, a pioneer in orangutan research and conservation, nicknamed the park “The Orangutan Capital of the World.” Alongside Dr. Jane Goodall and the late Dr. Dian Fossey, she is part of “The Trimates,” mentored by Dr. Louis Leakey. Her decades-long dedication has made Tanjung Puting a global symbol of conservation.
In 1991, following the World Great Apes Conference in Indonesia, Galdikas initiated ecotourism projects around the park to provide sustainable income for local communities. This effort has transformed Tanjung Puting into a premier destination for nature and wildlife tourism. The park has drawn notable visitors, including:
- Actress Julia Roberts (1997)
- Writer Sir Terry Pratchett (2012)
- Former U.S. President Bill Clinton (2014)
The park’s commitment to sustainable tourism earned it a Silver Medal at the 2018 Indonesia Sustainable Tourism Awards (ISTA).
Planning Your Visit To Tanjung Puting National Park
Reaching Tanjung Puting is an adventure in itself:
- Flights: Domestic routes connect Jakarta, Semarang, and Bali to Pangkalan Bun Airport in Central Kalimantan.
- River Journey: From Kumai Port, embark on a klotok ride up the Sekonyer River to key sites like Camp Leakey.
The best way to experience the park is through multi-day klotok tours, which allow visitors to fully immerse in the tranquility and beauty of Borneo’s rainforests.
Ready to experience the wonders of Tanjung Puting National Park?
Visit Indonesia Impression Tour to book your tailored Borneo tour adventure today. Discover the last sanctuary of orangutans, immerse yourself in the magic of Borneo’s rainforests, and support conservation efforts while creating lifelong memories.
Read more: Best things to do in Borneo.
