Tanjung Puting National Park is a lush rainforest that is home to the last remaining wild orangutans in the world. This ecotourism destination in Indonesia's Central Kalimantan province offers visitors a unique opportunity to not only observe these great apes in their natural habitat, but also learn about conservation efforts to protect the rainforest and its biodiversity. Visitors can also take guided boat tours through the park's rivers and visit the camp of legendary conservationist Dr. Biruté Galdikas. With its stunning natural beauty, Tanjung Puting National Park is a must-visit destination for any nature lover and conservation enthusiast.
From Iskandar Airport, visitors can take a taxi or bus to Pangkalan Bun, the closest city to Tanjung Puting National Park. From there, visitors can take a boat or klotok to the park's main entrance.
The best time to visit Tanjung Puting National Park is during the dry season, from May to September.
Tanjung Puting National Park experiences a tropical rainforest climate, with high humidity throughout the year. The average temperature is around 28°C (82°F) with the highest temperatures occurring in September and October. The rainy season occurs from November to April, with heavy rainfall and occasional floods.
Accommodation options range from basic guesthouses to luxury eco lodges, with prices starting at around $20 per night and going up to $200 per night.
Local food is relatively inexpensive, with street food and small restaurants offering meals for as little as $1.50. Western-style restaurants can be more expensive, with prices ranging from $5-15 per meal.
Tanjung Puting National Park is generally considered safe. However, visitors should be aware of pickpocketing and petty theft in crowded areas, and should take precautions when travelling alone at night.
The population in Central Kalimantan is primarily made up of indigenous Dayak people, with smaller populations of Javanese and Chinese Indonesians. Bahasa Indonesia is the official language, but Dayak people may also speak their own tribal languages. The majority of the population practices Islam, but there are also significant Christian and animist populations.
Common activities for tourists in Tanjung Puting National Park include guided boat tours, wildlife observation, and hiking. Visitors can also visit the Dr. Biruté Galdikas camp to learn more about orangutan conservation efforts.