Looking for something different to add to your Indonesian travel itinerary? Consider including Tanjung Puting National Park on your list.
Known for its orangutan conservation areas, Tanjung Puting offers an unforgettable wildlife experience in Central Kalimantan or Borneo.
Beyond observing orangutans in their natural habitat, you can also experience staying aboard a traditional wooden riverboat called a klotok and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the tropical rainforest.
One of the most popular ways to explore Tanjung Puting is through a three-day, two-night (3D2N) klotok tour. In this guide, we'll explain the sample itinerary, why you should include this to your package, and the dos and don'ts there.
Things to Do on a 3D2N Tanjung Puting Klotok Tour
The 3D2N itinerary combines river cruising, orangutan observation, jungle trekking, and cultural exploration. This is a sample itinerary that you can offer to your clients.
Day 1: Pangkalan Bun – Tanjung Harapan – Night Trekking
The journey begins with a pickup from Pangkalan Bun, a village in Central Kalimantan, or the hotel, followed by a transfer to Kumai Port.
At the port, travelers meet the klotok crew, usually consisting of a guide, captain, co-captain, and chef. Before departure, the team provides a briefing about the itinerary and activities during the journey.
From Kumai, the boat travels approximately 1.5 hours toward Tanjung Harapan.
After lunch aboard the boat, travelers visit Tanjung Harapan, one of the orangutan conservation areas in Tanjung Puting National Park.
The visit includes a short jungle walk of approximately 15 minutes before reaching the designated orangutan observation area. Travelers can observe orangutans from designated benches, maintaining a safe distance of approximately 4–5 meters.
During scheduled feeding sessions, the staff provide food to the orangutans. Visitors are not allowed to feed them directly.
After spending approximately two hours in the area, travelers return to the klotok for refreshments and some leisure time.
Around 6 PM, the experience continues with an hour night trek through a different forest trail. This activity offers opportunities to spot nocturnal wildlife, including snakes, scorpions, spiders, and proboscis monkey called bekantan.
After the trek, travelers return to the boat for dinner. The klotok then continues toward the area near Pondok Tanggui, where travelers spend their first night aboard the boat.
Day 2: Pondok Tanggui – Camp Leakey
The second day begins with breakfast aboard the klotok before continuing toward Pondok Tanggui.
This conservation area is known for its orangutan population, including a male orangutan known as Atlas (the orangutan king per November 2026).
The journey also offers views of the black river, whose dark appearance comes from natural compounds in the surrounding peatland.
Upon arrival, travelers explore the conservation area and observe orangutans during their scheduled feeding time. The visit takes approximately three hours.
After returning to the boat for lunch, the journey continues toward Camp Leakey, another important orangutan research and conservation site. Historically, Camp Leakey was the first orangutan research and conservation center established in the area, before conservation activities expanded to Tanjung Harapan.
You may also encounter orangutans and other rainforest wildlife along the way if you're lucky! However, keep in mind that orangutans do not always appear at the feeding stations.
Why? There are several possible reasons, including the fruiting season, when wild fruits are abundant and orangutans may prefer foraging naturally in the forest rather than visiting the feeding stations.
Travelers continue on foot through the forest to reach the observation area, where they may encounter orangutans and other rainforest wildlife.
Following the visit, travelers return to the klotok and begin the journey toward the Kumai area, which takes approximately 3–4 hours.
Along the way, travelers may see traditional riverside houses and small local vendors selling snacks and drinks. Purchasing from these vendors is also a simple way to support the local community.
As the afternoon comes, travelers can enjoy the sunset over the river, followed by afternoon snacks and dinner aboard the boat in nipah area.
At night, the river experience continues with firefly watching, offering a peaceful end to the second day.
Day 3: Kumai – Betang Dayak House – Departure
After breakfast, the klotok returns to Kumai Port.
Travelers can freshen up before continuing to Betang Dayak House, where they can discover traditional Dayak architecture and cultural heritage.
Inside, visitors can see traditional clothing, weapons, accessories, and other cultural objects. The traditional house is also used for cultural ceremonies and welcoming guests.
Visitors can even take photographs wearing traditional Dayak clothing without an additional photography fee.
After the cultural visit, travelers are transferred to Pangkalan Bun or their hotel, marking the end of the Tanjung Puting experience.
Why Include Tanjung Puting in Your Indonesia Tour Packages?
Tanjung Puting is an excellent destination for travelers seeking nature, wildlife, and cultural experiences beyond Indonesia's more familiar destinations.
Here are several highlights that make this experience worth including in an Indonesia itinerary:
1. Orangutan Encounters in Their Natural Habitat
Tanjung Puting is home to several orangutan conservation areas, including Tanjung Harapan, Pondok Tanggui, and Camp Leakey. Visitors can observe orangutans during scheduled feeding sessions from designated viewing areas.
2. An Overnight Experience on a Traditional Klotok Boat
Rather than staying in conventional accommodation, travelers can have an extraordinary experience to spend their nights aboard a traditional wooden boat. The experience offers a closer connection to the surrounding rainforest, with the sounds of wildlife and the river creating a unique atmosphere.
3. Wildlife and Rainforest Exploration
Beyond orangutans, visitors may encounter proboscis monkeys, snakes, spiders, scorpions, and other rainforest wildlife. Night trekking also offers opportunities to observe nocturnal animals.
4. A Cultural Experience with the Dayak Community
Dayak is a community that lives in Kalimantan. The itinerary can also include a visit to Betang Dayak House, where travelers can learn about traditional Dayak architecture, clothing, weapons, and cultural heritage.
Important Things to Know Before Visiting Tanjung Puting National Park
To ensure a comfortable and responsible wildlife experience, travelers should be aware of several important guidelines:
- Visitors cannot touch, feed, or pose for photographs with orangutans.
- Follow the guide's instructions and remain in designated observation areas.
- Flash photography and loud noises are prohibited during orangutan observation.
- All waste must be managed responsibly.
- No swimming in the river: Swimming in the Sekonyer River is not permitted.
- We recommend you to bring a portable fan because temperatures aboard the klotok can become humid and fan availability may vary.
- Mobile phone signals may be available around certain areas but generally disappear deeper inside the forest.
- You can use drones but there will be additional fees and other regulations that you have to follow.
- Be prepared for possible flight schedule changes due to bad weather.
Partner with a Local DMC for Your Tanjung Puting Tour Arrangements
Organizing a multi-day wildlife experience requires coordination between local guides, boat crews, transportation providers, and conservation-area visits.
Working with a local destination management company helps travel agencies coordinate these arrangements and provide a smoother experience for their clients.
Looking for a local DMC in Indonesia to arrange your clients' Tanjung Puting and Borneo experiences? Contact our team to discuss your itinerary requirements, travel arrangements, and B2B partnership opportunities.
FAQ Tanjung Puting Orangutan National Park
1. Do we have to stay overnight on the klotok boat?
Yes. The 3D2N tour includes two nights aboard a traditional klotok boat.
2. Can we request specific meals on the klotok boat?
You cannot choose the menu, but you can inform the chef about food allergies or dietary requirements, such as vegetarian meals.
3. What is the best time to visit Tanjung Puting National Park?
The dry season, generally from May to September, is the best time to visit.
4. Can we bring food into the jungle?
No. Food is not allowed in the jungle, but meals are provided on the klotok boat before your visit.
5. Are orangutans dangerous?
Orangutans are wild animals, but visitors can observe them safely by maintaining a distance and following the guide's instructions. Touching them is prohibited.
6. Is Tanjung Puting suitable for elderly visitors?
Yes! The tour is suitable for elderly visitors, and many older travelers enjoy this experience.
7. Is Tanjung Puting suitable for children?
Yes! Children are welcome, but they should remain quiet and avoid making loud noises, especially when observing orangutans.
8. What other destinations can we combine with Tanjung Puting National Park?
You can combine Tanjung Puting with an East Java tour, including Mount Bromo, Ijen Crater, and Tumpak Sewu Waterfall. We recommend exploring East Java first before continuing to Central Kalimantan.
