Tanjung Puting, Home to the Amazing Orangutans
Relax on board your boat and take in the sights of monkeys jumping from tree to tree. The park is home to around eight species of monkeys including the very distinctive proboscis monkey, with its distinctive long nose it is sure to grab your attention. Try to spot wild orangutans swinging through the thick and lush vegetation. Remember to keep your eyes out for crocodiles too, they might be hard to spot but they’re definitely there! As well as this, the park is also a haven for over 220 species of birds.
Camp Leakey, the Orangutans Preservation
One of the main attractions of Tanjung Puting is Camp Leakey, the orangutans preservation. The camp was founded in 1971 as a haven for orangutans rescued from domestic capture. Today the camp remains a center of research of these amazing animals. Learn more about orangutans at the Camp Leakey information center. The daily feedings of wild orangutans will be the highlight of your visit as you will most likely get to see wild orangutans up close in their natural habitat. Camp Leakey was named after Dr Louis Leakey, the mentor of one of the camps founder’s Professor Birute Galdikas.
Pondok Tangui is also a rehabilitation center for ex-captive orangutans located in the park which has daily feedings of the apes. At both center, you will get the chance to see these amazing primates up close and learn more about how we can protect this endangered species of Borneo island. The park is also home to monkeys, birds and other wildlife, not to mention the pristine vegetation of the jungle itself. This is a world famous natural treasure which attracts a growing number of international visitors each year.
Get Around
In the jungle there is no other option but to get around by foot so a visit to Tanjung Puting will involve walking in the great outdoors. As you trek through the tropical surrounds you’ll need to keep your eyes peeled for orangutans, monkeys, bush pigs and wild deer as you go. Search for native wildlife sites including the great bird life while you take in the sights of a truly exotic tropical jungle.
Walks can be tailored to your level of fitness so discuss the different options with your guide before you set out. While you are staying on the river, traditional boats called klotoks will transport you around.
Get There
To explore the park, visitors must take a boat down the Sekonyer River from Pangkalan Bun. These boats will accommodate you for the duration of your stay in Tanjung Punting. Flights run from Jakarta and other major cities to Pangkalan Bun daily.
A number of tour operators run cruises from Pangkalan Bun down the river. If you pre-arrange your tour, the tour operator will pick you up from the airport and transport you straight to the river.
