Tanjung Puting Orangutan Safari – 4 Days Klotok River Adventure in Kalimantan Borneo

Overview

Itinerary

Day 1: Pangkalan Bun – Kumai – Tanjung Harapan (L, D)

Arrive at Pangkalan Bun (Iskandar Airport) and transfer to the port town of Kumai where your traditional Klotok wooden river boat awaits. Board your floating home for the next three nights — a two-deck boat with an open top deck for wildlife viewing, private sleeping area with mattress and mosquito net, Western toilet, and an onboard chef. Cruise up the Sekonyer River into the heart of Tanjung Puting National Park. As you glide through tea-colored waters, spot proboscis monkeys with their distinctive long noses, silver langurs, monitor lizards, and colorful kingfishers along the riverbanks. Arrive at Tanjung Harapan rehabilitation center in time for the 3:00 PM orangutan feeding. Watch as these remarkable great apes emerge from the forest to enjoy bananas and milk on the feeding platform. Candlelight dinner on the boat as fireflies begin their nightly dance. Overnight on the Klotok, serenaded by the sounds of the jungle.

Day 2: Camp Leakey – Pondok Ambung Night Walk (B, L, D)

After a hearty breakfast, cruise deeper into the national park as the river narrows and the jungle canopy closes overhead. The reflection of the dense rainforest on the dark water creates an almost surreal atmosphere. Arrive at the legendary Camp Leakey, the world-renowned orangutan research station established in 1971 by Dr. Birute Galdikas. Embark on a jungle trek through primary rainforest where researchers have studied wild orangutans for over five decades. Return to the feeding platform at 2:00 PM where you may encounter the famous “King of Camp Leakey” — a dominant male orangutan named Big Tom. After the feeding, cruise to Pondok Ambung research station. After dinner, join your guide for an exciting night walk through the jungle searching for nocturnal wildlife — glowing mushrooms, tarantulas, sleeping birds, mouse deer, and the tiny tarsier unique to this region. Overnight on the Klotok.

Day 3: Pondok Tanggui – Camp Pesalat – Sekonyer Village (B, L, D)

Cruise downstream to Pondok Tanggui, the third orangutan rehabilitation station, where adolescent and pre-wild orangutans learn survival skills before full reintroduction. After the 9:00 AM feeding, continue to Camp Pesalat, a reforestation site where you can plant your own native tree as part of the conservation efforts. Learn about the critical work being done to protect this fragile ecosystem. In the afternoon, visit Sekonyer Village along the river to meet the local community, browse handmade souvenirs, and gain insight into traditional Dayak river life. Cruise to the Nipa palm area for a second chance to see proboscis monkeys. As darkness falls, enjoy a final candlelight dinner while fireflies illuminate the nipa palms like living Christmas lights. Overnight on the Klotok in the Nipa forest.

Day 4: Sunrise Cruise – Kumai – Pangkalan Bun (B)

Wake early for a final sunrise cruise through the jungle waterways, often the best time for wildlife spotting as gibbons call and hornbills fly overhead. After breakfast, cruise back to Kumai, bidding farewell to your boat crew. Transfer to Pangkalan Bun Airport for your onward flight, carrying memories of one of the world’s most intimate wildlife encounters. If time permits before your flight, visit the local market or a traditional Dayak longhouse.

Price

Inclusions

• Private Klotok boat with Western toilet and shower
• Experienced English-speaking naturalist guide
• Boat captain, cook, and crew
• All meals on the boat (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks)
• Fresh drinking water, tea, coffee, and fresh fruits
• All Tanjung Puting National Park entrance and camera fees
• Orangutan feeding station donations (Camp Leakey, Tanjung Harapan, Pondok Tanggui)
• Jungle trekking and night walk as per itinerary
• Tree planting at Camp Pesalat
• Airport transfers from/to Pangkalan Bun (PKN)
• Sleeping mattress, pillow, mosquito net on Klotok
• Village visit donation

Exclusions

• Flights to/from Pangkalan Bun (PKN)
• Travel insurance (mandatory)
• Personal expenses, souvenirs, tips for guide and crew
• Alcoholic beverages
• Accommodation before/after the tour in Pangkalan Bun

Highlights

• Live aboard a traditional Klotok river boat through pristine Borneo jungle
• Visit the legendary Camp Leakey, the world’s foremost orangutan research center
• Witness wild and semi-wild orangutans at three different feeding stations
• Spot proboscis monkeys, silver langurs, gibbons, and over 200 bird species
• Brave a night walk through the jungle searching for tarsiers and glowing mushrooms
• Contribute to conservation by planting your own tree at Camp Pesalat
• Fall asleep to fireflies and the sounds of the wild Borneo rainforest

Data sourced from: The Abroad Guide, Local-Guides.org, orangutantourborneo.com, TourRadar, indotrek.com