Borneo : Meeting the Last Semi-Wild Orangutans - Nomadays

Indonesia

Borneo : Meeting the Last Semi-Wild Orangutans

If you've ever dreamed of encountering orangutans in their natural habitat, you’ve come to the right place. In the heart of Tanjung Puting National Park, a UNESCO-recognized biosphere reserve in Indonesian Borneo, you'll have the chance to observe orphaned orangutans and other primates as they relearn life in the wild.

Tanjung Puting National Park was established largely thanks to the efforts of Dr. Biruté Galdikas, who founded the renowned "Camp Leakey," one of the first orangutan rehabilitatio...

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Pangkalanbun
25m-15km
Kumai
Tanjung Puting

Day 1Welcome to Borneo

Day 1Welcome to Borneo

  • Welcome services at Pangkalanbun airport by your English-speaking tour-guide, followed by a short transfer to the river port of Kumai. There, you’ll board your klotok, a traditional wooden boat unique to the rivers of Borneo. As you leave Kumai behind, you’ll quickly enter the Tanjung Puting National Park via the winding Sekoyer River.

    After about 1.5 hours of navigation, your first stop will be the Tanjung Harapan rehabilitation center, where you’ll have the opportunity to observe the first orangutans in their natural habitat.

    Continuing your journey, you’ll quietly explore the surrounding wildlife—proboscis monkeys, long-tailed macaques, exotic birds, and more—while gliding through the lush jungle.

    Dinner and overnight stay on board: enjoy comfortable mattresses, cushions, deliciously prepared meals, refreshing drinks, and protective mosquito nets, all while immersing yourself in the mesmerizing symphony of the jungle at night.

    The lower deck of the boat is equipped with a kitchen, a basic Western-style toilet, and a simple bathroom.

Meal and accommodations

Lunch: Made by your team

Dinner: Made by your team

Accommodation: On board

Tanjung Puting

Day 2A Journey Through the Jungle

Day 2A Journey Through the Jungle

  • Your adventure along the Sekoyer River unfolds as a tranquil glide along its banks, offering prime opportunities to spot wildlife in its natural habitat—river crocodiles, various species of monkeys, exotic birds, and more.

    The journey includes several stops for short hikes in the lush rainforest, where you’ll get the chance to observe orangutans at “Pondok Tanguy” and “Camp Leakey.” These easy walks (but be prepared for some mud so closed shoes are recommended), also reveal fascinating specimens of the region’s unique flora, including stunning carnivorous plants.

    As night falls, your boat docks at the river’s edge, allowing you to marvel at the breathtaking celestial canopy, illuminated by thousands of stars—a truly unforgettable experience.

    Throughout your journey, enjoy delicious meals prepared by your skilled onboard cook, adding a touch of comfort to your wild adventure.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Made by your team

Lunch: Made by your team

Dinner: Made by your team

Accommodation: On board

Tanjung Puting

Day 3Encountering with orangutans

Day 3Encountering with orangutans

  • Full day exploring the upper part of the river, where the banks narrow and the water runs crystal clear.

    Today, enjoy a longer trek through the forest in search of wild orangutans, birds, and other fascinating equatorial wildlife and plants.

    In the afternoon, observe orangutans at Camp Leakey.

    If the weather permits, take part in an additional activity: a night walk near Pondok Tanguy to spot nocturnal animals and glowing mushrooms, or a peaceful cruise to admire hundreds of fireflies.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Made by your team

Lunch: Made by your team

Dinner: Made by your team

Accommodation: On board

Tanjung Puting
Kumai
30m-15km
Pangkalanbun

Day 4See you soon in Borneo

Day 4See you soon in Borneo

  • Morning returns to the mouth of the Sekoyer River while observing the mangrove and nipah palm trees.

    From Kumai, short transfer to Pangkalanbun airport for your return flight.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Made by your team