That day, the sky over Pangkalan Bun was pale blue. The morning breeze carried a faint scent of the sea as we arrived at the Kumai pier. There, the klotok—our “floating hotel”—was already waiting. The captain and crew greeted us with warm smiles, and soon the boat’s engine began to hum softly.
As we entered the Sekonyer River, the scenery shifted. Nipah palms grew thick along the riverbanks, and every now and then a kingfisher darted past with its dazzling blue feathers. We sat on the upper deck, sipping hot tea while enjoying the breeze gently brushing against our faces.
By noon, we arrived at Tanjung Harapan. A wooden walkway led us into the forest, where the smell of damp earth welcomed us. At the feeding platform, a ranger laid out fruit. Just minutes later, a large male orangutan appeared. His movements were calm yet commanding. I stood transfixed, realizing how fragile and precious this creature truly is.
As dusk approached, the klotok anchored by the riverside. Dinner was simple yet comforting: warm rice, fried fish, stir-fried vegetables, and just the right amount of spicy sambal. That night, we slept under a sky full of stars, lulled by the sounds of the forest.
In the morning, birdsong and the gentle light of the sun woke us. Our second day’s journey began at Pondok Tanggui. The morning air was crisp, and there we encountered a mother orangutan with her playful baby. Afterward, we continued to Camp Leakey—a world-renowned center for orangutan rehabilitation.
The return journey became the most magical moment. The river, dark as ink, mirrored the forest and sky like a giant mirror. Everyone fell silent, as if not to disturb the serenity of the scene.
Two days in Tanjung Puting made me feel closer to nature. I was filled with gratitude for being able to witness such beauty firsthand, and a hope that the forest and its inhabitants will always be protected.