That morning, the sun over Pangkalan Bun had just peeked through the clouds when a car picked us up at the airport. My heart was already racing with excitement at the thought of the klotok journey along the Sekonyer River—a sight I had only known from photographs. At Kumai harbor, we were welcomed aboard a beautiful wooden boat that would be our home for the next two days.
As the engine roared to life, we slowly left the pier and entered the river passage flanked by nipah palms and mangroves. Fresh air mixed with the earthy scent of damp soil filled our lungs. That afternoon, our first meal on the boat was served—grilled fish, stir-fried vegetables, and sambal with just the right amount of heat. Eating while gazing at the calm river felt like a dream.
By late afternoon, we reached Tanjung Harapan, one of the orangutan feeding stations. After only a few minutes of waiting, a large female appeared with her baby. The atmosphere was hushed, broken only by the clicks of cameras and the gentle rustle of the wind. As dusk fell, our klotok docked by the riverbank for the night. We slept under mosquito nets, lulled by the symphony of the forest—crickets, night birds, and the occasional splash of fish.
The next morning, the journey continued to Pondok Tanggui. It felt like sneaking into a jungle: massive roots, humid air, and the unfamiliar calls of wild creatures. From there, we went on to Camp Leakey, the famed orangutan rehabilitation center. Watching the interactions between orangutans and rangers left me even more in awe of the conservation efforts taking place.
By late afternoon, we once again drifted down the river. This time, the water turned a deep black, like glass, reflecting the sky and forest around us. That moment became my favorite—quiet, peaceful, and mesmerizing.
This short trip made me realize that Tanjung Puting is not only about seeing orangutans, but about experiencing the wonder of Borneo’s tropical rainforest. Two days may feel brief, but every second was an unforgettable experience.