3 Days - 2 Night Orangutan River Adventure
Embark on an unforgettable 3-day journey deep into the lush rainforests of Kalimantan, where the mighty Sekonyer River winds through the heart of Tanjung Puting National Park. This river adventure offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the endangered Bornean orangutan in its natural habitat while immersing yourself in the untouched beauty of Borneo's jungle.
As you glide along the calm river aboard a traditional klotok boat, you’ll be enveloped by the sights and sounds of the rainforest — from exotic bird calls to the rustle of proboscis monkeys in the treetops. This intimate experience blends wildlife encounters, breathtaking landscapes, and meaningful conservation insights, making it perfect for nature lovers, photographers, and adventure seekers alike.
Enjoy delicious local cuisine on board, sleep under the stars to the rhythm of the jungle, and visit iconic feeding stations where rehabilitated orangutans swing down from the canopy for a closer look. Whether you’re here to relax, explore, or be inspired by nature’s resilience, this river safari will leave you with lasting memories and a deep appreciation for Borneo’s wild spirit.
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival at Airport – Kumai – Tanjung Harapan (Camp 01)
As you land at Iskandar Airport in Pangkalan Bun, your adventure begins. Our friendly local guide will be waiting to greet you with a warm welcome. From the airport, you’ll travel by private car to Kumai Port, the gateway to your river journey. There, your traditional wooden houseboat — called a klotok — will be ready to take you deep into the heart of the Bornean rainforest.
Once aboard, the journey continues as we slowly cruise along the Sekonyer River, surrounded by lush mangroves and the calls of tropical birds. The boat ride to Tanjung Harapan Camp takes approximately 2 hours, giving you the perfect opportunity to relax, breathe in the fresh jungle air, and enjoy the changing scenery.
Upon arrival at Tanjung Harapan, a hearty lunch will be served onboard, featuring local cuisine prepared fresh by our boat crew. After lunch, we begin a short jungle trek of about 1 kilometer to reach the orangutan feeding station. At exactly 3:00 PM, you’ll witness one of the most moving moments of the trip — orangutans descending from the treetops to receive supplementary feeding. This experience offers a close-up view of these majestic, endangered creatures in a semi-wild environment, under the protection of the Tanjung Puting National Park.
After your visit with the orangutans, we return to the klotok and continue cruising downriver. As the sun begins to set, the riverbanks come alive. You’ll see troops of Proboscis monkeys, known for their large noses and potbellies, leaping between the trees or resting for the night — a rare and amusing sight. While wildlife watching, you’ll also be served afternoon snacks and drinks to enjoy the golden hour from the deck.
In the evening, your dinner will be served onboard under the stars, surrounded by the tranquil sounds of the rainforest. You’ll sleep overnight on the boat, with a comfortable mattress, mosquito net, and the gentle sway of the river lulling you into a peaceful rest — a truly immersive experience in nature.
Day 2 - Pondok Tanggui & Camp Leakey (Camp 02 & 03)
After a peaceful night on the boat, you’ll wake up to the sounds of the jungle — chirping birds, rustling leaves, and maybe even the distant call of a gibbon. Following a freshly prepared breakfast onboard, we set off toward Pondok Tanggui, also known as Camp 02.
This camp is home to many semi-wild orangutans who have been rehabilitated and now roam freely within the forest. We’ll arrive just in time for the morning feeding, which takes place between 09:00 and 11:00 AM. Watching these gentle apes descend from the canopy for their food is a truly memorable and often emotional experience.
Once you're ready, we’ll return to the klotok and continue our river journey deeper into the national park. The destination this time is the legendary Camp Leakey (Camp 03) — the most famous orangutan research and rehabilitation center in Tanjung Puting, founded by renowned primatologist Dr. Biruté Galdikas.
While cruising upstream, enjoy a relaxing lunch on the boat, surrounded by views of the dense jungle and the occasional wildlife sightings along the riverbanks.
Upon arrival at Camp Leakey, we’ll embark on a short trek of about 3 kilometers into the forest to reach the feeding station, where another orangutan feeding session takes place around 2:00 PM. Camp Leakey is known for its older, long-rescued orangutans, and sometimes wild ones too — so this encounter can be quite special and unpredictable.
After spending time observing the orangutans, we make our way back to the boat. The rest of the afternoon is yours to unwind — read a book on the deck, sip coffee while birdwatching, or simply reflect on the incredible experiences so far.
As night falls, your dinner will be served on the boat, and you'll once again sleep onboard, gently rocked by the rhythm of the river under the starlit Bornean sky.
Day 3 - Flexible Exploration & Return to Airport
On your final day, you’ll enjoy a light breakfast aboard the boat as the sun rises over the calm waters of the Sekonyer River. Depending on your flight schedule and preferences, this day is designed to be flexible.
If time allows, we can take you on a short village tour — visiting a local riverside community to gain insight into the traditional way of life in Kalimantan. It’s a chance to meet friendly locals, see wooden stilt houses, and perhaps shop for handmade crafts or local snacks.
Alternatively, if your departure is scheduled earlier in the day, we’ll head directly back to the port of Kumai, cruising downriver while enjoying the last peaceful views of the jungle. From the Kumai port, a car will transfer you to Iskandar Airport (PKN) in Pangkalan Bun for your flight home.
Though your journey may be short, the memories of orangutans, lush rainforest, and river adventures will stay with you for a lifetime.