Looking to escape the traffic, crowds, and noise of the city? This Tanjung Puting Orangutan Tour is the perfect opportunity to disconnect from modern life and immerse yourself in the wild rainforests of Borneo.
Over the course of three days, you will cruise along the Sekonyer River aboard a traditional houseboat, explore the heart of Tanjung Puting National Park, and encounter orangutans, proboscis monkeys, and other wildlife in their natural habitat. Far from luxury resorts and busy tourist attractions, this journey offers a rare chance to experience one of Southeast Asia’s most important rainforest ecosystems.
You will spend two nights aboard a traditional houseboat, your floating home throughout the adventure. While the experience is intentionally close to nature, our crew will ensure your journey remains comfortable, safe, and enjoyable.
Join trips are available every weekend (Friday–Sunday).
Why book with us?
Our Tanjung Puting Orangutan Tours are designed to provide an authentic and comfortable way to experience the wildlife of Borneo. From river cruising aboard traditional houseboats to guided visits to orangutan rehabilitation centers, every aspect of the journey has been carefully arranged to maximize wildlife encounters while maintaining comfort and safety.
With experienced local crews, knowledgeable guides, and years of experience operating tours in Tanjung Puting National Park, we help ensure a smooth and memorable rainforest adventure from start to finish.
Looking for a longer Borneo adventure? You may also combine your Tanjung Puting Orangutan Tour with a visit to a traditional Dayak village on our 5D4N Tanjung Puting Orangutan & Dayak Tribe Tour.
Highlights:
- Cruise along the Sekonyer River aboard a traditional houseboat
- Visit Tanjung Puting National Park
- Observe orangutans in their natural habitat
- Visit Tanjung Harapan, Pondok Tanggui, and Camp Leakey
- Search for proboscis monkeys and other wildlife
- Sleep aboard a traditional river houseboat
- Explore one of Borneo’s most important rainforest ecosystems
- Ideal for wildlife lovers and nature enthusiasts
- Join trip departures available every weekend
Tour Itinerary
Day 1 : Pangkalan Bun – Kumai – Tanjung Puting National Park
Upon arrival at Pangkalan Bun Airport, transfer to Kumai Harbor and board your traditional houseboat.
Begin your cruise along the Sekonyer River into Tanjung Puting National Park. Visit Tanjung Harapan Camp to observe the afternoon orangutan feeding session before continuing deeper into the rainforest. Keep watch along the riverbanks for proboscis monkeys, macaques, hornbills, and other wildlife.
Overnight aboard the houseboat.
Day 2 : Tanjung Puting National Park
Enjoy breakfast while cruising toward Pondok Tanggui Camp for the morning orangutan feeding session. Continue with a short rainforest walk before proceeding to Camp Leakey, the most famous orangutan rehabilitation center in Indonesia. After lunch, observe the afternoon feeding session and learn about the conservation efforts taking place within the park. In the afternoon, continue cruising toward the nipa palm area.
Overnight aboard the houseboat.
Day 3 : Tanjung Puting National Park – Kumai – Pangkalan Bun
Enjoy breakfast while cruising back toward Kumai. Upon arrival, transfer by car to Pangkalan Bun Airport or your accommodation. End of tour.
Why Choose This Tour?
Tanjung Puting National Park is one of the best places in the world to observe wild and semi-wild orangutans in their natural habitat.
Unlike a traditional safari or zoo visit, this experience allows you to explore the rainforest by river, observe orangutans at multiple feeding stations, and encounter a wide variety of wildlife while staying aboard a traditional houseboat.
For travelers seeking a genuine wildlife experience in Indonesia, this Tanjung Puting Orangutan Tour remains one of the country’s most rewarding adventures.
Best Time to Visit Borneo
Tanjung Puting National Park can be visited throughout the year.
The dry season from May to October generally offers the most comfortable conditions for river cruising and wildlife observation, with less rainfall and calmer river conditions. The rainy season brings lush rainforest scenery and fewer visitors, although occasional heavy rain showers can occur.
As orangutans remain active year-round and feeding stations operate regularly, wildlife sightings are possible during any season.
- Pick up and drop off at Pangkalan Bun
- Shared/Private klotok houseboat and crews
- English speaking guide
- Seasoned cook
- Meals during the trip (2x breakfast, 2x lunch, 2x dinner)
- Unlimited mineral water, tea, and coffee
- Daily entrance tickets to the national park
- Flight tickets to and from Pangkalan Bun (PKN)
- Additional tour or services
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses (phone, minibar, internet, laundry, etc.)
- Tipping for driver and guide will be much appreciated
- Donations or camera fees at the national park (if any)
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I definitely see orangutans during the tour?
While wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed, orangutans are regularly seen at Tanjung Harapan, Pondok Tanggui, and Camp Leakey feeding stations, making sightings highly likely.
What wildlife can I expect to see besides orangutans?
In addition to orangutans, visitors frequently encounter proboscis monkeys, long-tailed macaques, gibbons, hornbills, kingfishers, crocodiles, and other rainforest wildlife.
What is a houseboat?
A houseboat, locally known as a klotok, is a traditional wooden riverboat used for exploring Tanjung Puting National Park. It serves as both transportation and accommodation during the river cruise.
Is sleeping on the houseboat comfortable?
Yes. Houseboats are equipped with mattresses, pillows, mosquito nets, toilets, dining areas, and experienced crews. While the experience is simple and close to nature, it is surprisingly comfortable for most travelers.
Can I stay at Rimba Orangutan Eco Lodge instead of sleeping on the houseboat?
Absolutely. While most visitors choose the traditional houseboat experience, Rimba Orangutan Eco Lodge is an excellent option for travelers seeking additional comfort and privacy.
Located on the edge of Tanjung Puting National Park, the lodge offers comfortable accommodation surrounded by rainforest while still providing easy access to orangutan feeding stations and wildlife viewing areas.
Due to the limited number of rooms, we recommend booking as early as possible. Upgrades are subject to availability and additional charges.
Are mosquitoes common in Tanjung Puting?
Yes. As with most tropical rainforest environments, mosquitoes are present. We recommend bringing insect repellent, lightweight long-sleeved clothing, and personal medication if required.
Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes. Families regularly join this tour, and the combination of wildlife encounters and river cruising is often very enjoyable for children.
Can I join a shared trip instead of booking a private houseboat?
Yes. Shared departures are available every weekend (Friday–Sunday), subject to availability.
What should I bring?
We recommend lightweight clothing, comfortable walking shoes, insect repellent, sunscreen, a hat, a reusable water bottle, rain protection, and a camera or binoculars for wildlife viewing.
Which Tanjung Puting tour do you recommend?
For travelers focused primarily on wildlife, our 3D2N Tanjung Puting Orangutan Tour is an excellent choice. However, if you would like to combine orangutan encounters with authentic Dayak cultural experiences, this 5D4N Tanjung Puting Orangutan & Dayak Tribe Tour offers a more comprehensive Borneo adventure.