How to Get to Tanjung Puting National Park
Tanjung Puting National Park is one of Indonesia’s most famous wildlife destinations and home to the endangered Bornean orangutan. Located in Central Kalimantan on the island of Borneo, the park attracts travelers from around the world who want to experience rainforest adventures, river cruises, and close encounters with orangutans in their natural habitat.
If you are planning a trip to Tanjung Puting, the first question is usually:
How do you actually get there?
This complete guide explains the easiest ways to reach Tanjung Puting National Park from Jakarta, Bali, Surabaya, Singapore, and other international destinations.
Where Is Tanjung Puting National Park?
Tanjung Puting National Park is located in Central Kalimantan, Indonesian Borneo. The main gateway town to the park is:
- Pangkalan Bun (also written as Pangkalanbun)
Most visitors fly to Pangkalan Bun and continue by car and traditional river boat, known locally as a klotok, into the national park.
Step 1: Fly to Pangkalan Bun (PKN)
The fastest and easiest way to reach Tanjung Puting National Park is by flying to:
Iskandar Airport (PKN) in Pangkalan Bun.
Several domestic airlines operate daily flights from major Indonesian cities.
Flights from Jakarta to Pangkalan Bun
Direct flights from Jakarta are the most popular option.
Airlines Serving the Route
- Batik Air
- Nam Air
Flight Duration
- Approximately 1 hour 20 minutes
Recommended Airports in Jakarta
- Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK)
Travel tip: Morning flights are recommended because most orangutan tours start around midday.
How to Get to Tanjung Puting from Bali
There are currently no regular direct flights from Bali to Pangkalan Bun.
Most travelers fly:
- Bali → Jakarta
- Jakarta → Pangkalan Bun
Alternative transit cities may include:
- Surabaya
- Semarang
Total travel time from Bali is usually between 5–8 hours depending on transit schedules.
How to Get to Tanjung Puting from Singapore or International Destinations
International travelers usually enter Indonesia via:
- Jakarta
- Bali
- Surabaya
From there, continue with a domestic flight to Pangkalan Bun.
Popular International Route
Singapore → Jakarta → Pangkalan Bun
If you are coming from Europe, Australia, the United States, or other Asian countries, Jakarta is generally the easiest transit hub.
Step 2: Transfer from Pangkalan Bun Airport to Kumai Harbor
Once you arrive in Pangkalan Bun, the next step is reaching Kumai Harbor.
Distance
- Approximately 20–30 minutes by car from the airport
Most orangutan tour operators include:
- Airport pickup
- Transfer to harbor
- Boat arrangements
This makes the journey smooth and convenient for travelers.
Step 3: Travel by Klotok Boat into Tanjung Puting
From Kumai Harbor, visitors travel into the national park by traditional wooden river boat called a klotok.
The klotok experience is one of the highlights of visiting Tanjung Puting.
What Is a Klotok?
A klotok is a traditional Indonesian river boat equipped with:
- Sleeping area
- Dining area
- Observation deck
- Toilet facilities
- Kitchen and crew
Many travelers choose liveaboard tours lasting:
- 2 days 1 night
- 3 days 2 nights
- 4 days 3 nights
How Long Does It Take to Reach the Orangutan Areas?
From Kumai Harbor:
- Tanjung Harapan Camp: around 2–3 hours
- Pondok Tanggui: around 4–5 hours
- Camp Leakey: around 6–8 hours
Travel time depends on river conditions and boat type.
Best Time to Visit Tanjung Puting
Tanjung Puting National Park can be visited year-round, but the dry season is usually the best time.
Dry Season (Recommended)
- June to September
- Less rain
- Better wildlife viewing
- More comfortable river cruising
Rainy Season
- October to May
- Greener rainforest
- Fewer tourists
- Occasional heavy rain
Orangutans can still be seen throughout the year.
Do You Need a Tour to Visit Tanjung Puting?
Yes, most travelers visit Tanjung Puting through organized boat tours.
Independent travel inside the park is difficult because:
- Transportation is river-based
- Accommodation is limited
- Feeding stations require guided access
- Logistics are easier with local operators
A quality tour usually includes:
- Airport transfer
- Klotok boat
- Meals
- Guide
- National park permits
- Accommodation onboard
What to Pack for Tanjung Puting
Here are essential items to bring:
Clothing
- Lightweight breathable clothes
- Long sleeves for mosquitoes
- Rain jacket
- Sandals or trekking shoes
Gear
- Camera with zoom lens
- Power bank
- Dry bag
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Hat
Health Essentials
- Personal medications
- Anti-motion sickness medicine if needed
- Reusable water bottle
Is Tanjung Puting Safe?
Yes, Tanjung Puting is generally considered safe for international and domestic travelers.
Experienced local guides and boat crews are familiar with the river system and wildlife areas.
Basic safety recommendations include:
- Follow guide instructions
- Do not feed wildlife
- Keep distance from orangutans
- Stay hydrated in tropical weather
Why Visit Tanjung Puting?
Tanjung Puting offers one of the best orangutan experiences in the world.
Highlights include:
- Seeing wild orangutans up close
- Exploring Borneo rainforest by boat
- Visiting Camp Leakey research station
- Spotting proboscis monkeys, hornbills, and crocodiles
- Sleeping on a traditional klotok boat
For nature lovers, wildlife photographers, families, and adventure travelers, it is truly a once-in-a-lifetime destination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Visit Tanjung Puting Without a Guide?
Technically possible, but highly impractical. Most visitors book guided klotok tours for convenience and park access.
How Many Days Do You Need?
The most popular option is:
- 3 days 2 nights
This allows enough time to visit the main orangutan feeding stations.
Is There Internet Inside the Park?
Mobile signal is limited and unreliable in many areas of the national park.
Are Orangutans Guaranteed?
Wildlife sightings can never be fully guaranteed, but orangutan encounters are very common in Tanjung Puting.
Book Your Tanjung Puting Orangutan Tour
Planning transportation, boats, permits, and logistics can be overwhelming for first-time visitors.
At OrangutanTour.co, we help travelers experience Tanjung Puting National Park safely, comfortably, and responsibly.
Our tours include:
- Airport pickup in Pangkalan Bun
- Traditional klotok boat cruise
- Professional local guides
- Orangutan feeding station visits
- Meals and accommodation onboard
- Flexible private and group tours
Whether you are traveling solo, with family, or with friends, we can help create the perfect Borneo orangutan adventure.
Ready to Explore Tanjung Puting?
Contact OrangutanTour.co today and start planning your unforgettable journey into the rainforest of Borneo.
