Have you ever seen an orangutan in person? Or maybe interact directly with them? Maybe some of you have found an orangutan in a zoo.
Did you know that it is more exciting to watch orangutans in their natural habitat. It turns out that in Indonesia there is a national park, the first orangutan rehabilitation center.
This National Park has been established since 1937 under the name Sampit Wildlife Sanctuary which was established by the Dutch government. Then around the 70s it changed its name to the Tanjung Puting Wildlife Sanctuary.
It has an area of about 300,040 ha consisting of a production forest area of 90,000 ha and a water area of about 25,000 ha. So do not be surprised if this national park is a place to live a lot of flora and fauna.
Before visiting Tanjung Puting National Park, you will be invited to walk along the Sekonyer River with unspoiled views. The trip will be exciting and unforgettable because you will use a klotok boat.
The klotok boat is a traditional Kalimantan boat made using ironwood. The origin of the name klotok is because when it runs, the boat will make a klotok klotok sound.
The Tanjung Puting National Park area was closed for 8 months due to the Covid-19 pandemic, only to reopen on October 6 following the health protocols recommended by the government.
Namely, the number of visitors on the ship is limited, must wear masks, maintain distance, and must do a rapid test first. Currently, visitors are only allowed to visit only up to Tanjung Harapan.
Tanjung Puting National Park
Location of Tanjung Puting National Park
The location of Tanjung Puting National Park is administratively in Kumai District, West Kotawaringin Regency. As well as the Hanau, Sembuluh Lake, and Seruyan Hilir sub-districts in Seruyan Regency.
Route to Tanjung Puting National Park
The route to Tanjung Puting National Park from Iskandar Airport to Pangkalan Bun, then to Kumai port to then continue the journey along the Sekonyer River by using a klotok boat.
You will be accompanied by a guide during the trip to Tanjung Puting National Park, so you are invited to explore the natural wealth around it.
To get to Cape of Good Hope it takes about 2 hours of travel, it is said that the river you pass has crocodiles. So don’t be surprised if at any time you meet a crocodile swimming.
However, you don’t have to worry or be afraid. Just enjoy the unspoiled natural beauty when you walk along the Sekonyer River.
Tanjung Puting National Park Ticket
For those of you who come from outside the island of Borneo, it is better to visit several travel agents, to choose several tour trips to be followed. Travel parties usually provide trip packages for 3 days 2 nights, with various price and facilities offered.
Tanjung Puting National Park Attractions
Tanjung Puting National Park is often visited by both local and foreign tourists, because this tourist area has attractions such as:
- Down The Black River
The Black River is the name for the Sekonyer River because it is increasingly entering the Tanjung Puting National Park area, the river water is black due to the Tannins released by plants that inhabit the river.
Sekonyer River is the only way to Tanjung Puting National Plant, the natural atmosphere around the river is still very natural.
As far as the eye can see, only green plants line up neatly along the river. It feels more exciting because you are in a traditional Kalimantan boat, which has been equipped with a bathroom, a bed to rest and a place to eat.
Every now and then you will see animals such as proboscis monkeys, long-tailed monkeys, and even orangutans hanging from one tree to another. And also you also enjoy the change panorama
amazing day from aboard this klotok boat.
- Explore the Tanjung Harapan Camp
The first location you will visit is Tanjung Harapan, this location is a village where several residents live with the majority working as fishermen.
When you are in Tanjung Harapan, you will be invited to the information center about Tanjung Puting National Park and some of the existing animals.
Here you will be invited to go to the feeding area, where there you will be able to see a herd of orangutans hanging here and there.
- Visit Pondok Tanggui
To get to Pondok Tanggui from Tanjung Harapan, continue the journey by using a klotok boat again. The guide will take you on a night trekking through Pondok Tanggui, where you will find tarantulas, poisonous ants, and bobcats.
- Being at Camp Leakey
Camp Leakey is an orangutan rehabilitation center, you can find out information about Bornean orangutans, especially orangutans around Camp Leakey.
Travel Tips
For those of you who want to visit Tanjung Puting National Park, you should consider the following travel tips:
- Since you will be spending the night in an open boat, it is best to bring mosquito repellent.
- Use comfortable shoes for trekking in the middle of the forest, preferably using waterproof mountain shoes.
- While in the Feeding Area you are not allowed to feed the orangutans, make loud noises and try to touch the orangutans.
- Always keep the cleanliness and beauty of Tanjung Puting National Park.
- Avoid actions that can harm yourself or others.
- Get your camera ready to capture amazing things.
Closing
Indonesia’s natural beauty is truly extraordinary, we should be proud of it. But being proud is not enough, we must participate in maintaining and preserving the existing natural wealth.
Tanjung Puting National Park is one of the most amazing natural tourist areas in Indonesia, visit and witness the natural charm that is trying to be given.
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