The national park is centered on Sabangau River, a blackwater river. It flows through the Kelompok Hutan Kahayan or Sabangau peat swamp forest (5,300 km2), between the Katingan and Kahayan rivers. The peat swamp forest is a dual ecosystem, with diverse tropical trees standing on a 10m – 12m layer of peat – partly decayed and waterlogged plant material – which in turn covers relatively infertile soil.
The severely degraded eastern part of the forest, between the Sabangau and the Kayahan, is officially designated for agriculture. However, since the failure of the Mega Rice Project, which drained large areas of peat forest in an attempt to create rice paddies, no further efforts are being made to make it suitable for this purpose.
However, the western part is now protected as either National Park or National Laboratory Research Area. A study of the area shows that the hydrological integrity of the forest has been maintained, and it is therefore ecologically resilient.
The forest is home to the world’s largest orangutan population, estimated at 6,910 individuals in 2003, and other rare or unique species. The total agile gibbon population in the Sabangau catchment is estimated to be in the tens of thousands.
Vulnerable bird species include the large green pigeon (Treron capellei) and possibly Storm’s stork (Ciconia stormi) and lesser adjutant (Leptoptilus javanicus). Efforts are underway to establish long-term ecological monitoring in the forest.
Additional information
| Location | Central Kalimantan, Palangkaraya |
|---|---|
| Groupsize | 2-10 |
| Includes | Transfer in and out from and to airport, Boat or Klotok, Guide (English), Cook, Meals (B,L,D) during the trip, Coffee or tea and mineral water, Ranger donation, Entrance permit. |
| Exludes | Airfares, Personal expenses, Additional tour, Porter, Personal insurance, Tipping |
Day 1: PALANGKA RAYA –PUNGGU ALAS CAMP
Our guide will meet you at the from airport or hotel in Palangkaraya and transfer by car to Kereng Pakahi village (approx 4 hours). Simple lunch in the warung on our way. On arrival at the jetty we will take a small motorized canoe to Sebangau National Park. Around 1 hour passing big dan small river we will arrive at the visitor centre and settling to the simple guest house provided for the guest. Optional soft trekking around the camp. [L/D]
Day 2: EXPLORING SEBANGAU NATIONAL PARK
After breakfast, accompanied by the ranger we will do some trekking into the forest to see the endemic vegetation. In the rainy season the trail is quite wattery, you will need a good trekking shoes and long trousers. Keep an eye out for the wildlife, such hornbills, ants nests, wild orangutans and their nests, monitor lizards, and many others. These sightings cannot be guaranteed because all the animal is wild. Back to the camp for lunch. After lunch take a motorized canoe to Panggu Alas Lake, further inside the Park. Look out for birds and do some traditional fishing for dinner . [B/L/D]
Day 3: PUNGGU ALAM CAMP - PALANGKARAYA
After breakfast, pack your bag and say goodbye to our new family in the camp. Simple lunch in the warung on the way. On arrival in Palangka Raya, check into your hotel or airport. See you next trip. (B/L)
Itineraries are samples only. Itineraries are subject to the starting port and to seasonal river conditions, but all offer the same experiences. Optional extra day on Jahanjang Village could be arrange.
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