Taman Nasional Tanjung Puting

Famous for its orangutan rehabilitation and conservation efforts, this park offers unique river safaris along the Sekonyer River. Visitors can observe...

Taman Nasional Tanjung Puting at a Glance

Location
Borneo's Rainforest Frontier, Indonesia, Southeast Asia
Coordinates
-3.059695, 111.968330
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Very Quiet
Malaria Risk
Moderate
Best Time to Visit
April to October (dry season) for Komodo, Sumatra, and Borneo wildlife.

Getting to Taman Nasional Tanjung Puting

Nearest airport: Bandar Udara Rahadi Oesman (KTG), 262 km away.

Nearest international airport: Bandar Udara Internasional Supadio (PNK), 431 km away.

Big Five in Taman Nasional Tanjung Puting

2 of the Big Five can be found here: Rhinoceros Hornbill, Sunda Clouded Leopard.

Weather & Climate in Taman Nasional Tanjung Puting

The warmest temperatures in Taman Nasional Tanjung Puting occur in May, averaging 26.9°C (up to 30.9°C). The coolest conditions are in July at 26.1°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in August with average rainfall of 206.5mm. Average humidity: 83.5%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 26.2°C (rainfall: 291.7mm)
  • February: 26.4°C (rainfall: 260.1mm)
  • March: 26.5°C (rainfall: 288.4mm)
  • April: 26.7°C (rainfall: 272.5mm)
  • May: 26.9°C (rainfall: 279.0mm)
  • June: 26.2°C (rainfall: 250.5mm)
  • July: 26.1°C (rainfall: 223.9mm)
  • August: 26.4°C (rainfall: 206.5mm)
  • September: 26.5°C (rainfall: 226.0mm)
  • October: 26.4°C (rainfall: 325.8mm)
  • November: 26.1°C (rainfall: 394.7mm)
  • December: 26.3°C (rainfall: 315.5mm)

Best Time to Visit Taman Nasional Tanjung Puting

The best months to visit Taman Nasional Tanjung Puting are January, February, March, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Good, temperature 26.22°C, rainfall 291.7mm, sunshine 7.6 hrs, humidity 87.3%
  • February: Good, temperature 26.45°C, rainfall 260.1mm, sunshine 7.7 hrs, humidity 86.6%
  • March: Good, temperature 26.5°C, rainfall 288.4mm, sunshine 8 hrs, humidity 87.1%
  • April: Good, temperature 26.68°C, rainfall 272.5mm, sunshine 8.4 hrs, humidity 87.7%
  • May: Good, temperature 26.86°C, rainfall 279mm, sunshine 8.4 hrs, humidity 87.9%
  • June: Good, temperature 26.19°C, rainfall 250.5mm, sunshine 8.8 hrs, humidity 87.7%
  • July: Good, temperature 26.07°C, rainfall 223.9mm, sunshine 9.2 hrs, humidity 85.7%
  • August: Good, temperature 26.37°C, rainfall 206.5mm, sunshine 9.2 hrs, humidity 83.5%
  • September: Good, temperature 26.51°C, rainfall 226mm, sunshine 8.6 hrs, humidity 83.5%
  • October: Good, temperature 26.43°C, rainfall 325.8mm, sunshine 7.9 hrs, humidity 86.2%
  • November: Good, temperature 26.13°C, rainfall 394.7mm, sunshine 7.3 hrs, humidity 88.9%
  • December: Good, temperature 26.29°C, rainfall 315.5mm, sunshine 7.7 hrs, humidity 87.8%

Wildlife in Taman Nasional Tanjung Puting

Home to 25 recorded species including 7 waterbirds, 6 iconic birds, 4 tropical birds, 3 birds of prey, 2 primates, 2 reptiles.

Recommended Packing List for Taman Nasional Tanjung Puting

Based on average temperature of 26.4°C, typical conditions, humidity 87%.

  • Lightweight breathable clothing - warm 26°C weather calls for light fabrics
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Taman Nasional Tanjung Puting

8 safari lodges available.

Other

Similar Parks in Borneo's Rainforest Frontier

Visitor Tips - Taman Nasional Tanjung Puting

Tanjung Puting offers an unparalleled, deeply personal encounter with orangutans in their natural habitat, a truly profound experience. The slow, immersive journey upriver on a traditional klotok boat, surrounded by the sounds of the jungle, feels luxurious and timeless, truly connecting you to the wild heart of Borneo.

Gate Times

Access to Taman Nasional Tanjung Puting is primarily via traditional klotok boat, and while there aren't traditional 'gate times' like a typical safari park, permits are absolutely mandatory. These must be arranged in advance, typically through your tour operator or the park office in Kumai. We strongly recommend booking your entire trip, including permits and klotok, several months ahead, especially if you plan to visit during the drier peak season from July to September. This ensures your entry and accommodation at the various rehabilitation camps like Camp Leakey.

Tipping

Tipping is customary and a meaningful way to show appreciation for the dedicated crew and guides who make your journey so special. For your klotok crew (captain and cook), we suggest around IDR 150,000-200,000 per day, per boat, to be shared amongst them. For your dedicated guide, IDR 100,000-150,000 per person, per day, is appropriate. We always prefer to hand tips directly to individuals at the end of the trip, in local currency, rather than leaving a lump sum.

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for Indonesia

Travel advisory for Indonesia

Taman Nasional Tanjung Puting FAQs

When is the optimal time to visit Taman Nasional Tanjung Puting for the best orangutan sightings and river safari conditions?

The dry season, typically from June to September, offers the most favorable conditions with less rain, lower river levels for easier navigation, and often more active wildlife. This period enhances your chances of clear views at the feeding stations and comfortable klotok boat travel.

What is the typical duration and daily itinerary of a klotok boat safari in Tanjung Puting?

Most visitors opt for a 3-day, 2-night klotok safari, which includes sleeping on the boat and daily excursions to orangutan feeding stations like Camp Leakey, Pondok Tanggui, and Tanjung Harapan. You'll spend your days cruising the Sekonyer River, observing wildlife from the deck, and trekking short distances to the feeding platforms.

What is the estimated cost for a multi-day klotok safari in Tanjung Puting, and what does it usually cover?

A private 3-day, 2-night klotok safari typically ranges from $400-$800 USD per person, depending on the boat's amenities and number of travelers. This usually includes all meals, park permits, a local guide, and accommodation on the boat, but often excludes flights to Pangkalan Bun.

Given the moderate malaria risk in Tanjung Puting, what specific health precautions are recommended for visitors?

While the risk is moderate, it's advisable to consult your doctor about antimalarial medication before your trip. Additionally, use insect repellent with DEET, wear long sleeves and pants, especially at dawn and dusk, and ensure your klotok boat has mosquito nets for sleeping.

Beyond the famous orangutans, what unique wildlife encounters can I anticipate during a river safari on the Sekonyer River?

Keep an eye out for the distinctive proboscis monkeys, often seen in large groups along the riverbanks, especially in the late afternoon. You'll also frequently spot long-tailed macaques and a stunning array of birdlife, including hornbills and kingfishers, making the river journey a continuous wildlife spectacle.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.