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Orangutan: literally means Man or person: ( Orang ) Forest: ( Hutan )
Man of the Forest
These wonderful primates are thought to be the closest relatives to humans, sharing 97% of DNA. Observing these orangutans in their natural environment is one of the most magical experiences you can have.
Found now only on the islands of Borneo and Sumatra, Orangutans are critically endangered. Habitat loss and poaching continue to push not only orangutans, but entire ecosystems of flora and wildlife to extinction.
Very informative websites below:
Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation:
Borneo Nature Foundation:
http://www.borneonaturefoundation.org/en/about/contact/
SOS- Sumatra Orangutan Society:
Orangutan Information Center Sumatra:
https://rainforestprojects.org/project/orangutan-information-centre-oic/
Tanjung Puting National Park, Central Kalimantan (Indonesian Borneo)
For many years, I have felt so privileged to have traveled to Tanjung Puting- a river journey by local boats called klotoks to see orangutans, gibbons and proboscis monkeys and where you can learn about conservation efforts to protect what is left of this magical national park.
Click Below to see more about my return visit to Tanjung Puting in 2019:
https://alamasia.net/revisting-orangutans-and-tanjung-puting/
Friends of Nature, People and Forests (FNPF) continues their work with reforestation and education:
Learn more: www.fnpf.org
Travel to Tanjung Puting:
Fly to Pangkalanbun (PKN) in Central Kalimantan.
Direct flights operate from either Jakarta, Surabaya or Semarang on Java.
If coming from Bali, you need to count on an overnight on Java prior. Often an early morning flight into Pangkalanbun will allow you to transfer from airport direct to your klotok at the harbour in Kumai.
Flight schedules can change frequently so it is best to be flexible.
Semarang on the north Central Java coast is a former 17th century trading post with a renovated Old Town of former Dutch architecture, making it an interesting city to visit exploring heritage and local food.
Located on the northern train-line routes, you can travel on comfortable Indonesia trains westward from Semarang to Jakarta via the historical towns and batik centers of Pekalongan and Cirebon. Or train eastward to Surabaya and beyond.
Semarang is also a few hours by road north of Borobudur and Yogyakarta if wishing to combine the amazing sites there.
Accomodations in Tanjung Puting:
EcoLodges Indonesia operates The Rimba Lodge and they can arrange all your transport, guiding and park entry needs.
See more on:
https://ecolodgesindonesia.com/rimba-ecolodge-orangutan-tours-indonesia/
Klotoks with sleeping arrangements on board are also available.
Join-in or private programs can also be arranged with Be Borneo:
https://beborneo.com/
April- May is an ideal time to visit following the heavier rainy season. Forests feel fresh and you may get some short refreshing rains cooling off the heat.
June is beginning of drier season before the busier crowds of peak season during July- August.
Starting in September into the dry season, Borneo may be at risk for forest fires and poor air quality which can affect air travel. Rains usually start up again by November- December.
Another Option:
Include Visits to Dayak Communities near Palangkaraya in Central Kalimantan:
Travel to Palangkaraya in Central Kalimantan- a gateway to visiting Dayak communities and also to visit the Orangutan Rehabilitation work by BOS- Borneo Orangutan Survival.
Combine a cruise with small luxury boats of:
www.wowborneo.com
Central Borneo Tours:
introducing Dayak Culture and Nature
and read about Siti- a Dayak Dancer’s Dream and the Spirit of Hornbill Dance Academy:
http://centralborneoguide.com/about/central-borneo-guide/
More on Primate Protection:
IPPL- International Primate Protection League has been dedicated to primate protection work worldwide since 1973.
See their inspiring website: https://www.ippl.org/gibbon/
Further Reading:
Reflections of Eden: My Years with the Orangutans of Borneo- Birute Galdikas, 1996
Palm Oil- addressing the complexity and how the world got hooked:
https://www.theguardian.com/news/2019/feb/19/palm-oil-ingredient-biscuits-shampoo-environmental
Campaign for Sustainable Palm Oil:
Read more from Orangutan Land Trust: https://www.orangutanlandtrust.com/palm-oil
Rimba: the story of a Guardian Spirit Orangutan.
Children nowadays are faced with real fears about deforestation and climate change. This is the story that tells them they can do something about what is happening- however small:
www.the-rimba-book.com
Click Below to see more about my return visit to Tanjung Puting in 2019:
https://alamasia.net/revisting-orangutans-and-tanjung-puting/
