Tanjung Puting National Park - Borneo River Cruise
Tanjung Puting National Park is where Kalimantan’s orangutan story captured the world’s imagination. In 1971, Dr. Biruté Galdikas established Camp Leakey in this pristine wilderness, launching what would become the longest continuous study of orangutans. Today, cruising the Sekonyer River aboard a traditional riverboat remains the most magical way to experience this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve—gliding past proboscis monkeys in riverside trees, through mirror-like blackwater rivers, to feeding stations where semi-wild orangutans live naturally in the forest. This is more than wildlife watching; it’s witnessing conservation history in action.
5-day and 4-day cruise options are available. Please contact us for more information.
Highlights
• Camp Leakey Legacy - Walk in the footsteps of Dr. Biruté Galdikas at the world’s oldest orangutan research station. Witness where five decades of groundbreaking research transformed our understanding of these remarkable apes and launched modern orangutan conservation.
• Blackwater Magic - Experience the iconic moment when the Sekonyer River transforms into liquid mirror—tea-dark waters reflecting towering trees in perfect symmetry. This hauntingly beautiful blackwater creates Tanjung Puting’s most photographed scenes.
• Wildlife Abundance - Beyond orangutans, discover proboscis monkeys with their distinctive noses, gibbons calling through the canopy, hornbills soaring overhead, and crocodiles basking on muddy banks. Tanjung Puting hosts extraordinary biodiversity at every river bend.
Airport or hotel pickup and transfer to Kumai port. Board your WOW Borneo riverboat and begin your journey into Tanjung Puting National Park. As the boat motors up the Sekonyer River, keep an eye out for proboscis monkeys and birds along the banks. Arrive at Tanjung Harapan, the first feeding station. Walk the forest boardwalk to the platform where rehabilitated orangutans come for supplementary feeding at 3pm. Spot wild orangutans, proboscis monkeys, and hornbills in the surrounding forest. Optional night walk to spot nocturnal wildlife. Dinner and overnight on board. (L/D)
After breakfast, the riverboat slowly cruises up the river, spotting wildlife along the forested riverbanks. The riverboat then turns off the muddy Sekonyer River as lunch is served. It slowly makes its way along the pure black waters of the side creek to access Camp Leakey. Dense vegetation is reflected perfectly in the tannin waters. Camp Leakey is where the older orangutans are reintroduced into the rainforest. On arrival, we take an easy forest walk to see the original research station and historical display and to see feeding time at 2 pm. Overnight on board. (B/L/D)
During your early breakfast, the riverboat cruises slowly downstream along the blackwater canal, spotting wildlife along the forested riverbanks, then turns into the muddy Sekonyer River. We are headed for Pondok Tangguy, the centre for new ex-captive orangutans, to see feeding time at 9 o’clock. On return to the boat, lunch is served as we continue slowly downstream spotting wildlife.
In the afternoon we visit Tanjung Harapan rehabilitation centre, witness feeding time at 3pm and take the opportunity to hike further into the forest. Overnight on the boat.
(NOTE: 3-day cruise end after lunch. We arrive in Kumai Harbour, check out at 2pm.)
The boat cruises upstream early in the morning for a full-day trek from Pondok Tangguy, accompanied by the ranger. On the way, keep an eye out for wildlife in this area of secondary forest. We take a packed lunch to have in the forest. Return to the boat for dinner and overnight in a quiet location on the river.
(NOTE: 4-day cruise finish after lunch. The boat slowly cruises along the Sekonyer River. This is the last opportunity for wildlife spotting along the mangrove riversides. After lunch, we arrive in Kumai Harbour. Check out at 2pm.)
Enjoy your breakfast on board. The boat cruises slowly along the Sekonyer River, giving you more opportunities to spot wildlife as we enjoy the final lunch on board. After lunch, we arrive in Kumai Harbour. Check out at 2pm.
TOUR END
Your car awaits for transfer to Pangkalan Bun airport or your hotel.
Itineraries are subject to change.
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WOW Borneo's intimate fleet of traditional riverboats offers an authentic way to explore the rainforests and waterways of Kalimantan. Blending locally crafted heritage with modern comforts, each small vessel features air-conditioned cabins, welcoming open-air spaces, and experienced local crews, providing immersive wildlife encounters, cultural experiences, and environmentally responsible journeys through some of Borneo’s most remote and biodiverse landscapes.
The Spirit of Kalimantan
The Spirit of Kalimantan is an elegant four-cabin river cruiser designed to combine authentic Bornean character with modern comfort. Ideal for exploring the remote waterways of Central Kalimantan, the vessel features spacious air-conditioned ensuite cabins, a fully screened saloon, open-air viewing decks, and a rooftop observation area for panoramic jungle views. Thoughtfully designed for relaxation and discovery, it offers a comfortable base for immersive wildlife encounters, cultural experiences, and scenic cruising through some of Borneo's most untouched landscapes.
Rahai’i Pangun
Rahai’i Pangun is a beautifully restored heritage riverboat that combines the charm of traditional Bornean craftsmanship with modern comfort. Once a working cargo and passenger vessel, it has been transformed into an intimate eco-cruiser featuring four comfortable air-conditioned cabins, inviting indoor and outdoor living spaces, and a spacious upper viewing deck. Designed for relaxed exploration, the vessel offers an authentic way to discover Central Kalimantan's rivers, wildlife, and local culture while enjoying thoughtful amenities and a warm onboard atmosphere.
Kumai
Kumai is an intimate eco-cruiser that blends traditional Bornean boatbuilding with modern sustainable design. Originally a high-prowed fishing boat, it has been beautifully transformed into a comfortable six-guest vessel featuring solar-powered systems, three air-conditioned ensuite cabins, and inviting outdoor living spaces. Ideal for exploring the rivers and rainforests of Central Kalimantan, Kumai offers a relaxed and environmentally conscious way to experience Borneo's remarkable wildlife, pristine waterways, and rich natural beauty.
The Spirit of Lamandau
The Spirit of Lamandau is a modern river cruiser designed to deliver an intimate and comfortable journey through the waterways of Central Kalimantan. Accommodating just a small number of guests, the vessel features spacious air-conditioned ensuite cabins, inviting communal lounges, expansive viewing decks, and solar-powered systems for environmentally responsible cruising. Combining modern comforts with authentic river exploration, it offers an ideal base for discovering the remarkable wildlife, rainforest, and culture of Tanjung Puting National Park.
Sekonyer
Sekonyer is a traditional klotok riverboat offering an authentic and intimate way to explore the jungles of Kalimantan. This 18-metre vessel combines classic Bornean boat design with modern comforts, featuring three air-conditioned ensuite cabins, solar-powered systems, and a welcoming open-air upper deck furnished with rattan seating and dining areas. Perfect for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers, Sekonyer provides a relaxed and immersive journey through Tanjung Puting National Park, bringing guests closer to Borneo’s extraordinary landscapes and wildlife.
Inclusions
• English speaking guides
• All meals, snacks and non-alcoholic drinks during the cruise
• All side trips and tours on your itinerary including entry fees to national parks and reserves, and payments to villages
• All ground transport including transfers to and from your hotel or airport (only on the first day and last day of your trip)
Exclusions
• Airfares
• Hotels
• Travel insurance (mandatory)
• Alcoholic beverages
• The cost of items you may wish to purchase, such as handicrafts during village visits
• Gratuities for your guide and crew (not compulsory but always welcome)
River Boat
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