Borneo Orangutan Tour in Tanjung Puting

You can visit Tanjung Puting throughout the year. The temperature is rather constant and while it is often raining in Kalimantan, historically the most dry period has been July-September and the most wet period has been January and February. However, in recent years the rainfall has been unpredictable, so the above should not be delt with too strictly.

Partly for the above reason, the most popular period to visit Tanjung Puting among travelers is July and August. However, we want to emphasize that besides the weather advantages of this period, there are several downside of doing your tour during July - September:

• It is very crowded, which obviously spoils for some the experience.
• It is relatively expensive.
• Although it is called a 3D2N tour, all boats (for any operator) will leave the national park on the last day already in the morning.
• Under the event of a force majeure (such as a break-down of the boat engine) it becomes difficult for any tour operator to hire another boat (which can easily be done for months outside July-September). We will then hire a quite expensive speedboat and let clients stay overnight in the Rimba Lodge. Despite the high cost of this scenario (which we take on us), it also not a satisfactory experience for clients, which makes it a lose/lose situation.

Considering the crowds and the value for money, in our opinion the best time to visit Tanjung Puting is in the shoulder months October - December and March - June.

Most travelers however do not have much flexibility and are restricted to the high season period. As long as you manage your expecations that it will be crowded and that you return early on the last day, you will still have a wonderful experience!

Start. In order to see the feeding at Tanjung Harapan - which starts at 3pm - we need to leave Pangkalan Bun latest at 11:30 am.

In case you stay overnight in Pangkalan Bun (recommended), the tour usually starts after your breakfast but no later than 11:30 am in order to arrive at the first feeding station before 3pm. Our guide will align the exact pick-up time with you ahead of the tour.

In case you arrive in Pangkalan Bun on the same day that your tour starts, we pick you up at the airport and start the tour immediately. Any arrival time in the morning is fine. We can also accommodate (but not advice) an arrival after noon, but then you obviously will have less time in the park.

End. The tour ends after breakfast on the last day. We will leave Tanjung Puting national park around 9 am, and you will be dropped at your hotel or at the airport latest around 11 am. In case you have an early flight to catch, no worries, we will make sure that you will arrive at the airport on time. In case you have a later flight, we will always try to stretch the tour but cannot guarantee this.

3D2N. We advice to take the 3D2N tour if you want to see as much as possible in as little time as possible. It is fantastic value for money as you get to see all feeding stations in Tanjung Puting. Unfortunately, you will not have any time for a short trek, or a night trek.

4D3N. The 4D3N tour we advice to anyone who would like to take the time in Tanjung Puting and is especially interested to combine visiting the feeding stations with short jungle treks, a night trek, and visiting a reforestration site as well as the Sekonyer village.

5D4N. The 5D4N tour we advice to anyone that is more adventurous, is into a long jungle trek, together with rangers in a very remote and untouched jungle. At the end of the jungle trek, we return to our boat by a canoe through a small river in the dense jungle. There are no other activities in Tanjung Puting that will take you further away from the crowd than this trek, but be prepared to get a little bit dirty.

We advise to at least book a hotel before the start of your tour. Not only because this allows you to start your tour rested, or spend more time in Tanjung Puting but also because of the risk of delayed flights.

Because the tour ends early on the last day, there is no need to stay overnight at the end of the tour, except if you would like to rest and enjoy a hot shower before flying to your next destination.

Don't worry if you don't have the possibility to stay before or after the tour in Pangkalan Bun (we are used to this anyways!), but then please make sure that your flight arrives in the morning.

Recommended hotels in the top, middle and budget segment are the Grand Kecubung Hotel , Arsela Hotel and Hotel Bahagia , respectively.

This is one of the things we try to stand out with!

Our goal is to spoil our guests with mouthwatering, delicious meals. Every meal should be another bombshell of creativity, because we realize that nothing is as good as having a delicious meal in the heart of the jungle after an exciting trek.

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner are served in the top deck on the dining area, while the fingerfood, snacks and drinks are served throughout the day, typically in the lounge area where you sit. You’ll have access all day to tea and coffee.

Do you have any dietary wishes? No worries, we have that all the time. Just let know about it and we'll take care of it!

The boat is a traditional Klotok wooden river boat.

We use only very comfortable Klotoks, with Western toilets and a shower, as opposed to an Indonesian toilet or a basket of water to shower in.

There is a top deck exclusively for you, with a dining table in the back, a lounge area in the front and mattrasses under a mosquito net that will be prepared for you in the evening. The crew is in the bottom deck.

For individuals and couples the classical Klotok dimension of 12m (long) x 2m (wide) is used. For group sizes from 3 to 6 people, the very comfortable boats with the dimensions 17m x 3m boats are used.

That is highly unlikely.

The river is quite still, and small waves are only occasionally created by passing boats.

We have never had sea sick clients on our boats. But in case you are concerned about it, we advice you to book the big boats as these are even more steady than the smaller ones. Please notice that this comes with a surcharge; send us an email for more information.

With the 4D3N and 5D4N tours we offer night treks! Usually, we do this around Pondok Ambung.

In case you do a 3D2N tour, a night trek is not part of our itinerary because of the little time. However, please do express your wish for a night trek so that we can try to accommodate this, but cannot guarantee. Please discuss this wish also upon your arrival in Pangkalan Bun directly with your guide to discuss the possibilities on the spot.

The main reason people visit Tanjung Puting is because of the Orangutans, the park is also home to the bizarre looking proboscis monkey with its “Jimmy Durante” nose as well as seven other primate species. Clouded leopards, civets, and Malaysian sun bears cavort in the park, as do mouse deer, barking deer, sambar deer, and the wild cattle known as banteng.

There are over 230 species of birds, including hornbills, deep forest birds, and many wetland species. Tanjung Puting is well known for its “bird lakes,” seasonal rookeries for a half a dozen species of endangered waterbirds, including the only known Bornean nesting grounds for white egrets.

Among the most flamboyant of these animals are the many species of colorful birds, butterflies, and moths found in the Park.

Tipping is common in Indonesia, and the staff will be extremely happy and flattered if you decide to do so, but it is of course voluntary and not expected.

There is no rule for how much to tip, as it really depends on how satisfied you are with the service and on your budget. Some clients really insist to get an indication, so we will give the rule of thumb that for every day you may consider tipping your guide 100.000 IDR and 50.000 IDR to your cook, captain and boat helper.

Please consider this very indicative, and deviate from it as you wish or depending on your budget. In the end, any amount is really appreciated.

Among the best places in the world to see orangutans, are Gunung Leuser National Park (Sumatra) and Tanjung Puting National Park (Kalimantan). We offer tours in both places with certified, local guides.

Both are quite well accessible by air from Jakarta. Which of the two is better, depends on your personal interests and on your budget.

Generally speaking, orangutan tours in Bukit Lawang are suitable for adventurous travelers that like relatively long treks, are in shape, would like to combine it with other activities (volcanoe treks, relaxing at Lake Toba, visiting villages, etc.) and/or have a lower budget. The transportation is by foot and the accommodation is typically in basic jungle camps.

In contrast, the orangutan tours in Tanjung Puting are by boat as you cruise through the river, and the occassional treks are very easy and short, and the accommodation is typically on the boat. Although this cruise is still relatively cheap for Western standards, it is 2 to 3 times more expensive than the jungle treks in Bukit Lawang. Also, there are fewer activities around Tanjung Puting National Park, than around Gunung Leuser National Park.

For more information about the jungle treks in Bukit Lawang as well as the tour packages we offer there, click here

Here are a few additional tips that you may enhance your tour experience:

1. Although Indonesia is famous for its coffee, in our experience, tourists do not like the standard coffee served at homes or in the boat, which is basically hot water with filter coffee, but then unfiltered. So if you drink coffee, we recommend to bring your own instant coffee (or French Press).

2. You may want to consider to bring your own alcoholic drink to optimally enjoy the beautiful and romantic setting from the Klotok. If you are lucky, you can store these in the fridge of the staff, but chances are that you can only drink it warm. Alcoholic beverage is not sold in Pangkalan Bun and therefore needs to be bought before arriving here.

3. In case you have time, you will appreciate staying overnight in Pangkalan Bun before (and/or after your) tour. You'll start your tour all rested, finish your tour with a hot shower, stay longer in Tanjung Puting National Park, and don't need to stress about flight delays. The best hotel in town is the Grand Kecubung Hotel .

4. Although there are plug sockets aboard, we do not recommend to use these to charge expensive gadgets (smartphones, tablets, etc.) because the power engine of the boat does not supply a constant voltage (this holds for ALL boats). Please consider to bring an external battery charger, which can be bought at any outdoor store.

5. If you have a hammock, bring it! The ultimate chill experience is to lay down in your hammock in the klotok as you cruise through the lush jungle!

DAY 1: Pangkalan Bun - Kumai - Tanjung Harapan (L D)

Included: pick-up by car, police registration, entrance fee, boat, guide & boat staff, meals as mentioned

Transfer service from Pangkalan Bun Airport (or at your hotel) to Kumai, where you'll board the Klotok boat and meet your staff.

We use traditional Klotok wooden river boats of which the size depends on your group size. We only make use of boats with a Western toilet (not a squat toilet) and a Western shower (not a mandi).

There is a bottom deck for the crew and a top deck exclusively for you. The boats are open on the sides for the view, but in case of rain they can be closed. All your meals, snacks and drinks will be served in the boat. At nights your mattresses and mosquito nets are prepared.

It takes about an hour to get from the harbor in Kumai to the entrance of Tanjung Puting National Park. The first stop is at Tanjung Harapan where the orangutan feeding takes place at 15h.

We continue the cruise as the jungle is at its noisiest. We hear Proboscis monkeys, Macaques, Silver Langurs and colorful birds. Finally, it is time for a candle light dinner, and an exciting night in the jungle.

DAY 2: Pondok Tanggui – Camp Leakey – Nipa Area (B L D)

Included: entrance fee, boat, guide & boat staff, meals as mentioned

After breakfast, we cruise through the habitat of the Proboscis monkeys and the crocodiles as we go to Pondok Tanggui.

We visit the orangutan feeding here at 9 am. Then, we continue the cruise, turn in a junction of the river where the water color changes and gives a surreal dark reflection of the jungle.

We arrive at Camp Leakey, a research- and rehabilitation center for orangutans. The feeding takes place at 2 pm. If you are lucky you will meet here the "King of Camp Leaky": a male orangutan named Big Tom.

After Camp Leakey, we cruise down slowly to the Nipa Palm Area, where we may see fire flies in the evening depending on the weather. We will have candle light diner and spend the night in this area.

DAY 3: Nipa Area – Kumai – Pangkalan Bun (Airport) (B)

Included: drop-off by car, entrance fee, boat, guide & boat staff, meals as mentioned

After breakfast we cruise through the lush jungle back to Kumai. You say goodbye to your staff and will be dropped off by car at Pangkalan Bun airport or at your hotel (around 10-11 am).

DAY 1: Pangkalan Bun - Kumai - Tanjung Harapan (L D)

Included: pick-up by car, police registration, entrance fee, boat, guide & boat staff, meals as mentioned

Transfer service from Pangkalan Bun Airport (or at your hotel) to Kumai, where you'll board the Klotok boat and meet your staff.

We use traditional Klotok wooden river boats of which the size depends on your group size. We only make use of boats with a Western toilet (not a squat toilet) and a Western shower (not a mandi).

There is a bottom deck for the crew and a top deck exclusively for you. The boats are open on the sides for the view, but in case of rain they can be closed. All your meals, snacks and drinks will be served in the boat. At nights your mattresses and mosquito nets are prepared.

It takes about an hour to get from the harbor in Kumai to the entrance of Tanjung Puting National Park. The first stop is at Tanjung Harapan where the orangutan feeding takes place at 15h.

We continue the cruise as the jungle is at its noisiest. We hear Proboscis monkeys, Macaques, Silver Langurs and colorful birds. Finally, it is time for a candle light dinner, and an exciting night in the jungle.

Day 2: Camp Leakey – Pondok Ambung (B L D)

Included: entrance fee, boat, guide & boat staff, day trek, night trek, meals as mentioned

After breakfast, the boat cruise continues as we enjoy the sunrise and go through the habitat of the proboscis monkey and the estuarine crocodile.

At some point we'll make a turn in a junction of the river where the water color changes from bright orange to dark black. The river narrows and the reflection of the dense jungle in the water gives a surreal feeling.

We arrive at Camp Leakey, a research- and rehabilitation center for orangutans . If you are lucky you will meet here the "King of Camp Leaky": a male orangutan named Big Tom. Here, we take an exciting, short jungle trek. We return at 2 pm to witness the orangutan feeding.

Then, we cruise down to Pondok Ambung. We get a candle light dinner, and then take a brave night trek through the jungles in search of glowing mushroom, tarantulas, deers, and tarsier (unique to the region).

Day 3: Pondok Tanggui – Pesalat – Local Village – Tanjung Harapan (B L D)

Included: entrance fee, boat, guide & boat staff, meals as mentioned

After breakfast we cruise down towards Pondok Tanggui; a ranger camp home to pre-wild and adolescent orangutans, as well as deer, boar and many bird species. We'll visit the orangutan feeding at 9h am.

Back at the boat, we get lunch and we proceed to the reforestration site Camp Pesalat, where you learn about the importance of their conservation initiatives, and can donate through planting your own tree.

Then, we visit the Sekonyer village, meet locals and view hand made souvenirs. In case there is any time left, we visit for the second time the feeding at Tanjung Harapang.

We cruise down to the Nipa area, where we may see fireflies depending on the weather. Here, we'll have a candle light diner, and spend the rest of the night.

DAY 4: Nipa Area – Kumai – Pangkalan Bun (Airport) (B)

Included: drop-off by car, entrance fee, boat, guide & boat staff, meals as mentioned

After breakfast we cruise through the lush jungle back to Kumai. You say goodbye to your staff and will be dropped off by car at Pangkalan Bun airport or at your hotel (around 10-11 am).

DAY 1: Pangkalan Bun - Kumai - Tanjung Harapan (L D)

Included: pick-up by car, police registration, entrance fee, boat, guide & boat staff, meals as mentioned

Transfer service from Pangkalan Bun Airport (or at your hotel) to Kumai, where you'll board the Klotok boat and meet your staff.

We use traditional Klotok wooden river boats of which the size depends on your group size. We only make use of boats with a Western toilet (not a squat toilet) and a Western shower (not a mandi).

There is a bottom deck for the crew and a top deck exclusively for you. The boats are open on the sides for the view, but in case of rain they can be closed. All your meals, snacks and drinks will be served in the boat. At nights your mattresses and mosquito nets are prepared.

It takes about an hour to get from the harbor in Kumai to the entrance of Tanjung Puting National Park. The first stop is at Tanjung Harapan where the orangutan feeding takes place at 15h.

We continue the cruise as the jungle is at its noisiest. We hear Proboscis monkeys, Macaques, Silver Langurs and colorful birds. Finally, it is time for a candle light dinner, and an exciting night in the jungle.

Day 2: Camp Leakey – Pondok Ambung (B L D)

Included: entrance fee, boat, guide & boat staff, day trek, night trek, meals as mentioned

After breakfast, the boat cruise continues as we enjoy the sunrise and go through the habitat of the proboscis monkey and the estuarine crocodile.

At some point we'll make a turn in a junction of the river where the water color changes from bright orange to dark black. The river narrows and the reflection of the dense jungle in the water gives a surreal feeling.

We arrive at Camp Leakey, a research- and rehabilitation center for orangutans . If you are lucky you will meet here the "King of Camp Leaky": a male orangutan named Big Tom. Here, we take an exciting, short jungle trek. We return at 2 pm to witness the orangutan feeding.

Then, we cruise down to Pondok Ambung. We get a candle light dinner, and then take a brave night trek through the jungles in search of glowing mushroom, tarantulas, deers, and tarsier (unique to the region).

Day 3: Pondok Tanggui – Pesalat – Local Village

Included: entrance fee, boat, guide & boat staff, meals as mentioned

After breakfast we cruise down towards Pondok Tanggui; a ranger camp home to pre-wild and adolescent orangutans, as well as deer, boar and many bird species. We'll visit the orangutan feeding at 9h am.

Back at the boat, we get lunch and we proceed to the reforestration site Camp Pesalat, where you learn about the importance of their conservation initiatives, and can donate through planting your own tree.

Then, we visit the Sekonyer village, meet locals and view hand made souvenirs. In case there is time and the possibility, we visit a nearby palm oil field. Then, we return to the boat for a candle light diner.

Day 4: Tanjung Harapan – Nipa Area (B L D)

Included: entrance fee, boat, guide & boat staff, long trek with ranger and canoe, meals as mentioned

After breakfast, we prepare for an exciting jungle trek of 3-4 hours! Rangers accompany us. This special activity gets us away from the crowd and into the untouched jungle!

At the end, we get into a canoe and take a exciting cruise in the small river back to our boat in the Sekonyer river. We have a well-deserved lunch, and then visit the feeding at Tanjung Harapan for the 2nd time.

We relax as we cruise through the noisy jungle, and try to spot animals from the lounge area. We end the day with a candle light dinner around the Nipa Area, where we may see fireflies.

DAY 5: Nipa Area – Kumai – Pangkalan Bun (Airport) (B)

Included: drop-off by car, entrance fee, boat, guide & boat staff, meals as mentioned

After breakfast we cruise through the lush jungle back to Kumai. You say goodbye to your staff and will be dropped off by car at Pangkalan Bun airport or at your hotel (around 10-11 am).

DAY 1: Pangkalan Bun - Kumai - Tanjung Harapan (L D)

Included: pick-up by car, police registration, entrance fee, boat, guide & boat staff, meals as mentioned

Transfer service from Pangkalan Bun Airport (or at your hotel) to Kumai, where you'll board the Klotok boat and meet your staff.

We use traditional Klotok wooden river boats of which the size depends on your group size. We only make use of boats with a Western toilet (not a squat toilet) and a Western shower (not a mandi).

There is a bottom deck for the crew and a top deck exclusively for you. The boats are open on the sides for the view, but in case of rain they can be closed. All your meals, snacks and drinks will be served in the boat. At nights your mattresses and mosquito nets are prepared.

It takes about an hour to get from the harbor in Kumai to the entrance of Tanjung Puting National Park. The first stop is at Tanjung Harapan where the orangutan feeding takes place at 15h.

We continue the cruise as the jungle is at its noisiest. We hear Proboscis monkeys, Macaques, Silver Langurs and colorful birds. Finally, it is time for a candle light dinner, and an exciting night in the jungle.

DAY 2: Pondok Tanggui – Camp Leakey – Nipa Area (B L D)

Included: entrance fee, boat, guide & boat staff, meals as mentioned

After breakfast, we cruise through the habitat of the Proboscis monkeys and the crocodiles as we go to Pondok Tanggui.

We visit the orangutan feeding here at 9 am. Then, we continue the cruise, turn in a junction of the river where the water color changes and gives a surreal dark reflection of the jungle.

We arrive at Camp Leakey, a reserach- and rehabilitation center for orangutans. The feeding takes place at 2 pm. If you are lucky you will meet here the "King of Camp Leakey": a male orangutan named Big Tom.

After Camp Leakey, we cruise down slowly to the Nipa Palm Area, where we may see fire flies in the evening depending on the weather. We will have candle light diner and spend the night in this area.

DAY 3: Nipa Area – Kumai – Kudangan Dayak Village (B L D)

Included: entrance fee, boat, guide & boat staff, car transfer, welcome ceremony, accommodation in village, meals as mentioned

After an early breakfast, we cruise down to Kumai where you say goodby to the boat staff, and then get a ride of ~4 hours by car to Kudangan Dayak village. We meet the locals, and explore the village.

In the evening, you get a warm welcome dancing ceremony from the villagers. You end this evening a diner and traditional drinks with villagers. Overnight in a Dayak house.

Day 4: Jungle Trekking - Waterfall (B L D)

Included: guide, trek, accommodation in jungle or village, meals as mentioned

After breakfast, we start with our jungle trek, usually to one of the waterfalls. Along the way, we may spot animals, and the Dayak villagers may teach us some basic hunting and survival techniques.

Upon arrival, we can swim in the waterfall, and enjoy the serenity of the jungle and river landscape. We spend the night in a tent in the jungle (alternatively, you can also spend the night back in the village).

Day 5: Kudangan Dayak Village - Pangkalan Bun Hotel (B L)

Included: car transfer, meals as mentioned
Excluded: accommodation in Pangkalan Bun

After breakfast in the jungle, we return to the village. In case you wish, we could do another jungle trek before the drive back to Pangkalan Bun to your hotel (excluded). Enjoy the well-deserved warm shower!

Day 6: Pangkalan Bun Hotel - Airport

Included: airport transfer service
Excluded: meals

Pick-up at your hotel at your desired time, and drop off at Pangkalan Bun airport.

DAY 1: Pangkalan Bun - Kumai - Tanjung Harapan (L D)

Included: pick-up by car, police registration, entrance fee, boat, guide & boat staff, meals as mentioned

Transfer service from Pangkalan Bun Airport (or at your hotel) to Kumai, where you'll board the Klotok boat and meet your staff.

We use traditional Klotok wooden river boats of which the size depends on your group size. We only make use of boats with a Western toilet (not a squat toilet) and a Western shower (not a mandi).

There is a bottom deck for the crew and a top deck exclusively for you. The boats are open on the sides for the view, but in case of rain they can be closed. All your meals, snacks and drinks will be served in the boat. At nights your mattresses and mosquito nets are prepared.

It takes about an hour to get from the harbor in Kumai to the entrance of Tanjung Puting National Park. The first stop is at Tanjung Harapan where the orangutan feeding takes place at 15h.

We continue the cruise as the jungle is at its noisiest. We hear Proboscis monkeys, Macaques, Silver Langurs and colorful birds. Finally, it is time for a candle light dinner, and an exciting night in the jungle.

Day 2: Camp Leakey – Pondok Ambung (B L D)

Included: entrance fee, boat, guide & boat staff, day trek, night trek, meals as mentioned

After breakfast, the boat cruise continues as we enjoy the sunrise and go through the habitat of the proboscis monkey and the estuarine crocodile.

At some point we'll make a turn in a junction of the river where the water color changes from bright orange to dark black. The river narrows and the reflection of the dense jungle in the water gives a surreal feeling.

We arrive at Camp Leakey, a reserach- and rehabilitation center for orangutans . If you are lucky you will meet here the "King of Camp Leakey": a male orangutan named Big Tom. Here, we take an exciting, short jungle trek. We return at 2 pm to witness the orangutan feeding.

Then, we cruise down to Pondok Ambung. We get a candle light dinner, and then take a brave night trek through the jungles in search of glowing mushroom, tarantulas, deers, and tarsier (unique to the region).

Day 3: Pondok Tanggui – Pesalat – Local Village – Tanjung Harapan (B L D)

Included: entrance fee, boat, guide & boat staff, meals as mentioned

After breakfast we cruise down towards Pondok Tanggui; a ranger camp home to pre-wild and adolescent orangutans, as well as deer, boar and many bird species. We'll visit the orangutan feeding at 9h am.

Back at the boat, we get lunch and we proceed to the reforestration site Camp Pesalat, where you learn about the importance of their conservation initiatives, and can donate through planting your own tree.

Then, we visit the Sekonyer village, meet locals and view hand made souvenirs. In case there is any time left, we visit for the second time the feeding at Tanjung Harapang.

We cruise down to the Nipa area, where we may see fireflies depending on the weather. Here, we'll have a candle light diner, and spend the rest of the night.

DAY 4: Nipa Area – Kumai – Kudangan Dayak Village (B L D)

Included: entrance fee, boat, guide & boat staff, car transfer, welcome ceremony, accommodation in village, meals as mentioned

After an early breakfast, we cruise down to Kumai where you say goodby to the boat staff, and then get a ride of ~4 hours by car to Kudangan Dayak village. We meet the locals, and explore the village.

In the evening, you get a warm welcome dancing ceremony from the villagers. You end this evening a diner and traditional drinks with villagers. Overnight in a Dayak house.

Day 5: Jungle Trekking - Waterfall (B L D)

Included: guide, trek, accommodation in jungle or village, meals as mentioned

After breakfast, we start with our jungle trek, usually to one of the waterfalls. Along the way, we may spot animals, and the Dayak villagers may teach us some basic hunting and survival techniques.

Upon arrival, we can swim in the waterfall, and enjoy the serenity of the jungle and river landscape. We spend the night in a tent in the jungle (alternatively, you can also spend the night back in the village).

Day 6: Kudangan Dayak Village - Pangkalan Bun Hotel (B L)

Included: car transfer, meals as mentioned
Excluded: accommodation in Pangkalan Bun

After breakfast in the jungle, we return to the village. In case you wish, we could do another jungle trek before the drive back to Pangkalan Bun to your hotel (excluded). Enjoy the well-deserved warm shower!

Day 6: Pangkalan Bun Hotel - Airport

Included: airport transfer service
Excluded: meals

Pick-up at your hotel at your desired time, and drop off at Pangkalan Bun airport.

DAY 1: Pangkalan Bun - Kumai - Tanjung Harapan (L D)

Included: pick-up by car, police registration, entrance fee, boat, guide & boat staff, meals as mentioned

Transfer service from Pangkalan Bun Airport (or at your hotel) to Kumai, where you'll board the Klotok boat and meet your staff.

We use traditional Klotok wooden river boats of which the size depends on your group size. We only make use of boats with a Western toilet (not a squat toilet) and a Western shower (not a mandi).

There is a bottom deck for the crew and a top deck exclusively for you. The boats are open on the sides for the view, but in case of rain they can be closed. All your meals, snacks and drinks will be served in the boat. At nights your mattresses and mosquito nets are prepared.

It takes about an hour to get from the harbor in Kumai to the entrance of Tanjung Puting National Park. The first stop is at Tanjung Harapan where the orangutan feeding takes place at 15h.

We continue the cruise as the jungle is at its noisiest. We hear Proboscis monkeys, Macaques, Silver Langurs and colorful birds. Finally, it is time for a candle light dinner, and an exciting night in the jungle.

Day 2: Camp Leakey – Pondok Ambung (B L D)

Included: entrance fee, boat, guide & boat staff, day trek, night trek, meals as mentioned

After breakfast, the boat cruise continues as we enjoy the sunrise and go through the habitat of the proboscis monkey and the estuarine crocodile.

At some point we'll make a turn in a junction of the river where the water color changes from bright orange to dark black. The river narrows and the reflection of the dense jungle in the water gives a surreal feeling.

We arrive at Camp Leakey, a reserach- and rehabilitation center for orangutans . If you are lucky you will meet here the "King of Camp Leakey": a male orangutan named Big Tom. Here, we take an exciting, short jungle trek. We return at 2 pm to witness the orangutan feeding.

Then, we cruise down to Pondok Ambung. We get a candle light dinner, and then take a brave night trek through the jungles in search of glowing mushroom, tarantulas, deers, and tarsier (unique to the region).

Day 3: Pondok Tanggui – Pesalat – Local Village

Included: entrance fee, boat, guide & boat staff, meals as mentioned

After breakfast we cruise down towards Pondok Tanggui; a ranger camp home to pre-wild and adolescent orangutans, as well as deer, boar and many bird species. We'll visit the orangutan feeding at 9h am.

Back at the boat, we get lunch and we proceed to the reforestration site Camp Pesalat, where you learn about the importance of their conservation initiatives, and can donate through planting your own tree.

Then, we visit the Sekonyer village, meet locals and view hand made souvenirs. In case there is time and the possibility, we visit a nearby palm oil field. Then, we return to the boat for a candlelight diner.

Day 4: Tanjung Harapan – Nipa Area (B L D)

Included: entrance fee, boat, guide & boat staff, long trek with ranger and canoe, meals as mentioned

After breakfast, we prepare for an exciting jungle trek of 3-4 hours! Rangers accompany us. This special activity gets us away from the crowd and into the untouched jungle!

At the end, we get into a canoe and take a exciting cruise in the small river back to our boat in the Sekonyer river. We have a well-deserved lunch, and then visit the feeding at Tanjung Harapan for the 2nd time.

We relax as we cruise through the noisy jungle, and try to spot animals from the lounge area. We end the day with a candle light dinner around the Nipa Area, where we may see fireflies.

DAY 5: Nipa Area – Kumai – Kudangan Dayak Village (B L D)

Included: entrance fee, boat, guide & boat staff, car transfer, welcome ceremony, accommodation in village, meals as mentioned

After an early breakfast, we cruise down to Kumai where you say goodby to the boat staff, and then get a ride of ~4 hours by car to Kudangan Dayak village. We meet the locals, and explore the village.

In the evening, you get a warm welcome dancing ceremony from the villagers. You end this evening a diner and traditional drinks with villagers. Overnight in a Dayak house.

Day 6: Jungle Trekking - Waterfall (B L D)

Included: guide, trek, accommodation in jungle or village, meals as mentioned

After breakfast, we start with our jungle trek, usually to one of the waterfalls. Along the way, we may spot animals, and the Dayak villagers may teach us some basic hunting and survival techniques.

Upon arrival, we can swim in the waterfall, and enjoy the serenity of the jungle and river landscape. We spend the night in a tent in the jungle (alternatively, you can also spend the night back in the village).

Day 7: Kudangan Dayak Village - Pangkalan Bun Hotel (B L)

Included: car transfer, meals as mentioned
Excluded: accommodation in Pangkalan Bun

After breakfast in the jungle, we return to the village. In case you wish, we could do another jungle trek before the drive back to Pangkalan Bun to your hotel (excluded). Enjoy the well-deserved warm shower!

Day 8: Pangkalan Bun Hotel - Airport

Included: airport transfer service
Excluded: meals

Pick-up at your hotel at your desired time, and drop off at Pangkalan Bun airport.

Makassar is the gateway to Tana Toraja, and Rantepao is the base from which to explore Tana Toraja.

Fly to Sultan Hasanuddin International Airport in Makassar. From here you can reach Rantepao both via land and by air.

By Air. Take the morning flight from Makassar to Palopo Bua Airport (±1 hour), located ±2 hour drive from Rantepao. We can pick you up here. Use SkyScanner to search for international and domestic flights.

Warning: While Rantepao also has a small airport "Pongtiku", we advice against flying there, as occasionally flights are either delayed or canceled.

Taxi. Take a private transfer from the airport to Rantepao (±7/8 hours). You could make stops at interesting sites on route (Bugis village, Erotic mountains), make a ±2 hour detour to visit Rammang Rammang, or break the journey with an overnight at Sengkang.

Bus. The cheapest option is to take the bus (±9/10 hours). There are many bus companies with different prices and each bus has several seat classes. Always take the "VIP" seats as these are the most comfortable. Bus companies include Litha & Co, Manggala Trans and Primadona. Usually you need to buy the bus tickets locally, but Primadona has a (primitive) online booking system and an email address ([email protected]).

There are many bus companies with different prices and each bus has several seat classes. Always take the "VIP" seats as these are the most comfortable. Bus companies include Litha & Co, Manggala Trans and Primadona. Usually you need to buy the bus tickets locally, but Primadona has a (primitive) online booking system and an email address ([email protected]).

Interesting sites on route from Makassar to Rantepao in Tana Toraja are:

• 1. The Bugis Makassar village
• 2. The "Erotic mountain" in Bambapuang
• 3. The famous stone grave "Lemo"
• 4. The Torajan traditional village " Sasa"

If you leave early in the morning, you could also consider visiting Rammang Rammang and make a guided boat trip and trek.

Notice that the drive to Tana Toraja easily takes 8 hours and could even be longer depending on traffic. So don't be too ambitious with your wishlist and manage your expectations that some sites may have to be skipped depending on the traffic.

Yes. Our private airport transport can be at any time you wish.

In case you have an early flight to catch in Makassar, we could either drop you off the night before in Makassar so that you rest in a nearby hotel, or we could transport you at night and drop you off at the airport in the morning. As you wish.

From a climate point of view, Tana Toraja can be visited all year long. While the temperature is fairly constant throughout the year, chances for the best weather are in the dry season from mid April to early October. However, the rain season in Tana Toraja is not as wet as in other places in Indonesia; typically there is short rain shower in the late afternoon, if it rains at all. In the worst case it could rain half a day.

The best period to visit Tana Toraja to attend a funeral ceremony is July – August. In these months you will be able to attend a ceremony with near certainty if you stay in Tana Toraja for 3 days or more. At the same time this is the busiest period with crowds or visitors.

The best period to visit Tana Toraja for the scenic treks are the high season and shoulder months (April - October), although the best picture conditions (green rice fields) are in the rain season period October-March.

Yes. Feel free to get to Tana Toraja on your own. We will reduce the tour price (3 million IDR for a return private transfer Makassar - Rantepao) and tour itinerary accordingly.

Tipping is common in Indonesia, and the staff will be extremely happy and flattered if you decide to do so, but it is entirely voluntary and not expected.

There is no rule for how much to tip, as it really depends on how satisfied you are with the service and on your budget. Some clients really insist to get an indication, so we will give the rule of thumb that for every day you may consider tipping your guide 100.000 IDR and 50.000 IDR to your driver.

Please consider this as very indicative. If you are on a low budget just consider less, and if you are on a high budget you could consider more. But any amount is really appreciated!

If there will be a funeral ceremony during your visit then we will attend the funeral if you wish, and we adjust the tour itinerary accordingly.

But we can usually not guarantee that there will be funeral ceremonies during your visit because the funeral schedules are usually not fixed and sometimes only announced a few days in advance.

But if you stay in Tana Toraja for a few days in July and August it is likely that there will be a funeral ceremony during your stay.

The default treks with the 4D3N Tana Toraja Tour and 5D4N Sulawesi Tour are short (±1 hour) and very accessible even for less fit people.

The default treks with the 5D4N Tana Toraja Tour and 6D5N Sulawesi Tour are also easy but there is an all-day trek that could be tiring for the inexperienced hiker. In that case, we also offer an alternative hike that only takes ±3 hour and includes the highlights.

However, nothing is set in stone, so just contact us about your preferences and we'll tailor the itineraries to your interests.

The included accommodation in Rantepao is an ensuite room at a local guesthouse with great value for money: Rosalina Guesthouse or alike.

You will sleep like the local villagers, in basic but clean rooms. Notice that conform local customs, the shower is usually outside of the house. While we cannot guarantee it, we always try to arrange a traditional Tongkonan.

Rantepao does not have any luxury accommodations, and in our opinion the more expensive accommodations are not good value for money. However, in case you prefer to stay at the more expensive accommodations instead of the included guesthouse, you can book your own accommodation and get a discount for your Toraja tour. Popular hotels in the top category are:

• Toraja Misilliana Hotel
• Tongkonan Layuk Lion

Please notice that you can book your own accommodation only for the part of the tour with overnights in Rantepao as accommodations in the mountain villages with the Toraja Tour & Village Stay tours cannot be booked by visitors themselves. Just let us know if you wish to visit other villages than in our default program and we change the itinerary and accommodation accordingly.

According to Torajan beliefs, the ghost of the deceased lingers around his village until the funeral ceremony is completed, after which it will start the journey to the Land of Souls ("Puya").

Buffaloes are considered to be a transportation vehicle for this journey, and during the funeral ceremony as many buffaloes are sacrificed as possible so that the journey to the land of souls can be done as fast as possible.

The general pack list:

• Comfortable shoes
• Insect repellent (DEET 40%)
• Small backpack for the day trips
• Camera

Pack also the following for the Tana Toraja treks:

• Towel
• Pocket light
• Mobile charger for your electronic devices (or a spare battery)

When you visit a ceremony, you should bring a small ceremony gift (such as sugar, chocolate, cigarettes), or just ask your guide to make a stop at a local store on the way to the ceremony.