Frequently Asked Questions
We have tried our best to answer any potential questions you might have. If there is anything you are unsure about, please feel free to get in touch with us by sending us a message here
Our tours take place in Pangkalan Bun, Central Kalimantan (otherwise known as Borneo). We travel along the Sekonyer river and trek through Tanjung Puting National Park.
You will need to arrive into Pangkalan Bun, Central Kalimantan. Once you arrive at Pangkalan Bun Airport (also known as Iskandar airport), we will pick you up and drive to Kumai (around a 20 minute drive) and then board a Klotok, making our way closer to the Orangutans in Tanjung Putting National Park.
Sure. Just email us with the details of your stay and we will be able to organise this for you.
We can work around your flight arrival and departure times. Our tours can start as early as 7:00am in the morning and usually finish around lunch time on the last day. If required, we can start your tours later in the afternoon and/or finish them early in the morning to accommodate flight times.
Absolutely, in fact we encourage it! The beauty of our private tours is that you can tailor them to your own needs. There may be additional costs involved depending on your requirements, but we will update you if there is any increase in cost. If you would like to be challenged, we can make the trek more strenuous. If you would like to spend more time on the Klotok (boat), we can make that happen too. Just let us know your ideas and we will do our best to make them happen!
Depending on your nationality, you may need a visa to enter Indonesia. Check the visa options available or free visa exemptions, and ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay.
Orangutan Trekking Tours are suited to people of all ages, who are in reasonably good health. If you have a health condition that might inhibit your ability to do a trek with us, please let us know and we will do our best to accommodate you.
You have two options when it comes to your sleeping arrangements. You can either sleep on the Klotok (up to 8 guests) or stay at the Eco Lodge.
Some guests prefer sleeping at Rimba Orangutan Eco Lodge for a few more subtle luxuries. If you choose to stay at the Rimba Lodge, there is an additional cost per room per night.
Klotok:
Our Klotok includes:
- A private airconditioned bedroom and ensuite
- Daybeds on the middle deck are converted into beds with mosquito nets
- Western showers and toilets
- Hot water
- Meals
RimbaLodge includes:
- Satellite Internet
- Mosquito nets
- All rooms have AC and Hot Water
- Meals in the restaurant (additional cost)
- Double or twin beds
- Western shower and toilets
- Fans in all rooms
Borneo can be enjoyed all year round, but our high season is from May through to September. November until February is considered the wet season and while we still trek during this time, there is a higher chance of rain.
The wet season in Borneo is still a perfectly suitable time to enjoy the tour. It rarely rains all day, and the rain can encourage some of the most beautiful scenes. We will supply you with umbrellas when needed. There are usually less crowds and more space to roam at your leisure this time of year.
Once you are trekking, you will need little to no spending money. If you would like to make a donation to the Green Team, you can do so here. There is also a local primary school located in the national park, where your contribution of stationery or sports gear is much appreciated.
No. But that’s how you know we are an eco-friendly orangutan tour – we respect the orangutans and their habitat. Orangutans raised in the wild are typically shy and territorial, so we try to observe them without disturbing their natural way of life.
- Walking shoes: hiking boots are ideal, but sturdy sand shoes will work as well.
- Thongs for in between hiking and relaxing on the klotok.
- Light, breathable clothing and a jumper for nights
- A small bag or backpack to take your hiking gear off the klotok when it’s time to hike
- Your camera! There will be plenty of amazing photography opportunities along the way
- Basic toiletries
- A high DEET mosquito repellent. It is the jungle after all! We have some, but bring your own just in case.
- A light-weight towel for showering
No, there is plenty to see! Borneo’s jungles are a widely diverse blend of wildlife and plants. You will also meet locals, have the opportunity to go on a nocturnal walk and you can visit the local primary school.
Your donation helps the Green Team fulfil their dream of buying back land and protecting it from Palm Oil farming. If you would like to make a contribution to Orangutan Trekking Tours to help with our mission please email us for more details. You can also bring notebooks, stationery and toys for the village school to use in their classes!
We specialise in private guided tours of the jungle. This means the tour will be your group, your guide, a crew member and the cook.
Yes, we have had many solo travels have a private tour with us. At this stage all our tours are private we therefore are not able to organise for solo travellers to join a group.
Please refer to our Terms & Conditions in this situation.
- We provide you with breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and water throughout the day.
- Bedding per person
- First aid if necessary
- Transport to and from your pickup location
- The chance to see orangutans in the wild and in rehabilitation
- Lots of laughs, learning and memories!
If you would like to book, please click here and select your tour.
Lots of delicious and nutritious food, prepared fresh daily. We can cater for most allergies or dietary requirements – Please let us know when booking.
- Return transfer from & to Pangkalan Bun airport
- Boat transport : a wooden river boat (Klotok) about 16m by 3m
- English speaking guide and own cook.
- Meals as indicated, are served on the boat.
- Admission fee and park entrance permit.
- Accommodation on the boat.
- Ranger donation.
- Tea, coffee, and snacks on the boat.
- Water throughout the day
- The chance to see orangutans in the wild.
- Lots of laughs, learning and memories!
Orangutans who visit these platforms are free to roam the jungle, but have gained the habit of visiting the feeding station during their rehabilitation. Visiting the feeding stations allow visitors a near-guaranteed opportunity to see the semi-wild orangutans within close proximity.
Due to deforestation, the variety of fruit within the jungle is limited and hard to source for rehabilitated orangutans. The feeding stations offer the orangutans a chance to supplement their diets and a chance for the local rangers to keep an eye on their health and progression.
Orangutans at these feeding stations are in no way restricted from roaming into the jungle, and offer visitors the opportunity to get up closer to these magnificent creatures.
If visiting the feeding stations just isn’t for you, that is completely fine! We can spend more time looking for wild orangutans and other wildlife instead.
Tipping is common in Indonesia and the staff will be very grateful if you decide to do so. It is of course voluntary and not expected by the staff.
For guests who would like an indication about how much to tip, the general rule is approximately 100.000 IDR per day for the guide, 50.000 IDR per day for the cook, and captain/boat helper.
Please not this is just and indication. Any amount is really appreciated.
We have had children of a range of ages come on our tours. We do remind families that the Klotok is an open boat and it is the parent or care givers discretion as to if they believe this will be safe for their child.
We are not able to provide a discount for children, the National Park fees are the same price for adults and children.
Your tour is completely customisable and you can discuss the activities with your guide when you arrive. Activities that are included in the tour are:
* Kumai village tour
* Travelling in the Klotok along the Sekonyer river looking for Wildlife in the river and trees.
* Visiting the feeding stations (Tanjung Harapan, Pondok Tanggui and Tanjung Harapan)
* Trekking through Tanjung Puting National Park
* Night trek
Other activities which may have an additional cost include:
* Tree Planting
* Long boat tour
We can fit up to 8 people sleeping on the Klotok but the Klotok can be used to provide tours for much larger groups with guest sleeping at Rimba lodge.
If you would like to organise a group tour of more than 6 people please contact us here.
Yes, all our tours are customisable, and we can pick you up from the airport and start your tour in the afternoon. We may even be able to do a night trek that night to make sure you make the most of your time.