Orangutan Conservation Initiative

See Orangutans Ethically

The Great Apes of the Rainforest

Observe Without Interfering

Orangutans are naturally curious creatures and are about as curious about you as you are about them. The best way to observe an orangutan is to watch them from afar without trying to become part of what they are doing.

They all have different personalities and histories. Some might be more accustomed to humans and seemingly outgoing but all are still wild animals at heart. Giving them space reduces stress on them, lowers the risk of disease transmission and allows their behaviour to remain as natural as possible. Remember, you're entering their home and a natural environment.

  • Follow the distance set by your guide.
  • Use an experienced local guide.
  • Never initiate an encounter with an orangutan.
  • Do not enter orangutan habitat when you are sick.
  • Keep food sealed and out of sight.
  • Remember, it's their home and a natural environment.
A Special Place

Tanjung Puting National Park

Tanjung Puting in Central Kalimantan is one of the best-known places to see Bornean orangutans, but it is also a working conservation landscape.

Most trips begin in Kumai and continue into the park on a klotok, a wooden river boat that is also used for sleeping and eating. The route follows the Sekonyer River past thick nipa palms before the forest becomes taller and denser farther inside the park.

The park includes Camp Leakey and other long-established research and rehabilitation areas. Some orangutans seen near feeding sites are wild, while others have been rehabilitated or have become used to people. That distinction matters. An orangutan that is comfortable around people can still be unpredictable and should be given the same space.

Calm Sekonyer River surrounded by nipa palms in Tanjung Puting
Most trips into Tanjung Puting follow the Sekonyer River from Kumai.
Responsible Encounters

What an Encounter Looks Like

A good encounter is usually quiet and fairly uneventful. The orangutan keeps doing what it was already doing, and the visitors do not interfere and just observe.

Wild orangutan resting high in a Bornean rainforest tree 01

Let the Orangutan Decide

Stay still, keep your voice down and leave the animal a clear way to move away. If they begin to show signs of stress, the guide should give them more space or bring the encounter to an end. Most of the good guides know what to do in these circumstances.

Orangutan seen at a distance in rainforest habitat 02

Maintain a Respectful Distance

Follow the minimum distance required by the park and move farther back when there is room. Giving the orangutan more space usually makes the encounter calmer for both the orangutan and the people watching it.

Sekonyer River bordered by dense nipa palms 03

Use Local Operators

Use local guides, boat crews and businesses that follow park rules. Tourism is more useful when some of the money stays in the communities living around the forest instead of passing straight through them.

Nipa palms and tropical forest along the Sekonyer River 04

Leave as Little Trace as Possible

Take your rubbish with you, keep food with the guide and stay on the routes you are given. The aim is to leave the forest much as you found it.

Respect Wildlife

During Your Visit

Listen to the guide, keep your distance and remember that you are entering the orangutan's home.

Do

  • Follow your guide's instructions when they are given.
  • Move slowly and keep your voice down.
  • Use a zoom lens rather than moving closer.
  • Keep food, drinks and loose belongings secured.
  • Always leave the orangutan a clear route away.
  • Use responsible local guides and businesses.

Do Not

  • Touch, feed, bait or call an orangutan.
  • Use flash or try to force an interaction for a better photo.
  • Stand between a mother and her infant.
  • Block an orangutan's path.
  • Enter orangutan habitat when you are sick.
  • Ask a guide to ignore park rules.
Before You Go

How to Prepare

Choose the operator carefully, bring what you actually need and leave room for the trip to change with the weather and wildlife. Mosquito repellent is recommended.

  1. 01

    Ask Questions Before Booking

    Ask about the guide’s experience, what a safe distance is and what happens when a visitor is sick. Get clear prices beforehand and find out what is included before agreeing.

  2. 02

    Pack for Heat and Rain

    Bring rain protection, insect repellent, sun protection, a refillable bottle and clothing that works in a hot, humid forest. Keep it practical. You don't need a lot. Guides will usually take care of snacks and food but it's always wise to check.

  3. 03

    Allow for Uncertainty

    Orangutans move according to their own routines and may not appear at all. Waiting, changing plans and occasionally seeing less than expected are normal parts of visiting a real rainforest.