Betung Kerihun National Park

Betung Kerihun National Park (Taman Nasional Betung Kerihun) is a vast protected area in the northeast corner of West Kalimantan, along the border with Malaysia's Sarawak state. Spanning approximately 8,000 km², it is one of Indonesia's largest national parks and forms part of the transboundary "Heart of Borneo" conservation initiative alongside Malaysia's Lanjak-Entimau Wildlife Sanctuary. The park protects one of the most biologically rich expanses of rainforest left on the island, with dense dipterocarp forests, rugged hills, and numerous rivers that feed into the Kapuas basin.

Established in 1995, the park was created to preserve the region's extraordinary biodiversity and the traditional territories of the Dayak people, who have lived in harmony with this forest for centuries. More than 300 bird species, 160 mammal species (including orangutans, gibbons, clouded leopards, and sun bears), and countless plant species call this park home. The park's remote location and lack of road access have kept it remarkably pristine.

The climate is tropical and humid year-round, with average temperatures of 22–32°C. The wet season runs from October to April, with the heaviest rainfall between December and February. The drier months of June to September offer more accessible trekking conditions but the park is always wet. Waterproof gear is essential regardless of when you visit.

By Plane

The nearest major airport is Pangsuma Airport (PSU) in Putussibau, about 30 km from the park's main entrance. Wings Air operates flights from Pontianak (PNK) to Putussibau. Alternatively, Syamsudin Noor Airport (BDJ) in Banjarmasin is farther but offers more connections from Jakarta and other Indonesian hubs, followed by a multi-day river journey.

By Car / Road

Road access is extremely limited. From Pontianak, a 4WD journey takes roughly 12–14 hours to reach Putussibau via Sintang. The road is partially paved but deteriorates significantly after Sintang. Public buses connect Pontianak to Putussibau (12–14 hours, approximately Rp 200,000–300,000), from where you must arrange river transport to the park.

The only way to move within Betung Kerihun is by longboat along its rivers and by foot on jungle trails. Local Dayak guides are essential — they navigate the waterways, point out wildlife, and ensure safety. Motorbikes (ojek) are available in Putussibau for short trips to river access points. There are no roads inside the park.

• Primary Rainforest: The park's intact dipterocarp forest is a sight in itself — towering ironwood trees, rattan vines, and wild orchids line the trails.

• Wildlife Watching: Proboscis monkeys, orangutans, gibbons, hornbills, and the rare Bornean clouded leopard are the headline species. Dawn and dusk river cruises offer the best sightings.

• Dayak Longhouses: Traditional communal houses of the Dayak people can be visited with a guide. Some still practice traditional rituals and crafts.

• Waterfalls: Several waterfalls cascade through the interior, accessible by guided trekking — the most visited are near the Sentarum Lake area.

• Rivers and Rapids: The Kapuas and its tributaries cut through dramatic gorges and rapids, scenic in their own right.

• Jungle Trekking: Multi-day treks through primary rainforest are the main activity. Routes range from 2-hour loops to week-long expeditions crossing into the park's interior.

• River Safaris: Longboat trips along the Kapuas River and its tributaries allow wildlife spotting from the water at dawn and dusk.

• Birdwatching: With over 300 species including eight species of hornbills, the park is a premier birding destination.

• Cultural Visits: Arrange with a guide to spend time in a Dayak longhouse community — learn about traditional weaving, blowpipe making, and forest medicine.

• Photography: The park's pristine wilderness, wildlife, and Dayak culture provide endless opportunities.

Simple Indonesian meals of rice, fried noodles, and fish are available at the park's basic lodging and in Putussibau. It is advisable to bring high-energy snacks, instant noodles, and drinking water purification tablets. Local sambal (chilli paste) accompanies most meals. There are no restaurants inside the park.

Bring all drinking water or purification equipment. Tap water is not safe to drink. Locally, sweet tea (teh manis) and bottled drinks are available in Putussibau. Alcohol is not widely available in this region — bring your own if desired.

• Budget: Basic guesthouses in Putussibau (Rp 100,000–200,000/night). The park's own simple eco-lodges or ranger posts offer very basic accommodation (Rp 150,000–250,000/night) — book through the park office.
• Mid-range: Homestay-style accommodation with Dayak families can be arranged through tour operators in Putussibau (Rp 300,000–500,000/night including meals).
• Camping: Wild camping in the park is possible with a guide. Bring all your own equipment. Permits are required from the park office.

There are no shops inside the park. Stock up on supplies in Putussibau or Pontianak before arriving. Dayak handicrafts such as woven rattan baskets, beadwork, and carved wooden masks can be purchased at villages along the park boundary or in Putussibau's market.

• Putussibau: Gateway town, 30 km from the park — last place for supplies.
• Kapuas Hulu: The regency's traditional Dayak villages and longhouses worth exploring.
• Lake Sentarum National Park: A wetlands reserve about 100 km southwest, accessible by river — known for its flooded forests and proboscis monkeys.
• Pontianak: Capital of West Kalimantan, 700 km southwest, reachable by a 2-day river and road journey.
• Lanjak-Entimau Wildlife Sanctuary: Across the border in Sarawak, Malaysia — part of the same transboundary conservation area.