Gunung Palung National Park

Gunung Palung National Park is a 900 km² protected area in West Kalimantan, about 45 km inland from the coast. Established as a national park in 1990, it protects the entire gradient of Bornean forest ecosystems — from mangrove and peat swamp at low elevations to montane forest on the summit of Mount Palung (1,166 m). The park is one of the best places in Indonesia to see wild orangutans, with an estimated 2,500 individuals living within its boundaries.

The park was first protected in 1937 as a 300 km² forest nature reserve, expanded in 1981, and upgraded to national park status in 1990. Its varied topography — lowlands, hills, and the central Mount Palung massif — creates a remarkable diversity of habitats in a relatively compact area. Alongside orangutans, the park hosts gibbons, proboscis monkeys, hornbills, sun bears, and countless bird and insect species.

The climate is equatorial: hot and humid year-round, with temperatures averaging 25–32°C. The dry season runs roughly June to September, while the wet season peaks from November to March. The park is accessible year-round, but trail conditions are best during the drier months.

By Plane

The nearest airport is Rahadi Osman Airport (KTG) in Ketapang, with flights from Pontianak (PNK) operated by Wings Air. From Ketapang, it is about 2 hours by road to Sukadana, the main access point. Alternatively, Supadio International Airport (PNK) in Pontianak offers connections from Jakarta and other Indonesian cities.

By Car / Road

From Pontianak, a combination of road and boat is the standard route. Take a bus or shared taxi to Melano (4–5 hours), then a speedboat across the bay to Sukadana (30 minutes). From Ketapang town, Sukadana is about 60 km north by road — shared minibuses (Rp 50,000–70,000) run regularly.

Movement within Gunung Palung is on foot only. The park has a network of marked trails radiating from the Lubuk Baji base camp. An ojek (motorbike taxi) from Sukadana to the Lubuk Baji trailhead costs about Rp 50,000. A guide is strongly recommended for navigating the trails and spotting wildlife.

• Orangutans: The park's star attraction — sightings are common, especially near fruiting fig trees. The Cabang Panti Research Station area is a reliable spot.

• Mount Palung: The park's namesake peak (1,166 m) — a challenging but rewarding climb through multiple forest zones.

• Waterfalls: Several waterfalls including the scenic Riam Berasap cascade are accessible via guided treks from Lubuk Baji.

• Batu Bulan Viewpoint: A panoramic sunrise viewpoint overlooking the valley and mountain range, about 2 hours' hike from Lubuk Baji.

• Mangrove & Swamp Forest: The coastal section of the park protects rare peat swamp and mangrove ecosystems accessible by boat.

• Orangutan Trekking: Guided treks focus on tracking wild orangutans — the park is among the most reliable places in Kalimantan for sightings.

• Hiking the Trails: Three clearly marked loop trails start at Lubuk Baji, each taking about 2 hours. The system is expanding with new routes. Terrain is demanding — good fitness is required.

• Birdwatching: Over 200 bird species including rhinoceros hornbills, kingfishers, and pitta species.

• Night Walks: Guided night treks reveal the park's nocturnal life — flying squirrels, slow lorises, frogs, and insects.

• Photography: The forest, wildlife, and sweeping valley views from Batu Bulan are excellent subjects.

Nasalis Tour and Travel, the park's main concessionaire, provides meals for guests at the Lubuk Baji camp — simple Indonesian fare including nasi goreng, fried noodles, and vegetable dishes. Bring your own snacks and purification tablets. In Sukadana, small warung serve mie ayam (chicken noodles) and nasi padang (rice with curries).

Bring bottled water and purification tablets — the camp provides drinking water but purification is advisable. Sweet tea and coffee are available at the camp. Tap water is not drinkable. There are no bars or cafés in the area.

• Budget: Lubuk Baji Camp — basic hut accommodation operated by Nasalis, in a forest clearing with a clean stream. Hiking in (about 2 hours uphill) is required. Rates around Rp 300,000–500,000/person/night including meals.
• Mid-range: Batu Barat and Riam Berasap camps offer similar basic hut accommodation at different locations in the park.
• Camping: Permitted with your own tent and equipment. Coordinate with the park office and hire a guide.

There are no shops in the park. The village of Sukadana has basic warung (small shops) selling snacks, water, and toiletries. Local handicrafts are limited — Ketapang town has a small market for souvenirs. Camera permits (Rp 25,000 for international tourists) must be purchased at the park office before entering.

• Sukadana: The coastal gateway village, 30 minutes by boat from Melano — basic amenities and access point.
• Ketapang: Nearest town with accommodation, markets, and the airport, 60 km south.
• Pontianak: Capital of West Kalimantan, reachable via Melano boat connection (4–5 hours total by road and boat).
• Bukit Raya National Park: About 250 km east, another protected area with Dayak cultural sites and diverse wildlife.