Pangkalan Bun

Pangkalan Bun is the capital of West Kotawaringin Regency in Central Kalimantan, located about 30 km inland from the Java Sea coast. With a population of around 60,000, it is the primary gateway to Tanjung Puting National Park, one of Indonesia's most famous wildlife destinations. The town is also known by the shorter name "Pangkalanbun".

The town is a relaxed, compact administrative and trading centre. Its economy is driven by the palm oil, rubber, and timber industries of surrounding Central Kalimantan. However, for visitors, Pangkalan Bun is the stepping stone to Tanjung Puting's orangutan conservation area at Camp Leakey and the river safaris on the Sekonyer River.

The climate is tropical with year-round temperatures of 25–33°C. The rainy season runs November–April. The best time for park visits is June–September.

By Plane

Iskandar Airport (PKN) is about 5 km from the town centre, with direct flights from Jakarta, Surabaya, Semarang, and Sampit. Airlines serving the route include Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air/Wings Air, and Sriwijaya Air. Taxis from the airport to the town centre cost about Rp 50,000–70,000.

By Train

By Car / Road

Pangkalan Bun is connected by road to Palangka Raya (6 hours, 250 km) and Sampit (3 hours). The Trans-Kalimantan highway passes through the area. Buses and shared minibuses operate from both cities.

Pangkalan Bun is small and easy to navigate. Becak and ojek are the main local transport — fares start at Rp 5,000–10,000. Most visitors arrange a Tanjung Puting tour package that includes all transport from the airport through to the klotok boat.

• Tanjung Puting National Park: The town's main reason for existence for tourists — see separate guide.

• Pangkalan Bun Town: The old colonial-era quarter has some charming Dutch-era buildings.

• Kumai Fishing Harbour: 20 minutes south — the departure point for Tanjung Puting klotok boats. A busy, photogenic fishing port.

• Tanjung Puting Adventure: The main activity — 2–4 day klotok river safari to see orangutans, proboscis monkeys, and wildlife.

• Kumai Harbour Visit: Watch fishing boats and the daily catch coming in.

• Ikan Bakar: Grilled fish, especially ikan patin (catfish) — the local staple.
• Nasi Goreng Khas Pangkalan Bun: Fried rice with local twist.
• RM Saiyo: A popular restaurant serving Indonesian and seafood dishes.
• Food stalls around the market: Cheap warung for breakfast and lunch.

Bottled water is essential. Sweet tea and coffee are widely available.

• Budget: Losmen near the bus terminal and market (Rp 100,000–200,000/night).
• Mid-range: Hotel Pangkalan Bun (Rp 250,000–400,000/night), Swiss-Belinn Pangkalan Bun (Rp 350,000–600,000/night).
• Upscale: The best hotels cater to tour groups visiting Tanjung Puting — package rates available.

Small souvenir shops in town sell Tanjung Puting-themed T-shirts, orangutan plush toys, and local crafts. The market sells fresh produce and snacks for park trips.

• Tanjung Puting National Park: 30 minutes to Kumai, then klotok into the park.
• Kumai: 20 km south — harbour town where klotok boats depart.
• Sampit: 120 km northeast — another town on the edge of Central Kalimantan's wetlands.
• Palangka Raya: 250 km northeast — the provincial capital.