Putussibau

Putussibau is the capital of Kapuas Hulu Regency in West Kalimantan, located on the upper reaches of the Kapuas River near the border with Malaysia's Sarawak. It is the last significant town before the vast interior wildernesses of Betung Kerihun National Park and Lake Sentarum National Park. The town is the gateway for adventurous travellers heading into the Heart of Borneo.

The town has a relaxed, frontier atmosphere, surrounded by rainforest. It is the primary staging point for expeditions into the two major national parks. The Kapuas River is the town's main artery — all transport, trade, and daily life revolves around it. The population is a mix of Dayak and Malay communities.

The climate is tropical with heavy rainfall year-round. The wet season (October–April) brings very heavy rain. The best time to visit is June–September.

By Plane

Pangsuma Airport (PSU) is served by Wings Air flights from Pontianak (approximately 1 hour). Flights are infrequent — check schedules carefully.

By Car / Road

From Pontianak, Putussibau is about 700 km northeast — a 12–14 hour drive by 4WD. The road is paved to Sintang, then rough. Buses run from Pontianak (Rp 200,000–300,000). From Putussibau, all onward travel is by river.

Putussibau is walkable. Ojek are available for short trips. Longboats (ces) are the main transport for reaching the national parks — arrange at the harbour.

• Kapuas River: The longest river in Indonesia — the town's focal point.

• Pasar Putussibau: The morning market with local produce and supplies.

• Dayak Villages: Traditional longhouse communities around Putussibau.

• Betung Kerihun National Park: The main reason to visit — arrange longboat trips from Putussibau to the park entrance.

• Lake Sentarum National Park: Also accessible by longboat from Putussibau.

• River Expeditions: Multi-day boat trips into the interior to Dayak villages and wilderness areas.

Simple warung serving nasi goreng, mie goreng, and fried fish. Bring extra food for park trips — options are extremely limited once you leave Putussibau.

Bottled water is essential. Stock up before heading into the parks.

• Budget: Basic losmen near the harbour (Rp 100,000–200,000/night).
• Mid-range: Simple hotels (Rp 200,000–350,000/night).

Stock up on all supplies in Putussibau before heading into the national parks. Dayak handicrafts available at the market.

• Betung Kerihun National Park: Accessible by longboat — orangutans, Dayak culture, and pristine rainforest.
• Lake Sentarum National Park: By longboat to the wetland reserve.
• Pontianak: 700 km southwest — the provincial capital.