Sebangau National Park

Sebangau National Park (Taman Nasional Sebangau) is a 5,687 km² protected area in Central Kalimantan, located between the Sebangau and Katingan rivers. It is one of the largest remaining blocks of tropical peat swamp forest in Southeast Asia, with peat layers reaching depths of 10–12 metres. Established as a national park in 2004, Sebangau is also a designated Important Bird Area and a critical refuge for the endangered Bornean orangutan — it is estimated to host one of the largest wild orangutan populations in the world, approximately 6,000–9,000 individuals.

The park's ecosystem is distinct from the lowland rainforests typical of Borneo. The acidic, waterlogged peat soil supports specialised vegetation including stunted trees, pandanus, and a thick layer of sphagnum moss. Between 1996 and 2004, the area was a logging concession, and canals dug for timber extraction have altered the hydrology. Major restoration efforts, led by the Borneo Nature Foundation (BNF) and the University of Palangka Raya, are ongoing to re-wet the peat, prevent fires, and restore the forest.

The climate is tropical and wet with temperatures averaging 25–33°C. The rainy season is November–May, while June–October is drier. The dry season is also the fire season — peat fires are a serious threat in drought years. Visiting in the June–August window offers the best weather for trekking, but smoke from fires can occasionally reduce visibility.

By Plane

The nearest major airport is Tjilik Riwut Airport (PKY) in Palangka Raya, with direct flights from Jakarta, Surabaya, and Banjarmasin. From the airport, the park's main access point at Kereng Bangkirai is about 30–45 minutes by car (approximately Rp 150,000–200,000 for a taxi).

By Car / Road

From Palangka Raya city centre, head south to the Kereng Bangkirai sub-district. The road is paved and in good condition. A taxi or ojek from central Palangka Raya costs about Rp 70,000–100,000. Guided tours from Palangka Raya typically include all transport.

The main visitor trail within Sebangau is a 1.5 km boardwalk through the peat swamp forest from Kereng Bangkirai. Longer trails extend deeper into the park but require a guide. Most movement within the park is on foot on elevated boardwalks or via small boats on the Sebangau River. Rubber boots are essential year-round as the trails are consistently muddy.

• Wild Orangutans: The park's greatest attraction — wild orangutans are frequently seen foraging along the boardwalks and river edges, especially around fruiting trees.

• Peat Swamp Forest: A unique acidic ecosystem with stunted trees, carnivorous pitcher plants (nepenthes), and a dense understorey of ferns and orchids.

• Borneo Nature Foundation Research Station: A working conservation science facility that occasionally permits visits with advance arrangement.

• Sebangau River: The blackwater river that forms the park's western boundary, tinted dark by tannins from decaying peat.

• Proboscis Monkeys: Troops inhabit the riverine areas near Kereng Bangkirai.

• Orangutan Spotting: Early morning (6:00–8:30) and late afternoon (15:00–17:00) are the best times — head straight for the boardwalks near fruiting trees.

• Boardwalk Walks: The elevated boardwalk system allows you to walk through the swamp forest without sinking into the peat. Rubber boots are recommended anyway.

• River Cruises: Boat trips on the Sebangau River for proboscis monkeys, birds, and sunset views.

• Night Walks: Guided walks to see nocturnal species — slow lorises, tarsiers, frogs, and insects.

• Fire-Fighting Volunteer Days: During the dry season, some NGOs offer hands-on peat fire prevention and restoration activities.

Several warung at the Kereng Bangkirai entrance serve nasi goreng, nasi campur, and ikan bakar (grilled fish) for Rp 20,000–40,000. The local speciality is ikan patin (catfish) cooked in a tangy yellow turmeric soup called patin kuning. In Palangka Raya, restaurants offer a full range of Indonesian cuisine.

Bring your own bottled water. Warung at the entrance sell soft drinks and bottled water. Tap water is not drinkable. Sweet tea and coffee are available at the entrance warung. Alcohol is limited but available in Palangka Raya.

• Budget: Homestays in Kereng Bangkirai village (Rp 150,000–250,000/night) — basic rooms with shared bathroom.
• Mid-range: Hotels in Palangka Raya city centre (Rp 300,000–600,000/night) such as Swiss-Belhotel Danum or Bukit Tinggi Residence. A 30-minute drive from the park.
• Eco-lodge: The Kereng Bangkirai area has a few guesthouses focused on eco-tourism (Rp 250,000–400,000/night).

Small souvenir stalls at the Kereng Bangkirai entrance sell orangutan-themed T-shirts, local crafts, and snacks. Palangka Raya has a better selection for general shopping — the Pasar Besar (Great Market) sells Dayak woven goods and crafts. ATM availability in Kereng Bangkirai is limited; bring cash.

• Palangka Raya: Provincial capital 30 minutes north — the base for all trips and the place to arrange guided tours.
• Kereng Bangkirai: The village at the park's entrance — walkable access to the boardwalks.
• Tanjung Puting National Park: About 300 km southwest — the most famous orangutan conservation area in Indonesia.
• Bukit Raya National Park: About 200 km northeast — a mountainous park with Dayak cultural sites.
• Kahayan River: Scenic river stretching north from Palangka Raya into Dayak highlands — good for extended river journeys.