Orangutans In Tanjung Puting National Park

Located in the peninsula on the south coast of the world's third largest tropical rain forest of Borneo, in Indonesian province of Central Kalimantan, the park consist of 300.040 hectares (741,100 acres). Started as a game reserve for the protection of orangutans in 1936 and 1937, it was upgraded to a National Park in 1982. It is the only protected area in South East Asia with vast tract of wetlands, lowland, mature tropical heath and swamp Forests with large rookeries that provide breeding grounds for a wide population of waterfowl. The needs of Orangutans and other primates are also available in the park, such as the 400 species of trees which van be consumed by them.

In Tanjung Puting Park, you will see the orangutans - a lot of ex-captive orangutans - rehabilitated in the park. you will also meet the king of this area, the largest and the oldest orangutan who is still living in a wilderness of a national park.

The romantic forest, the romantic river and the romantic atmosphere of the park are also offer different experiences especially for those who want to have an adventurous honeymoon

Physical Features
The soils in the park consist of yellow-red podsolic, laterite, organosol, podsol, glei humus and alluvial. the area is predominantly flat, undulating to an altitude 0-100 . Above sea level, Based on Schmidt and Ferguson Climate Classification, the park is included in the A and B types with mean annual rainfall of 2,400 mm, falling mainly in the rainy season (September-February). The relative humidity of the area ranges between 55 and 98 percent and the temperature varies from 22 - 32 degree Celsius.

Flora & Fauna
Among tree species commonly found are Ramin (Gonistylus bancanus), Jelutung, Kayu Besi (iron wood, eusideroxylon zwagerri), Meranti (Shorea sp.) and Keruing (Dipterocarpus). all of them have high value for industry. Other plants such Bakung (asian tricum), Pandans (Pandanus tectorius), Nipah (Nypa sp.) which growing on the riverside.
The park is also rich in wildlife with the commonly seen is Orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus pygmaeus) - the best known species that makes the National Park best known, Proboscis monkeys (Nasalis larvatus) - a large monkey which is found only in Borneo, long tail macaque (Macaca fascicularis), birds - especially horn bills, kingfishers, myna, oriental darter and over 220 bird species. Furthermore, the list of fauna living in the park are include the occasionally can be seen: Agile gibbon (Hylobates agilis), grey gibbon (Hylobates mulleri), red leaf monkey (presbistis rubicunda), Malayan sun bear (helarctus malayanus), wild lige (sus barbatus), estuarine crocodile false ghavial (Tomistoma schlegelli). The rivers together with the swamps and sesonal lake rookeries support the life of many species of fish that have very high values in term of ecology and economy.

MAIN OBJECTS

CAMP LEAKEY
Located about 30 minutes to the right from the branch of Sekonyer river. Camp Leakey was established in 1971 to support research activities in Tanjung Puting Wildlife Reserve. Now this area also functions as orangutans rehabilitation center. The Camp and surrounding area is designated as a special utility zone. Over the years, the camp has served the research efforts of several scientist and students. Tourist will be able to walk on certain trails of the trail system without disturbing the research activities. On the way to Camp Leakey (on Sekonyer Simpang Kanan river), you may occasionally see crocodiles and the false gavials.

TANJUNG HARAPAN
The first guard post in the park that was constructed in the late of 1970's. Tanjung Harapan was the original site of the Sekonyer Village, which was moved across the Sekonyer river. The area surrounding is designated as utilization zone. In this area, several facilities for park management as well as for visitors have been constructing. Tanjung Harapan is also an alternate orangutan center.

PONDOK TANGUY
New established rehabilitation center for orangutans. Located between Tanjung Harapan and Natai Lengkuas, this are also designates as a special utilization zone.