Orangutan Encounters in Indonesia: Which Adventure Speaks to You?

If you’re craving a journey that’s wilder, more meaningful, and utterly unforgettable, let Indonesia show you the way. Home to the last remaining strongholds of the orangutan, this sprawling archipelago offers two wildly different paths to see these gentle great apes up close—by river in Kalimantan or through jungle trails in Sumatra.

Whichever route you take, the experience is raw, real, and rooted in sustainability. And unlike the busier, more commercialised options in Malaysian Borneo, Indonesia’s orangutan adventures offer deeper connections—with nature, with people, and with purpose.

Kalimantan: River Safaris & Life Aboard a Klotok Boat

In Kalimantan, the Indonesian part of Borneo, you don’t just visit the jungle—you float through it. Imagine gliding along the Sekonyer River aboard a traditional klotok boat, surrounded by dense rainforest, the hum of wildlife all around you.

This is where you’ll find Tanjung Puting National Park, home to thousands of wild orangutans and famed research centres like Camp Leakey. And here’s the magic—you don’t just cruise the river; you live on the boat. Your floating home has a cosy sleeping deck, hearty local meals prepared fresh, and panoramic views of the jungle at every turn.

Why it’s special:

• The klotok liveaboard experience is as much part of the journey as the orangutans themselves.

• You’ll stay at peaceful eco-lodges or sleep under the stars on deck, lulled by jungle sounds.

• It’s low-impact travel that directly supports local guides, boat crews, and riverside communities.

• With few feeding platforms and plenty of wild sightings, the focus is on observing natural behaviour—not staged encounters.

Want to dip your toes in? Try our Kalimantan Orangutan Explorer — a short but immersive adventure with a stay at the solar-powered Rimba Lodge.

Looking for something longer and deeper? The Borneo Expedition blends liveaboard klotok cruising with land-based exploration—perfect for those who want the full wild experience.

Sumatra: Trekking into the Wild

For a completely different experience, Sumatra invites you to lace up your boots and head into the jungle. From the riverside village of Bukit Lawang, you’ll venture into Gunung Leuser National Park—one of the world’s most biodiverse ecosystems and one of the few places left to spot Sumatran orangutans in the wild.

These treks are guided by local conservationists who know the forest inside out. You’ll hike through vibrant jungle, listen for rustling in the canopy, and if you’re lucky, catch the gaze of an orangutan watching you from above.

Why it’s special:

• Trekking here supports grassroots eco-tourism and helps protect critically endangered orangutans.

• You’ll also visit local farms and traditional Batak villages, making the experience richer and more personal.

• The adventure finishes at Lake Toba, a volcanic wonder where culture and nature intertwine.

Discover it all in our North Sumatra Adventure — a 6-day journey through tropical rainforests, highland cultures, and the calm waters of Lake Toba.

So, Which Orangutan Experience is Right for You?

• Choose Kalimantan if you dream of drifting through the rainforest, sleeping aboard a klotok, and soaking up the magic of the river.

• Go for Sumatra if you prefer to trek, learn from locals, and experience orangutans in one of the most ruggedly beautiful parts of Indonesia.

Either way, you’re supporting ethical, low-impact travel, giving back to the communities and ecosystems that make these journeys possible.