Sebangau National Park is one of the best places in Central Kalimantan, Borneo, to experience wild orangutans, proboscis monkeys, hornbills, and the unique peat swamp forest. Many travelers who visit Palangka Raya are curious about how to get to Sebangau National Park, since this hidden gem is not as crowded as other tourist destinations in Borneo, like Tanjung Puting.
If you’re planning your trip, here is a complete guide on how to reach Sebangau National Park.
Where is Sebangau National Park?
Sebangau National Park covers an area of ±568,700 hectares and lies between the Sebangau River and Katingan Riverin Central Kalimantan. The park is managed under three regions: Palangka Raya Municipality, Katingan District, and Pulang Pisau District.
The main access point for visitors is Palangka Raya, the capital city of Central Kalimantan.
How to Get to Palangka Raya (Gateway to Sebangau)
The journey to Sebangau starts with arriving in Palangka Raya. You can reach this city by:
- By Air: Direct flights from Jakarta, Surabaya, Banjarmasin, or Balikpapan to Tjilik Riwut Airport (PKY) in Palangka Raya.
- By Land/Sea: Some routes connect through Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan, but flying is the fastest and most convenient option.
How to Enter Sebangau National Park
There are two popular entry points to visit Sebangau:
1. Kereng Bangkirai (Palangka Raya side)
- Located only 20–30 minutes from Palangka Raya city center.
- Visitors take a traditional wooden canoe (kelotok) across the blackwater river to reach the forest area.
- Best for short day trips or soft adventures near the city.
2. Punggualas Area (Katingan side)
- About 3–4 hours by car from Palangka Raya to reach the camp inside the park.
- Known as the best area for wild orangutan spotting and longer jungle trekking (2D1N to 4D3N tours).
- Offers authentic community-based tourism experiences with local guides.
Transportation to Sebangau National Park
- Private Car/Chartered Car: The most common way to reach the park, usually arranged by your tour operator.
- Local Guides & Tours: Required for exploring deeper into the jungle, especially in Punggualas Camp, since the forest is vast and navigation is difficult without experience.
- Boats (Kelotok): Used in Kereng Bangkirai and some parts of Punggualas for river exploration.
Best Time to Visit Sebangau National Park
The park is open year-round, but the dry season (June to October) is the most comfortable for trekking. During the rainy season, some forest trails can be muddy, but it’s still possible to visit.
Travel Tips for Visiting Sebangau National Park
- Wear lightweight, quick-dry clothing suitable for trekking.
- Bring insect repellent, sunscreen, and waterproof gear.
- Stay in designated camps or eco-lodges to support sustainable tourism.
- Book through a local operator or community-based tourism group to ensure a safe and authentic experience.
Conclusion
Getting to Sebangau National Park is relatively easy once you arrive in Palangka Raya, Central Kalimantan. From there, you can choose between the Kereng Bangkirai entry point for short trips or the Punggualas area for multi-day jungle adventures. Whether you have one day or four days, Sebangau offers a truly wild and peaceful alternative to other Borneo destinations – with the chance to see orangutans in their natural habitat.
