Borneo: Kelotok River Cruise & Orangutan Feeding Stations

Summary

Orangutan encounters river cruising and rainforest nights in borneo

You’ll cruise Borneo’s rivers by kelotok boat with a small group, watch wild orangutans at Tanjung Harapan and Camp Leakey, and sleep surrounded by rainforest sounds. Local guides share stories as you spot monkeys and crocodiles along the banks. If you’re after real moments—muddy boots included—this is one of those trips that lingers long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed wasn’t the orangutans — it was the way the kelotok boat felt under my feet, all creaky wood and the soft slap of water against its sides. We’d barely left Kumai when our guide, Riko, pointed out a fisherman waving from his little canoe. The air smelled faintly smoky, maybe from someone’s breakfast fire drifting over the riverbanks. I tried to take a photo but honestly, it didn’t do justice to that early-morning haze.

Later that afternoon at Tanjung Harapan feeding station, we watched an orangutan mother swing down for fruit — her baby clinging on like a little orange backpack. There were other faces too: proboscis monkeys (those noses are even bigger in real life), silvered langurs with their golden babies, and a shy macaque peeking from behind a branch. Riko told us about Dr. Birute Galdikas’ first years here — he said her book inspired him to become a guide. I can see why; this place gets under your skin.

Sleeping on the kelotok was… different. The mosquito nets made me feel like I was in some old explorer movie (except with better snacks). At night, you could hear insects buzzing and sometimes something heavier rustling in the trees — I pretended not to worry what it was. The next day at Camp Leakey, we hiked through peat swamp forest that squelched underfoot and saw an older male orangutan watching us with this slow, thoughtful gaze. It’s hard to explain how quiet it gets out there except for birds or the occasional splash when a crocodile slides into the water (don’t lean too far over the rail).

On our last morning drifting back toward Kumai, coffee in hand, someone spotted another orangutan high above us — just eating leaves like we weren’t even there. It felt weirdly comforting. I still think about that view sometimes when city life gets loud again.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Cruise to Tanjung Harapan Camp

• Depart from Kumai River
• Cruise through Sekonyer River mangroves
• Watch Orangutan feeding at 15:00
• Spot Proboscis Monkeys and other wildlife
• Overnight on Kelotok boat
• Optional night walk for nocturnal wildlife

Day 2 — Explore Camp Leakey and Sekonyer River

• Cruise to Camp Leakey via Sekonyer Kanan
• Observe tea-colored water and wildlife
• Lunch on board
• Hike in Borneo rainforest and peat swamp
• Orangutan observation from 14:00 to 16:00
• Evening wildlife spotting and sunset viewing
• Overnight on Kelotok boat

Day 3 — Return to Pangkalan Bun via Kumai

• Breakfast on board
• Cruise down river to Kumai
• Morning wildlife and Orangutan spotting
• Depart Kumai for Pangkalan Bun transfer
• Visit Orangutan souvenir and handicraft gallery

Top questions

How many people are on each kelotok river cruise?

The small group tour has a maximum of 12 travelers per boat.

Are meals included during the Borneo river cruise?

Yes, all meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner), snacks, bottled water, soda/tea/coffee are included.

What wildlife can I see besides orangutans?

You may see proboscis monkeys, silvered langurs (with golden babies), long-tailed macaques, crocodiles, birds, reptiles and insects.

Where does the tour start and end?

The tour starts in Pangkalan Bun/Kumai and ends back at Pangkalan Bun after cruising Sekonyer River.

Is accommodation provided on land or only on the boat?

You’ll sleep on board the kelotok boat with beds and mosquito nets provided.

Are there any night activities offered?

An optional night walk for nocturnal wildlife is offered before dinner on Day 1.

Can children join this Borneo river cruise?

Yes—children can join if accompanied by adults; infants can ride in prams or strollers.

Is vegetarian food available on this tour?

Yes—vegetarian options are available if requested at booking time.

What’s included

Your journey includes pickup from Pangkalan Bun or Kumai, all transportation by traditional kelotok boat (with sleeping beds and mosquito nets), an English-speaking local guide throughout your trip, all entrance fees to feeding stations like Camp Leakey and Tanjung Harapan, plus all meals—breakfasts, lunches, dinners—and plenty of coffee or tea while you float past rainforest scenery each day.