Tanjung Puting National Park (Seruyan Area)

A Mosaic Ecosystem: From Peat Swamp Forests to Mangroves

The natural characteristics of TNTP in the Seruyan area are dominated by a unique blend of kerangas forest, lowland rainforest, and complex wetland ecosystems. One of the most prominent natural features is the presence of deep peat swamp forests. The water in this area is often dark black, like tea or coffee, a natural phenomenon due to the high tannin content from the decomposition of forest vegetation.

Along the coast that borders the Seruyan area, visitors will find dense belts of mangroves and expanses of nipah forests. This ecosystem transition creates a dramatic gradation of scenery, from mangrove trees with their protruding prop roots to giant trees like Ulin (Eusideroxylon zwageri) and Meranti that soar through the forest canopy.

Biodiversity: Home to the King of the Canopy

The undeniable attraction of Tanjung Puting in the Seruyan area is the Bornean Orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus). This area is one of the most important research and rehabilitation sites in the world. Visitors can witness how these intelligent primates swing among the tree branches or gather at the feeding stations.

However, Seruyan's biodiversity does not stop at orangutans. This region is a paradise for Proboscis Monkeys (Nasalis larvatus), long-nosed monkeys endemic to Borneo. In the late afternoon, along the riverbanks in the Seruyan area, visitors can see groups of proboscis monkeys leaping from one branch to another to find a place to sleep. Additionally, there are gibbons, sun bears, and hundreds of bird species, including Hornbills, whose wingbeats sound like the roar of an engine from a distance.

Tourist Experience: Cruising the Rivers by Klotok

The main iconic tourist activity in Tanjung Puting, Seruyan area, is river cruising using a Klotok boat. A Klotok is a traditional wooden boat modified into a floating accommodation. Exploring the Seruyan area by Klotok provides a true "slow travel" sensation. Visitors can sit on the deck of the boat, enjoying the gentle forest breeze, while the boat cuts through the calm river water.

In the Seruyan area, waterways are the arteries of travel. The experience of spending the night on a Klotok under millions of stars, with the symphony of night insects and the occasional sound of branches breaking due to nocturnal animal activity, is an experience not found in other destinations. Besides river cruising, jungle trekking on designated trails allows tourists to get a closer look at the forest's micro-ecosystems, such as pitcher plants (Nepenthes) and various types of wild orchids.

Conservation and Environmental Protection

Tanjung Puting National Park holds the status of a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. The Seruyan area plays a strategic role in maintaining hydrological corridors and preventing forest fires in peatlands. Conservation efforts here involve close collaboration between the National Park Authority, international non-profit organizations, and the local community of Seruyan.

Tourists who visit here indirectly contribute to the conservation economy. Every entrance ticket and environmental service fee is used to support forest patrols and animal rehabilitation programs. Visitors are strictly required to adhere to strict rules, such as not feeding wild animals, maintaining a safe distance, and not discarding any trash into the river or forest areas.

Accessibility and Facilities

Reaching the Seruyan area within the National Park requires careful planning. Land access to Seruyan Regency (Kuala Pembuang) can be reached from Palangkaraya or Sampit. However, for in-depth exploration into the national park area, the river route remains the primary choice.

Facilities within the area are managed with a minimalist ecotourism principle to preserve nature. There are small wooden jetties for mooring boats, ranger posts, and wooden boardwalks to facilitate walking on the soft peat soil. The main accommodation is the Klotok boat itself, which is usually equipped with mattresses, mosquito nets, toilets, and a cook who serves local Kalimantan cuisine.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Tanjung Puting National Park in the Seruyan area is during the dry season, between June and September. During this period, river water levels are stable, and trekking trails within the forest are not too muddy, facilitating mobility. Additionally, during the dry season, animals are more frequently seen coming down to the riverbanks to drink, increasing the chances of wildlife observation.

Nevertheless, visiting during the rainy season also has its own uniqueness. The forest will appear much greener and fresher, and some types of wild flowers bloom perfectly, releasing a distinctive fragrant aroma along the river.

Conclusion: A Natural Heritage That Must Be Preserved

Tanjung Puting National Park, Seruyan area, is not just a photo destination, but a space to learn about how fragile yet magnificent our nature is. The existence of this ecosystem is the last bastion for the survival of Indonesia's iconic species. By visiting Seruyan, tourists are invited to return to nature, detach from the hustle and bustle of modernity, and appreciate every breath of oxygen produced by this ancient rainforest. Protecting Tanjung Puting means protecting the future of global biodiversity.