Rungan River orangutan islands

Orangutan Tours Kalimantan

Orangutan Islands, also known as Pulau Kaja and Pulau Bepalas, are located along the Rungan River in the Central Kalimantan province of Indonesia. These islands are part of the BOS (Borneo Orangutan Survival) Nyaru Menteng Rehabilitation Center, which plays a vital role in the process of rehabilitating orangutans before they are released back into the wild. Pulau Kaja is the first step in this pre-release phase, serving as an important stage where orangutans are prepared for their eventual return to their natural habitat.

The island spans nearly 110 hectares and is home to approximately 40 rehabilitated orangutans who are currently awaiting their release into the forest.
Due to its location within the Rungan River, the island experiences seasonal flooding, which can submerge parts of the forest and the trees on Pulau Kaja. While cruising along the Rungan River towards the Orangutan Islands, visitors have the opportunity to spot wild orangutans from the riverside.

The forests of Pulau Kaja and Pulau Bepalas function as a kind of botanical garden, providing an ideal setting for the pre-release process.
In addition to these two islands, several other nearby islands—Pulau Begamat, Pulau Palas 1, Pulau Palas 2, and Pulau Hampapak Matei—are also used as initial habitats for orangutans as they transition back into the wild. These islands support not only orangutans but also a wide variety of other wildlife and bird species.

It is important to note that visitors are not allowed to get too close to the orangutans. This is because the animals are trained to become fully wild and are taught to avoid any contact with humans. As a result, it is crucial to minimize human interaction with them, as humans are considered a threat to their survival.

All the five island are located in the Rungan River and can not be visited, as only spot the orangutans from the boat alongside, for more information or education of the orangutans, one can visit the Nyaru Menteng Arboretum where you will also be informed of the BOS campaigns against illegal logging of forest and orangutan killings.

Orangutan Islands Travel Information