Camp Leakey Tours Borneo : Exploring Orangutan

Camp Leakey tours Borneo take you to see ex-rehabilitated orangutans at Tanjung Puting National Park in Central Borneo.

Marvel at the rich biodiversity of Tanjung Puting National Park in Central Kalimantan (Borneo), Indonesia. Camp Leakey tours will introduce you to orangutans, Borneo’s iconic yet endangered species. Famous for its status as a research facility, Camp Leakey receives public visitors during specific hours.

Situated deep within the Tanjung Puting area, Camp Leakey was built by Birute Galdikas in 1971, serving as the center of orangutan research. The camp got its name from Louis Leakey, the mentor of famous primate expert Dr. Jane Goodall. It was built as a rehabilitation center for orangutans, before turning into a research post.

Camp Leakey has permanent wooden structures built to accommodate researchers, students, and staff. The camp location serves as an observation center and staying place for researchers. It also has feeding stations for ex-rehabilitated orangutans.

Camp Leakey Borneo Visiting Hours

General visitors can visit Camp Leakey, but all visitors must adhere to the visiting hours. The Orangutan houseboat tour will stop at Camp Leakey jetty at 1:00 pm and leave at 4:30 pm. Make sure to arrange your itineraries based on the permitted schedules. Visitors cannot stay overnight or interfere with researchers’ works. You will cruise on a traditional river houseboat from Kumai to reach the location.

Camp Leakey Tours Borneo Highlights

Captive orangutans, such as those found at the black markets or in home cages, need to get reacquainted with their wild instincts before being released. Camp Leakey used to be the rehabilitation center for the orangutans before they were released. Now, you can still see the ex-rehabilitated orangutans wandering around the camp.

You can also learn about the history of several rehabilitated orangutans at Camp Leakey. Learn about orangutans and the rehabilitation efforts required to return their wild instincts. Then, follow the ranger to the feeding station, where they give the orangutans some fruits, sweet potatoes, and milk every 3:00 pm as supplements. You can also see wild and ex-rehabilitated orangutans play around the camp.

Orangutans are not the only animals present. If lucky, you may even spot other interesting species, like macaques, gibbons, proboscis monkeys, leaf-eating monkeys, and some species of birds and reptiles. The camp’s remote location, surrounded by dense trees, will make you feel like Jane Goodall herself when doing her research in the wild.

Cruising on the klotok itself is an adventure. While it is not a luxury boat, it gives an unobstructed view of the river and the surrounding forests. You can see birds, monkeys, and even some crocodiles!

Tanjung Puting is a warm and humid place, and the wetlands are homes for mosquitos and other insects. Make sure to wear comfortable clothing, sturdy walking boots, and a wide-brimmed hat if possible. Bring bug repellent cream and sunscreen.

Want to visit the Orangutan at Camp Leakey? Adventure Indonesia offers private guided Camp Leakey Borneo tours to see the rich biodiversity of Tanjung Puting National Park. Marvel at the majestic nature and beautiful Borneo animals while having the adventure of your lifetime!