Gunung Palung National Park

Gunung Palung National Park is in West Kalimantan of Indonesia.

Understand
This is one of the national parks in Indonesia where you can see wild orangutans.

History
Mount Palung was first protected in 1937 as a forest nature reserve covering 300 km2. In 1981, the size was increased to 900 km2 (350 sq mi) and its status raised to a wildlife reserve, and on 24 March 1990 the area became a national park.

Landscape
The park covers a large area so there are low-lands and hills, but the centerpieces of the park are the Gunung Palung mountains.

Flora and fauna
Dense vegetation with numerous species.

Orangutans, gibbons, red monkeys, hornbills, wild boars, snakes, lizards, turtles, fish, and all sorts of insects.

Climate
As the park is close to the equator, it's hot and humid. Two seasons: rainy and dry.

Get in
One can join an organised trip or travel independently.

Travelling alone
You still need to buy a park permit from one of the offices in Melano, Ketapang, or Sukadana (smallest but closest to the park). Then, one needs to arrange transportation to one of the park access points (e.g., close to Sukadana) via ojek (motorbike) - about Rp50,000.

Travelling in an organised tour
Organised trips (packages) are offered by Nasalis Tour and Travel and can be arranged at any of the park offices. The packages include the entry fees, the camera fees, transportation to and from the park, guide and porter, accommodation at one of the sites the company operates, food and water. The package does not include mosquito nets, sleeping bag/blanket or any camping equipment such as knife, or flashlight. The guide might not speak English very well.

Pontianak-Melano-Sukadana
From Pontianak, travel by boat to Melano. In Melano, hire a motorbike (ojek) to Sukadana (approximately 30 minutes).

Fees and permits

 * Entrance Permit (International Tourist): Rp 10,000/one entry/person
 * Entrance Permit (Domestic Tourist): Rp 1,000/one entry/person
 * Digital camera (International Tourist): Rp 25,000/unit
 * Digital camera (Domestic Tourist): Rp 2,500/one entry/person
 * Video camera (International Tourist): Rp 100,000/unit
 * Video camera (Domestic Tourist): Rp 25,000/one entry/person

Get around
On foot only.

See
Wildlife (incl. orangutans), jungle vegetation, and some beautiful waterfalls. One of the trails starting at Lubuk Baji leads to Batu Bulan, a nice panoramic view of mountains across a valley which is especially stunning during sunrise.

Do
Hiking and nature observation.

From Lubuk Baji three clearly-marked trails lead out into the jungle. Each trail forms a loop and takes about 2 hours (depending on the physical abilities of the hiker; the trails pass some quite demanding terrain). The system of trails is being expanded (at least two new trails are being considered). The trails can be navigated independently, however, having a guide definitely helps in spotting wildlife.

Lodging
There are three sites operated by Nasalis: Lubuk Baji, Batu Barat and Riam Berasap.

Lubuk Baji is a basic hut built in a clearing in the forest and has a very clean stream passing by. The micro-climate of the place is less humid than some other parts of the forest. To get to Lubuk Baji, one needs to hike for about 2 hours uphill through some demanding terrain. Do not bring stuff you don't need.

Camping
Possible.