Happy TravellerWelcome to Pangkalan Bun, the capital of West Kotawaringin Regency in Borneo, Indonesia. With a population of around 200,000, this city is a hub for transportation and a gateway to the stunning Tanjung Puting National Park. Pangkalan Bun is served by Iskandar Airport, with several airlines providing connections to Jakarta, Surabaya, and Semarang. But there’s more to this city than just its convenient location.
One of the main attractions in Pangkalan Bun is the Camp Leakey, established by Birutė Galdikas for the study and conservation of orangutans. Located about 48 kilometers (30 miles) up the Sekonyer River, this site has expanded from its original hut in 1971 and is now a part of the Tanjung Puting National Park. Visitors can witness these majestic creatures up close and learn about the efforts to protect them.
Pangkalan Bun also played a significant role in the aftermath of the AirAsia QZ 8501 crash in 2014. Iskandar International Airport was one of the operation centers used to support search operations, and the Indonesian National Search and Rescue Agency established a post in the airport to coordinate the search. The city prepared over 160 coffins to take care of those who died as quickly as possible, in accordance with Indonesian practice.
Geographically, Pangkalan Bun sits 24 meters (79 feet) above sea level and has a tropical rainforest climate with heavy rainfall year-round. But don’t let the rain deter you from exploring this beautiful city and its surroundings. From the orangutan sanctuary to the national park, there’s plenty to see and do in Pangkalan Bun. So pack your bags and get ready for an adventure in this hidden gem of Borneo!
