Klotok (House boat), Tanjung Puting Reserve, Central Kalimantan

An alternative to staying in a land-based lodge is to explore Kalimantan by traditional klotok boat. You’ll discover parts of Tanjung Puting National Park that are only accessible by river. Besides witnessing the great apes in their natural habitat, you will also be likely to spot an abundance of endemic species such as proboscis monkeys and kingfishers as well as sun bears, macaques, and giant lizards.

The hardwood boats all come with a spacious cabin, air conditioning and bathroom with hot water, soundproofing, mosquito nets and room for up to three adults. Some feature a day bed on the upper deck, so you can relax as you cruise along spotting flora and fauna. The daybed can even be turned into tented accommodation for two in the evening. The ends and sides of the bed are open to the elements, giving you an immersive feeling of sleeping in the forest, but can be closed in the event of rain.

Your guide will be on hand to point out wildlife throughout your stay, and you will also be able to moor up and explore on land.  A highlight of your visit will be Camp Leakey, the headquarters of the Orangutan Foundation. Arrive just in time for feeding and see these majestic creatures just metres away from you.

All in all, this is a fantastic way to see the sights and hear the sounds of the jungle up close.