Mount Palung National Park

Mount Palung Overview

Nestled in the heart of Indonesia’s West Kalimantan province on the island of Borneo, Mount Palung National Park, or Taman Nasional Gunung Palung in the local language, spans an impressive 1,080 square miles (2,800 square kilometers). This biologically rich park is a pristine example of Borneo’s lush rainforest ecosystem, encompassing a variety of terrains, including lowland peat swamps, mangrove forests, montane rainforests, and rugged mountain landscapes.

At its core stands Mount Palung itself, a majestic peak that reaches an elevation of 3,637 feet (1,109 meters). The park’s diverse landscapes create a haven for an astonishing array of plant and animal life, making it one of Indonesia’s most treasured biodiversity hotspots.

The park’s terrain is as varied as its ecosystems, ranging from swampy lowlands to steep mountain slopes covered in dense vegetation. Its forests are renowned for towering dipterocarp trees, which dominate the lowland areas, while the montane regions host unique plant species such as orchids and ferns.

These forests are also interspersed with waterfalls, such as the enchanting Riam Berasap Waterfall, whose misty cascades are surrounded by emerald-green foliage. The park’s peat swamps and mangroves further enhance its ecological richness, providing critical habitats for both aquatic and terrestrial species.

Mount Palung National Park is particularly famous for its wildlife, which includes some of Borneo’s most iconic and endangered species. It is one of the few places in the world where visitors can encounter wild orangutans (Pongo pygmaeus), as the park is home to one of the largest and most significant populations of this critically endangered great ape.

Other mammals frequently spotted include the Bornean gibbon, proboscis monkey, sun bear, and clouded leopard. The park’s birdlife is equally impressive, featuring more than 230 species, including the rhinoceros hornbill, black-capped kingfisher, and great argus pheasant. These creatures thrive in the park’s undisturbed habitats, offering visitors extraordinary wildlife-viewing opportunities.

Visitors to Mount Palung National Park can engage with its wonders in a variety of ways. Trekking through its dense rainforests is a popular activity, with trails leading to breathtaking viewpoints and areas where orangutans are often observed. Guided wildlife tours provide a chance to spot elusive animals while learning about their behaviors and habitats.

Birdwatchers flock to the park for its exceptional avian diversity, while the Riam Berasap Waterfall and other natural features offer tranquil spots for relaxation and exploration. River cruises through the park’s waterways are another way to experience its beauty, allowing visitors to navigate the mangroves and witness the park’s ecosystem from a unique perspective.

Conservation efforts have been central to the management of Mount Palung National Park, which faces challenges such as illegal logging, poaching, and habitat loss. Collaborative initiatives between the Indonesian government, local communities, and international conservation organizations have led to significant successes, including the reduction of illegal activities and the rehabilitation of orangutan habitats.

Ecotourism also plays a key role in supporting conservation, as it raises awareness and generates funding for the park’s protection. Mount Palung National Park stands as a testament to the importance of preserving our planet’s natural heritage, offering visitors a glimpse into one of the world’s most extraordinary ecosystems.

Park Map

Mount Palung National Park Highlights

Wildlife

Birds

Mount Palung National Park is a paradise for bird enthusiasts, hosting a wide array of bird species, many of which are endemic to Borneo. Here are some of the more popular bird species found in the park:

Bornean Bristlehead (Pityriasis gymnocephala)
This unique bird is the sole member of its family. It has a striking red head and black body and feeds on insects, fruits, and small vertebrates.

Horned Frogmouth (Batrachostomus cornutus)
A cryptic nocturnal bird, the horned frogmouth has excellent camouflage and feeds on insects at night.

Rhinoceros Hornbill (Buceros rhinoceros)
Known for its large, brightly colored casque, this iconic bird feeds on fruits and small animals and plays a vital role in seed dispersal.

Black-and-Yellow Broadbill (Eurylaimus ochromalus)
This small, colorful bird has a melodious call and is found in the lowland forests. It primarily feeds on insects and fruits.

Bornean Peacock-Pheasant (Polyplectron schleiermacheri)
Endemic to Borneo, this bird is known for its beautiful, iridescent plumage. It inhabits dense forests and feeds on seeds and insects.

Storm’s Stork (Ciconia stormi)
A rare and endangered stork, it is typically found near rivers and wetlands. It feeds on fish, amphibians, and other small aquatic creatures.

White-bellied Woodpecker (Dryocopus javensis)
This large woodpecker has striking black and white plumage and a loud, distinctive drumming call. It feeds on insects under tree bark.

Blue-banded Pitta (Erythropitta arquata)
A vibrantly colored bird, the blue-banded pitta inhabits the forest floor, feeding on insects and other small invertebrates.

Crested Jay (Platylophus galericulatus)
With its bold crest and dark plumage, this jay is a striking sight in the forest canopy. It is an omnivore, feeding on fruits, seeds, and small animals.

Buffy Fish Owl (Ketupa ketupu)
This large owl is often found near water and is known for its sharp talons and piercing eyes. It preys on fish, amphibians, and small mammals.

Mount Palung National Park, located in West Kalimantan, Indonesia, is a biodiverse haven with a rich variety of wildlife. Its lush rainforests and pristine ecosystems support many fascinating species, some of which are endemic to the region. Here are some of the more popular non-avian species found in the park:

Bornean Orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus)
This critically endangered primate is a flagship species of the park. Known for their remarkable intelligence, these orangutans build nests in trees and are primarily frugivorous, though they occasionally eat insects and other plant materials.

Proboscis Monkey (Nasalis larvatus)
With their distinctive long noses and potbellies, proboscis monkeys are endemic to Borneo. They are arboreal and often seen near rivers, feeding on leaves, seeds, and fruits.

Bornean Clouded Leopard (Neofelis diardi)
A rare and elusive big cat, the clouded leopard is known for its strikingly patterned coat. It is a nocturnal predator that preys on small mammals, birds, and reptiles.

Sunda Pangolin (Manis javanica)
This endangered species is known for its unique armor of scales. Pangolins feed on ants and termites, using their long, sticky tongues to extract their prey from nests.

Malayan Sun Bear (Helarctos malayanus)
The smallest of the bear species, the sun bear has a short, sleek coat and a distinctive orange-yellow chest patch. It feeds on fruits, honey, insects, and small animals.

Bornean Slow Loris (Nycticebus borneanus)
This small, nocturnal primate has large eyes adapted for night vision. It feeds on tree sap, fruits, and insects and is known for its slow, deliberate movements.

Marbled Cat (Pardofelis marmorata)
Similar in appearance to the clouded leopard, this small wildcat is arboreal and primarily nocturnal. It preys on birds, rodents, and other small animals.

Bearded Pig (Sus barbatus)
This wild pig is characterized by its long facial hair and prominent beard. It forages for roots, fruits, and tubers in the forest and often travels in groups.

Bornean Tarsier (Tarsius bancanus)
This tiny primate has large eyes and long hind legs, enabling it to leap great distances. It is insectivorous and primarily active at night.

Reticulated Python (Malayopython reticulatus)
One of the longest snake species in the world, this python is a non-venomous constrictor that preys on mammals and birds. It is often found near water sources in the park.