Sitting on the banks of the Arut River, Pangkalan Bun is a hub for travellers in search of Borneo’s mighty orangutans. With easy access to Tanjung Puting National Park and the iconic Camp Leakey, exploring this riverside city unlocks a new perspective on Kalimantan.
Things to do in Pangkalanbuun
Pangkalan Bun’s riverside setting gives it a breezy atmosphere, with most of the action centred along a bustling waterfront boardwalk. It’s a great place to refuel at enticing street-food stalls selling everything from freshly tossed noodles to icy fruit shakes.
Overlooking Pangkalan Bun Park, Istana Kuning is an ancient palace built by the Sultanate of Kutaringin. It was inspired by the architectural traditions of the sultan’s three wives, who hailed from China, Borneo and Malaysia. This led to a combination of styles including “ironwood” pagodas, intricate bamboo latticework and a canary yellow gateway.
Nearby is Istana Pangeran Mangkubumi, a sprawling wooden compound built to house the sultan's seven daughters. Take a stroll around the lush gardens and escape the bustle of the city as you immerse yourself in Pangkalan Bun’s ancient history.
Borneo is famous for its endangered orangutans, and Pangkalan Bun is the perfect place to sign up for an encounter. A handful of tour operators run exciting multi-night trips out of the city, which will take you to the heart of Tanjung Putting National Park rainforest.
Getting around Pangkalanbuun
Most travellers fly into Iskandar Airport, with the buses and local mini buses driving to Pangkalan Bun’s riverfront in around 15 minutes. The riverfront district is compact and walkable, but if you want to see it from a different angle, you can jump aboard one of the traditional “klotok” or “getek” boats.