A Special City with a Nostalgic Feeling
Pangkalan Bun is a charming town located on the Arut River. According to a classic saying, “Whoever drank from the Arut River will surely return to Pangkalan Bun.” This phrase captures the nostalgic feeling that one day, visitors will come back to this town. What makes Pangkalan Bun special is its riverside life and the heritage sites along the riverbanks. It serves as a gateway for those who want to explore the exotic Tanjung Puting National Park. One of its main attractions is The Orangutan Care Center Quarantine (OCCQ), where wounded and confiscated orangutans are taken care of.
Interacting with Charming Orangutan Babies
In this quarantine facility, visitors have the opportunity to interact with adorable orangutan babies. You can witness their playful behavior and learn more about these fascinating creatures. The traditional kelotok and getek boats, as well as speedboats of different sizes, can be seen cruising along the Arut River. You can take a boat ride and explore the long and wide river, enjoying the scenic views along the way.
A Relaxing Scene at Kubu Beach
If you’re looking for a relaxing scene away from downtown Pangkalan Bun, Kubu Beach is just an hour’s drive away. This beach offers a peaceful atmosphere where you can unwind and enjoy the beauty of nature. Fishing enthusiasts will also find several perfect spots along the shores. You can observe or even join in on the activities of local fishermen.
Get Around
To get around Pangkalan Bun, you have several options available:
- Taxis: Taxis are available for transportation to and from Iskandar Airport.
- Opelet or Public Transportation: Opelet and other public transportation options are convenient for getting around the town.
- Minibuses: Minibuses to Kumai can be found near the market at Jalan P Antasari Street.
However, the best way to explore Pangkalan Bun is by traditional klotok or getek boats. Since the city is situated on the Arut River, these boats provide an authentic and enjoyable experience as you navigate through the waterways.
Get There
By Air
You can now fly directly to Pangkalan Bun from Iskandar Airport, which serves as the entry gate to Tanjung Puting Orang Utan National Park. This convenient option allows for easy access to the park and saves you travel time.
By Sea
Kumai Seaport, located approximately 35 minutes from Pangkalan Bun, is a hub for passenger ships from Java, freighters, Bugis Phinisi boats, and Madura Schooners. Pelni Boats connect Kumai with Semarang on a 24-hour trip and Surabaya on a 26-hour trip. If you enjoy sea travel, this is an exciting way to reach Pangkalan Bun.
By Land
If you prefer overland travel, you can take a car trip from Palangkaraya, the provincial capital. The journey takes approximately 8-10 hours, and the roads and bridges from Palangkaraya to Pangkalan Bun are in fair condition. Buses from Palangkaraya offer another option and take about 12-14 hours.
