Gunung Palung National Park, National park in West Kalimantan, Indonesia.
Gunung Palung National Park is a large protected forest area in West Kalimantan covering approximately 108,000 hectares. The park encompasses two main mountains and several distinct forest types ranging from coastal mangrove zones to mountainous regions.
The area was first protected in 1937 as a forest reserve of about 300 square kilometers and received national park status in 1990. This change reflected growing recognition of the ecosystem's importance for conservation efforts.
Indigenous communities have lived along the forest margins for generations, maintaining traditional practices tied to the land. The presence of research stations has connected these groups to ongoing scientific work, fostering awareness of the forest's importance.
Visitors should arrange permits in advance and can stay in hotels in Sukadana, jungle camps, or villas in Bukit Paoh. The best time to visit is during drier months when trails are easier to navigate.
The park is home to a substantial population of orangutans living and being studied in their natural habitat. Observing these animals in their wild setting offers a rare chance to see an endangered species in its natural form.
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