Essential safety guidelines when encountering orangutans on forest pathways in Tanjung Puting NP

On a recent viait to the Tanjung Puting National Park, Wow Borneo guests encounter a mature male orangutan, known as Roger Danuarta, the King in Tanjung Harapan. Adult male flanged orangutans fight for dominance within defined ranges in the forest, which gives them sole access to the females and the lion's share of the food on the feeding platforms and in their favourite fruiting trees.

Following instructions from the guides in these cases, our guests move to the side of the trail, remaining still and not making eye contact.

Orangutans are arboreal, and spend most of their day in the tree canopy, descending to forage on the forest floor for ants nests and other delicacies. In the lush peat-swamp forests of Tanjung Puting National Park, these solitary primates spend their days traveling methodically between fruiting trees, stripping bark for vital nutrients, and weaving intricate sleeping nests out of fresh branches high above the ground each evening. If you do encounter an orangutan on a forest pathway, here are the guidelines on what to do:

Essential Safety Guidelines for Park Visitors

Because many orangutans in Tanjung Puting are semi-wild or rehabilitated, they may show little fear of humans—making strict precautions essential during forest treks:

• Maintain a Safe Distance: Stay at least 5 to 10 meters (16–33 ft) away from all orangutans. Never attempt to approach, touch, or pose for photos close to them.

• No Food or Drinks: Do not carry visible food, snacks, or flavored drinks into the forest. Orangutans have an acute sense of smell and may aggressively confiscate bags to get food.

• Never Feed Them: Supplementary feeding by visitors breaks park rules, alters wild foraging behavior, and increases the risk of dangerous confrontations.

• Prevent Disease Transmission: Orangutans share over 97% of human DNA, making them highly susceptible to human illnesses. If you feel sick or have a cold, wear a mask or stay on the klotok (boat).

• Give Dominant Males Space: Flanged adult males are exceptionally powerful—weighing up to 200 lbs—and can turn unpredictable if they feel cornered or challenged.

• Always Defer to Your Local Guide: Never wander off designated trails alone. Local guides read orangutan body language and know when an individual is showing signs of distress or territorial aggression.

• Please wear light not bright colours, no camera flashes, quiet whispers only and no littering.

• Take only photos, kill nothing but time and leave only footprints.