Gunung Palung

The park is renowned for its population of Bornean orangutans, estimated at around 2,500 individuals, making it one of the most important orangutan habitats in Borneo. Other notable primates include proboscis monkeys, gibbons, and leaf monkeys. The park supports eight species of hornbills, including the rhinoceros hornbill, and is home to clouded leopards, sun bears, and various species of pythons. Over 178 bird species have been recorded, including several endemic species. The park's diverse ecosystems also support numerous butterfly species and other insects.

Gunung Palung hosts an exceptional diversity of plant life, with over 2,500 identified species of vascular plants. The park features seven distinct forest types, including lowland dipterocarp forest, peat swamp forest, and montane forest. Notable species include numerous dipterocarp trees, which can reach heights of 60 meters, as well as various species of pitcher plants (Nepenthes), orchids, and wild durian trees. The park is also home to many medicinal plants traditionally used by local communities and rare species like the parasitic Rafflesia flower.

The park's landscape is characterized by its dramatic elevation changes, ranging from sea level to the 1,116-meter peak of Mount Palung. The terrain encompasses diverse geological features, including alluvial plains, peat swamps, and granite mountains. The park's unique geological formation dates back to the Cretaceous period, with prominent granite intrusions forming its mountainous backbone. Several river systems originate in the park's highlands, creating a complex network of waterways that shape the landscape and support the diverse ecosystems.

Gunung Palung National Park experiences a typical tropical rainforest climate with high humidity and rainfall throughout the year. Average temperatures range from 25-32°C (77-90°F), with minimal seasonal variation. The park receives approximately 3,000mm of annual rainfall, with slightly drier conditions from June to September. Morning fog is common in the mountainous areas, typically clearing by mid-day. Visitors should be prepared for sudden afternoon thunderstorms, which are frequent occurrences, particularly during the wettest months of November to March.

Established in 1937 as a forest reserve and officially designated as a national park in 1990, Gunung Palung has long been recognized for its ecological importance. The park has been a crucial site for orangutan research since the 1980s, with the establishment of the Cabang Panti Research Station. Local Dayak communities have traditionally lived in and around the park area for generations, maintaining a complex relationship with the forest ecosystem. Despite facing challenges from illegal logging in the 1990s and early 2000s, conservation efforts have helped protect the park's integrity, making it one of Kalimantan's most important protected areas.

The park's most distinctive feature is Mount Palung itself, offering challenging hiking opportunities and spectacular views. The Cabang Panti Research Station serves as an important center for scientific research and wildlife observation. The park's unique combination of ecosystems, from coastal mangroves to mountain forests, creates remarkable biodiversity gradients. Several pristine waterfalls can be found within the park, including the popular Air Terjun Riam Berasap. The park's accessibility from Ketapang makes it an important ecotourism destination, though visitors must arrange permits and guides in advance through park authorities.