Kumai (West Kotawaringin) Ferries

Sorry, there is currently no available ferries on this route.

Most travelers reach Kumai via Pangkalan Bun, the nearest city with an airport (Iskandar Airport) that receives flights from Jakarta and other Indonesian hubs. From Pangkalan Bun, it's approximately a 30-minute drive to Kumai's port area. Public transport options include local minivans (angkot) and taxis that regularly make the journey between the two locations. If coming from elsewhere in Kalimantan, long-distance buses connect to Pangkalan Bun, from where you can continue to Kumai. The ferry terminal in Kumai is relatively simple but functional, with basic amenities for travelers preparing for onward journeys.

Nestled on the southern coast of Borneo, Kumai serves as a vital port town in West Kotawaringin regency of Central Kalimantan, Indonesia. This unassuming riverside settlement sits at the mouth of the Kumai River, offering travelers direct access to some of the most pristine rainforests and extraordinary wildlife on the planet. As the main jumping-off point for Tanjung Puting National Park expeditions, Kumai blends authentic Indonesian port life with the promise of unforgettable jungle adventures.

Kumai and the surrounding region experience a tropical climate with distinct dry and wet seasons. The ideal time to visit is during the dry season from May to September, when rainfall is minimal and forest trails remain accessible for wildlife viewing. July and August typically offer the most reliable weather conditions, perfect for river cruises and orangutan spotting in nearby Tanjung Puting. The wet season (October to April) brings heavier rainfall, which can make jungle trekking more challenging, though the lush vegetation is particularly vibrant during this period. Ferry services operate year-round, but schedules may be reduced during extreme weather conditions in the heart of the rainy season.

From Kumai's harbor, the crown jewel destination is undoubtedly Tanjung Puting National Park, accessible via a 2-3 hour klotok (traditional wooden boat) journey up the Sekonyer River. The coastal town of Pangkalan Bun is just a short 30-minute ferry ride away, offering markets and a glimpse into local Dayak culture. More adventurous travelers can arrange longer boat journeys to remote villages along the Kumai River system, where traditional ways of life continue largely unchanged. For those seeking beach experiences, boat connections to coastal areas like Kubu and Teluk Bogam provide access to the Java Sea's shoreline, where fishing communities and undeveloped beaches await exploration.

While Kumai itself is primarily a transit point, the immediate area offers several worthwhile experiences. Arranging a klotok boat tour is essential – these floating accommodations take you deep into Tanjung Puting National Park, where you can visit orangutan feeding stations like Camp Leakey and witness proboscis monkeys in their natural habitat. The local market in Kumai provides an authentic glimpse into daily life, with vendors selling fresh fish, tropical fruits, and Indonesian spices. Sample local Kalimantan specialties like soto Banjar (spiced chicken soup) or juhu umbut rotan (rattan shoot curry) at simple waterfront eateries. Bird watchers will appreciate early morning excursions to nearby mangrove forests, where kingfishers, hornbills, and other exotic species can be spotted.

Despite its small size, Kumai plays a crucial role in conservation, serving as the primary access point to one of the world's most important orangutan habitats in Tanjung Puting. The town's name derives from the word 'kumai,' a type of hardwood tree once abundant in the region and prized for boat building. Local shipbuilders in Kumai continue to construct wooden boats using traditional methods passed down through generations, creating vessels without written plans or modern tools. The waters around Kumai host a unique phenomenon where freshwater and saltwater meet, creating distinct ecological zones that support an extraordinary diversity of fish species sought after by local fishermen.