Samboja Lestari — Attraction in East Kalimantan

Samboja Lestari is a world-renowned conservation and reforestation project located near Balikpapan in East Kalimantan, Indonesia. Founded in 2001 by the Borneo Orangutan Survival (BOS) Foundation, this initiative transformed 2,000 hectares of degraded, deforested land into a thriving ecosystem and a haven for rescued wildlife—most notably orangutans and sun bears.

The primary mission of Samboja Lestari is to rehabilitate rescued orangutans, many of whom were victims of habitat loss, illegal pet trade, or conflict with humans. These orangutans undergo structured training in “Forest Schools” to relearn survival skills like climbing, foraging, and nest building. Once ready, they are reintroduced into protected areas such as the Kehje Sewen Forest.

Samboja Lestari is also home to a dedicated sun bear sanctuary, which cares for around 70 individuals in large, naturalistic enclosures. These bears, too, were rescued from poachers or illegal captivity and are given a second chance at life in a safe, enriched environment.

The project’s ecological impact is equally impressive. More than 1,200 native tree species have been planted, supporting the return of birds, primates, and other wildlife. Visitors can stay at the eco-friendly Samboja Lodge and take guided tours of the sanctuary, where tourism directly supports ongoing conservation efforts.

Samboja Lestari stands as a powerful example of how degraded land can be restored, endangered species saved, and communities engaged through ethical ecotourism and science-based conservation. It is a must-visit for nature lovers, researchers, and anyone passionate about...

This place is a must if you’re in East Kalimantan. We did our research before and wanted an ethical sanctuary to see Orangutans. They are doing amazing work with what they have. The guide was very knowledgable. The food was great. They have released over 400 orangutans into the wild (not counting the wild ones that can be relocate straight away). The orangutans you see are ones that were too old, traumatised or unwell when they were rescued so they have their own islands to live out their life in a semi-wild set up. Similar situation with the sunbears. They are planting trees every day in the hope to make it a habitat that orangutans can live in one day when the trees are old enough. We were very impressed. Very kid friendly (you can help make up their food learning about what they eat). Catered for...

There are two session for the visit on 8am till 12pm end up with lunch, or start from 12pm with lunch until 3pm. There has to be appointment first if we want to visit on the Orangutan rehabilitation, or alternatively we have to stay as a guest on the lodge. There will be several session for the visit together with the guidetour : visit of the orangutan rehabilitation, visit of the sunbear rehabilitation, visit of the first tower build by BOSF (35m height), visit of office tower for the history of the organisation.

Summarized on what they are doing are to find Orangutan and then try to rehabilitate them to be as they are as animal who should live in the jungle and once they are ready, it will be released to the wild nature jungle for their...