Introduction
So my name is Greece Ravaell, For the first time in my life, I left Palangka Raya and traveled by myself. It was both exciting and a bit scary—my first trip alone and also my first time guiding a guest for my internship program from Universitas Palangka Raya. As an English education student who loves to promote the culture and beauty of Central Kalimantan, this was a great chance to use what I had learned.
With everything I knew from my classes, I wanted to make this experience good for both me and the guest I was guiding. Even though I was a little nervous, I was ready to face this new challenge, visit new places, and show the best of my culture and home.
It felt like the start of something special. So here i’ll show you how the days went.
Day 1: Arrival and River Cruise
Our journey began with a gentle boat ride along the Sekonyer River. The dense, green forest on both sides was something the Di Marzo family had never seen before. As we floated down the river, I told them about Tanjung Puting, one of Indonesia’s most famous national parks. It’s known for its amazing wildlife, especially the orangutans. Luca and Sofia were eager to know the best times to spot these incredible animals.
As the sun set, we arrived at our first lodge deep in the forest. The air was warm and filled with the sounds of insects and birds. After checking in and getting settled, we set off for a short trek nearby to start exploring. We hoped to catch a glimpse of the forest’s wildlife, including the elusive orangutans.
The evening trek was a thrilling introduction to Kalimantan’s wilderness. The family was excited as we walked through the lush greenery, spotting a variety of plants and insects along the way. Though we didn’t see any orangutans on this first trek, the adventure had just begun. The Di Marzo family returned to the lodge eager for more discoveries and looking forward to the days ahead.
Day 2: Meeting the Orangutans
The next day, we went straight to Camp Leakey, a must-see spot in Tanjung Puting. As we walked through the thick forest, I explained how important it is to protect orangutans and how this sanctuary helps them.
Then, we saw our first orangutan! A female with her baby swung gracefully through the trees. Luca and Sofia’s eyes were wide with amazement, while Mr. Di Marzo took lots of photos. Mrs. Di Marzo asked many questions about their behavior and the dangers they face, showing her concern about deforestation.
At the feeding platform, the family watched in awe as several orangutans came out of the forest to eat. Seeing these magnificent creatures up close, with their expressive eyes and human-like movements, left the Di Marzo family speechless.
Day 3: Exploring Deeper into the Forest
On the third day, we ventured deeper into the park. Today was all about experiencing the wild beauty of the Kalimantan rainforest. We hiked through thick plants, crossed small rivers, and spotted different kinds of wildlife—proboscis monkeys, hornbills, and even a gibbon. The Di Marzo kids, Luca and Sofia, were especially fascinated by the strange insects and plants they had never seen before. Luca, in particular, was thrilled when we saw a crocodile along the river during our boat ride.
Since this was their last night in Tanjung Puting, the Di Marzo family decided to check out of the lodge early and spend the night on the boat with us. It turned out to be a wonderful idea. As we sailed through the calm waters, we were surrounded by thousands of glowing fireflies. It felt like magic, lighting up the night around us.
We spent the evening chatting, laughing, and playing an Italian card game they brought with them. It was a perfect way to end their trip, surrounded by nature and the peaceful sounds of the forest.
Day 4: Farewell to the Forest
On our final day, we took one last boat trip down the river. The Di Marzo family was quieter now, maybe thinking about everything they had experienced over the past few days. I could tell they had developed a deep connection with the forest, the orangutans, and the beauty of Kalimantan.
Just before they left, Mrs. Di Marzo excitedly asked if we could take a group photo with all of the boat crew. We gathered together, smiling and laughing as the sun shone down on us. The Di Marzo family stood in the middle, arms around each other, while the crew joined in, capturing the memory of the trip forever.
Afterward, I drove them to the airport. On the way, we shared a few more laughs and reflected on the wonderful moments we had during their trip. As they headed to their flight, we exchanged one last goodbye. I waved as they disappeared into the terminal, knowing they were leaving with memories that would last a lifetime.