Deep within the lush tropical rainforest of Kutai National Park in East Kalimantan lies Prevab, a special area teeming with life and natural beauty. Among its most cherished inhabitants are the wild orangutans, whose daily lives offer a rare and meaningful connection to the forest they call home.
Though fully wild and independent, many of these orangutans have become familiar to the rangers and researchers who observe them every day. Among them is a beloved group known as the L Family, a small orangutan family that has become a quiet symbol of the harmony between wildlife and protected habitats.
Meet the L Family
Leading the L Family is Labu, the mother figure, estimated to be over 40 years old. With her calm and nurturing presence, Labu has raised a strong and loving family. Her eldest daughter, Langit (around 17 years old), now has a child of her own, Luka, a lively baby who just turned 1. Labu is also the mother of Luna, a curious and energetic 8-year-old, and Lukir, the youngest, just 2 years old and still learning the ways of the forest.
This family is often seen near the research camp—climbing trees, swinging across branches, or quietly watching visitors from above. For travelers, encountering them in their natural setting is often the highlight of a visit. It’s not just a beautiful sight—it’s a deeply moving experience that shows how vibrant and intelligent forest life can be.
The photo above features Luna, the playful middle daughter, captured in a joyful moment as she swings and climbs through the treetops. Her cheerful energy and fearless spirit often make her the star of the show.
The Orangutan: Guardian of the Rainforest
Orangutans are known as gentle and intelligent forest dwellers. They spend most of their lives high in the trees, foraging for fruits, building nests, and caring for their young with remarkable tenderness.
These forest guardians play an important role in keeping the ecosystem healthy. As they move through the canopy, they help spread seeds, contributing to the regeneration of the rainforest itself. Their presence is a sign of a balanced and thriving natural world.
Meeting a wild orangutan like Labu or Luna is a powerful reminder of what we stand to lose if forests are destroyed. Their world is one of peace, patience, and instinctive harmony, a world that humans must learn to respect and protect.
A Challenging but Meaningful Encounter
Spotting an orangutan in Prevab is never promised. These are wild creatures living freely in their own territory. It may take hours of trekking through thick jungle, guided by expert rangers who understand their movement and behavior. But on a lucky day, you might meet one in the first 10 minutes, a moment of pure magic and awe.
Unlike in rehabilitation centers or sanctuaries, orangutans in Prevab are not fed or handled by humans. This is intentional: to ensure they retain their natural behaviors and instincts. The orangutans here are not brought from other areas, nor are they relocated. This strict conservation approach allows researchers to accurately monitor their numbers and wellbeing over time.
Prevab: A Home, Not a Show
Prevab is not a zoo. It is not a place where wildlife is displayed. It is a protected forest, a true home where orangutans live just as they have for generations. Every encounter is real. Every sighting is earned. And every moment spent among these remarkable beings reminds us that the rainforest is not just a beautiful place, but a living system with deep meaning and value.
If you are lucky enough to meet the L Family, you’ll come away with more than a photo, you’ll carry a lasting memory of what it means to truly coexist with nature