Where to see orangutans in Borneo

See the world’s most unique primates in their natural habitat with an animal-spotting escape to one of these Southeast Asian regions. 

Known for their bright orange coats, laid-back temperament, and long, agile limbs, orangutans are among Asia’s most captivating native species, and naturalists travel across the world to see them in the wild. The question, though, is which spots offer the best chance. While these elusive great apes can be found across Borneo and Sumatra, some regions stand out for having larger and more densely packed populations and offer a more reliable wildlife-spotting experience.  

Sabah is one such destination, occupying the northern tip of Malaysian Borneo, and it promises more than just a few top spots that are ideal for a nature-focused getaway. What makes it one of the best places to see orangutans in Borneo, though?

Why choose Sabah for your next animal adventure? 

Though there’s more to Sabah than just orangutans, it’s these orange-hued great apes that draw visitors to Borneo’s shores every year. Of the island’s regions, Sabah is perhaps the best developed and is therefore more accessible than other rural spots. Add to that a number of truly enchanting beachfront towns, including the idyllic regional capital, Kota Kinabalu, and Sabah is certainly worth a spot on your travel wish-list. With orangutans in mind, though, which spots are best in Sabah?

1. The Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, Sabah 

True to its name, this jungle reserve frequently tops our customers’ travel wish-lists for orangutan sightings and, with such easy access to the long-armed primates, its popularity is no surprise. Established in 1964, this not-for-profit organisation was the first in the world to dedicate itself to the protection of endangered orangutans. Nestled in the Kabili-Sepilok Rainforest Reserve, the sanctuary aims to mitigate the effects of deforestation and poaching by caring for and reintroducing vulnerable orangutans into the wild.

Here, you can watch the resident creatures being fed and perhaps take a stroll along the centre’s jungle walkways as the great apes swing around the canopy above. What’s more, the sanctuary is only a short walk from the equally impressive Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, meaning you’ll be perfectly placed to add even more thrilling animal encounters to your experience.

2. The Kinabatangan River, Sabah 

Carving a path through the Sabah rainforest, the Kinabatangan River, the longest of the region’s 75 major waterways, is as wildlife-rich as it gets and promises the perfect backdrop for an animal-spotting escape. With thinner forests and an abundance of fresh water, the area’s wildlife tends to congregate along the riverbanks, meaning you’ll enjoy plenty of animal-spotting opportunities.  

The river is also one of the few places left on earth with a truly wild orangutan population, and with fewer distractions as you glide along the river, you can observe them at their most authentic in their natural habitat. Another major allure for the region is its biodiversity, and there are plenty of other species you can spot as well. Watch pygmy elephants playing in the thicket, catch a glimpse of the peculiar-looking proboscis monkeys amongst the canopy, and spot the river’s saltwater crocodiles lurking beneath the surface.

3. The Danum Valley, Sabah 

Covering over 400 square kilometres of ancient rainforest, the Danum Valley Conservation Area is one of the few pockets of true wilderness left in Borneo. The region is actually much older than the Amazon, but has remained unspoilt, having never been used for logging or settlement. Given that it’s still so remote, it’s hardly surprising that the region also has the highest concentration of wild orangutans anywhere in the world, making it even easier to enjoy wish-list sightings.  

Despite being solitary creatures, there are more than 500 of the great apes living amongst the Danum Valley’s rainforests. Though it may be harder to predict when and where you’ll spot them, sightings here are even more rewarding as the creatures remain entirely undisturbed, offering visitors a deeper understanding of their behaviours and daily lives. If you’re keen to see another side to the Bornean bush, return to the valley at nightfall for your chance to see a completely different animal kingdom in Southeast Asia. By daylight, though, there are few better ways to fully appreciate this enchanting region than by exploring on foot, and guided walks are always highly recommended.

Discover the best of Borneo with Newmarket Holidays  

Whether you’re an avid animal enthusiast or are keen for a wildlife-focused getaway with a difference, there’s no better place than Borneo for animal sightings in Southeast Asia. To kick off your own Borneo wildlife tour, or for more details on this award-winning itinerary, give one of our friendly holiday planners a call today. If your interests lie elsewhere, we also have a wide range of escorted tours, spanning six continents, and you can browse them all on our dedicated destinations page.