5 Best Places to See Orangutans

The immense and many-storied island of Borneo is shared by both Malaysia and Indonesia. Malaysia takes up the northern part of the island, split between the provinces of Sabah and Sarawak, with Indonesia taking the larger and largely untamed bulk to the south.

Malaysian Borneo’s most renowned wildlife destination is the Kinabatangan River – a lush muddy waterway that snakes through the teeming jungles of inner Sabah. Staying at comfortable riverfront lodges, you’ll take boat safaris up and down river catching sight of proboscis monkeys, wild orangs, hornbills, pygmy elephants, and crocodiles.

Sarawak, on the western half of Malaysian Borneo, is known better for its cultural attractions rather than its wildlife. Visits here typically cover the charming city of Kuching and adventures into the bush to learn about, and stay with, Iban longhouse tribes. 

Journeys to and from the longhouses however can call in at Semenggoh, a rehabilitation center that cares for and then rehouses captured, injured, or orphaned orang-utans. The animals here are used to human contact and you’ll be absolutely guaranteed to see them in action during the regular morning and afternoon feeding times.

Sumatra is a true adventurer’s destination. A journey of around 5 hours takes you from the clogged, unloveable urban sprawl of Medan deep into the rich jungles of Gunung Leuser National Park. 

Here you’ll find the tiny riverside village of Bukit Lawang, your base for adventures into the heart of the pristine park, trekking for sightings of orangutan, rhino, elephant, and a huge array of tropical birds, reptiles, and lizards. Accommodation here is basic at best but those of an adventurous disposition which will be richly rewarded.