Southeast Asia, with its breathtaking landscapes and rich biodiversity, is a paradise for nature enthusiasts. Among the region’s most iconic wildlife are the orangutans, majestic creatures found only on the islands of Borneo and Sumatra in Indonesia and Malaysia.
Unfortunately, these great apes are endangered due to the destruction of their habitats by industrial farming, making sightings increasingly rare.
However, conservation centres are working to protect them, offering visitors not only the chance to observe orangutans in their natural surroundings but also to learn about their struggles and the efforts being made to ensure their survival.
As a proud Certified B Corporation, we are dedicated to providing responsible and sustainable travel experiences that bring travellers closer to nature and wildlife.
Continue reading to discover where to spot orangutans in Malaysia and Indonesia, along with examples of our curated wildlife journeys and experiences.
Sabah, Borneo- Malaysia
Borneo’s northern state of Sabah is renowned for its wildlife encounters. Here are a few of the best options:
- Sepilok Rehabilitation Center Located near Sandakan, Sepilok Rehabilitation Center is a sanctuary dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating orphaned or injured orangutans. As a rehabilitation centre, visitors have a higher chance of seeing these primates during feeding times and at the nursery.
- Danum Valley For a more immersive experience, consider staying at the Borneo Rainforest Lodge in Danum Valley. This pristine rainforest is a haven for orangutans, and guests have a good chance of encountering them during trekking activities or even around the lodge itself. The lodge’s commitment to conservation and sustainable tourism ensures that visitors can appreciate the natural beauty of the area without disturbing the wildlife.
Sabah, Borneo- Malaysia (Continued)
- Kinabatangan River Stretching nearly 560 kilometres, the Kinabatangan flows through a variety of ecosystems and wildlife habitats. This makes it an exceptional destination for observing orangutans and other wildlife, with an overnight riverboat trip offering the best chance to encounter these creatures in their natural environment.
- Tabin Wildlife Reserve Located in the eastern part of Sabah, Tabin Wildlife Reserve is another excellent destination for orangutan sightings in the wild. Although sightings are not guaranteed due to the reserve’s vast size and the orangutans’ natural behaviour, exploring Tabin’s diverse ecosystems offers a rewarding experience.
Sabah weather: The ideal time is from March to October/November. This period offers pleasant weather with fewer rainfall showers, making it easier to explore the rainforests and spot wildlife. Avoid visiting during late November through February as this is the rainy season, which can limit outdoor activities and potentially affect wildlife sightings.
Gunung Leuser National Park, Sumatra- Indonesia
Gunung Leuser National Park, located near Bukit Lawang in northern Sumatra, is the largest protected wilderness area in Southeast Asia. It is renowned for its rich biodiversity and as a prime spot for observing wild orangutans. Visitors can trek through lush rainforests, encountering these majestic primates in their natural habitat, contributing to vital conservation efforts in the area.
Gunung Leuser weather: Gunung Leuser has a tropical climate with consistent temperatures of around 26-28C and high humidity. March to September are the driest months and also the busiest for visitors. During October to February, expect daily rainfall however day jungle treks are still possible most days.
Tanjung Puting National Park, Borneo- Indonesia
Tanjung Puting National Park in Kalimantan offers incredible wildlife experiences, with riverboat cruises along the Kalimantan River providing the best way to explore.
The Kalimantan River is perfect for multi-day boat trips, allowing guests to observe rainforest ecosystems, mangroves and swamps. Stops are made at Camp Leaky, in hopes of spotting wild orangutans as well as proboscis monkeys, gibbons and diverse birdlife. The peaceful river cruises also offer opportunities for stargazing and deeper access to remote areas of the park, making it a unique and immersive adventure.
Tanjung Puting weather: Tanjung Puting National Park experiences a tropical climate with high humidity and rainfall year-round. The best time to visit is during the drier months, from June to September, when sightings of wild orangutans are more frequent due to better weather conditions.
Sarawak, Borneo- Malaysia
Sarawak, a large state on the northwestern edge of Borneo, is known as ‘The Land of Hornbills’ but is also home to orangutans and other endemic wildlife.
Semenggoh Wildlife Centre is a renowned sanctuary, located a short drive from Kuching. The centre focuses on rehabilitating Bornean orangutans and promoting awareness of these critically endangered primates.
Visitors can witness semi-wild orangutans in their natural habitat, especially during feeding times.
Sarawak weather: While central Sarawak has moderate weather and is pleasant year-round, the Kuching area does experience heavy rains from November to January. It is still possible to visit Semenggoh during these months but trekking and other outdoor adventures may be limited.
EXO Travel is a premium Destination Management Company (DMC) providing bespoke travel solutions across a growing portfolio of global destinations. Our services range from one-off tours for individual travellers to memorable incentive trips for groups of hundreds or thousands.
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