Top 5 Borneo Destinations to Encounter Orangutans

With their ability to learn sign language and even to make tools, orangutans are considered one of the world’s smartest primates. Moreover, orangutans in Borneo even begin to craft umbrellas from leaves when they know rain is coming!

Sadly, the orangutans in Borneo are struggling to survive in the wake of massive deforestation. Furthermore, an illegal pet trade threatens the species. Visiting rehabilitation centers not only offers a memorable encounter but also supports conservation efforts to protect one of Earth’s smartest residents.

Learn more about the endangered orangutans, and then read where to find them in Borneo.

Semenggoh Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre

Address: KM 20, Borneo Highland Road, 93250 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia

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Phone: +60 82-618 325

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The Semenggoh Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, just 12 miles from Kuching, is the best place to find orangutans in Sarawak. Unlike zoos that leverage orangutans as attractions, the primary mission of Semenggoh is to reintroduce orangutans back into the wild. Consequently, the animals are not kept in cages; they roam freely within a large area.

Visitors can join a group and hire a ranger for a forest tour in hopes of finding wild orangutans in the trees. Alternatively, two daily feeding times nearly guarantee a spotting of the shy primates.

Kubah National Park

Address: 93050 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia

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Phone: +60 82-845 033

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Kubah National Park is located 13 miles west of Kuching. Furthermore, the Matang Wildlife Centre, nestled within the interior of the national park, is home to several resident orangutans. Visitors must hike three to four hours along the Ulu Raya trail to reach the wildlife center.

Sleeping in Kubah National Park increases your chances of spotting orangutans; accommodation can be arranged through the Forestry Office in Kuching.

Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre

Address: W.D.T. 200, Sabah Wildlife Department, Jalan Sepilok, Sepilok, 90000 Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia

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Phone: +60 89-633 587

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Perhaps the most famous place to observe orangutans in Borneo, the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre is a popular destination in East Sabah. Visitors can climb tall platforms to see orangutans in the trees, although sightings are never guaranteed.

Fruit is placed on feeding platforms twice daily; shy orangutans brave the presence of tourists to take the offering before retreating into the forest.

Lok Kawi Wildlife Park

Address: Lok Kawi Putatan, 88200 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia

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Phone: +60 88-765 793

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Lok Kawi Wildlife Park is a great option for those with limited time in Sabah, being only 30 minutes from Kota Kinabalu. The 280-acre wildlife center is home to several protected animals, including tigers, elephants, and orangutans.

While the animals are kept in large enclosures, every effort is made to provide a setting that closely resembles their natural habitats.

The easiest way to reach Lok Kawi Wildlife Park is by taking southbound bus #17 to the town of Lok Kawi, then hailing a taxi to the park.

The Kinabatangan River

Address: Kinabatangan, Sabah, Malaysia

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Phone: +60 13-886 9504

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For a more adventurous approach to observing orangutans, travel from Sandakan in East Sabah to the small village of Sukau. Boat cruises along the Kinabatangan River provide opportunities to see wildlife, including orangutans, proboscis monkeys, and even elephants.

Several small lodges along the river offer accommodation and organize boat tours. These boat tours are typically operated by knowledgeable guides who are familiar with the jungle and where to spot orangutans. Lucky travelers may witness these majestic creatures along the riverbanks in their natural habitat!