Found exclusively on the islands of Borneo and Sumatra, orangutans are some of nature’s most elusive animals. Although they’re sadly classed as critically endangered, spotting these beautiful orange apes in the wild is thankfully still possible. From lush Bornean rainforests to winding jungle rivers, we’ve handpicked some of the best places to see orangutans where they truly belong. As our Asia specialist, Holly, puts it: ‘Nothing can match the thrill of seeing such an amazing creature in the wild... For such powerful creatures, their demeanour is so gentle – it's such a privilege to see one with your own eyes.’ Read on to find out more…
- Sekonyer River, Tanjung Puting National Park
- Danum Valley, Malaysian Borneo
- Gunung Leuser National Park, Sumatra
- Kinabatangan Wetlands, Malaysian Borneo
Sekonyer River, Tanjung Puting National Park
Located in Indonesian Borneo, Tanjung Puting National Park is one of the best places to see orangutans in the wild – and you can do it by boat. Spend two to four days onboard a traditional klotok, cruising between feeding platforms to spot tufts of tangerine fur peeking from the foliage. The park is home to an estimated 4,000 orangutans, including some that have been rescued and rehabilitated, making the chances of sightings excitingly high.
Best time to visit: June to September, during the dry season when wildlife is easier to spot and river conditions are favourable.
Image by Getty Images.
Danum Valley, Malaysian Borneo
Danum Valley is a 140-million-year-old rainforest paradise located in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo. This protected reserve is home to an estimated 500 wild Bornean orangutans, with suspended walking trails weaving through the treetop canopy where the orange apes love to lurk.
As with many natural settings, orangutan sightings here aren’t guaranteed. However, with around 120 species of mammals, over 300 species of birds, 75 species of reptiles and 56 species of amphibians, a trip here will win you over with wildlife, orangutan or not.
Best time to visit: March to October, especially in the drier months of May to September, for better hiking conditions and wildlife sightings.
Image by Getty Images.
Gunung Leuser National Park, Sumatra
Sumatra’s Gunung Leuser National Park is one of the best – and last – places to see Sumatran orangutans in the world. Meet semi-wild orangutans during a six-to-seven-hour trek from Bukit Lawang, a former rehabilitation centre. These curious creatures have become accustomed to humans, so your chances of spotting them are higher than with truly wild orangutans. Our Asia specialist, Holly, was lucky enough to see them for herself: ‘In Bukit Lawang, orangutans often come down to the river to drink, making sightings relatively common.’
Want to trek deeper into the forest? Take on a multi-day hike and you might just stumble upon wild orangutans along with tigers, elephants and clouded leopards. To make your experience as ethical as possible, ensure you choose a reputable guide, maintain distance and never attempt to feed them.
Best time to visit: June to September, the dry season, when trekking is easier and orangutans are more active.
Image by Getty Images.
Kinabatangan Wetlands, Malaysian Borneo
If you’re still wondering where to see orangutans, look no further than the Kinabatangan Wetlands in Sabah. Join a guided boat safari, wind down the Kinabatangan River (the longest in Sabah) and keep your eyes peeled for orangutans feeding on fruit trees overhanging the water.
Best time to visit: March to October, when the dry season offers better chances of spotting wildlife.
Image by Getty Images.
Written by Evie Buller | Header Image by Getty Images.
