Where to see Orangutan in the wild?

Most tourists, when visiting Sabah state of Borneo, stop by Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, where Orangutans are treated and rehabilitated at these centers before being released into semi-wild circumstances in private forest reserves. Sightings are nearly certain, as there are daily feeding hours when the animals have the opportunity to clamber down from the canopy to eat fruit.

Why therefore go through the difficulty of trying to see orangutans in the wild, where sightings are not assured and the orangutans may be high in the forest canopy, when it is so much easier to see them at a rehab?

Put it this way, it’s like contrasting a zoo with a safari. The excitement of finally catching a glimpse of one of these orange-furred monsters, no matter how high in the treetops, is amplified by the rarity of such encounters. There is complete stillness, and it is enchanting to simply be present. In addition, you won’t encounter the hordes of tourists who show up for the daily feedings at the rehabilitation centers, even at the more well-known protected locations like Kinabatangan. And in some of the more remote forest areas, you’re unlikely to run into any other tour groups.

The best wildlife encounters don’t just involve seeing an animal; rather, they involve being totally immersed in its ecosystem, experiencing natural behaviors, looking out for clues (such as prints or discarded fruit), and being fully conscious that you are in their area, not vice versa.

Furthermore, while the sanctuaries are doing an excellent job of helping orphaned, injured, or displaced orangutans, visiting national parks and wildlife reserves puts much needed funding into preserving these wild areas, which reduces illegal logging and hunting and means less chance of the forest being sold off for logging or industrial agriculture. There would be no need for the sanctuaries if the rainforests of Borneo and Sumatra were allowed to remain unaltered. In addition to providing economic benefits, tourism can encourage locals to take care of their natural environments and preserve the species that calls them home. In a nutshell, it benefits you, the locals, and the orangutans.

Although there is not strictly any good or bad season of tracking wild orangutans in Borneo, the ideal period to see them is believed to be from March through the end of November. The rain makes the foliage slightly thicker in the wetter months, from December to mid-March, making it more challenging to photograph them in the open.

In general, the fruiting season (which varies every year) is the greatest time to visit Borneo to photograph its general widllife.

When considering the optimal time of day to see Borneo’s wild orangutans, they are most active between sunrise and 9 a.m., then again between 4 p.m. and sunset. This is when the temperature is lower and the animals are more actively feeding. It is rare to find orangutans in their nest sleeping or going to bed while on regular safari.

• In Deramakot Forest Reserve, the only option is to stay  in the chalet rooms maintained by the Park HQ.
• In Kinabatangan river, there are numerous hotels and homestay options, however we try to avoid using them. We strongly recommend Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort for its serenity, and Sukau Rainforest Lodge for its premier feel.
• In Danum Valley, there are two options: the basic Danum Valley Field Centre and the ultra luxurious Borneo Rainforest Lodge. We can arrange your stay and activities in both of them.
• In Tabin, there is only one option, our partner property the Tabin Wildlife Resort.

No. Like all wild animals, the sightings are never guaranteed in any of the Borneo’s top wildlife destinations. However, we guarantee to provide you with the best opportunity to let that happen.