Where to See Orangutans in Borneo, Malaysia: Sepilok, Semenggoh, Kinabatangan and Danum Valley

The orangutan, the “person of the forest”, lives wild only in Borneo and Sumatra. In Malaysian Borneo there are several places to see them, from semi-wild rehabilitation centers to jungle lodges where you may encounter wild orangutans in the trees. Here is where to see orangutans in Borneo, and how to choose between the sites.

About the Bornean orangutan

The Bornean orangutan is one of three orangutan species and is listed as critically endangered. Adult males can be twice the size of females, and the dominant ones develop large cheek pads. Orangutans spend most of their lives in the trees, building a new nest of branches each night, and females raise one baby at a time over many years, which is one reason populations recover so slowly. Seeing one move slowly through the canopy, testing each branch before trusting its weight, is one of the great wildlife moments in Asia.

Semenggoh Wildlife Centre, Sarawak

Near Kuching, this reserve has cared for orphaned and rescued orangutans since 1975, and many of them now roam free in the forest, returning to a feeding platform for fruit twice a day. It is the easiest place to see orangutans on a short trip, within a 45-minute drive from Kuching. Sightings are not guaranteed, since the animals choose whether to come.

Tip for Semenggoh: the center usually has one morning and one afternoon feeding session; check the current times before you go. During the forest fruiting season, often around the turn of the year, the orangutans find plenty of food in the wild and may not come to the platform at all. This is a sign that rehabilitation is working, but plan an extra visit if seeing them is important to you.

Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, Sabah

Near Sandakan, Sepilok is the best-known center and the most reliable place to watch orangutans from raised platforms at feeding time. Next door, the Sun Bear Conservation Centre cares for the world’s smallest bears. Sepilok has the most affordable entry in Sabah and is easy to reach independently.

Tip for Sepilok: Sepilok has been rescuing and rehabilitating orphaned orangutans since the 1960s. Arrive before the feeding time to get a good spot on the boardwalk, and visit the indoor nursery viewing area, where young orangutans learn to climb behind glass. Stay overnight nearby so that you can see a morning and an afternoon session.

Kinabatangan River, Sabah

For wild encounters, take a river cruise at dawn or dusk from a lodge near Sukau. You may see wild orangutans in the riverside trees, plus proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants, macaques and hornbills. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to look for wildlife.

Danum Valley, Sabah

A protected primary rainforest and the best choice for seeing wild orangutans on guided jungle walks, based at the Borneo Rainforest Lodge. It is remote and more expensive, so it suits dedicated wildlife travelers with extra days.

Gunung Mulu and Bako

Though not orangutan sites, Gunung Mulu National Park has enormous caves and rainforest trails, and Bako National Park near Kuching is a good place for proboscis monkeys and bearded pigs.

Other places to look for wild orangutans

• Tabin Wildlife Reserve, Sabah: a lowland forest reserve with a lodge, mud volcanoes and good chances of orangutans and other primates.
• Deramakot Forest Reserve, Sabah: a sustainably managed forest known among wildlife enthusiasts for night drives and rare mammals. Basic facilities.
• Batang Ai, Sarawak: a remote area of lakes and rainforest where wild orangutans live, often combined with a stay at an Iban longhouse.

How to choose

• Short trip, easy sighting: Semenggoh (Sarawak) or Sepilok (Sabah).
• Wild encounter by boat: Kinabatangan.
• Deep rainforest immersion: Danum Valley.
• With 10 days: pick one region, Sabah or Sarawak, rather than trying to see everything.

A sample four-day Sabah wildlife route

• Day 1: fly to Sandakan and visit Sepilok in the afternoon, followed by the sun bear center.
• Day 2: morning feeding at Sepilok and the Rainforest Discovery Centre canopy walk, then a transfer to a lodge on the Kinabatangan River with a sunset cruise.
• Day 3: dawn river cruise, a guided jungle walk and a night walk or evening cruise for nocturnal wildlife.
• Day 4: a final morning cruise, then continue to Danum Valley for two or three nights, or return to Sandakan for your flight.

What to pack

• Lightweight long sleeves and trousers in neutral colors, for both insects and sun.
• Leech socks and waterproof walking shoes for rainforest trails.
• Binoculars: they make a huge difference, especially on the river.
• A rain jacket and a dry bag for cameras: it rains in the rainforest, even in the drier months.
• Insect repellent and a headlamp for night walks.

Ethical wildlife tips

• Keep a distance and never feed or touch orangutans.
• Stay quiet and avoid flash photography.
• Choose operators that support conservation, and avoid anywhere that offers photographs holding baby orangutans.
• Remember that these animals are critically endangered; habitat loss from palm oil plantations remains their main threat.

When to go

Wildlife can be seen year-round. The drier months from about March to October are generally easier for travel. See our best time to visit Malaysia.

See Borneo’s wildlife on a private tour

Read our Borneo island travel guide and explore our Borneo’s Wildlife and Beach Escape, Sabah’s Jungles, Cities and Island Hideaway and Borneo tours.

Planning more of the trip? Read our guides to Malaysia Itinerary.

Orangutans in Borneo: FAQ

Where is the best place to see orangutans in Borneo?

Sepilok and Semenggoh for easy sightings; Kinabatangan and Danum Valley for wild encounters.

Can you see wild orangutans in Malaysia?

Yes, along the Kinabatangan River and in Danum Valley, though sightings are never guaranteed.

How many days do you need?

Three to four days for Sepilok and Kinabatangan; more for Danum Valley.

Are orangutans endangered?

Yes, critically endangered.

When is the best time to see orangutans?

Early morning or late afternoon, year-round.

What time are the orangutan feedings?

Both Sepilok and Semenggoh usually have morning and afternoon feedings. Check the current times locally, as they can change.

Can children visit the orangutan centers?

Yes. Sepilok and Semenggoh are easy, short walks on boardwalks and paths, which makes them ideal for families. River cruises on the Kinabatangan also work well with children.