Due to careful conservation efforts over decades, the numbers of wild orangutans have been slowly, gradually increasing. Such success of these programs is in evidence in Malaysia's north Borneo:
Once you arrive in Malaysia's part of Borneo's world, you'll instantly relate as to why the orangutans are flourishing here, more so than anywhere else in the world.
Related Reading: Your Holiday Guide to Sabah, Malaysia's Borneo Paradise
There are certain places in Malaysia's northern Borneo that are best for capturing sights of the elusive, wild Borneo orangutan. Our favorites are the following:
The first two on the list are found within Sabah whilst the last one is further south in Sarawak. But you mustn't merely come to north Borneo just for the orangutan trail. There is so much more to Sabah and Sarawak you can't not experience, such as jungle treks and there are the Island beaches as well.
The river that runs down from the mountains sustains one of the biggest biodiverse eco systems in the world, at over 500km in length. The only sensible way to enjoy this river is by one of the organized tours that operate either out of Sandakan or Sepilok. Whichever town you decide in, ensure you have accommodation booked with a reputable hotel. Without trying to influence your decision, take note about:
The best way to get to the river is flying into Sandakan's airport. It's a domestic flight in, from Kota Kinabalu. If you accept our advice then your tour operator will have made all the arrangements for you:
It's no easy feat to get yourself to the river in Sabah, so the emphasis is on planning ahead and booking with a trusted tour operator. When faced with a choice of a day cruise or a night cruise, opt for the night cruise, a lot of the wildlife on show is nocturnal. It's dark but the boats have powerful lamps to light up the jungle from the river at distance. On the other hand, if you are interested in birdlife, opt for the day cruise for better sights of Rhinoceros and Oriental Pied hornbills.
We suggest you stay at least two days, one night lodged by the river, or in Sandakan or Sepilok. If you could fit in a three-day, two-night stay then you'd have more than ample time to also enjoy Selingan Island and experience the turtles. The Island is just an hour's boat trip from Sandakan. A great experience to finish on, before flying back to the Malaysian mainland.
With such elegance and grace, how the flame-colored ape sways from one tree branch to another, unhindered. As easy as we humans walk ― and take that for granted, the Orangutan is equally mobile. What is genuinely amazing is how they can work four limbs in tandem between swings ensuring they're gripping onto something. For comparison, that's like us trying to do two completely separate things with each hand. And these apes can move when they want to.
The vast majority of Borneo's mammal species can be found in this forest reserve and it's the best option to see as many as possible, in your few short days in Sabah. Unless you are an avid animal wildlife enthusiast the chances are you've never heard about this reserve. Yet those who know a little more about Malayasia's wildlife are keen to also spot:
Both are more common on the reserve than elsewhere. When on the trail for the orangutan or the other mammals you need a certain amount of patience, and stillness from the group. You may spend all day on a trail and see nothing, and detection is haphazard at best, which is why camera traps are often used to aid tracking. A little over 50km to the southeast of the Deramakot Forest Reserve is Danum Valley Conservation Area and a must-see experience.
It is said the valley with its rich, dense (but very diverse) rainforest is 130 million years old. Hundreds of bird species flock here and also you have more chances of catching a glimpse of the elusive orangutan ape. Traveling to Deramakot Forest Reserve is from Sandakan ― by the coast ― with a four-wheel off-road jeep (especially because of the rains) and expect delays, the roads are dirt tracks mostly. But arriving in the reserve, and from there to Danum Valley afterwards is truly worth it.
Few other places on this Earth will you have the opportunity to see the orangutan apes in their natural, pristine ancient rainforest environment.
In the south of Malaysia's north Borneo is Sarawak, which hosts the Mulu National Park and Bako National Park. A third national park, Batang Ai National Park is also a recommendation for sightings of the orangutan (among other wildlife of course). Many returning from north Borneo actually feel Sarawak offers the holiday maker a richer experience. We can't disagree.
Because there are gorgeous trails leading to jaw dropping waterfalls and world-renowned caves, ethnic villages that leave you with a completely different perspective of Asia, once back home. North Borneo (both Sabah and Sarawak) is reminiscence of Indonesia's east Java in the sense that it's really the "land that time forgot". Little has changed in millions of years, and any of the three national parks will reflect that.
Mulu National Park is the largest of the three (and Bako the smallest of them all). Over 3000 unique flora and fauna species spread throughout the park, it has attracted the greatest study of any tropical rainforest. From Kuching City you are closest to Bako National Park, 40km distant. What you will enjoy about Bako National Park are the beaches, giving you a break from the intensity of the rainforest jungle.
Some of you may feel being enclosed under so much growth, it's claustrophobic. In which case take a detour to one of the beach forest trails. Also, do consider a day trip to Lakei Island:
Malaysia's part of Borneo Island is full of national parks and forest reserves. Kabili forest is one more reserve, with the rehabilitation center on the forest boundary. If you are planning on visiting this center then the best option is to be in Sandakan (which isn't such a bad deal, it's one of Sabah's main tourist hubs). A 20-minute taxi ride from the town gets you to the center, costing about US$10 one way. From Kota Kinabalu, it's a long bus journey, 5 hours. You must make your own way to the center, a few kilometers away.
It therefore makes more sense to book a flight from the capital to Sandakan Airport, and then grab a taxi. Flight times are less than an hour and tickets are only US$30 non return. At any one time there are at most 100 orangutans at the center receiving care and medical attention, whilst a few are orphans brought in from the wild. The best time to see the mammals are when it's feeding time, late morning until noon.
Getting from the capital of Sabah to the capital of Sarawak, way down in the south, affords you a greater experience of north Borneo. Thankfully, you can move between the two by a daily 90-minute flight. And in less than 2 hours you can fly from Kaula Lumpur to Kuching direct. But from Kaula Lumpur to Kota Kinabula, it's the better part of 3 hours.
This travel guide is all about locating, and sightseeing, the wild orangutans of Borneo but there are a few other reasons to encourage you to this part of the world. It's not only the orangutan you will encounter but also:
The number one reason why so many come to Malaysia's Borneo is for the wildlife, as a whole ― and not purely for the orangutans only. Another reason is the jungle treks through the gorgeous rainforest because the natural world does catch your breath. In our view, there isn't one without the other. And neither can you come to north Borneo and not experience both Sabah and Sarawak together, in one trip. You visit both or not at all, simply put.
Just 40km distant from Sandakan Town, there is no excuse really for forgoing this paradise Island escape. Take a break from the orangutan trails, and go top-up your tropical suntan. Most tour packages offer you a two-day, one night break. The tour operator will also pick you up from your Sandakan hotel, or the airport if you wish. After an hour leaving the local jetty, you are walking on the Island, and in search of the turtles.
You've no option other than to stay at least one night because the return boat departs the Island early at 7am. The same boat then leaves Sabah Park Jetty later in the morning, with you onboard. It's definitely worth spending one night on the Island, to witness the baby turtles hatching and making a run for their young lives for the ocean waters.
Selingan Island forms part of the Turtle Islands National Park, one of three Islands that support the conservation for the green and hawksbill turtles. Only Selingan Island is open to tourists, with Bakungan Kecil Island and Gulisan Island closed. The best time to visit the Island is between July and October when hatchlings are at their highest number.
We won't neglect to mention the quality of accommodation found throughout Sabah and Sarawak. Despite it being in the rainforest jungle, and the sought after locations are often remote, the accommodation is more than adequate. Unbelievably there is even a touch of luxury to your accommodation, with running hot water and en-suite bathrooms and hot food served. Clean sheets each day too, who'd imagine all that in the jungle?
Book your accommodation in advance and do not lose out on the pleasant service and fine dining. Your lodge has its own open plan living area with balcony or veranda looking out into the forest. Some resorts may have communal dining where their accommodations are more akin to a room sized hut, instead of a larger lodge elsewhere. In any case, the accommodation is clean, modern and luxurious.
There's no better feeling than waking up to an early morning rain, holding a cup of coffee, breathing in the freshness. And it's calm, peaceful and mild ― you think to yourself, relaxing in your own plunge pool before bed.
It may interest you to know that wild orangutans are found elsewhere. Malaysia's north Borneo is the best destination for sightseeing these beautiful creatures. A best, and better experience of nature and its wildlife in our opinion. However, there are Orangutans found in Kalimantan, on the Indonesian part of the Island of Sumatra too.
There are many options for you when holidaying in Malaysia and then taking a four-day, three-night detour to north Borneo, before returning to Kaula Lumpur.
You must decide first of all, of course, whether you fly into Kuching in the south, or Kota Kinabalu to the north. Flip a coin and go either way: Sabah, or Sarawak. It doesn't really matter which one because either is going to give you an amazing experience of a rainforest jungle that is as old as the rock beneath it. What is utterly stunning about the Island is that it remains an untouched, virgin territory.
So many good things happen when you come to Malaysia's Borneo, from the:
A week-long stay on the Island would actually be advisable, to see everything in Sabah and Sarawak but most tourists are happy with a three-day, two-night tour itinerary or a four-day, three-night one.
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Hello, we are George and Elle Mae Melyre.
Over the years, amidst work and family life, we have traveled extensively throughout Asia. Any chance to briefly escape or properly holiday in our beloved Asian destinations is eagerly seized, motivated by the enduring dream of leaving behind the UK's dreary cold for tropical climes.