Where to see orangutans in Sabah
The large, equatorial island of Borneo comprises the two Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak – covering the far north and northwest respectively – and the Indonesian region of Kalimantan, by far the largest portion of the island. Our where to see orangutans in Sabah post, however, is therefore restricted to the former of the two states. (The small, independent state of Brunei is squeezed between the two neighbouring Malaysian states.)
Sabah State is a manageable size with a reasonable transport infrastructure and is, for foreign visitors, the best-known part of the island.
Firstly, note that we’re limiting our suggestions on where to see orangutans in Sabah to the more readily accessible areas of the state that can be reached by the casual visitor, without requiring an arduous 2-day jungle trek to get there. While an expedition into remote parts of the interior is a fantastic opportunity for those who have sufficient time, fitness levels and resources, it isn’t necessary if you just want to be able to observe Borneo’s wildlife – elephants, crocodiles, proboscis monkeys etcetera, as well as orangutans – in their natural environment.
Despite the best efforts of loggers, plantation owners and trappers, the WWF estimates a total population of approximately 105,000 orangutans in Borneo as a whole, with some 11,000 inhabiting the state of Sabah.
Sepilok
Sepilok, in the northeastern part of the state, close to Sandakan, is home to the world-famous Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. At the time of writing, their website states that the Centre houses 25 young, orphaned orangutans with another 60 to 80 adults and adolescents having been released into the surrounding forest reserve. At a mere 43 square kilometres, the Sepilok – Kabili Forest Reserve therefore has a very high population density so a stroll along some of the forest trails offers plenty of sightings of what could be described as semi-wild orangutans in what could be described as a halfway house. Individuals judged fully rehabilitated are subsequently reintroduced into other areas.
Kinabatangan Kinabatangan
While we don’t have any figures, we would assume the nearby Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary is one such area. The sanctuary – also known as the Kinabatangan Wildlife Corridor – founded in 1997, stretches along the eponymously named river and forms a jungle oasis amid extensive palm plantations extending to the south and north. The area is said to be home to no less than ten primate species and as such is one of only two sites in the world with equivalent diversity. It’s also home to Borneo pygmy elephants, crocodiles and all eight of Borneo’s hornbill species so a visit to Kinabatangan is a must on any Borneo itinerary.
Conveniently, wildlife spotting trips are generally undertaken by boat along the river, avoiding a sweaty hike and leeches, and while orangutan sightings can never be guaranteed, they are frequent.
Danum Valley
The Danum Valley Conservation Area consists of nearly 450 square kilometres of protected forest in the central, eastern part of the state and contains some of the best preserved, readily accessible, equatorial rainforest on the island. Needless to say, it’s a great place for sightings of most of Borneo’s fauna however, it is too far for a day trip and accommodation is limited. Apart from a research centre, the only private option is the luxurious Borneo Rainforest Lodge.
The Danum Valley Service, facilities and location are second to none so, while we’re not saying it isn’t worth it, the Lodge doesn’t come cheap. You can sup a G and T on a terrace in the middle of the jungle while watching hornbills swoop past and every guest is assigned their own guide so – if this is going to be your first and last visit to Borneo – it is worth considering splashing out.
Tabin
A cheaper, slightly less exclusive, yet also very good, option is the Tabin Wildlife Resort in the Tabin Wildlife Reserve. The reserve occupies some 1200 square kilometres of forest southeast of Kinabatangan in the far east of the state and is thus less remote than the Danum Valley. It lacks a few of the frills of the latter but is still very good and if your primary concern is discovering the flora and fauna then Tabin is home to all of Borneo’s iconic species and as good a place for encountering wild orangutans as anywhere.
Gomantong
While Gomantong is famous for its eponymously named cave – a gaping, bat-filled, limestone cavern – the surrounding forest is also a great place for spotting wild orangutans. Located just north of Kinabatangan, it also makes for a convenient stop on the way to or from Sepilok. We can take or leave the caves themselves – they are impressive, although large caverns filled with bats are hardly a rarity in Southeast Asia – but the wooden walkways through the surrounding forest are excellent for both primate and bird spotting.
Sunset on the Kinabatangan River On our Borneo small group tours
The well-known sites Kinabatangan and Sepilok are both shoo-ins on any Borneo tour and consequently provide highlights for our 2-week Borneo Adventure and the 16-day West Malaysia and Borneo tour as well, of course, our shorter, 8-day Land Below the Wind, Sabah tour.
The more off-the-beaten-track Gomantong is also included, as we said, not only for the cave itself but also because the wooden walkways make for an easy stroll to check out the lush surrounding forest’s flora and fauna while we leave both the further-flung Danum and Tabin as options following on from your tour, depending on your time frame and budget.
Our full range of Malaysia and Borneo tours – plus extensions – can be found on our corresponding Malaysia destination page and anything you can’t find – please just ask.
