Where to see orangutans in Borneo

If you’re wild about wildlife, spotting orangutans in their natural habitat is an experience that’ll stay with you forever. These fascinating creatures share 97% of our DNA, making them one of our closest relatives in the animal kingdom. They’re intelligent, curious, and notoriously clever, known for using sticks to extract insects from tree bark (as though they are fishing) and using leaves as umbrellas during a rainstorm.

Encountering these gentle great apes should be on everyone’s to-do list. And the place to make it happen? Borneo. Here, you have two options: visit one of Borneo’s Orangutan Rehabilitation Centres or venture into the rainforest to see them in the wild. In this guide, we’ll delve into the wonders of Borneo’s rainforests and the magnificent orangutans that call them home.

A female orangutan in Borneo

Before we dive into where to see orangutans in Borneo, let’s take a moment to learn more about this fascinating island. Nestled in the heart of Southeast Asia’s Malay Archipelago, Borneo is the third-largest island in the world, shared by Malaysia, Indonesia, and the tiny nation of Brunei.

Renowned for its lush rainforests—some of the oldest on Earth, dating back over 130 million years—Borneo is a biodiversity hotspot like no other. Towering dipterocarp trees, winding rivers, and vast swamps create a green paradise brimming with life. It’s home to unique wildlife, including pygmy elephants, clouded leopards, hornbills, and, of course, orangutans.

The Kinabatangan River winds through the heart of orangutan territory. The best way to search for them is on a guided excursion with an expert.

You’ll board a small boat and glide along the river, watching for not only orangutans but also proboscis monkeys and other wildlife. It’s the most relaxed way to spot these remarkable creatures while also minimising impact on their habitat. While orangutans are strictly arboreal (tree dwellers), sightings can’t be promised – after all, they’re masters of the treetops!

Cruising down the Kinabatangan River is one of the best ways to see orangutans

The Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre is dedicated to rehabilitating young and adult orangutans who have faced habitat loss, poaching, or the illegal pet trade.

Established in 1964, it’s one of the world's first orangutan rehabilitation projects. The centre’s primary mission is to rescue orphaned, injured, or displaced orangutans, rehabilitate them, and ultimately prepare them for reintroduction into the wild.

Young orangutans are taught essential survival skills such as foraging, climbing, and nest-building. And while it may not offer the thrill of spotting orangutans in the untamed wild, a visit guarantees an up-close view as they play, snack, and swing gracefully through the trees like the acrobats they are.

The Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre is dedicated to rehabilitating young and adult orangutans

The best time to spot orangutans in Borneo is during the dry season (May to September). During this time, trekking is easier with drier trails, and the forests come alive with fruiting trees, drawing orangutans out into the open. You might even catch a glimpse of baby orangutans clinging closely to their highly protective mothers. However, if you don’t mind a bit of rain and humidity, the off-season has its own perks—lower costs, fewer crowds, and quieter visits to year-round rehabilitation centres and reserves.

Baby orangutans are best spotted during the dry season

Seeing orangutans in Borneo is an unforgettable experience, but it’s crucial to do it responsibly to protect these incredible animals and their habitat. Here are some top tips:

It's crucial to be responsible when viewing orangutans

As mentioned earlier, there are two ways to see orangutans in Borneo: in the wild or at a sanctuary. For the ultimate adventure, why not do both? Observing these ‘people of the forest’ in their natural habitat and then visiting a sanctuary dedicated to their recovery provides a deeper understanding of their challenges and resilience.

It's a powerful reminder of why these incredible animals deserve our protection. Whether this guide has sparked new interest or you're already set on a trip to visit Borneo to see orangutans, Saga’s Wild Borneo escorted tour has got you covered. This small group itinerary includes three cruises along the Kinabatangan River and the chance to observe orangutans up close at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre.

Discover our escorted and independent tours of Borneo for your chance to see orangutans both in the wild and in sanctuaries