The Orangutan Experience of Borneo
The goal of any traveller who visits Borneo is to spot and explore the life of Orangutans. The specialty of Borneo is, not only you can see them in the wild but also in semi-wild environments. The Orangutang population decreased from 66,000 (in 2006) to 45,000 or less at present. So, if you want to visit Borneo just to see them you have made the right choice. In the next few decades, it is likely to be more difficult to get a chance to see this amazing, clever, and human-like creature.
Locals call the Orangutangs, “The people of the forest”. As a first-time traveller you need to be sure what are the exact places in Borneo where you can spot the people of the forest. So let’s look at some options and helpful tips to see them well.
Orangutan Rehabilitation centres in Borneo
As Orangutans are victims of the illegal pet trade, poaching, and habitat loss the above rehabilitations are dedicated to giving them new life. To prepare them to live on their own in the wild, these centres ensure to provide them with care, support, and supplementary food needed to go on. If you happen to visit during feeding time, you have a high likelihood of seeing plenty of Orangutangs in close proximity. The fee you pay at these rehabilitations goes directly to aid the lives of Orangutangs.
Spotting Orangutangs in the wild
If you are ready to go a step further and wish to see them in their natural habitat Borneo’s virgin rain forests will have the answer for you. Of course, there is no better thrill than spotting the wild ones in the wild itself! However, just like any other safari, the con here is, it is not guaranteed that you will definitely spot them. Even if you don’t spot Orangutangs you will surely spot plenty of birds, other monkeys, and wildlife. Besides natural habitats are always guaranteed to offer an authentic experience.
Remember, even if you do spot them, they will be so high up in the thick forest canopies that you are unlikely to get a good view. Unlike the rehabilitation centres. Below are the best places in Borneo to spot them in the wild.
- Tanjung Puting National Park. Probably the best part of Borneo that guarantees to spot wild Orangutangs.
- Tabin Wildlife Reserve. This is home not only for Orangutangs but also for elephants, forest cows, and many other mammals. If you are also a bird lover, Tabin is an ideal place to spot some.
- The Danum Valley. Prince William and Kate visited this rain forest back in 2012. This is home to Orangutangs and many species of flora and fauna.
- Kinabatangan Wildlife Reserve. The second biggest rainforest in Malaysia that is home to an array of wildlife including Orangutangs.
Book a Holiday Houseboy
A Holiday Houseboy is your local gay friendly tour guide who goes out of his way to look after your safety and welfare at all times. He will also be able to help you with your orangutan experience. To choose your Holiday Houseboy, please click here.
Borneo Island
Borneo is split between three countries. These are Indonesia (originally Dutch), Malayasia (English) and the small sultanate of Brunei.
Our other destination in Indonesia is Bali. Whilst our other destinations in Malaysia are Kuala Lumpur and Penang.
