Are you planning to travel around Sabah soon? Then seeing orangutans should definitely be on your to-do list.
The Bornean orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus), one of the three species of orangutan, is endemic to the island of Borneo. It can be found in Sabah and Sarawak in Malaysia, as well as in Kalimantan, Indonesia.
Due to environmental pressures, these intelligent great apes are classified as critically endangered. Sabah is estimated to have around 11,000 individuals, making it one of the best destinations to see orangutans while exploring some of Borneo’s spectacular rainforest ecosystems.
Let’s dive in!
| Destinations | Type of Experience | Best For | Unique Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sepilok | Conservation-led centre | First-time visitors, families | Orangutan feeding session and nursery viewing |
| Kinabatangan | Wildlife river safari | Wildlife lovers and photographers | Chance to see the Borneo Big 5 |
| Danum Valley | Pristine primary rainforest | Adventure travellers | Ancient rainforest over 130 million years old |
| Tabin | Safari drives and nature trails | Families and relaxed wildlife viewing | Lipad Mud Volcano |
| Deramakot | Remote wildlife reserve | Serious wildlife enthusiasts | Home to five Bornean wild cat species |
| Trusan Sugut | 4x4 wildlife safari | Wildlife enthusiasts | Last lowland refuge for orangutans in Northern Sabah |
Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
Established in 1964, the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, located within the Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve, was the world’s first centre dedicated to rescuing orphaned and injured orangutans and preparing them for life back in the wild. It is the most famous destination to see orangutans in Sabah.
Visitors can watch feeding sessions from viewing platforms where orangutans swing down from trees to collect fruits. There is also an outdoor nursery where young orangutans develop essential survival skills such as climbing, nest-building and foraging.
- Location: Pusat Pemulihan Orangutan Sepilok, Batu 14, Jalan Sepilok, 90009 Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia
- Opening hours: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM, 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM (Open daily, including public holidays)
- Feeding time: 10:00 AM & 3:00 PM
For many travellers, Sepilok provides one of the easiest and most educational opportunities to see orangutans while learning about conservation efforts.
Embark on our 3D2N Bilit Rainforest Lodge - Sepilok Orangutan to witness these incredible primates and support their journey back into the wild.
Kinabatangan River Cruise
For travellers hoping to see orangutans in the wild, the Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary is one of the best destinations in Sabah. Flowing through the Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary, the lower Kinabatangan River is surrounded by protected rainforests that serve as an important habitat for many species.
Guided river cruises allow visitors to quietly explore the riverbanks while spotting wildlife in the surrounding forest canopy. The Kinabatangan River is also one of the best places to see the Borneo Big 5, including Orangutans, Bornean Pygmy Elephants, Proboscis Monkeys, Rhinoceros Hornbills and Estuarine Crocodiles, which makes it a must-visit destination for nature lovers.
Book our Sepilok Forest Edge Resort & Kinabatangan River Safari to witness the Borneo Big 5 in their natural habitat.
Danum Valley Conservation Area
Located around 71 kilometres from Lahad Datu, the Danum Valley Conservation Area is one of Borneo’s last remaining wilderness areas. This pristine rainforest, believed to be over 130 million years old, offers one of the most untouched wildlife environments on the island.
The area supports a population of wild orangutans in an undisturbed ecosystem and can be explored through guided jungle treks, canopy walkways and night safaris. Danum Valley is also home to gibbons, red leaf monkeys, clouded leopards and more than 300 bird species.
Explore our Danum Valley Rainforest Adventure package for a premium, expert-led rainforest adventure.
Tabin Wildlife Reserve
Established in 1984, the Tabin Wildlife Reserve was designated as a protected area due to its rich biodiversity and the large number of animals, many of which are endangered. Tabin protects a vast area of lowland rainforest and is known for its guided wildlife safaris, jungle trekking trails and the Lipad Mud Volcano, a unique natural feature where animals often gather to obtain mineral salts.
Apart from orangutans, visitors may also encounter the Bearded Pig and some of Sabah’s largest mammals, including the Bornean pygmy elephant and tembadau (Bornean wild cattle). Much of the wildlife viewing in Tabin takes place through guided safari drives rather than long treks, making it a comfortable option for families travelling with seniors or young children.
Discover the Tabin Wildlife Reserve package for a family-friendly experience.
Deramakot Forest Reserve
Often described as a hidden gem of Borneo, Deramakot Forest Reserve offers a unique opportunity to experience wildlife in a sustainably managed rainforest. Located in central Sabah, north of the upper Kinabatangan River, the reserve is estimated to be home to around 75% of Sabah’s mammal species, highlighting its importance for wildlife conservation.
Wildlife here includes orangutans, sambar deer and all five species of Bornean wild cats, including marbled cats. Visitors usually explore the area through guided night drives and jungle treks.
Explore the wild heart of Sabah with us with Deramakot Wildlife Safari into Borneo’s most exclusive leopard and orangutan territory.
Trusan Sugut Forest Reserve
Located in the northeastern corner of the state, Trusan Sugut Forest Reserve is Sabah’s newest hidden gem for wildlife enthusiasts.
This 8,680-hectare sanctuary was recently opened for conservation-led tourism and serves as a vital lowland stronghold for over 80 wild orangutans.
The Trusan Sugut Wildlife Safari package offers a unique ‘safari-style’ experience where you can spot wildlife, including the rare Bornean banteng from the comfort of a 4x4 vehicle.
Meet the “Man of the Forest” with Amazing Borneo
Sabah offers the world’s best opportunities to see orangutans, from heart-warming rehabilitation centres to the depths of the wild rainforest. Whether you are trekking through ancient jungles or supporting vital conservation efforts, Amazing Borneo handles all the complex 4x4 logistics and entry permits, ensuring your journey is completely seamless and stress-free.