There’s something magical about seeing the majestic orangutan swinging from tree to tree in the lush rainforests of its natural habitat. So it only makes sense to take a look at all the best Borneo orangutan tours, right?
And that’s where our hard work can make your dream vacation that bit easier. Get ready to discover the best Borneo orangutan tours to take your Asia vacation one more step in the right direction.
From pricing and tour times to the hidden facts of the orangutan, get ready to discover it all here!
Highlights:
- Admire the gentle orangutan in its natural habitat
- Discover stunning forest sanctuaries in Sepilok and Sarawak
- Take in the beauty of hundreds of other species, including proboscis monkeys
Know before you book:
- Some tours include accommodation — usually the multi-day tour options
- Research how to get to your sanctuary of choice beforehand. Not all tours include transportation
- Bring anti-malarial medication, especially if joining a multi-day tour
The orangutan is a beautiful animal that will melt your heart the moment you gaze into its soft, nurturing eyes. But did you know you can only see the orangutan in the wild in two places in the world?
We know. That makes seeing these stunning apes a fairly rare occurrence. And as Sumatra isn’t the easiest place to reach, Borneo is the best place to see the gentle orangutan. Borneo itself is under the stewardship of three countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei.
Be it an all-inclusive orangutan and Malaysian tour with accommodation and food sorted or a simple day tour, you’ll find everything you need to know here.
Borneo Orangutan Tour Prices
Tours start around 556,982.22 Rp (36.59 USD) and can cost as much as 4,094,785.92 Rp (269 USD). These prices vary according to the tour length, what’s included, and where you will be visiting.
Note: The above prices are given in the Indonesian Rupiah, which is the country that occupies 76% of Borneo. However, you must exchange for the Malaysian Ringgit or Brunei Dollar, depending on the region you are visiting.
Compare prices across the ticket providers below:
Borneo Orangutan Sanctuary Tour Times
As each tour varies in length, the operating times depend on your tour provider. That said, here are the general operating times of Borneo’s orangutan sanctuaries and national parks.
Sepilok Rehabilitation Center: 9 am – 4 pm
Rainforest Discovery Center: 8 am – 5 pm
Semenggoh Wildlife Center: 9 am – 4 pm
Danum Valley Conservation Area: 24 hours (visitation must be pre-arranged)
Bako National Park: 8 am – 5 pm
Best Time to See Orangutans in the Wild in Borneo
Generally, the best time to see Borneo orangutans is between April and August. As the rainy season fades in April, you’ll begin to see the orange apes swinging from tree to tree in search of food.
These dry months also provide the best visibility for seeing orangutans. So, it’s a real win-win time of year for both tourists and primates.
What Are the Best Places to See Orangutans in Borneo?
As you may have noticed in the tour times section, we mentioned quite a few locations. And each is worth putting into this list of best places to see orangutans. But to truly nail it down, here are the top two options.
One of the most significant spaces for keeping this endangered species alive has to be the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center. Sepilok homes orphaned orangutans, where you’re guaranteed to see these orange balls of joy, no matter the time of year.
If you want to see orangutans in the wild, then the Danum Valley Conservation Area should be your go-to option. From Bukit Atur sunrises to canopy walks in treetop paths, you’ve got a fantastic opportunity to see the orange apes swinging from tree to tree.
The Best Orangutan Borneo Tours
Now, it’s time to get stuck into all the top tours that explore the glorious orangutans in their natural habitat. From seeing the Malaysian orangutans at Sepilok to guided walking tours of the Kalimantan National Parks in Indonesian Borneo, you’re in for a real treat.
Sepilok Orangutan Center Half-Day Tour
If you’re short on time but still want to see these majestic apes, consider this lovely half-day tour of the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center. With transportation all sorted, you can simply look forward to watching baby orangutans having the time of their lives in the dipterocarp forest.
It’s a great option for families with younger children and other travelers with time constraints.
What we liked: Great if you don’t want it to take the whole day.
- Hotel pickup and dropoff
- 3-hour guided orangutan tour
- Entry tickets to Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center
- Meals
- Proboscis Monkey sightings
If you’re around during feeding time, you can even lend a helping hand in feeding the orangutans. That’s a truly immersive experience if you had to ask us. And to make things even better, you’re guaranteed to see orangutans at Sepilok, no matter the time of year you visit.
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Borneo (Klias) River Cruise With an Orangutan & Fireflies Tour
If you’re a lover of river cruises and wildlife, then this river cruise through the Klias Wetlands will be right up your alley. Starting in Kota Kinabalu, you’ll travel to Klias, where your river cruise begins.
As you navigate the surreal waters of Klias, you’ll likely witness proboscis monkeys and Orangutans throughout the trees. These wetlands are a very popular spot for both species, so sightings occur fairly often.
What we liked: It offers a unique way to see the orangutans from the Klias River.
- Hotel pickup and dropoff
- High tea and coffee
- Dinner
- Bottled water
- Snacks
- Tipping
Throughout the nine-hour journey, you’ll join not one but two cruises. The second cruise, which takes place after a stunning Malaysian dinner, offers you the opportunity to see fireflies as they light up the night sky. Could you ask for much more?
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Full-Day Sepilok Orangutan, Bornean Sun Bear, & Rainforest Discovery Center Tour
Take your Borneo adventure to the next level by visiting three of the island’s top nature reserves. Each one offers a unique wildlife sighting opportunity, as you’ll catch a glimpse of orangutans, proboscis monkeys, and Bornean sun bears.
And if you’re a botanist at heart, the guided plant discovery walk will surely tick all the boxes.
What we liked: You get to visit three of the top wildlife sanctuaries in Borneo in one day.
- Hotel pickup and dropoff
- Local lunch
- Licensed tour guide
- Other foods and drinks
- Any other things not listed in the tour itinerary
As you’ll be visiting a Borneo orangutan sanctuary, the odds of you not seeing these orange apes are pretty much impossible. It’s also an opportunity to learn how these endemic species are being reintegrated into the wild.
And who knows, it may inspire you to stick around and volunteer to help the cause.
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Multi-Day Borneo Orangutan Tour
If you’re looking for an extended Borneo tour and an unmissable opportunity to see orangutans, then this three-day excursion is for you. You’ll spend three days and two nights in the Tanjung Bulat Jungle Camp.
Each day, you’ll have two wildlife-watching opportunities, including a night tour where you can see fireflies. Add a comfortable stay for two nights and all meals provided, and you’re in for a real treat.
What we liked: Great for extended wildlife spotting across multiple days.
- Hotel pickup and dropoff
- All meals
- Accommodation
- Toiletries
- Binoculars
- Other necessities like raincoats and towels
You won’t just see orangutans out here, as crocodiles (don’t get too close), langurs, and civets also inhabit this jungle. As it’s in Tanjung Bulat, it’s one of few Indonesian orangutan tours that truly venture into the wild, far away from cities and towns.
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FAQs About Borneo Orangutan Tours
You may still have some pressing orangutan-related questions. So, let’s help put your mind at ease.
Can You See Borneo Orangutans for Free?
Unfortunately, no. All the national parks and wildlife centers in Borneo require entry fees. You’re also not guaranteed to see orangutans, so joining a tour with a local guide is your best bet.
Where Is the Best Place to See Orangutans in Borneo?
Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center is a guaranteed opportunity to see these majestic primates.
How Many Days Do You Need in Borneo to See Orangutans?
You can easily see orangutans in a day, granted you visit the right place at the right time. If you want to see more than just orangutans, though, consider visiting Borneo for at least a week.
Specification: Borneo Orangutan Tours | Best Sanctuaries to Visit & More
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