Borneo is one of the last places on Earth where you can see orangutans, proboscis monkeys and hornbills in the wild — and Sabah, Malaysian Borneo, is the accessible gateway.
Where to see orangutans
Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
The classic — and for good reason. Twice-daily feeding sessions bring semi-wild orangutans swinging in from the forest, and the experience of watching them at close range is remarkable. Go for the morning feeding when they're most active, and book ahead.
The Kinabatangan River
For wild orangutans in their natural habitat, the river cruises along the Kinabatangan are unmatched. You might also spot proboscis monkeys (the endemic big-nosed ones), crocodiles, hornbills and, if you're lucky, pygmy elephants.
The Kinabatangan river cruise
Dawn and dusk boat trips are when the wildlife is most active. The riverbanks here shelter some of the highest densities of primates anywhere on Earth — it's the closest thing South East Asia has to an African safari, and it's the heart of our Borneo family package.
Other wildlife highlights
- Sun bears — the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, next to Sepilok, rescues the world's smallest bears.
- Proboscis monkeys — endemic to Borneo and endlessly watchable along the rivers.
- Turtles — Selingan Island's turtle hatchery offers night hatchling releases (seasonal).
- Marine life — the Tunku Abdul Rahman islands off Kota Kinabalu for snorkelling.
Doing it responsibly
- Choose ethical sanctuaries — rehabilitation centres that protect, not zoos that exploit.
- Keep your distance — never feed or touch wild animals.
- Stay with guides — they know the river, the timing and the behaviour.
Quick questions, answered
Will I definitely see orangutans?
At Sepilok's feeding sessions, almost certainly — they're semi-wild and reliably appear. Wild sightings on the river are more luck-based, but the guides know the best spots.
Is Borneo suitable for families?
Yes, with the right pacing — our Borneo package keeps travel days short and the wildlife experiences age-appropriate.
When's the best time?
March to October is the drier window for river cruises and trekking. Borneo is a trip of a lifetime for wildlife lovers — call 020 7946 0958 to start planning.
