I would love to see or try to see orangutans in the wild or in a sanctuary. Where and when will be the best time to see them in the wild? I am absolutely fascinated by them! ![]()
Ooooo me too! That’s why Borneo is at the top of my travel list
it seems like a great place to see them. I have also heard that Danum Valley Conservation Area (Malaysia) is a good option as well. Would love to hear from anyone that has actually been to these places and seen them in the wild ![]()
Last year I went to Sumatra (Indonesia) to see the beautiful Sumatran orangutan in Gunung Leuser National Park, basing myself in Bukit Lawang (such a vibe in this town, absolutely loved it there and would go back in a heartbeat. Also full of macaques!!).
You can access the park directly from the town and go on a hike from there. I saw A LOT of orangutans, young and old, and lots of mothers with babies! And toddlers swinging in trees! Really a dream come true!
They are classed as semi wild, as there used to be a sanctuary there 20 years ago or so, but since all orangutans were released into the wild. They live in the wild but the older ones at least are accustomed to humans (but just watch you from the beds they make themselves in the trees).
I did do a trek in a complete other part of the park that only has ‘wild’ orangutans, where there are no paths, or tourist spots (we had a tracker with a machete and got there by motorbike), but we didn’t see any on that day. We did see endemic Thomas’s langur monkeys though, and some crazy looking insects and lizards.
The jungle there is probably the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen so is worth it just for that!
Really there are only 2 places Orangutans live in the wild, and that’s Sumatra and Borneo - so take your pick - the species will be different and I opted for Sumatra as i was already going to Bali and the flight was easy from there and cheaper than a trip to Borneo - but I think I made a great decision.
I definitely recommend going with a guide. There’s lots of off the beaten path tours in Indonesia that go there, but you must look for reputable companies that are very responsible with wildlife conservations. I saw a lot of cases of orangutans eating left over food which can spread disease), and guides trying to coax them down from the tree with fruit (it is not natural or good for them to come to the ground and be close to humans - in the wild they live 90% in trees and some may never touch the ground at all!).
Also, be prepared for leeches, but do not let that stop you!
I went in January, I’m not sure there is a best time to see the Orangutans, but more, the best time weather wise. It was peak wet season when i went and i had no issues (a couple of downpours, but I enjoyed them!)
I hope you find which is best for you and go! Would love to hear what you choose ![]()