Malaysia (Borneo)
Parks: Sepilok, Kinabatangan river · best months May, June, July, August, September (May to September)
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Animals · Tropical rainforest · 2026
Orangutan in the wild: where, when and on which trip
Updated September 8, 2026 · Plan your trip
In short
May to September is the dry season in Sabah with walkable trails and fruiting trees that draw the animals. Combine 2 days of Sepilok with 3 days of Kinabatangan river cruise for an above-70-percent chance. Book river lodges with small boats and local guides.
- Biome
- Tropical rainforest
- IUCN status
- CR · About 55,000 on Borneo (IUCN, 2026)
- Sighting chance
- medium
- Trip type
- River cruise and rehabilitation centre
- Budget
- 2,500 to 4,000 euros per person for 12 days
- Scientific name
- Pongo pygmaeus
About the Orangutan
The orangutan is Asia’s only great ape and can only be seen on Borneo and Sumatra. Sepilok in Sabah takes in orphaned animals and lets them adjust to the forest, with feeding sessions where semi-wild animals appear. The Kinabatangan river gives the best chance of truly wild animals from a boat.
Critically endangered. About 55,000 Bornean orangutans, declining through deforestation for palm oil.
Best countries for the Orangutan
Photo tip
Dark rainforest asks for ISO 3200 and up. Feeding sessions at Sepilok give the best light; wild sightings from the boat call for 400 mm.
With children
Suitable from 8 years. Sepilok has boardwalks and a video room; river cruises are calm sailing with lots of monkeys and hornbills.
Combine
Combines with proboscis monkey, pygmy elephant and crocodile along the same river. Kinabatangan gives 4 primate species in one day.
Sources
Keep exploring
How to book this trip
Readers support Animals Around the World when you book through these partners, at no extra cost to you. Read how affiliate works.
Best for safari
Safaribouwer (example)
Puts together your Botswana or Tanzania route with local guides.
! Watch out: prices shift per season, always ask for a detailed quote.
Best for flights
Ticketzoeker (example)
Compares flights to safari hubs like Maun and Kilimanjaro.
! Watch out: check baggage rules for charter flights separately.
Best for activities
Tourplatform (example)
Books whale watching or day tours with free cancellation.
! Watch out: always check the cancellation terms per provider.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I see orangutans in the wild?
The Kinabatangan river in Sabah (Malaysia) for wild animals, Sepilok for semi-wild ones at feeding sessions. Sumatra (Gunung Leuser) is the alternative.
Borneo or Sumatra for orangutans?
Borneo is easier to reach with better infrastructure and higher densities along rivers. Sumatra is more adventurous with treks on foot. Both cost about 3,000 euros for 12 days.
What is the best time?
May to September for Sabah. March and April are the wettest. Sumatra peaks June to September.
How endangered is the orangutan?
Critically endangered with about 55,000 animals on Borneo. Palm oil plantations are the biggest cause of habitat loss.
What does an orangutan trip cost?
As an indication, 2,500 to 4,000 euros per person for 12 days in Malaysia including flights, Sepilok and 3 days of river cruise.
Will I see other apes too?
Yes. Proboscis monkeys, macaques and gibbons live in the same forest. The Kinabatangan counts 10 primate species.
Last updated: September 8, 2026. All sighting chances, months and prices are indications based on public sources, not travel advice and no guarantee. Always check your government’s current travel advisory before departure.