best time of year to visit orangutans in borneo

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The Best Time To See Orangutans in Borneo

When to see orangutans in borneo and sumatra.

Tamara Thiessen

• In this guide
• Indonesian Borneo
• Events & festivals

Quick guide: Best times to see orangutans in Borneo

Best months: May-June

Peak tourism season: July & August

Best weather: March-July

Worst weather: January

Sitting astride the equator, Borneo has a warm, tropical climate. Although it is broadly possible to separate Borneo’s climate into the usual two seasons for the region — wet and dry — weather conditions are often very localised and extremely difficult to predict.

Even in the dry season, it is better to prepare for the odd downpour rather than assuming it will stay dry.

Unusually for South East Asia, the dry season in Borneo runs from March to October, and the heaviest rainfall is in December and January, although the far north is at its driest in February and March. Kinabalu National Park is considerably cooler than its surrounding lowlands so make sure to pack layers to keep warm, especially in the evening.

Climate and seasons for Sepilok

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In search of orangutans and dragons, when to see orangutans in borneo, weather, seasons and conditions.

Orangutans are non-migratory and generally speaking you can see wild orangutans at any time of year. Your main consideration will be the weather conditions and flight prices.

Orangutan behaviour

While visiting rehabilitation centres guarantees you will see some orangutans, the real appeal for many visitors is to spot them in the wild.

Centres like Sepilok operate feeding platforms in the reserves where they put out food daily for their released orangutans to return to. This is a great way to see semi-wild orangutans, although it is not guaranteed. During the fruiting season, June to August, there is an abundance of available food in the forests meaning orangutans are less likely to return to the platforms.

Although, this means they will be more active in the wild as they forage for food, with optimal viewing being throughout April to August.

The climate in Borneo

January is best avoided in Borneo, as heavy rains fall over the majority of the country and most wildlife will hide away in the dense jungle. February brings drier weather in the north of the country, so head to Gaya Island or plan a trek up Kinabalu, taking advantage of the low season offers. March and April offer more dry weather, as well as the start of whale shark season for divers, which runs until May.

June, July and August are peak season on the island, with the best weather conditions but the biggest crowds and highest prices. The wildlife is very active at this point in the year – the summer months are a perfect time to see the famous orangutans and turtles native to Borneo. It is also the best time of year for diving, with excellent visibility of up to 40m on calm days. Baby turtles hatch on Turtle Island in August.

September marks the end of high season and while the weather is not as reliable, the crowds thin and there is still a good chance of sunshine in the majority of the island. Head away from the coast and travel inland to the Danum Valley and Kinabatangan River. October is similar to September but brings more frequent rain, which really takes hold in November and December. This is Borneo’s low season and can be a good time to take advantage of cheaper prices.

Gaway Dayak Festival in Kalimantan

Events and festivals

The heavy rains mean that the beginning of the year is quiet on the festival front, although Chinese New Year is celebrated at the end of January or start of February.

The majority of Borneo’s festivals fall in the dry season. May brings the Miri Jazz Festival to northern Sarawak, where world-famous musicians entertain the crowds, whatever the weather. The festival only allows a very small number of tickets to be purchased at the gate, so make sure to buy yours online before you go to save disappointment.

The end of May is Borneo’s Harvest Festival called Gawai Dayak. It is a national holiday in Sarawak. Beginning at sundown on May 31st, the celebrations include wearing traditional dress, sharing of food, music and even a ritual sacrifice of a chicken.

The middle of the dry season is also the high point for festival season. Head to Kuching for the Rainforest Music festival in July, where musicians from all over the world perform at this three-day festival – one of the biggest in Asia. Despite the dry season date, it is likely to be as muddy as anything Glastonbury can offer. If the mud puts you off, instead head for Sibiu, where the Borneo Cultural Festival draws 20,000 visitors each July to marvel at Borneo’s indigenous music, art and culture.

As the festival season draws to a close, don’t miss the Borneo International Kite Festival in Bintulu where teams fly complex kites over Bintulu airfield. Held in September, this festival includes cultural performances and authentic Malaysian food, making for some excellent photography opportunities. For something more cultural, visit Tenggarong in East Kalimantan for Erau, one of Indonesia’s oldest festivals. Held since the 16th century, Erau celebrates the region’s Dayak people with music, traditional dance and sporting events.

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About the author.

Journalist-travel writer and photographer, Tamara Thiessen is an expert on Borneo with her 4th edition Bradt Travel Guide to the island due in 2020. France-Australia based, she works for newspapers, travel & leisure publications and in-flight magazines worldwide and is the author of several books

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Sepilok Orangutans: Ultimate Bucketlist Orangutan Experience in Borneo

By: Author Angela Price

Posted on Last updated: January 25, 2024

Seeing an orangutan in the wild has always been on my bucket list, so with that in mind, I booked a four-week trip to Malaysia primarily to visit the world-famous Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre in Borneo and observe the Sepilok orangutans who call the forest their home.

I am lucky to have had many amazing animal encounters worldwide, but there was one animal experience I was desperate to have: to see an orangutan in its natural environment.

There are only two places in the world where this can be done: Borneo in Malaysia and Sumatra in Indonesia, so this was to be my once-in-a-lifetime chance to see an orangutan.

So what was visiting Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre like, and did the orangutans come and say hello? Read on to discover how seeing the Sepilok orangutans made all my dreams come true.

This travel guide may contain affiliate links – please read my  disclaimer and privacy policy for more information.

Table of Contents

Frequently Asked Questions about Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre

Are you guaranteed to see orangutans at sepilok.

I will be honest and say that seeing orangutans come swinging through the jungle onto the feeding platform is the luck of the draw.

I visited three times in two days while staying next door at the Sepilok Nature Resort. I only saw six orangutans roaming freely, not including the juvenile orangutans who live in the outdoor nursery, of which I saw quite a few.

One orangutan came to the feeding station each day, and I saw one mother and child along the boardwalk on one of the days and then two orangutan friends on another.

The anticipation of seeing an orangutan is hard to describe. It’s like an adrenaline build-up, and when you see the trees rustling and catch a glimpse of orange, it is the most exciting feeling to experience.

However, you must be prepared not to see an orangutan, as they are wild creatures and live according to their own schedules!

Check out this video!

But guess what? The beautiful thing about the Sepilok orangutan rehabilitation centre is that it is not staged or forced. If the apes don’t want to come along and say hello, then they won’t. They are wild and free to do precisely as they wish.

Of course, it was disappointing, and even I felt a pang of sadness at not seeing any more than I did; however, every cloud has a silver lining, as we found out from one of the rangers that patrol the boardwalks.

Not seeing an orangutan is actually a good thing.

If the orangutans don’t come along at feeding time, it’s a good thing. It means they are coping in the jungle alone and don’t need human intervention.

So even though they know a new stash of bananas and other fruits and vegetables will be waiting for them twice a day, they don’t need it and are happy wherever they are in the forest, which means their rehabilitation has succeeded.

How many orangutans are in the Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre?

We were told that the estimated figure is around 85. The rehabilitation centre is in the Kabili Sepilok Forest Reserve, 43 sq km of virgin lowland equatorial rainforest, so the orangutans have a fair chunk of the jungle to live in.

Why are the orangutans at Sepilok?

When arriving at the Sepilok orangutan centre, the first place to visit is the educational room, which gives you plenty of information about the orang utan (man of the forest) and its plight.

Sepilok is the world’s leading rehabilitation centre for orangutans. It has worked tirelessly for the last 60 years to protect and preserve this ape species, which amazingly shares 97% of its DNA with us.

Most of the Bornean orangutans cared for at Sepilok are orphaned orangutans. They are left without a mother for one of many reasons. Deforestation, trafficking, forest fires, and human population pressures, to name a few. They are often found abandoned, alone, ill, or too young to forage and feed themselves.

Some have been kept as pets, and some are injured or displaced wild orangutans.

This is where the marvellous vets and volunteers at Sepilok step in to aid in the recovery and rehabilitation of the orangutans.

How do young and juvenile orangutans learn how to survive?

When baby orangutans arrive at Sepilok, they enter the indoor nursery, where they are cared for until they are strong and confident enough to be moved outside.

Once they are ready, they are moved to the outdoor nursery, which is open. There, they can choose whether to venture into the edges of the dense jungle. The area has feeding platforms and ropes so the orangutans can play together.

Younger orangutans are paired with an older buddy who can teach them the way of the orangutan, much like a child would be paired up with a friend at a new school.

This orangutan looked like one of the older juveniles with his thick fur coat.

Close bonds are formed, and some orangutans stay close to their buddy for the rest of their lives. We saw this happen with two older orangutans who we saw walking along the boardwalk.

I asked the warden if it was mum and child, and he said no, they were just two best friends helping each other through life. If there was a moment my heart melted, it was then!

I took a short video of the two best friends, and I felt that when the smaller one looked around at me, he was checking me out rather than the other way around; it was magical.

Can you observe the young orangutans at Sepilok?

Yes, and it is fascinating. You can watch the juveniles through a floor-to-ceiling window in the indoor viewing area. They are outside, and you can observe them interacting with one another, playing, eating and, most of the time, hanging by their toes or fingers from the ropes.

I visited the nursery viewing area on both days and saw different orangutans each time. To say I was mesmerised by them is an understatement.

I just sat and stared at them for about 30 minutes each time. I had to keep pinching myself, as I couldn’t believe I was in Borneo and finally with the orangutans!

The tiny babies are cared for in the indoor nursery 24 hours daily. This part of the centre is closed to visitors as they are susceptible and vulnerable to human diseases.

How close can you get to an orangutan?

The feeding platform is a fair way away from the viewing deck, so while you can see them clearly, getting close-up shots of the orangutan is tricky unless you have a powerful lens.

I was fortunate to meet up with a lovely couple from Australia staying at our resort who had a zoom lens, and Claire was kind enough to let me use a few of her images for this article.

If you are lucky enough to have an encounter with an orangutan as you move around the boardwalk, you need to keep a healthy distance away.

We met with an orangutan on two occasions, and a keeper made sure we kept moving along in time with the orangutan’s speed.

He made us aware that an orangutan, especially one with an infant, could react quickly if feeling threatened and that the ape’s strength could severely injure a human, and by the tone of his voice, he wasn’t joking!

Useful information about Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre.

Where is the rehabilitation centre.

In Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve, Sabah, Borneo, Malaysia.

It is a 30-minute drive from Sandakan to Sepilok, so most independent visitors try to book themselves into one of several jungle resort hotels near Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary . Tours around Borneo, which include visiting Sepilok, are also available with many local travel companies.

That said, if you are planning a quick visit after landing at Sandakan airport, a taxi can take you to the centre, or a bus from Sandakan runs around four times a day and takes around 45 minutes.

I stayed at Sepilok Nature Resort , which was next door to the centre. Not only was it a slice of jungle heaven, but because it was so close, we were fortunate to see two orangutans swing in while we were having breakfast. Watching wild Sepilok orangutans having breakfast in the trees while we watched from the ground was a dream come true!

When is the best time of year to visit Borneo?

Sepilok Orangutan Centre is open all year round. If you want favourable weather conditions in Borneo for your visit, the best time is in the summer months, June, July and August, when it is dry with only light showers.

That said, I visited Borneo in June and had quite a bit of rain to contend with, some even torrential.

I checked with the locals to see if this was normal, and they assured me it wasn’t. Unlike mainland Malaysia, where rain is almost always guaranteed during summer, in Borneo, it is the opposite, and the summer months should be the best time to visit.

When is the Sepilok feeding time?

Twice a day at 10 am and 3.00 pm. There is no real rush, as orangutans are slow eaters, so even if you arrive after those times, you will probably still get to see some action (if the orangutans show up).

However, it is best to arrive early to see the 30-minute presentation; visit the outdoor nursery first and then proceed to the feeding platform, which is about a 10-minute walk from reception.

How much does it cost to see the orangutans?

Your ticket will cost 30RM (£5) / ($6) for foreign tourists and will allow you to attend both feedings that day.

When is the Sepilok orangutan sanctuary open?

The centre opens at 8:30 a.m., and tickets go on sale at 9:00 a.m. for the morning session, which is 9:00 a.m.- 12:00 p.m., and again at 2:00 p.m. for the afternoon session, which is 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m.

The centre closes for lunch each day between 12:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. If you arrive during these times, you won’t get in.

Can I take my belongings to the centre with me?

No. Before you are allowed to enter the jungle, you must put your bags, food, and water in a free, secure locker.

Can I take a camera with me?

Yes. However, if you are using a professional camera and lens, a fee is payable in addition to your entry ticket. Phone cameras can be used without a charge.

Are there any facilities at the centre?

There is a cafe, toilets and a car park close to the reception area.

How do I adopt a Sepilok orangutan?

During their rehabilitation, the animals rely heavily on the help of volunteers who work at the centre and also on donations from visitors. During my visit, I chatted with one of the volunteers, an English girl who had worked out there before and returned because she just loved the work the centre was doing.

After my visit and chatting with her, I adopted an orangutan called Archie, whom I had seen in the outside nursery. He was a juvenile who loved walking upright, just like a human!

He also had a habit of crossing his arms across his body, which made him look a bit like a boy band member; all he needed was a baseball cap with its peak turned to the back, and he’d be ready to go!

You can support the amazing work at the Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre in conjunction with the Sabah Wildlife Department. You can adopt a Sepilok orangutan by clicking the Orangutan Appeal UK adoption link. Strangely, its HQ is in Hampshire in the UK, not the Borneo jungle, as might be expected.

I am proud that my home country supports these incredible creatures living so far away.

Meet Archie, my adopted orangutan.

After you have been a sponsor for six months, you receive an update on your orangutan and some new photographs. It seems Archie is doing well and fending for himself in the jungle. Look how he has grown!

Are there any other animals at Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre?

While visiting the orangutans, you will see plenty of macaques who love to pinch the food put out for the orangutans. The two ape species seem to live in harmony, and even though we watched the macaques eat all the bananas before the orangutan had even looked at them, there were no hard feelings.

Sepilok is also a rehabilitation centre for other threatened and injured wild animals; however, you won’t be able to see them.

While we were there, we heard the trumpeting of an animal and were told a large elephant was being looked after by the centre but wasn’t too happy at the moment because he was poorly. To say his trumpet sounded like a dinosaur roar was an understatement!

Across the road from the centre is the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre. This is another place doing incredibly vital work in rescuing and rehabilitating beautiful but vulnerable sun bears and giving them space to roam around the jungle.

Is Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre worth visiting?

My answer is a big fat YES! Seeing Sepilok orangutans living out their best lives in a jungle environment is a bucket list experience I recommend to anyone travelling to Malaysia.

It is a privilege to see these mighty orange forest dwellers in one of the only places left in the world to see orangutans in the wild , and I am so happy that I could learn more about them and be in their company.

Of course, some organised Borneo trips take you deeper into the jungle along the Kinabatangan River to see Borneo’s wild animals. Still, we felt we were happy enough just to see the orangutan at the Sepilok Centre, as there is no guarantee that you will see any more on a river safari. Also, a lot of travelling is required to get deep into the Borneo jungle.

I hope this post has inspired you to visit Sabah and see the Sepilok orangutan rehabilitation centre yourself.

Did you find this post useful? Save this PIN to your travel boards for future travel to Malaysia.

Do you need to arrange travel insurance, car hire or accommodation? Please check out my  resources page  to help you plan your trip.

Are you looking for further travel inspiration for Malaysia? Please check out the following posts:

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Tuesday 25th of July 2023

Definitely one trip I have been wanting to take my wife and kids on for a while. The information in this article has made my mind up to go. Love the video of the friends.

WhereAngieWanders

Thanks for the comment, I am please it has made your mind up to take your family to see the orangutans and the two friends in the video were adorable. If you have any questions that I can help answer please feel free to contact me.

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How to See Orangutans in Indonesian Borneo (Tanjung Puting National Park)

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From dawn the singsong of jungle birds and sharp white noise of cicadas break the silence. The river is as still as glass. The morning air is free of the humidity and sweltering heat that will inevitably come later. We woke to the cheeky macaques knawing holes into all the hot sauce bottles left table side on the open-air deck of our Klotok boat. The first day we saw no less than 8 orangutans. Drawn to the feeding platform when the 3 PM sugarcane and fruit dump is made, we saw 3 mothers with their infants clinging to their chest. They stuff their faces with goodies and climb back to the treetops with arms and mouths full.

Indonesian Borneo is the best place in the world to see Orangutans in the wild. Full Stop. There are a handful of other places around the globe where you’re tantalized by the possibility of seeing the bright orange ape, but sightings are fleeting and rare. Here, in Tanjung Puting National Park, the great apes are abundant. Well, not really, they are still a critically endangered species, but your chance of seeing one here is very nearly 100%. And up close too. This is because of the numerous rehabilitation and research centers inside Tanjung Puting National Park.

Here are the details you need to know to plan your trip to Tanjung Puting National Park and see Orangutans in Indonesian Borneo.

How To See Orangutans in Indonesian Borneo

I’m not going to bury the lead. We used Orangutan Trekking Tours in the small Indonesian town of Pangkalan Bun for our 4-day/3-night expedition into Tanjung Puting National Park. This is a luxury (ish) bucketlist-worthy travel experience and there aren’t any budget-friendly alternatives to visiting the park and seeing the orangutans. We cannot recommend Orangutan Trekking Tours highly enough. Not only is the company locally owned but it works in conjunction with the Orangutan Foundation International meaning you won’t find a more ethical agency or one more dedicated to conservation. That’s the gist of this article. You can book your tour with them off this information alone or you can continue reading for all the nitty-gritty details of what to expect in the jungle and what makes Orangutan Trekking Tours so special.

Where Can You See Orangutans in the Wild?

All the remaining Orangutans of the world are divided between two islands — Sumatra & Borneo.

There are three species of Orangutan. The Bornean Orangutan (found in both Malaysian + Indonesian Borneo), the Sumatran Orangutan found in North Sumatra in and around Gunung Leuser National Park , and the Tapanuli Orangutan also found in Sumatra but near the central Lake Toba region.

The Borneo Orangutan is the most populous with around 50,000-90,000 individuals left in the wild.

The Sumatran species has around 13,000 left and the very rare Tapanuli (also on Sumatra) has only around 800.

So, Sumatra or Borneo for Orangutans?

Both these experiences have their pros and cons. I’ve had the pleasure of visiting both islands and seeing Orangutans in both destinations.

You can read all about my Sumatran Orangutan Experience and which company I recommend.

But I wrote an entire blog post dedicated to weighing the pros and cons of Sumatra vs. Borneo and which Orangutan destination is right for you. This guide will help you to decide.

Should You Visit Malaysian or Indonesian Borneo to see Orangutans?

If you have decided to visit Borneo for Orangutans, you’re not quite done narrowing down your vacation destination yet.

Borneo is a large heavily forested island divided between 3 countries. Brunei, Malaysia, and Indonesia.

Brunei has no Orangutans. Malaysia has relatively few orangutans with about 3,000 of them in the Sabah area. This is because the habitat in Malaysia is not as good as in Indonesia for Orangutans.

If it’s Orangutans you are after, it’s Indonesian Borneo that is a clear winner.

Where in Indonesian Borneo is Best for Orangutans?

There is no better place to see Orangutans in Borneo than in Tanjung Puting National Park near the small town of Pangkalan Bun. You probably could have surmised this from the title of this blog post.

This is because of Camp Leakey. Camp Leakey is a small research camp founded by Archeologist Louis Leakey in 1971. He sent now conservationist and primatologist Dr. Birute Galdikas into the jungle to embark on the longest-ever continuous study of an orangutan population. He’s the same guy who funded Jane Goodall with the Chimpanzees and Dian Fossey with the mountain gorillas.

Anyways, today these rehabilitation camps take ex-captive or orphaned orangutans and reintroduce them into the wild. This means there are TONS of orangutans inhabiting the jungle around the rehab centers. AKA a great place to see the Orangutans in the wild.

I’ve written a small guide on Pangkalan Bun & some tips for reaching the small town for trip planning purposes.

When is the Best Time of Year to See Orangutans in Borneo?

You can see Orangutans year-round in Indonesian Borneo! The best time is from May-September because this is considered the dry season in Borneo. This will make your journey more comfortable as well as the Orangutans more active.

Another great time to visit is during one of the Orangutan Trekking Tours group tours! Here are the dates for 2024.

What is Orangutan International?

Orangutan International is the organization run by Dr. Galdikas to save the Orangutans. It’s the leading charity for protecting the orangutans.

They focus on the rescue and rehabilitation of orangutan infants, making the lives of orangutans easier in the Bornean jungle, and protecting the remaining Bornean rainforest from deforestation.

There are TONS of ways that they go about doing this.

They have programs to involve and educate the local populations so that they grow a deep respect for the orangutans and are therefore less likely to engage in poaching, illegal logging, illegal mining, or work in the wildlife trade.

Orangutan International purchases huge swathes of the untouched rainforest surrounding the park to expand the habitat and prevent the Indonesian government from one day selling it to Palm Oil plantations.

They also run three feeding and rehabilitation centers inside the jungle where injured, aging, or once-captive orangutans can come to get a free meal once per day. This is vital to the survival of Orangutans as a species today.

Inspired to Donate? Here’s How to Help the Orangutans from Home.

Head to the Orangutan International website and donate directly to a cause like purchasing land for the Orangutans or sponsoring a recently rescued baby orangutan.

Infant orangutans need to be with their mothers learning the ins and outs of the jungle for 8-9 years which means the money to raise one rescued from the wildlife trade or orphaned in the jungle is substantial. Even just $5 helps.

What Does a Typical Tour of Tanjung Puting NP Look Like?

So, how do you see the orangutans inside the park?

This is one of the unique parts of spotting orangutans in Indonesia. Borneo is a flooded rainforest landscape. The Sekonyer River cuts from Pangkalan Bun through the jungle to Camp Leakey. Here along the sides of the river, you’ll spot wild orangutans coming in for a drink (if you’re lucky) and then once you reach the rehab camps you’ll trek through the jungle to the feeding platforms.

You’ll spend 80% of your time on the boat. Sleeping and eating included. The rest will be spent exploring the non-flooded regions of the jungle.

This is why it’s more expensive than other safari or trekking tours in Indonesia. It’s a more luxurious experience than camping in Sumatra for sure.

When you enter the canal the river becomes brown with silt from illegal gold mining and framed by rows and rows of coconut palms on each side. The left side of the river is unprotected land. Every now and again you happen upon a faded splintered wooden dock. These are the local villages. In the 1970s the people who had lived within the park boundaries for generations were relocated to these small carefully constructed pieces of land to minimize the human impact within the park. Today, these villages are little more than a handful of traditional longhouses, a primary school, and a hospital. The 500 residents make a living by farming or selling hand-carved trinkets to travelers passing through on their way to Camp Leakey.  But the town doesn’t feel like a tourist trap. There’s one single shop by the dock advertising souvenirs. The rest are causally displayed on the front porches of their creator’s homes throughout the village. No one actively tried to sell us anything. It was simply a look at how the indigenous people now live surrounding Tanjung Puting. It’s a hard life and although the trinkets (like this hand-carved orangutan) are rather expensive considering Indonesian standards it helps make their way of life easier. 

Why You Should Choose Orangutan Trekking Tour for Your Trip

Orangutan Trekking Tour is incredible. There are so many reasons to choose them over the competitors in Pangkalan Bun. After spending 4 days in the jungle with them and doing countless hours of research, these were the main deciding factors.

“We have spent most of our life in the deep jungle and rivers of Borneo and we grew up in the fields learning the skills to be wildlife and culture tour guides. We are also supported by the impressive and solid background of our families who have a deep knowledge of the land.” – Orangutan Trekking Tours

As I mentioned before, because of the park permits the costs of all multi-day ETHICAL safari-style tours are comparable so that wasn’t really a factor in our decision-making. Check out the cost breakdown below to see what you should budget for this adventure.

1. Bain (the owner/boat captain) is an incredible guide + photographer

Bain runs each and every tour with Orangutan Trekking. Not only is he an exceptional photographer who helped us get some cool photos– he also clearly cares deeply for the jungle environment and its inhabitants. He personally worked as a ranger within the park for nearly a decade before moving on to guide. He works closely with Orangutan International through the Green Team (more on that below).

Bain has seen (and photographed) nearly every animal in the national park. He’s an expert tracker and is respectful of the animal’s space always.

2. They Work With Orangutan International’s Green Team

The Green Team is a group of local residents who work to change the community’s opinions on the rainforest and Orangutans and show them it’s worth protecting. You can’t save the rainforest without educating the locals and giving them better opportunities for work than the palm oil plantations can. They also purchase land to add to the Tanjung Puting National Park.

It’s important that no matter which tour operator you book with that they are contributing something back to the local community or one of the numerous organizations protecting the jungle. If you decide to go with a different tour operator, do your research.

3. The Jungle Papa Boat is Super Comfortable

Some of the boats on the river looked a little dilapidated and crowded. Jungle Papa was downright comfy. The boat has a rooftop, two massive open-air deck areas for wildlife viewing, an A/C master bedroom (yes, the boat has electricity), lots of space on the deck for more beds depending on the size of the group, a full toilet and shower in the bathroom, beanbag chairs for lounging, and a dinner table usually filled with excellent meals or snacks.

4. The Company is Locally-Owned

This is super important to me specifically. Supporting local small businesses is one of the best things you can do as a traveler. It helps to employ locals, protect the environment, and keep the unique Borneo culture alive.

5. You can Tailor the Tour to Your Interests

There are both traditional and photography-focused tours offered by Orangutan Trekking Tours. Both tours have a similar set-up and activities but the photography tour is typically longer and goes to more remote destinations than the typical tour. It also includes photography coaching (if you want) from Bain who is an INCREDIBLE photographer and will make sure you get the best wildlife shots.

You can take a 2-night tour, 3-night tour, 4-night tour, or longer. Ask to have more trekking time and less time at the feeding platforms. You can take a night safari or not. It’s all up to you. Just be sure to be upfront about what you want with Bain and he will make sure it happens.

Here’s a look at a handful of the tours offered by Orangutan Trekking Tours.

What to Expect on an Orangutan Trekking Tour

As I mentioned, it’s all up to you what you want to focus on during your tour. The rough outline of my tour (traditional 4-day/3-night) was this…

Quick Packing List for an Orangutan Trekking Tour

Fortunately, you don’t need a ton of equipment to make this trip a success. Orangutan Trekking Tours takes care of 90% of the things you need on board. Here’s a list of items that would make your stay more comfortable.

• Lightweight long sleeve shirts for hot weather. This keeps mosquitos at bay and keeps you from overheating.
• Loose long pants or trekking pants. Again mosquitos.
• Comfy boat clothes. When you’re on the boat you’ll probably want shorts and tank tops.
• Mosquito repellent. Lots of it. Preferably a good deet one. This is what we use in the jungle.
• Sandals. Teva’s are my go-to.
• Closed-toe shoes for longer hikes. Even just tennis shoes will do.
• A travel towel for showering on the boat.
• DSLR Camera with a Zoom Lens. Essential for wildlife photography.
• Lifestraw water bottle. This new one even keeps the water cold!
• Sunscreen. It’s super hot here.
• A good travel hat to keep the sun out of your eyes.
• Sunglasses.
• Cash to tip the staff at the end of the excursion.
• Kindle filled with your favorite books (or Reflections of Eden by Dr. Birute Galdikas ) for all the downtime.

Note on Drones: Drones are prohibited within the park except for those who pay a $600 drone permit fee in advance. They only sell so many per year so it’s important to arrange far in advance. But honestly, I don’t see the benefit of using the drone IN the park. You can ask Bain on the first or last day once you have left the park boundaries and get some good drone shots of the river twisting and winding through the rainforest.

You do not need…

• Intense trekking clothes or trekking poles. It’s not really that kind of park.
• A swimsuit. Unless you want to sunbathe in one. There are crocs in the water so swimming is a no-go.
• Headlamp or flashlight. Unless you want to use your own.
• Mosquito net. One will be provided for you.
• Snacks. They feed you SO often on the boat I was stuffed the entire time.

Other Indonesian Rainforest Animals You Can See

Okay, obviously we are here for the Orangutans. But that’s not the only thing to see in Indonesian Borneo.

You can expect to see the Proboscis Monkey and rainbow-hued Stork-Billed Kingfisher on your trip.

Lucky guests are also likely to see Gibbons, Crocodiles, Tarsier, and a slew of nighttime insects and colorful daytime birds.

Super lucky guests who opt to trek into the forest more than the average tour goer (just ask Bain) might be able to see Bornean Clouded Leopards, civets, Malaysian sun bears, mouse deer, barking deer, sambar deer, and the wild cattle known as banteng.

How Much Does it Cost to See the Orangutans in Borneo?

There are a handful of different tours offered by Orangutan Trekking Tours.

The tour we took was their 4-day/3-night excursion. For this trip, it costs $2,250 for two people.

The 4-day/ 3-night photography tour is $2,825 for 2 people.

Here’s a little breakdown of the costs…

• $250 per person on board is donated to the green team. This goes directly to rainforest preservation.
• $12 per day Tanjung Puting National Park fee. $17 on a holiday.
• $30 per night boat docking fee charged by the National Park (this is to sleep in the park which is necessary)
• $90 per day photography permit for the boat. This allows you to take cell phone photos and videos as well as DSLR.

This is why tours to Tanjung Puting in Indonesian Borneo to see the Orangutans are so expensive. The area is highly regulated and there are many fees required by the park to hold a tour within the boundaries.

Please be careful and do your research before you book a cheap Orangutan excursion (if you happen to find one). In Borneo specifically, the preservation of the Orangutans is the highest priority and most reputable companies make a donation to Orangutan International, the rangers, or other environmental conservation groups to help preserve and protect the jungle. Companies operating for far cheaper prices could be giving nothing back to the park and cutting corners in other ways that are harmful to the environment.

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly excursion to see Orangutans you should plan a visit to Sumatra instead.

Donate to Save the Orangutans Here!

Head to the Orangutan International website and donate directly to a cause like purchasing land for the Orangutans or sponsoring a recently rescued baby orangutan. Trust me, the moment you see their cute little faces you’ll want to sponsor a baby for sure.

If you’re looking for the best Borneo Orangutan tour or the best place to interact with Orangutans…look no further. Orangutan Trekking Tours offered us the experience of a lifetime and we got to see countless Orangutans in their natural habitat. This is NOT an Orangutan sanctuary– it’s a wild raw jungle experience. I hope you get a chance to see the mighty Orangutan one day. Either in Indonesian Borneo or the island of Sumatra!

Save This Post for Later!

Further Reading...

Bali on a Budget: A Backpacker’s Paradise

Komodo National Park-Seeking the Dragon

Trekking Sumatra: How to Catch a Glimpse of the Last Sumatran Orangutans

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Introducing: Lonely Planet's National Park Collection

A guide to pangkalan bun, borneo: gateway to the orangutans, beyond_the_bucketlist.

Where to see orangutans in Borneo

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written by Joanne Owen

updated 26.05.2023

Love nature and wildlife? Borneo deserves to be shifted to the top of your travel wish-list. Located in Southeast Asia’s Malay Archipelago, the island is blessed with a bounty of unique plants, birds and animals, among them orangutans. Given that these endangered great apes are only found in two parts of the world, wildlife watchers will want to optimise opportunities to encounter them. With that in mind, read on to find out where to see orangutans in Borneo.

• The ideal destination for orangutan sightings

Best places to see orangutans in Borneo

• #1 Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre

#2 Tanjung Puting National Park

#3 borneo orangutan survival foundation (bosf).

• Other destinations for orangutan encounters

Practical tips for seeing orangutans in Borneo

Tailor-made travel itineraries for malaysia, created by local experts.

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Uniquely Rustic Malaysia

Malaysia has it all: great beaches, fascinating history, natural habitats and remarkable wildlife. Bustling KL offers the perfect city break; while further afield hiking trails, pristine jungles and fascinating ecosystems will keep the more adventurous visitors entertained.

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Hidden UNESCO Sites of Malaysia

Steeped in historical significance and natural beauty, Malaysia is home to several emotionally moving UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It seems fitting, given the country's cultural touchstones and awe-inspiring parks—from solitude amidst the mangroves to history walks among colonial buildings.

3 days  / from 450 USD

The Cameron Highlands in a Nutshell

Experience Malaysia's largest and most impressive hill station, the Cameron Highlands, in all their glory, with this compact trip. Let your picturesque surroundings soak in as you visit the famous Batu Caves, the Lata Iskandar Waterfalls and a local tea plantation.

The ideal destination for orangutan sightings 

Politically divided between the Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak ,  Indonesia , and Brunei, Borneo is the third largest island in the world.

It’s also home to one of the world’s oldest rainforests, which is the ideal habitat for orangutans.

Asia’s only great apes, and the world’s largest arboreal mammal, orangutans spend pretty much their entire lives in the trees. This is reflected in their name — in Malay, orangutan means "man of the forest". 

Overview of orangutans in Borneo

Orangutans, the island’s most famous forest residents are only found in two areas of the world  — Borneo and the Indonesian island of Sumatra . 

Orangutans live largely solitary lives in Borneo’s lowland forests. They make nests in trees to sleep and rest up in, between feasting on wild fruits. 

Around a century ago, it’s thought there were over 230,000 orangutans in the world. These days, estimates put Bornean orangutan numbers around 104,700, making it an endangered species. The number of Sumatran orangutans is around 7500, which means they're critically endangered.

In more positive news after reading these sobering numbers, a number of foundations in Borneo are working to protect orangutans. 

Orangutans in Borneo © Shutterstock

What other wildlife can I see in Borneo? 

Borneo is home to 222 mammals (44 of which are endemic), 420 species of bird (37 endemics), 100 amphibians and 394 species of fish (19 endemics).  

In addition to orangutans, Borneo's other primates include proboscis monkeys, macaques and gibbons.

Borneo is famed for its endangered pygmy elephants, and the elusive, endangered Sunda clouded leopard. Found in the mountainous interior, experts put their numbers between 5000 and 11,000. 

Then there’s the Bornean sun bear. The world’s smallest, most arboreal bear, and the second rarest bear species (after the giant panda), sun bears have been given an “vulnerable” status. 

Borneo’s birdlife is impressive, too. Notable species include hornbills, brahminy kites, crested serpent eagles, egrets, exquisite blue-banded and stork-billed kingfishers, and oriental darters. 

Many of these wildlife wonders can be seen in the vicinity of the three best places to see orangutans in Borneo. Namely, Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, Tanjung Puting National Park, and Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation.

Orangutan in Borneo ©Shutterstock

Borneo is one of the best places to see orangutans in the wild, bit it's also the world's third-largest island. So, where should you go? Three main locations in Borneo offer opportunities to see these amazing animals.

• Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre  
• Tanjung Puting National Park
• Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation (BOSF)

#1 Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre  

Sepilok in the Malaysian state of Sabah is a rural, partly forested area that clings to some of Malaysia’s most celebrated wildlife, among them rhinoceros hornbills and, famously, orangutans.  

A 3km turning south off the main road — 22km west up the main road from Sandakan — gives access to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre.

Located at the end of the Sepilok road, the centre is open daily from 9am–noon and 2–4pm, with feeding times at 10am and 3pm. 

Occupying a 43-square-kilometre patch of lowland rainforest, this is one of just a few such sanctuaries. Most of the orangutans here are victims of forest clearance. Many have been orphaned, injured or traumatized in the process.  

While other orangutan residents have been illegally kept as pets, resulting in stunted survival instincts, the centre trains them to fend for themselves. This has led to many successful reintroductions to the wild. 

The centre offers visitors a few different opportunities to observe orangutans. Firstly, a glass-fronted viewing gallery allows you to see them hone their climbing skills on a rope.

You can also walk trails through the trees, where guides will point out their nests.

Lastly, you can see them at a feeding station, where they’re offered only bananas to ensure they keep foraging. Don’t be alarmed if you see a poor turnout at the station – this can point to the health of the forest and its food sources. 

Travel tip : our customisable Dazzling Kuching trip includes Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre.

Other attractions near Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre

The same turning off the main road also gives access to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, and the Rainforest Discovery Centre. 

Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre  

Like orangutans, sun bears are vulnerable – either because their adorable, teddy-like appearance makes them attractive as pets, or because traditional medicine calls for their body parts.

Given that rescued bears need to relearn life skills, the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre plays a vital role in protecting the species.

Opposite the Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre is open daily from 9am–3.30pm and houses around forty bears in woodland enclosures. A small number of these can be viewed by the public. 

Spotting scopes on the elevated boardwalks capture great close-up footage of the bears — ask staff to hold your camera against the eyepiece.

Sun bear © Shutterstock

Rainforest Discovery Centre

Located 2km down the Sepilok road and then 700m west along Jalan Fabia, the Rainforest Discovery Centre is open daily 8am–5pm.  

At first sight, while the Rainforest Discovery Centre is a somewhat disappointingly landscaped version of the jungle, with an immaculate lake in the middle, its canopy walkway is impressive.  

Here 347m of aerial bridges offer opportunities to see brightly coloured trogons and other birds.

If you sign up for the guided night walk (Mon–Fri only), you might just see flying squirrels, slow lorises and (more rarely) tarsiers.

Get lucky, and you might see a tarsier in the Rainforest Discovery Centre, Borneo © Shutterstock

Located in  Kalimantan , Indonesia’s name for its two-thirds share of Borneo, Tanjung Puting National Park’s orangutans are the region’s biggest tourist draw.

Your starting point is Pangkalanbun, which is accessible by air. Scheduled arrivals and departures ply routes to and from Pontianak, Ketapang, Banjarmasin, Jakarta, Semarang and Surabaya.

Once in Pangkalanbun, you need to obtain an entry permit at the park office. From there, hire a taxi for the 20-minute drive to Kumai. This riverside village serves as the entry point to the park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

At the harbour, either hire a klotok (local motorised boat) or a speedboat to go upriver. 

A highlight of visiting Tanjung Putting National Park is the orangutan feeding sessions at one of three park outposts.  

The first, Tanjung Harapan – directly opposite the Sekonyer River Ecolodge – cares for orphaned infants and new arrivals and has a visitor information centre.  

Be aware that the most famous of the three, Camp Leakey, can be something of a circus during high season (June–August), with visitors who are less conservation-oriented clamouring to walk down jungle paths to see the red apes in action.  

Older orangutans, sometimes with their offspring, can be found at Pondok Tanggui. During the feeding sessions at Camp Leakey and Pondok Tanggui, orangutans that hover near the stations are offered bananas and milk to supplement seasonal lack of food in the forest.  

Allowing tourists the experience achieves an additional benefit — raising awareness of the plight of orangutans and the shrinking forests. 

Orangutans in Kalimantan, Borneo © Shutterstock

Other activities in Tanjung Puting National Park 

Unsurprisingly, Tanjung Puting National Park is all about the wildlife. Aside from orangutans, It’s home to the proboscis monkey and seven other species of primate, along with clouded leopards, civets, sun bears and several species of deer. 

It also boasts over 230 species of bird (including hornbills, and many wetland species), two species of crocodiles, dozens of snakes and frogs, and the endangered Arwana (bony-tongue) fish. 

The best viewpoints are from the river. At sunrise, proboscis monkeys begin their day’s foraging, occasionally belly-flopping into the water.

Dawn also sees birds especially active along the river.  

Come late afternoon, groups of proboscis monkeys — one male and his female harem per tree — settle in for the night and are easy to spot. 

Travel tip: for a sublime jungle river experience, ask your boatman to stop the engine for a while to allow the boat to drift quietly.

As well as orangutans, keep your eyes peeled for proboscis monkeys in Tanjung Puting National Park © Shutterstock

Related articles from the blog

The Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation has a rehabilitation centre at Nyaru Menteng, 28km north of Palangkaraya, which can only be visited with a permit acquired in advance.  

Home to over 300 orphaned and displaced orangutans, the visitor centre here is open on Saturdays and Sundays, from 9 am-5pm.  

While visitors aren’t allowed to come into close contact with the orangutans at this site, you could opt to stay at Samboja Lodge to experience encounters while supporting BOSF’s work — all revenue goes to BOSF conservation projects. 

A highlight of staying here is visiting the orangutan sanctuary islands — man-made islands where un-releasable orangutans live in a semi-wild environment.  

The lodge also offers opportunities to enjoy thrilling canopy walks and jungle treks, boat trips up the wildlife-rich Black River, and visits to a sun bear sanctuary.

This is travel at its most rewarding, and responsible.

Orangutan © jaiman taip/Shutterstock

Other destinations for orangutan encounters 

Danum valley.

About 90min from Lahad Datu by 4WD, the Danum Valley is “perhaps the last area of primary lowland forest in SoutheastAsia which remains truly pristine”.  

That glowing description isn’t from a tour operator brochure, but from the South East Asia Rainforest Research Partnership, an international scientific collaboration that’s been based here since the 1980s.

Wildlife here includes bearded pigs, proboscis monkeys, elephants, over 320 species of bird and (you’ve guessed it) orangutans.  

Although orangutan sightings are not guaranteed, there are several walking trails and a suspended walkway.   

Batang Ai National Park

Located near Lubok Antu, an hour by boat from the dam, the little-visited Batang Ai National Park preserves an important area of rainforest that merges with the Lanjak Entimau Wildlife Sanctuary. 

Only accessible with an official guide, who can be hired in Lubok Antu, orangutans are occasionally spotted on various trails. 

Note that booking a boat to these trails will set you back a fair whack from the HQ, the park holds no residential or other facilities, and all visitors must be accompanied by a guide. 

Matang Wildlife Centre, Kubah National Park 

Some 20km west of Kuching, Kubah National Park is a rainforest reserve that’s considered to be one of the world’s richest sites for palm species. 

Crisscrossed by trails, waterfalls and streams, with three modest peaks emerging from the lush forest, the park is home to Matang Wildlife Centre.

Here injured, sick or orphaned wild animals such as orangutans, gibbons and hornbills are rehabilitated before being returned to the wild. 

Bohorok Orangutan Centre, Gunung Leuser National Park

Northwest from Medan, some three hours by road, a narrow road winds up the Alas River Valley to Gunung Leuser National Park.  

Covered in dense jungle, this 8,000-sq km park is a UNESCO Biosphere Site. 

In Bukit Lawang , on the eastern edge of the Gunung Leuser reserve, the Bohorok Orangutan Centre welcomes visitors. 

Although the centre no longer rehabilitates the red great apes, you’re welcome to take a one-hour hike through the jungle to platforms used for the early-morning and afternoon feeding of wild and semi-wild orangutans.  

Orangutans doing their thing in Borneo © Shutterstock

• Do your research and book trips or tours well in advance.
• Travelling independently? Check if you need a permit before visiting national parks.  
• Wondering when's the best time to visit Borneo to see orangutans? Anytime between March and October should deliver decent sightings.
• When the rain lets up in April and May, and fruiting season kicks off, you have an increased chance of seeing orangutans at their most active.
• Borneo is hot and humid, so keep well hydrated when you’re out in the jungle.
• It’s advisable to wear long sleeves, trousers, and insect repellent. 
• Leeches live in the lowland jungles, so you might want to tuck trousers into socks. 

Borneo © Shutterstock

Inspired to see orangutans in Borneo for yourself? Get yourself  The Rough Guide to Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei  to help plan your trip. 

Alternatively, if you’d prefer to forgo the hassle of planning, browse our customisable itineraries to  Malaysia  and Indonesia . For example, our Nature in Borneo trip includes incredible orangutan experiences.

Header image: orangutan in the jungle of Sabah, Borneo, Malaysia © jaiman taip/Shutterstock

Joanne is a Pembrokeshire-born writer with a passion for the nature, cultures and histories of the Caribbean region, especially Dominica. Also passionate about inspiring a love of adventure in young people, she’s the author of several books for children and young adults, hosts international writing workshops, and has written articles on the Caribbean and inspirational community initiatives for Rough Guides. Follow her @JoanneOwen on Twitter and @joanneowenwrites on Instagram.

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A Complete Guide to Seeing the Orangutans in Borneo

If you’ve been dreaming of seeing the orangutans in real life, then chances are Borneo is the place you’ve been imagining. And it sure sounds far-flung and hard to get to, but it’s surprisingly more accessible than you might think. A trip to Borneo can be done on a budget, but it can also be done in pure luxury. So this guide aims to cover everything you need to know about visiting Borneo – particularly Malaysian Borneo – including how to get there, where to go, what things cost and of course – where to see the orangutans in Borneo. Read on to find out more!

Where to see orangutans in Borneo?

First things first, it’s key to understand a little more about Borneo. Beautiful Borneo is the third largest island in the world, and by far the largest island in Asia. Borneo is home to three countries – Indonesia, covering the southern portion, Malaysia, covering the northern portion, and Brunei, occupying a teeny tiny 5,765km 2 (about 1% of the land mass!) and surrounded entirely by Malaysia.

Orangutans can be found in both Malaysian Borneo (split up as two Malaysian states called Sabah and Sarawak) and Indonesia (spit into the provinces of West, Central, South, East and North Kalimantan).

The only other place to see orangutans in the world is the island of Sumatra in Indonesia. So there are two species of orangutans – the Sumatran species and the Bornean species. Both have 96.4% identical DNA to humans!

And did you know that orangutans are the only great ape to be found outside of Africa? The others – gorillas, chimpanzees and bonobos are all found in Africa.

Malaysian Borneo or Indonesian Borneo?

One of the first decisions to make is deciding whether to go to the Malaysian part of Borneo, or the Indonesian part.

I did a lot of research before embarking on this trip. In the end, I opted for Sabah in the Malaysian part of Borneo in the north. There were a few reasons for this. For one I was flying into Kuala Lumpur, which had affordable and convenient connections onto Sandakan. And I’d read that animal sightings were more common as the area was smaller (covering only about 25% of the island). Tourism infrastructure is also more developed here, and I had identified some accommodation and tours that really met my expectations, and so, I was set on northern Sabah – specifically around the Kinabatangan River.

This part of Borneo is also home to Mt Kinabalu (one of the highest mountains in the world!), and also the vibrant city of Kota Kinabalu – two locations I was also very keen on seeing.

The state of Sarawak is slightly more challenging to get to – the main airport is Kuching. But Sarawak is home to 30 national parks covering its magnificent rainforest, mountains and coastline. Sarawak offers a deeper dive into indigenous tribes, traditions and cultures. I found we saw less of this in Sabah, which has a more established tourist setup compared to Sarawak.

Kalimantan Indonesia is even more far flung. It covers a whopping 76% of the island of Borneo, so it can be harder to see orangutans in the wild – especially as the tourism infrastructure is still somewhat limited here.

The Indonesian states and the Malaysian state of Sarawak both provide a complete adventure and incredible wildlife, but for the purpose of the rest of this guide, I will be focusing on Sabah.

Borneo Travel Guide: Useful Information

How to get to sabah, borneo.

The main way to arrive in Sabah is by plane. The two main entry points are either Kota Kinabalu, the capital, or Sandakan, the airport nearest the northern rainforest area.

We flew into Sandakan to begin our adventure. Then at the end of the week, we took a very quick internal hop from there to Kota Kinabalu, which is where we flew onwards to Manila .

Air Asia and Malaysian Airlines both fly to Sandakan from Kuala Lumpur multiple times a day, with the flight taking about 3 hours. This flight often costs as little as £30. You can also start your Borneo journey in Kota Kinabalu if arriving from other Asian cities such as Singapore, Taipei, Penang, Seoul or Hong Kong. Flights between Kota Kinabalu and Sandakan take about 40 mins and can be as cheap as £15 or so.

Malaysian visas, currency and budget

Visas to Malaysia are straight forward, and dozens of nationalities are eligible for visa-free entry. This includes EU countries, the UK, the UAE, Canada, the US, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Brazil.

The currency in Malaysia is the Ringgit. Malaysia is a little more expensive than other places in South East Asia, but a fair bit cheaper than Singapore!

I’ve written a detailed post about covering all essential information for visiting Malaysia here , which I recommend checking further information.

How to get around Sabah, Borneo

One of the game changing things about travelling South East Asia now, compared to my first visit in 2010, is the introduction of ride hailing apps. The main one in Malaysia is Grab – and my goodness, is it game changing. No standing around on roads trying to hail a local taxi and then haggling over short journeys.

Once we landed at Sandakan airport, we simply hopped in a Grab into the centre of town. We also used Grab in Kota Kinabalu from the airport to the port. It’s just like Uber and the journeys were always so inexpensive. It’s so easy to take Grab that it doesn’t really make sense to try and navigate local buses or use any other method.

When is the best time to go to Borneo?

April to September is typically the best time to go to Borneo. Unlike the rest of South East Asia, June to August is particularly dry whereas the rest of the region faces frequent daily showers in these months.

However, November through to February is monsoonal in Borneo. When speaking to our guide, he described it as torrential and near pointless trying to visit in this time. He said these aren’t just tropical showers, but nearly all-day rain. It means most of the guides are out of work during these months, waiting for the peak season again. And similarly, this weather can make seeing the orangutans in Borneo difficult.

We went to Borneo in April and the weather was perfect. Hot and humid, with one downpour in 4 days (which was really refreshing, plus we were on a speedboat on the river!). A friend of mine went to Sandakan and the Kinabatangan River in February and said they did experience an awful lot of rain.

How long do I need in Borneo?

I would say you need a minimum of three days in the rainforest. I do know you can fly in and fly out from Kota Kinabalu into Sandakan in a day as part of tour, but I don’t recommend this. The adventure lies in exploring the rainforest after all!

Some people do visit Sandakan and just go to Sepilok, a small town 30 minutes away. Sepilok is home to several animal sanctuaries and centres. You need two days in Sepilok, ideally. But as you are guaranteed to see orangutans here, I see why you could in theory do just the day visit.

I would strongly recommend joining a tour and heading out along the Kinabatangan River. You need a minimum of two nights to do this. But we did a tour that took in Sepilok at the start and finish, and meant we saw all the key highlights in three full days. Amazingly, it was brilliant and we were so satisfied with our animal sightings along the river in this timeframe – and we also had plenty of downtime to relax. But, if we were to go back, I think I’d add in another lodge even deeper in the Kinabatangan River. After all, you have travelled a long way.

So, my final answer is – a minimum of five days in total – two days in Sepilok, two to three days deeper in the rainforest. And if you’re an animal fan, I’d add another 2 or 3 days onto that.

You are likely to need an additional night either side of any rainforest adventure because of flight timings and early starts.

Our time in Sabah looked like this:

• Day 1: Landed in Sandakan 6pm in the evening, checked into local hotel
• Day 2: Picked up at 8am for day 1 of the tour (morning and lunch in Sepilok, speedboat along the Kinabatangan River to our lodge to arrive by 3pm, free time, evening safari and first night in the rainforest)
• Day 3: Full day in the rainforest at our lodge (morning river safari, free time, evening river safari)
• Day 4: Morning at the lodge before departure back to Sandakan. Back to Sepilok to visit the Rainforest Discovery Centre before checking into local hotel in Sandakan
• Day 5: Early departure from Sandakan airport to Kota Kinabalu, arrive 10am.

We met a couple in Sepilok’s Rainforest Discovery Centre who had visited 10 days in a row as they were passionate birders and absolutely loved the viewing areas!

What to bring on a trip to Borneo?

Bug spray, bug spray, bug spray! The mosquitos are in the millions, and the biting felt incessant, especially from about 5pm.

I would also say to bring some long, lightweight trousers and proper closed toe shoes.

Even in the dry season, there can be sudden downpours so when you head out in wildlife river cruises, the guides advise to take a hat, suntan lotion and a raincoat!

Where to visit in Sabah to see the orangutans?

So, we’ve got the logistics down, but where to see orangutans in Sabah?

As just mentioned, you are guaranteed to see orangutans in Sepilok. This small town is just 26km from Sandakan and is home to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. You will 100% see orangutans here. Nearby is the Rainforest Discovery Centre, another place where you have a high chance of seeing orangutans.

A trip along the Kinabatangan River – the second longest river in Malaysia – is another key place to spot orangutans where over 1,100 live. Yet it is significantly harder to spot them as they are rather elusive and the rainforest here is very dense.

We saw two orangutans at our lodge, far along the Kinabatangan River. However, we saw far more at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabiliation Centre, and therefore, for close and intimate viewings, you have to go there. Plus, they are strictly arboreal (living in the trees) so you do have to be surrounded by the thick rainforest to have a chance of seeing orangutans.

Other areas in Sabah, Borneo to spot orangutans in the wild include Danum Valley, the Tabin Wildlife Reserve and Deramakot Forest Reserve. You can only visit these locations on longer trips to Sabah due to the added travel time to get there. If had had more time in Borneo, Danum Valley would have been my pick to add another 2 or 3 nights.

What other wildlife can you see in Borneo?

So of course, most people come to Borneo with the goal of seeing orangutans. But there’s actually a Borneo Big Five!

The wildlife animals in the Big Five include: the Pygmy Elephant, the Proboscis Monkey, the Rhinoceros Hornbill, the Estuarine Crocodile and of course, the Orangutan.

We were lucky enough to see all of these, except the Rhinoceros Hornbill, during our three days in Borneo. But other guests were even luckier and did see the Rhinoceros Hornbill!

On one of our afternoon river cruises along the Kinabatangan River, I saw a flash of black and then a swooping primate swinging between the trees. Our guide was seriously excited. He told us it was the Bornean Gibbon – a rare sighting and something he hadn’t seen in over 4 months!

I also loved the Proboscis Monkey. These are endemic to Borneo, which means they can’t be found anywhere else. They also really stand out due to their very large noses. In fact, their noses hang down their faces and are distinctive. It’s only the male proboscis monkeys that have this nose. And apparently, female proboscis monkeys prefer to mate with male proboscis monkeys with the larger noses…

This was actually the animal we spotted most frequently in the wild whilst cruising along the Kinabatangan River. We also saw dozens of long tailed macaques, many of which were very curious about us and caused the tall trees to swing all over the place.

Other animals to spot include the clouded leopard (extremely rare), the western tarsier, sun bear, the civet and the pangolin.

Should I explore Borneo on a tour or independently?

I would say that Sandakan to Sepilok is very easy (even just jump in a Grab). There’s plenty of accommodation options in Sepilok and the area is small and walkable. However, I don’t think you should even attempt to visit the Kinabatangan River independently. Firstly, I don’t know how you’d travel to such a remote location without using the speedboats of one of the lodges. I don’t think there are local boats to catch up the river. Secondly, to try and visit the rainforest independently means risking your safety (wild animals!). It also means not receiving the incredibly interesting and insightful information from your tour guides.

We arranged our whole rainforest adventure with Borneo Eco Tours (sometimes called BET). I couldn’t recommend this experience enough. You can book them for tours in both Sabah and Sarawak. We specifically did this tour here – Kinabatangan Wildlife Safari (by boat) 3D2N (code BB7D for booking). Whilst it wasn’t particularly physically challenging in any way, the tour was so efficiently organised. It really helped us achieve everything we wanted in Borneo.

It isn’t too cheap – MYR 2,820 per person, based on two people sharing. This is approx. £500 per person or USD$614. But it did take care of everything. From transport, accommodation, all meals, river cruises, and entry to the main sights in Sepilok. Plus of course, the excellent guides. That’s about £166 per person per day, which I felt was a fair cost for the experience.

You can book directly on their site here . Here you will be connected with one of their helpful customer service staff via email. They will help ensure you’re booking the best tour for you and advise on all other logistics – an invaluable resource.

Borneo Eco Tours own the most amazing lodge, located along the banks of the Kinabatangan River. It’s called Sukau Rainforest Lodge and is one of National Geographic’s Unique Lodges of the World.

Accommodation options in Sabah, Borneo

Sukau rainforest lodge.

As just mentioned, I personally stayed at Sukau Rainforest Lodge, which was about a 2.5hour speedboat from Sandakan, nestled along the Kinabatangan River. It was absolutely perfect, and the best luxury stay in this part of Borneo.

Your stay here is on a full board basis, so excellent buffet breakfast, lunch and dinners are included. Alcoholic drinks are an additional cost. The food was really impressive and hugely varied. We loved the Asian options and enjoyed the chance to try some more unusual dishes.

There are two room categories. The more affordable option is the superior room, tucked away behind the main social areas of the lodge. These rooms offer excellent facilities and very comfortable rooms.

The other option is a Borneo Villa, which is what we booked. We found the villa to be very luxurious and completely magical. We loved sitting by our balcony where all kinds of wildlife would swing by. Or even stomp on the roof of the villa! The Borneo Villas are tucked away down wooden boardwalks, meaning they feel really private and are completely surrounded by the rainforest.

River wildlife safaris are conducted twice a day, with one at sunrise and one departing around 3pm. Each boat has a highly informative guide on board who will endeavour to spot as much wildlife as possible. There is also the option of a night cruise at a small additional charge, which goes out with a flashlight. We saw a lot of crocodiles and snakes during this cruise but no orangutans as they were fast asleep!

Also, there are a couple of delightful outdoor pools here, making for an all in all, wonderful and relaxing stay!

Other places to stay in Sabah, Borneo

Kinabatangan.

Along the Kinabatangan River are a few other lodges, which can be booked online without using a local tour company. I’ve listed a couple of suggestions below:

• Kinabatangan Wildlife Lodge (£50 per night)
• Borneo Natural Sukau Bilit Resort (£150 per night)
• Bilit Adventure Lodge (£252 per night)
• The Last Frontier Boutique Lodge (£308 for two nights, which is the minimum stay)
• Borneo Nature Lodge (£333 for a two day, 1 night package)

Back in Sandakan, a few suggestions include:

• The Elopura Hotel (£47 per night)
• Sabah Hotel (£48 per night)
• Hotel Sandakan (£16 per night)

We bookended our tour with a first night at the Elopura Hotel and a second night at the Sabah Hotel. The Elopura is located right in the heart of Sandakan Waterfront, so great for 1 or 2 nights if you want to experience a bit of local life. The room was great in Elopura and the hotel was heavily themed around movies, which was quite cool!

Sabah Hotel is located a little out of town, on a hill and a short taxi from restaurants etc. Sabah Hotel has a great pool area and lots of facilities, as well as several onsite restaurants, so I’d recommend staying here if you want a full day of relaxing.

There are a lot of accommodation options in Sepilok, so perfect for exploring the various attractions here. Lots of the lodges and guesthouses are small and family run. A few options include:

• Sepilok Forest Edge Resort (£85 per night)
• Sepilok Jungle Resort (£30 per night)
• Nature Lodge Sepilok (£40 per night)
• Sepilok B&B (£27 per night)
• Paganakan Dii Tropical Retreat (£43 per night)

Where to See Orangutans in Borneo: A Guide

So, there’s my complete on where to see orangutans in Borneo. I really hope this blog post has helped in your research and planning for your trip to see the orangutans in the wild. It really is the most magical experience but does take a fair bit of planning to get there and to maximise your time.

As always, let me know if you have any questions.

If you’re planning a longer trip around Malaysia, or South East Asia, then make sure to check out my other posts here:

• Malaysia Travel Guide: The Best Places to Visit in Malaysia (including Borneo)
• Thailand Travel Guide: The Best Places to Visit in Thailand
• Vietnam Travel Guide: The Best Places to Visit in Vietnam
• Singapore Travel Guide: The Best Things to See and Do in Singapore

Disclaimer:  This guide has no involvement from the local tourism board or a hotel .

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Where to See Orangutans

5 Places to See Orangutans in Borneo

With their ability to learn sign language and even to make tools, orangutans are considered one of the world's smartest primates. Orangutans in Borneo even begin to craft umbrellas from leaves when they know rain is coming!

Sadly, the orangutans in Borneo are struggling to survive in the wake of massive deforestation. Even an illegal pet trade threatens the species. Visiting rehabilitation centers not only offer a memorable encounter, but your visit also helps to support conservation efforts to protect one of Earth's smartest residents.

Learn more about the endangered orangutans, then read about where to find them in Borneo.

Semenggoh Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre

The Semenggoh Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, just 12 miles from Kuching , is the best place to find orangutans in Sarawak. Unlike zoos which simply leverage orangutans as attractions, the primary mission of Semenggoh is to reintroduce orangutans back into the wild. The animals are not kept in cages; instead, they are allowed to roam freely within a large area.

Visitors to the Semenggoh Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre can join a group and hire a ranger for a forest tour in hope of finding wild orangutans in the trees. Alternatively, two daily feeding times nearly guarantee a spotting of the shy primates.

Kubah National Park

The Kubah National Park in Sarawak is located 13 miles west of Kuching. The Matang Wildlife Centre, nestled within the interior of the national park, is home to several resident orangutans. Visitors must hike three to four hours along the Ulu Raya trail through the national park to reach the wildlife center.

Sleeping in the Kubah National Park increases your chances of spotting orangutans; book the simple dorm-style accommodation through the Forestry Office in Kuching.

Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre

Perhaps the most famous place to see orangutans in Borneo, the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre is a popular draw in East Sabah . Visitors can climb tall platforms to observe orangutans in the trees, although sightings are never guaranteed.

Fruit is placed on feeding platforms twice daily; shy orangutans brave a barrage of tourists' cameras to take the offering before retreating back into the forest.

Lok Kawi Wildlife Park

A great option for people without much time in Sabah, the Lok Kawi Wildlife Park is only 30 minutes away from the capital of Kota Kinabalu. The 280-acre wildlife center is home to several tigers, elephants, orangutans, and other protected animals.

While the animals are kept in large enclosures, every effort is given to make the setting as close to the natural habitats as possible.

To reach Lok Kawai Wildlife Park, take southbound bus #17 to the town of Lok Kawi, then hail a taxi to the park.

The Kinabatangan River

For a wilder approach to seeing orangutans in rehabilitation centers, make your way from Sandakan in East Sabah to the tiny village of Sukau . Boat cruises along the Kinabatangan River offer a chance to see a variety of wildlife including orangutans, proboscis monkeys, and even elephants.

Several small lodges along the Kinabatangan River offer accommodation and book boat tours. Boats are typically small speedboats run by knowledgeable guides who know where to look for orangutans. Lucky travelers get to see the primates along the riverbanks in a completely natural habitat!

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One Week in Borneo: The Ultimate Itinerary

The Top 12 National Parks in Malaysia

A Guide to Airports in Borneo

9 Top Destinations in Malaysian Borneo

The Top 8 Things to Do in Malaysian Borneo

Where to Go in Malaysian Borneo: Sarawak or Sabah?

Your Trip to Borneo: The Complete Guide

Guide to Sandakan, Malaysia's Gateway to Nature

Sukau in Sabah, Malaysia

The 12 Best National Parks in Borneo

The 10 Best Hikes in Borneo

10 Top Things to Do in Kuching, Sarawak

Eight Awesome Zoos in Southeast Asia

The Top 12 Things to Do in Malaysia

The 11 Best Hotels in Borneo

5 best places to see orangutans in Borneo

Written by Wayne Tarman . Last updated 24/01/2024 .

Seeing an orangutan in its natural habitat is one of best wildlife experiences you can have in Borneo.

We are often asked: Where is the best place to see wild orangutans?

This guide will help you answer that question.

It focuses on destinations in the Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak where you have a good chance of seeing this fascinating animal.

There are around 11,000 orangutans in Sabah and 1,600 in Sarawak.

In our opinion the five best places to see orangutans in the wild are:

• Kinabatangan River, Sabah
• Danum Valley, Sabah
• Deramakot Forest Reserve, Sabah
• Tabin Wildlife Reserve, Sabah
• Batang Ai National Park, Sarawak

So what location is best for you?  This will depend on a few factors:

• How fit you are
• Your budget and accommodation preferences (budget, mid-range or luxury)
• How much time you have
• The way you want to go in search of orangutan (by foot, boat or 4WD safari)
• Whether you want to see an orangutan in pristine primary rainforest or don’t mind where you see one

The following sections give the run down on each of the places in our top 5.

1. Kinabatangan River, Sabah

Searching for orangutans on the Menanggul River, a tributary of the Kinabatangan River.

The Kinabatangan River offers the best chances of seeing a wild orangutan of all the locations in Sabah and Sarawak. If you go on a three or four day Kinabatangan river tour you are almost guaranteed to see an orangutan plus a whole range of other endangered wildlife, including pygmy elephants and proboscis monkeys .

This is why the Kinabatangan River is one of the best wildlife watching destinations in Southeast Asia. However, it is also important to note that habitat fragmentation remains a key issue in this region of Sabah. On a trip to the Kinabatangan you will see a mosaic of oil palm plantations, degraded habitats and protected forest.

It is estimated there are 1,100 orangutan living in the Lower Kinabatangan River. Unlike other locations where you trek through the rainforest and search for orangutan, wildlife watching on the Kinabatangan is done from boats.

It is easy, comfortable and you don’t have to be fit.  Both old and young can see orangutan here. It is the best option for families with young children and anyone unable to walk long distances in the forest.

There is a variety of accommodation options ranging from budget guest houses and homestays to comfortable lodges so the destination caters to visitors on all budgets. Most of the lodges are located at Sukau with a few at Bilit and Abai. For travellers on a tight budget the Kinabatangan is the cheapest location in our top five.

Sightings of orangutan occur at oxbow lakes and along the banks of the main river and its tributaries, including the Menanggul River where most tours go to see the proboscis monkeys.

To conclude the Kinabatangan is the easiest and most ‘comfortable’ orangutan watching option available in Borneo. It also offers the highest chance of seeing wild orangutans. Sandakan serves as the jumping off point for the Kinabatangan.

If you are interested in an organised Kinabatangan tour please get in touch or see the range of trips we offer .

If you are on a budget check out this great article by Violette Vauchelle on how to organize a Kinabatangan River Cruise on a Budget .

Kinabatangan River Summary

Note: Cost per person listed in the summary tables is for a booking with 2 people (i.e. twin share).  Prices for families and larger groups are cheaper.

2. Danum Valley, Sabah

Orangutan at Danum Valley, Sabah, Malaysia. Photo by Borneo Rainforest Lodge.

Danum Valley is the best place to see wild orangutan in pristine, undisturbed forest. Sightings are not ‘guaranteed’ like the Kinabatangan River but there is a pretty good chance of seeing orangutan at Danum. It is estimated that there are 500 orangutan living in the Danum Valley Conservation Area.

Danum’s 43,800 hectares of virgin rainforest are home to an astonishing variety of wildlife.  It offers some of the best wildlife watching and rainforest experiences in the world. You don’t just come here for the orangutans. You come here for everything. And walk away knowing that a massive tick has been added to your bucket list.

There are a range of different treks at Danum. The trekking is relatively easy so you don’t need to be super fit. Plan on staying at least 3 nights if you want to see an orangutan.

It is possible to arrange a trip to Danum Valley independently but most people go on organised tours. There are two accommodation options at Danum. The Borneo Rainforest Lodge offers a luxurious jungle experience with prices that match the excellent facilities and reputation of the Lodge.  The Danum Valley Field Station is the budget option. It is primarily a research station but offers a range of rooms for visitors. You can book rooms independently and hire guides as you need or you can opt for an organised tour with accommodation at the field centre .

Danum Valley Summary

3. Deramakot Forest Reserve, Sabah

Wildlife watching at Deramakot is very different from the other places where you can see orangutans. At Deramakot 4WD vehicles are used for day and night drives along logging roads.

Deramakot Forest Reserve has quickly gained a reputation as one of Sabah’s best wildlife watching destinations. Whilst it is perhaps more famous for its cats (including the rare clouded leopard), Deramakot is also a good place to see orangutan. This may come as a surprise considering that Deramakot is logging concession , albeit one of the longest timber certified tropical forests in the world.

An aerial assessment of orangutan distribution and density found that there are 1,400 orangutans living in Deramakot. They are often spotted along the side of the two main dirt tracks that run through the forest reserve. They are also sometimes spotted near the accommodation area.

Deramakot is a place for more adventurous travelers. It is more difficult to get to than the other places in our top 5. The reserve is accessed from Sandakan or Telupid via unsealed plantation and logging roads. Whilst it is possible to go trekking at Deramakot most wildlife watching is done in 4WD vehicles. So expect bumpy rides sitting on a bench in the back of a Toyota Hilux.

It is difficult or nearly impossible to visit Deramakot as an independent traveller so the only option is to go on an organised tour. There are a limited number of rooms at Deramakot so it can get full in the peak season months of July & August.

To sum up Deramakot is a good place for orangutan sightings but it is not for everyone. Accommodation is fairly basic when compared to the lodges in the Kinabatangan, Tabin and Danum and access is more difficult. The forest is also fragmented with logging operations taking place. If you are looking to experience pristine forest and see an orangutan, then Danum is a better choice.

Deramakot Forest Reserve Summary

4. Tabin Wildlife Reserve, Sabah

Tabin Wildlife Reserve is a vast protected area covering 122,500 hectares. A significant proportion of Tabin consists of previously logged forest. Despite this the reserve is home to 1,400 orangutans.

There are reasonable chances of seeing an orangutan at Tabin but they are not as high as Danum or the Kinabatangan. On the plus side, Tabin is unlikely to disappoint as it is home to a wide range of wildlife.

It is only possible to visit Tabin on an organized tour and the only place to stay is the Tabin Wildlife Resort, a 3 star jungle lodge offering hill and riverside chalets.

The small town of Lahad Datu serves as the jumping off point for Tabin. The reserve is accessed via plantation and logging roads. Wildlife watching activities are focused on jungle trekking with some 4WD night safaris.

Tabin Wildlife Reserve   Summary

5. Batang Ai, Sarawak

Lunch on the Red Ape Trail at Batang Ai. Searching for orangutan at Batang Ai is a very different experience from the other places in the top 5. Getting to know your local Iban guides and camping out in the rainforest are all part of this upriver Borneo experience.

Batang Ai is the only place in Sarawak where you can see wild orangutans. It is one of the least known destinations for spotting orangutans in Malaysian Borneo.  Like Deramakot it is not easy to travel to Batang Ai as an independent traveller so most people go on organised tours.

Around 170 orangutan live within the boundaries of Batang Ai National Park. An estimated 1,200 orangutan live in the neighbouring Lanjak Entimau Wildlife Sanctuary. Recent research found that up to 200 orangutans live outside of Batang Ai park in the adjacent Ulu Sungai Menyang landscape. A tiny isolated population of orangutan living in mostly logged over forest in the Sebuyau-Sedilu area make up the balance of the orangutan population in Sarawak.

Two organisations offer orangutan treks at Batang Ai with the tours taking place outside the national park.

Borneo Adventure offer three tours with a good chance of seeing orangutans. These are the 5D4N Red Ape Trail , the 6D5N In Search of Wild Orangutans and the 4D3N Lubok Kasai tour. All take place in the upper Delok River which is about two hours by boat from the Batang Ai reservoir.

This area is part of the Ulu Sungai Menyang Landscape where researchers recently discovered a new population of orangutan previously undocumented by science. The local Iban people obviously knew there were orangutan here and tourists have been spotting orangutans in these areas for 30 years.

However, it was not until 2012 that scientists conducted research and nest surveys to estimate the population of orangutan in 14,000 hectares of unprotected forest. They were somewhat surprised to find that 200 orangutans were living outside of Batang Ai National Park.

You have a 70-80% chance of a sighting on Borneo Adventure’s five and six day orangutan tours. The Red Ape Trail requires a higher level of fitness as it passes through hilly terrain with some tough up-and-down trekking. In Search of Orangutans offers the best chances of seeing orangutan as it covers two different areas (Delok and Lalang Rivers) and a number of trails. The Red Ape Trail focuses on the Ulu Mawang area.

Whilst on these tours you stay in Nanga Sumpa lodge and basic jungle camps. You will be accompanied by an English speaking guide and local Iban guides. Camping out in the forest and getting to know your Iban guides and boatmen is very much a part of the whole experience.

The treks pass through a mosaic of primary and old secondary forest. Some of the secondary forest is 50-60 years old. Generally, you will trek for a few hours in the morning. Then you take a rest and have lunch before going trekking again late in the afternoon.

Follow the ridges. The Red Ape Trail follows ridges as this image shows. The trail from Mawang Camp to Nalan Tenu rises from 185m to 415m. Forest people have used ridges since time began, and so have animals. Even in the most remote parts of the forest, you will find neat trails along ridges. Most of these are animal trails. If you thought animals wander aimlessly through their forest home, you would be quite wrong. Just like humans, animals follow trails, which, over time become well-established paths through the forest. Almost all walking trails in national parks started out as animal trails.

In addition to the specialised orangutan treks, there is also a reasonable chance of seeing orangutans on Borneo Adventure’s shorter tours, for example the 3D2N Ulu Ai Experience. Whilst seeing orangutans is not the focus of the shorter tours, sightings have become more common over the last 5-10 years.

The other organisation that offers orangutan treks at Batang Ai is the NGO Project Orangutan. It largely focuses on conservation work and volunteering at Matang Wildlife Centre. However, they visit Batang Ai as part of a 13 day Sarawak trip that includes volunteering at Matang and orangutan treks near Jinggin on the upper Ai River. Orangutans are sighted on 30% of the tours.

In theory it is possible to visit Batang Ai National Park as an independent traveller and search for orangutans. In practice it is quite difficult to arrange. Travelling from Kuching to the Batang Ai jetty is the easy part. When you arrive you then have to organize a boat to travel to the park. If you have not pre-arranged something things can be hit and miss. You might get lucky and find a boatman or you could end up hanging around for hours.

If you do find a boat it will cost around RM 400-450 for a return trip to the park. There is no visitor accommodation at the park. The rangers sometimes let you sleep on the verandah of one of the HQ buildings. You will need to take enough food and drink for your stay and a sleeping bag and mosquito net.

Another option is to find a boat (RM 200-300 return) to take you to Nanga Delok longhouse. When you arrive at Nanga Delok ask to see the headman or one of longhouse elders.  Then you can make arrangements to stay overnight in the longhouse and rent a boat to take you to the national park the following day. All up you will need to budget RM 400-600 for boat rental.

The longhouse charges modest fees for food and board. However, renting a boat is not cheap at Batang Ai. A simple return trip to the park HQ is the cheapest option. If you want to travel further upriver past the park HQ the boatman will charge more to cover the extra fuel costs.

To get a good idea of how difficult it can be to get the park read Amy and Andrew’s account of their trip to Batang Ai National Park.

There are five trails at the national park but they are not well maintained so you will need to recruit a local guide or ranger to accompany you on the longer treks. If you are staying at Nanga Delok you can ask your boatmen to be your guide in the park.

It is not easy to spot orangutans in the forest near the park HQ.  The chances of seeing one whilst on a day trip are slim. To have a good chance of seeing orangutans near the HQ area you will need to stay for 4 or 5 days. There are better chances of seeing orangutans if you travel upriver, deep into the park, and camp overnight in the jungle. But this is costly and can work out more expensive than an organised tour.

Batang Ai Summary

A juvenile orangutan gathers some fruit on the Red Ape Trail. Photo by Mark Boyd .

Featured image at top of the blog post was taken in the Upper Delok River at Batang Ai by Ch’ien C Lee.

Wayne Tarman

Wayne Tarman is an experienced tourism specialist, travel writer and keen photographer. He has lived in Borneo since 1995 and has travelled throughout Sarawak, Sabah & Brunei. Wayne joined Borneo Adventure in 2013. Read More

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BORNEO Travel Guide: The Land of Orangutans and Dayak Tribes

Welcome to the most complete Borneo travel guide on the internet! Not only will it provide you with all the information you need to prepare your expedition to one of the last unspoiled places on Earth, but you will also learn a lot about its people, its diversity, and we will tell you all about the destinations within the island so that you can choose which areas or what kind of trip you want to experience.

Borneo travel guide

Being the third largest island on the planet and the only politically managed by three countries, the Indonesian Borneo (or Kalimantan) has 73% of the territory of the island. This is divided into Borneo Central, West, North and South Borneo. The remaining portion belongs to Brunei and Malaysia.

Based on the basis that Borneo is home to the oldest rainforests in the world, with 6% of all the flora and fauna on the planet, there is no doubt that we must concentrate in order to decide wisely, which part to stay on and how to absorb as much as possible in the days you have dedicated to this destination .

The best time to take a trip to Borneo

Although it is known that Indonesia has two seasons (wet and dry), Borneo’s tropical climate is generally sunny and hot all year round and with a high percentage of humidity (90%). The average year-round temperature is 32 degrees during the day and 20-25 at night, although you may have to pick up a sweater in the early hours.

Being an island mostly covered by river forests, it is very common that during the day the rain falls that is usually strong but not long lasting. If it is to be said a few months that it rains more than average, those months would be between November and March, while the driest months of the year are therefore between April and October. That is said, it is useful to keep a small foldable umbrella or raincoat for your trips in Indonesia. Also, check out our post When to travel to Indonesia for destinations and months that will help you choose the best time to come.

Where to stay during your trip to Borneo?

Accommodations on Borneo Island are varied depending on where you are. You can find everything from treetop rooms, budget hostels, basic guest houses in the most remote areas to luxury beach hotels.

The most interesting options include stays in ecological hostels and in rescue & release center of Orangutans as is the case of the Samboja Lestari that we will talk about later. It is recommended to book the accommodation before travelling.

Trips to Borneo are usually made in national parks and nature reserves, and accommodation is usually included; while it is true that it is often necessary to do night before or after the expedition to coordinate with flight schedules.

Borneo language, religion and traditi ons

Speaking of the island as a whole, the predominant languages are Indonesian and Malay, although English and Chinese are quite widespread in some points of the island.

The Indonesian region of Kalimantan is generally Muslim, although animism and other indigenous beliefs are also practiced.

The most significant population of the island is the Dayak, an ethnicity of indigenous people mostly concentrated in the south and west of Borneo although it is true that they extend throughout the island. Most Dayaks are riverside people who live in small communities of communal houses that can accommodate up to 50 people.

Traditionally children live with their parents until they marry and boys, who usually look for girlfriends outside their hometown, stay to live in their wife’s community. Its subsistence economy is based on rice cultivation, complemented by hunting and fishing. Currently, there more than two million people of Dayak and they use various Dayak languages.

Points of interest: What and where to see on your trip to Borneo

Wrapped in a rainforest that stretches for thousands of miles, here adventurous travelers and wildlife enthusiasts will find their paradise in nature.

It’s not just a jungle on earth, as the Derawan Archipelago offers some of the best diving spots in the world and Dayaks tribes make the experience even more spectacular.

So we can say that Borneo’s main claims are: Wildlife, Tribes and Underwater World.

Well, here you will find the most important destinations to decide your trip:

TRAVEL TO CENTRAL BORNEO

Tanjung puting national park – home to the orangutans.

Tanjung Puting National Park is the perfect destination if you are looking to spend 2 to 4 nights in the middle of nature. Perfectly connected to 3 Javanese cities (Jakarta, Semarang and Surabaya) daily and additionally to Yogyakarta (only a few days of the week), Tanjung Puting is the most comfortable option to see orangutans in freedom as you visit and experience a cruise on a houseboat (locally called klotoks) and trekkings in the jungle have no requirement.

It is ideal for coming with children. In addition to orangutans in freedom, this park with 416,000 hectares of jungle, is the home of proboscis monkeys, macaques, bearded pigs endemic to Borneo, Borneo gibbons, crocodiles and monitor lizards.

Another reason why Tanjung Puting is an excellent choice is that in a 5-hour drive away, we find one of the Dayaks settlements where we can share some nights with them.

If you have a short time to see orangutans in Indonesia, Tanjung Puting is your jungle.

In addition, Come2Indonesia actively collaborates with the conservation of this park placing itself as one of the most sustainable tour operators of the national park.

The city you must fly to to visit Tanjung Puting is Pangkalan Bun (PKN) . The usual airline companies operating are Nam Air, Trigana and Wings Air, and some routes such as Pangkalan Bun – Semarang, are operated by Garuda Indonesia. Check flight schedules in our Tanjung Puting post.

Check out our itineraries in this Borneo jungle so you can see what they’re like, as well as our Tanjung Puting travel guide to know what to bring or tips for mosquitoes and malaria, or just to know how life works on the boat. For the more adventurous, it is also possible to camp some of the nights in the middle of the jungle.

If you need more information about this park to prepare your trip to Borneo, remember that you can write to [email protected] and we will be happy to help you.

Sebangau National Park and Orangutan Survival Foundation (BOS) – Orangutans, Cloud Leopard and Dayaks

Also in the heart of Borneo, you will find Sebangau National Park. With daily flights from cities such as Jakarta or Surabaya, Sebangau is one of the last remaining swampy peat forests in Borneo, and the perfect choice for explorers who want to take a trip to Borneo away from mass tourism.

The vast national park, which covers approximately 568,700 hectares, is home to more than 6,000 orangutans, forming one of the largest populations in the world in the wild. It is also possible to spot the nebula panther or cloud leopard but less often due to their nocturnal habits and the reduction of the number of species due to deforestation.

Refreshing freshwater and crystalline lakes can also be found in the Sebangau National Park. These lakes are also the habitat of several different fish species and other flora and fauna, and are the best place to observe the nature process at its finest.

Trips to Sebangau are usually 2 nights and the programs combine trekings in the jungle with canoe crossings. You can spend the two nights camping or in a modest homestay. The city you have to fly to visit this park is Palangkaraya (PKY). There are daily flights to/from Jakarta and Surabaya.

Currently, the airlines operating services in Palangkaraya are Garuda Indonesia, Sriwijaya Air and Lion Air.

Check out our sebangau trips so you can see what the routes are like.

From Palangkaraya you can also opt for a more educational program on a 6-night trip.

This experience combines two nights in a Dayak village and three aboard a houseboat along the Rungan River, from where in addition to admiring the dense jungle, you will visit the Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation (BOS) .

You will take a motorized canoe to observe the orangutans and then visit the BOS Education Center where the orangutans expect to be released from the socialization cages.

You’ll learn about the entire history of BOS and rehabilitation programs. BOS manages orangutan rescue, rehabilitation and reintroduction programs in central and eastern Kalimantan. With more than 500 orangutans (as of December 2018) under thier care, and between 600 and 1000 employees, BOS is the world’s largest primate conservation NGO.

TRAVEL SOUTH OF BORNEO

Banjarmasin and loksado – floating market, waterfalls and dayak tribes.

Banjarmasin is the best place to absorb Kalimantan’s urban culture, both on land and in the water. Located in a delta near the junction of the Barito and Martapura rivers, Banjarmasin, along with its neighboring city, Banjarbaru, form the center of Indonesia’s ninth largest metropolitan city. Both Banjarmasin and Loksado are two perfect destinations to combine with other wildlife areas of the island on your trip to Borneo or to visit at any time of your trip around Indonesia.

Living closely with nature, the Dayak Meratus practice the Aruh Ganal Rituals that revolve around agriculture. As fascinating as the exotic Dayak culture are the Meratus mountains themselves, which are full of natural splendor. The lush landscape is decorated with fascinating waterfalls, including Haratai Waterfall, Riam Hanai Waterfall, Kilat api Waterfall, Rampah Menjangan Waterfall, Pemandian Anggang Waterfall and Tinggiran Hayam Waterfall.

From ancient times to the day, Banjarmasin has remained an important port city in Kalimantan. It has an abundance of wide and flowing rivers, which have always played an important role in the Banjar lifestyle (the indigenous ethnic group of Banjarmasin).

To this day, every morning there are floating markets where farmers and traders transport their products on boats to trade. The main attractions of the city are the suburbs crossed by canals where much of the city’s commerce takes place.

The floating market is perfect for seeing traffic of all kinds of boats laden with bananas, shrimp, fish, spinach, coconut, spices and incandescent chilies, buckets of hairy rambutans and any other seasonal fruit. Maneuvering their boats with dexterity and precision, as boats are constantly shaken by river waves, traders exchange goods and money. It’s a show of colors and authenticity that you won’t want to miss on your trip to Borneo.

On the other hand, we have the mountainous area of Loksado. This part of Kalimantan is the home to an ethnic group of the Dayak Meratus indigenous tribes of Kalimantan who occupy traditional houses called Balai. Today, there are at least 43 of these Balai that can be found in 9 villages throughout Loksado. A Balai is a traditional elongated wooden house with dozens of rooms of 3 by 4 meters and are occupied by dozens of families.

For both Banjarmasin and Loksado, you must fly to the city of Bajarmasin (BDJ) on daily flights from many cities in Indonesia, including Jakarta, Surabaya, Bandung, Balikpapan and Sampit.

For these two destinations, one night in Bajarmasin and two in Loksado are enough, but this area of Borneo can be combined with the Tanjung Puting Orangutans (with two flights between the two points), with the Orangutans and Dayaks of East Borneo (with a direct flight), and even with the Derawan Archipelago where you will find the fantastic Maratua Island that I will explain a little later.

TRAVEL EAST OF BORNEO

Mahakam river, kutai national park and samboja lestari orangutans sanctuary, dayaks, freshwater dolphins, malay bears, house boats.

1. The Mahakam River

Located in East Borneo, the mighty Mahakam, Indonesia’s second longest river (after Kapuas, also in Borneo), is a microcosm of Kalimantan. As you sail upriver in search of the heart of Borneo, you’ll find many traditional ships coming down with the current selling groceries to the highest bidder. You’ll see centuries-old villages on the banks of the river, coal mines and logging camps, as well as incredibly tall trees looming next to oil palm plantations.

Away from the tours most requested by tourists, the Mahakam River will allow you to live a fascinating adventure aboard floating houses and motorized canoes during your trip to Borneo. With specialized crews you will enter the mouths of this river which is home to some settlements of the Dayak tribes and thousands of endemic species of monkeys and waterfowl.

An area of rainforest characterized by its peat black waters. A unique opportunity to see up close the behavior of wild orangutans or to see the “freshwater” dolphins that exist in few areas of the planet. This is East Kalimantan in all its conflicting, powerful, confusing and compelling beauty. And there’s no better way to see it than on a journey through the Mahakam, a journey you’ll remember all your life.

2. Kutai National Park.

Also from Balikpapan we can visit Kutai National Park, located north of the Mahakam River and includes several lakes: Danau Maau, Santan, Besar and Sirapan. It is adjacent to the cities of Bontang and Sangatta and 120 km north of the provincial capital, Samarinda. There are several traditional Bugis settlements within the national park.

This reserve is dominated by a lowland rainforest and has 958 species of flora, including 8 of the 9 genera in the Dipterocarpaceae family of the world, 41 species of orchids and 220 species of medicinal plants. The other types of vegetation include coastal mangrove forests, freshwater swamp forests and Kerangas forests.

The park provides habitat for 10 species of primates, 90 species of mammals and 300 species of birds. They include orangutan, Malay sun bear, sambar deer, banteng, brown leaf monkey, white-fronted leaf monkey, Miller langur, test monkey, Borneo gibbon, cloudy leopard, black flying squirrel, jaspered cat, flat-headed cat, yellow sable throat, seagatter and smooth-haired otter.

3. Samboja Lestari Reserve

On the other hand, we have the Samboja Lestari Orangutan Sanctuary, one of the most prestigious and recognized orangutan rehabilitation and rescue centers in Indonesia , and one of the main focal points of BOS (Borneo Orangutan Survival Foundation) that we discussed earlier in the Central Kalimantan. It is a fantastic option for your trip to Borneo if you want to know even more about the behavior and way of life of the orangutans.

Its main task is the rehabilitation and release of orangutans, many of whom were rescued from heinous situations. The primary objective is to reintroduce orangutans to ensure natural habitats in order to establish new viable long-term populations to reinforce the conservation of the species in nature. BOSF has already successfully released several orangutans.

One of the achievements of the projects of which it is most proud is Forest Schools, which give orangutans natural and educational play areas in which to learn forest skills before returning to their enclosures to sleep at night. A new clinic and quarantine area has also been established, as well as many new forest cages for larger orangutans and a baby room for the little ones.

For these orangutans, the sanctuary provides them with a safe haven where they can live the rest of their lives away from the threat of deforestation and human destruction.

Several islands of orangutan have also been created to house orangutans suffering from chronic hepatitis B or other disabilities that prevent them from being released into the wild. For these orangutans, the sanctuary provides them with a safe haven where they can live the rest of their lives away from the threat of deforestation and human destruction. These islands can be seen from our boats on the voyage during the trip.

The Samboja Lestari also includes an area of 58 hectares reserved for the more than 50 sun bears residing here, all rescued from the illegal pet trade or areas of great deforestation.

To make a trip to these areas of East Borneo, either separately or by combining them, we must fly the city of Balikpapan. Balikpapan is easily accessible from all major cities in Indonesia. Most airlines have flights to Balikpapan, including from Jakarta, Surabaya and Makassar. In addition to Garuda Indonesia and Lion Air, other low-cost domestic airlines to Balikpapan are Sriwijaya Air, Citilink, Indonesia Air Asia. Internationally, SilkAir flies directly to Balikpapan from Singapore.

Check out all the trips that include these areas and ask us any questions in [email protected] .

4. Derawan Archipelago

Located right east of Kalimantan in the Berau district, the Derawan archipelago comprises 31 islands. The best known are the islands of Derawan, Maratua, Sangalaki and Kakaban. Here is Indonesia’s largest nesting site of giant green turtles and rare and endangered hawksbill turtles, and where you can observe daily how they lay their eggs in the sand or swimming towards the sea.

The entire marine conservation region covers a total area of no less than 1.27 million hectares. It is the perfect tropical paradise with warm, secluded islands, soft white sand beaches, lined with rolling palm trees, pristine seas that change color from green to deep blue, and an incredible underwater life of giant turtles, dolphins, manta rays, dugongs and barracudas, stingless jellyfish and sometimes whales.

Jellyfish are located in Kakaban. This lake is home to the world’s largest and most diverse jellyfish, including four unique species of stingerless jellyfish that can swim upside down.

We can find 460 different species of corals, placing this area second after the islands of Raja Ampat in West Papua. The Nature Conservancy and a team of international experts also found more than 870 species of fish here, ranging from tiny pygmy seahorses to giant manta rays.

The city we have to reach to cross the archipelago is Berau. On the one hand, SilkAir flies from Singapore to Balikpapan in East Kalimantan or you can take a flight from Jakarta, Surabaya or Denpasar to Balikpapan or Tarakan by Garuda Indonesia. Then we have to take a connecting flight to Tanjung Redeb in Berau. From here, the boats will take you to the islands.

My recommendation is to fly to Balikpapan to visit Mahakam and Kutai or Samboja and then go to Derawan as these trips usually include internal flight and boat. Check out this 10-night combo trip for example.

In Derawan it is ideal to stay in a resort on the island of Maratua and arrange excursions to other islands from the hotel. If it is a diving trip, we recommend you to book a package in advance at a Dive Resort with 2-3 dives per day. You can also opt for a life on board in this area of Borneo.

TRAVEL WEST OF BORNEO

Betung kerihun national park.

Finally we will highlight the jungles of western Borneo, on the border with Malaysia in the mountain range shared by these two neighboring countries. Here you will find Betung Kerihun National Park.

Located in the heart of Borneo Island, Betung Kerihun National Park is not easily accessible. It is located in the city of Putussibau and is easier to access from this city from Pontianak, the capital of West Kalimantan. Putussibau is the last stop for airlines and long-distance buses, as well as the last chance for an ATM, before jumping into the wild. Embarked on canoes, you will enter the National Park.

Ideally, you can visit this park with a camping stay although you also have the possibility to stay with a Dayak family in their communal houses. That’s why we recommend before and after the jungle, staying in a comfortable room to avoid exhaustion.

The topography of Betung Kerihun National Park is dominated by hills and mountains with around 179 peaks scattered throughout the site. The highest peak is Mount Kerihun at 1,790 meters above sea level. The contours are mostly steep slopes.

This park is home to more than 1200 species of plants (75 are endemic to Borneo) and 48 species of mammals, including orangutan. The Kapuas River, which at 1,143 km is the longest river in Indonesia, begins in this park dubbed as the heart of Borneo and which contains some of the most intact forests in the world, so we can say that hiking is not so easy. Trekking takes place in the wildest nature of Borneo.

The air is humid as a result of the tropical climate within its forests. If we’re lucky, we can see wild orangutans, Borneo gibbon, rhinos, calm, giant squirrel and a variety of birds. Our recommendation is to hire with the same operator the entire stay with flights to/from Pontianak included as well as accommodation before and after the expedition.

Dayak Tribes: Traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

The Dayaks, as they have been doing for thousands of years, live in virtually primordial conditions. Aboriginal people themselves do not like this word, as in Malay it means “wild”. However, until very recently, the Dayak tribes were bloodthirsty and that name was justified. The influence of Western culture and, above all, the influence of missionaries caused them to lose their spirits. Now no one demands a young man’s head from his enemy to show his maturity, but the old still remember those times.

Finally, the Dayak people were influenced by civilization. Many of them studied, can handle technology, and even some have come to government. But most still choose life in the “long houses” Basically, it is a large house, where each family has a small room with entrance to the shared terrace. Such a construction may look like a barracks and there is a reason for this kind of life: at the alarm signal, warriors in full battle attire line up in front of the house.

Now the warriors were left in the past, but the locals still they’re going to hunt in armor, a spear and a kris. Today we can learn about the lives and manners of Dayak people. Locals welcome travelers and tell them about their daily lives. During an organized trip, you will not only see the daily routines of Aboriginal people, but also you can spend a few nights in his long house and participate in his evening ceremonies.

The people of Dayak have some interesting rituals, which a lucky traveler can witness. Ngamean, for example. This ceremony takes place before embarking on a journey. They make fire with the help of a silex and steel, and see if they’re lucky on the road the way the flame burns. Family discussions are resolved with a special Ngelaem Ponam Penega dance. However, it is difficult to know whether it belongs to modern times or if it originated a long time ago.

The ancient religion of the Dayak people says that a Tatau Lale ceremony will be held during a funeral. It is believed that without the help of the living, the soul of the dead is doomed to a bleak life after death. That’s why locals carve a figure from Mahogany Sapundu, which represents the deceased. Before Sapundu, they sacrifice animals and then perform ceremonies.

If you are interested in the culture of traditional peoples, I recommend trying to find the floating settlements of the “sea gypsies”. This large group of nomads are always happy to meet travelers.

If you miss the trip to Borneo on August 17, this day celebrates Hari Proklamasi, Indonesia’s Independence Day. The festivities, fireworks and races along the river in the city of Banjarmasin will make you spend a beautiful day of celebration with the locals.

As you walk through the streets of this city during the Ramadan era, you can visit Pasar Vadai, a pastry fair.

On the other hand, there is the Erau festival, where different local tribes wear their traditional clothes and perform their ritual dances, and the Naik Dango festival, when the Dayak people thank Earth for a great harvest, takes place in late spring and early summer.

Gastronomy: What to eat during your trip to Borneo

Borneo cuisine has traces of Chinese, local, Indonesian and Indian culinary traditions. Nasi or rice is usually served here as one of the main dishes. Local people use it as a side dish for meat and as a separate dish, boiling it in ingots, making fries or frying it with eggs.

They also steam the rice on banana leaves. Most of the population is Muslim, so pork is not common in Kalimantan. Seafood is quite popular here, as are grilled octopus, rapan kebab or shrimp with gravy.

It’s important to remember that they like spicy food. Local chefs like different sauces, they add them generously to any dish, and if a sauce is spicy, the better. Lobsters, shark fins and swallow nests can also be found in ingots. However, these “delicacies” are mostly imported from China.

On the other hand, there is a tradition of drinking ice water with some lime or an iced tea with lots of herbs along with spicy food.

Alcohol is illegal in Borneo and locals can be arrested for drinking beer, wine, vodka, etc. in public places. In general, alcohol is not very popular. However, palm arak vodka and local wine brem, made with rice, are pretty good. If you want to warm things up and try the local tequila, don’t forget to buy “Es Jeruk”, a non-alcoholic drink made of oranges, which local people drink with alcohol. Those who prefer beer will also find Kalimantan tuak beer, made with palm blossom juice. And an interesting non-alcoholic drink, preferred by locals, is coconut milk with rice, sugar and ginger. If it’s too hot outside, you can add crushed ice to it.

Hotels usually serve breakfast only, or breakfast and dinner, so you should take care of lunch if you are not on an expedition where all meals are usually included. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the fish markets. They are small restaurants with many aquariums where you can choose which one you want to eat, take it to the kitchen, grill it and you can enjoy a great delicacy, without questioning its freshness. We should warn you that if you have chosen a small coffee in a remote area, it is better to make sure that it meets the minimum hygiene standards. Indonesians are used to it, but the stomachs of unsuspecting tourists may not be prepared for this.

If you decide to take a cruise on the Palangkaraya River, which is close to Sebangau National Park, visit Kampung lauk as well. This place will surprise you with affordable prices and a variety of seafood dishes.

While in Sampit, you can visit RM Abang Adul: they serve an excellent “nasi goreng”, fried rice with beef stew on top.

If you prefer a homemade pizza or dessert in Palangkaraya, you can go to the Gallery and the Rest Kupi Tambi. They don’t have the lowest prices, but the level of service and good food are worth it.

If you want to try Dayak’s cuisine, visit Rumah Tjilik Riwut. It was established by one of Kalimantan’s first governors.

In Samarinda is Lipan Hill Restaurant and Cafe. Here you can have a long dinner, watching the city fall asleep. Overall, there are many excellent cafes and restaurants in Kalimantan.

We leave you some dishes that you can order in most restaurants on the island during your trip to Borneo:

1. Soto Banjar: Soto Banjar is a typical Soto (soup) from southern Kalimantan, with the main ingredient of chicken and aromatic spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. Soto contain chicken meat that has been cut, with additional cakes or boiled potatoes and boiled eggs.

2. Patin Bakar (grilled river fish): Very famous in Palangkaraya, ikan bakar is a dish from Indonesia and Malaysia, prepared with grilled fish or other forms of seafood. Ikan bakar literally means “grilled fish” in Indonesian and Malay. The ikan bakar differs from other grilled fish dishes in that it often contains aromas such as bumbu, kecap manis, sambal and is covered with a banana leaf and cooked over charcoal fire.

3. Yellow rice mountain: Yellow rice is commonly a symbol of Indonesian celebrations. It is often served during festivals or other occasions in Indonesia: weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, newborns, opening of houses. Yellow is a symbol of good fortune, wealth and dignity. Yellow rice is usually stuffed in a cone-shaped pan, accompanied by various side dishes such as vegetables, fried chicken, tofu, tempeh, shredded omelette and beef.

Visit our Indonesian cooking section and you will find many recipes that you can make at home.

Travel to Borneo with children

Kalimantan is undoubtedly positioned as one of the children’s favorite destinations on their trips in Indonesia. Having the opportunity to spot animals so unusual in freedom is the fate of a few. In addition, these are educational trips where they will learn a lot about the nature of the jungles and the behavior of the species they encounter.

While it is true that during your trip to Borneo, they will live one of the most exciting and enriching experiences of their lives, do not forget that life in the jungle is not as comfortable as at home, so they can feel uncomfortable by mosquitoes or moisture.

My recommendation is to bring them to the jungle on a houseboat trip where they can rest from jungle walks or take a shower at any time of the day. The perfect destination for small adventurers is Tanjung Puting National Park. See what the experience with kids is like in this video.

Children will enjoy Banjarmasin too, stroll through its canals and interact with local children who are always swimming and playing in the rivers.

You can also visit Pontianak. Not only will they be at the equator, but they will feel almost like a sultan as they walk through the corridors of Kadriah Palace. If your child is interested in history and art, you can go to the city museum. Many pieces of porcelain and ceramics will tell you a lot about the life and customs of the local people.

As in any other tourist area, on any more or less popular Borneo beach, you’ll find water slides, bananas and trampolies. If your child is already 10 years old, he or she can learn to dive. There are some good training centers in Kalimantan that award international certificates and have many places to dive for beginners.

And without a doubt, one experience you will love will be snorkeling with stingless jellyfish in Derawan, east of Borneo.

Shopping and Souvenirs during a trip around Borneo

If there’s anything really authentic about Kalimantan, it’s the gemstones. To this day, diamonds, agates, rubies, sapphires and other jewelry are extracted using open pit methods. Anyone can find these pieces so there are many locals selling rare gemstones.

The market and high competition make prices two or three times lower than those of European jewellery stores. It is obvious that shops near the mines will have the lowest prices.

You want to take a diamond home? No problem, just remember a few things to keep in mind when talking to a seller. First of all, he always haggles. For Indonesians, as for other Asian countries, negotiation is a kind of art. People enjoy the process itself and no one will tell you the real price from the beginning. Please note that it will be a mistake to immediately name the price you are eager to pay. The price you will accept must be somewhere between the offer and the seller’s proposal. Don’t insist if the seller doesn’t lower the price. Try to get away. If a salesman is interested, he’ll come after you.

The second thing to keep in mind is that if you can’t distinguish between a real diamond and a fake diamond, don’t buy anything expensive. Indonesians don’t want to hurt, but business is business, and an in-experience buyer can easily come up with poor quality stuff. So, if you want to invest in diamonds, consult a well-known jeweler or take someone who understands the jewelry business. And finally, stay calm. Sellers are willing to do whatever it takes to attract customers. Be prepared to watch them eat glass from a broken bottle or something even more extreme.

You can also buy jewelry already built very well in price. However, not everyone will like the design, as locals prefer massive things to elegant ones.

On the other hand, you can also find different amulets, images of demons and spirits or figures of painted cats. We recommend shopping first thing in the morning, especially when it comes to food or fresh produce because locals start the merchandise from 5-6 a.m.

In all the more or less large cities you will find shopping centers. For example, E-Walk Balikpapan Superblock, Transmart Carrefour and Pentacity Shopping Venue in Balikpapan, or BIG Mall and Mesra Indah Mall in Samarinda. It is better to buy local delicacies and souvenirs in small shops, where it is easier to come to an understanding with a seller.

Unusual spirits, jewelry and pieces, made by local artisans: that’s what you should take from Kalimantan.

How to get around during your trip around Borneo

Due to its vast expanse, it is ideal to fly between major cities during your trip to Borneo. Kalimantan has 29 airports in total although many of the cities are not well connected so sometimes it is necessary to make transits, even on the island of Java.

To access the jungle areas, we usually drive with the same companies with which we have contracted our trip. There are some destinations that require many hours to access the jungles and others that are only 15 minutes away as is the case with Tanjung Puting.

You can ask us about the airlines and flight schedules in the [email protected]

Type of currency needed for a trip to Borneo

The official currency throughout the country is Rupiah Indonesia and the only one accepted. US dollars, along with other major currencies such as the euro, can be easily exchanged at the bank or exchange houses in major cities. Bring large 50/100EUR tickets for better exchange rates, and make sure all your tickets are new or in good condition. Banks tend to reject broken or old bills everywhere and exchange houses provide a less favorable exchange rate on smaller bills. You’ll need to exchange money only at licensed exchange houses.

The Rupiah can be found in 100,000, 50,000, 20,000, 10,000, 5,000, 2,000, and 1,000 banknotes and 1,000, 500, 200 and 100 coins.

In the case of taking a trip to Borneo, depending on which areas you are going to visit, we recommend crossing to the island already with Indonesian rupiah on top as, unless you fly to one of the most developed cities on the island, it will be very difficult to find an official exchange house.

Visit our Indonesian Guide to learn more about the country if you are preparing your trip to Indonesia.

Responsible Tourism and Environmental and Social Impact

It’s a fact we’re losing the jungles of Borneo. A tragedy for nature and society is integrated invisibly into a range of consumer products. Palm oil derivatives are introduced into many products in stores, such as frozen pizzas, chocolate spreading creams and hazelnuts, biscuits and margarine. They are also used in the manufacture of numerous lotions and creams, soaps, makeup, candles and detergent. Raw palm oil is also processed in a mixture of biodiesel used in vehicles and industrial machinery.

Consumers can use palm oil every day without realizing it. Palm oil is the edible vegetable oil of the oil palm fruit.

And much of the world’s supply comes from Indonesia, the world’s largest palm oil producer. Indonesia’s tropical forests, which are constantly being deforested and burned by palm oil producers, are some of the most important in the world. Indonesia’s tropical forests are treasures of biodiversity and are home to 10% of the world’s reptile, bird, mammal and fish species.

When forests are cut down to create palm oil plantations, that stored carbon is released into the atmosphere, contributing to climate change.

Palm oil plantations, in other words, make paradise a wasteland.

Beyond the obvious deforestation resulting from the logging of lowland rainforests for plantations, there are other environmental impacts of oil palm cultivation. Several studies have found a significant reduction (in the order of 80 percent for plants and 80 to 90 percent for mammals, birds and reptiles) in biodiversity following the conversion of forests to oil palm plantations.

In addition, many animals will not move through plantations, while others, such as orangutans, will become crop pests, which will put them at risk of defensive poaching by plantation managers.

While there is no doubt that oil palm plantations provide much-needed employment opportunities in Borneo, there are doubts about the fairness of the existing system that sometimes seems to lock small plantation owners in slavery-like conditions.

Palm oil seems to be the best alternative for hardly living communities with rubber cultivation, subsistence rice cultivation and fruit orchards.

A study containing interviews with more than 100 people, including several dozen members of indigenous communities and representatives of non-governmental organizations (NGOs), documents how the establishment and expansion of palm oil plantations in Indonesia has adversely affected the rights of indigenous peoples to their forests, livelihoods, food, water and culture.

Read more about the problem of palm oil in the Borneo and Sumatra Islands.

10 Curiosities about Borneo

1. Borneo has the oldest rainforests on the planet. At approximately 130 million years old, the Borneo rainforest is twice as old as the Amazon rainforest of South America.

2. It is estimated that there are 170 ethical languages on the island.

3. In Borneo you can find the Rafflesia Arnoldii, the largest flower in the world and smelling of rotten corpses. That’s why it’s been dubbed the “Corpse Flower.” Although it produces this smell to attract insects, it’s not carnivorous. Insects help pollinate plants so they can reproduce.

4. Borneo is the third largest island on the planet just behind Greenland and New Guinea.

5. It has 15,000 different plant species.

6. Orangutans are endemic to Borneo and Sumatra in Indonesia. These are the only two places where you can see them in their natural environment.

7. More than 100 of the animals are endemic to Borneo. Endemic means that you can only find the animal in that particular place, so for Borneo having more than 100 of these animals is extraordinary. They include testous monkeys, Borneo cloudy leopards and Borneo rhinos. Biologists researching in the country are finding more species daily, so it’s a very exciting time to see the island’s wildlife.

Remember that you can also write to [email protected] if you need help planning your Indonesia trip.

Enjoy your trip to Borneo!

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When is the best time to visit Borneo?

• Month-by-month

The best time to visit Borneo is between March and October, when the island is hot, humid, and at its driest. This makes it one of Southeast Asia’s few summer destinations. It is also the best time to see orangutans in the wild, while turtles can be seen on Lankayan Island between June and September.

During the rest of the year, Borneo experiences a tropical climate, and the rains come to water the forest below. It’s hot and humid, with temperatures averaging 27°C to 32°C, and humidity usually at around 80%.

However, there’s always somewhere to break up the trip. Trek up Mount Kinabalu to be rewarded by stunning views and a cooling breeze, or head to the beaches for some swimming and world-class snorkelling.

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Month-by-month guide for travelling in Borneo

Visiting Borneo in January

During January, Borneo sees some of its highest rainfall for the year; particularly in Sarawak. Sabah will most likely receive less rain at this time, but storms and high winds can make sea travel and reaching the more rural areas difficult. The poor weather also means that much of the wildlife remains hidden from view as animals shelter in the dense forest.

Events & Festivals

• Chinese New Year (date varies): Chinese New Year is celebrated throughout Borneo with the usual festivities of singing, dancing and merrymaking.

Visiting Borneo in February

You should still expect to see some rainfall in Sarawak over this time, but it shouldn't impact your exploration too much. Lower visitor numbers and drier weather in Sabah — particularly in the north — make February an appealing month to visit if you are looking to take advantage of low season promotional offers; with Kota Kinabalu and the northern coast, including Gaya Island , being warm and relatively dry at this time. However, southern areas such as Danum Valley and the Sipadan Islands are still likely to receive heavy rainfall.

Visiting Borneo in March

Visitor numbers are still relatively low at this time of year, and for the most part, the island is dry. As such, this is a wonderful time to visit; taking advantage of shoulder season offers and lower crowds. This is also the start of the whale shark season.

Visiting Borneo in April

April is one of the best months to visit Borneo, as dry weather dominates. It also has some of the best conditions for trekking, and you'll have a good chance of seeing some orangutans.

Visiting Borneo in May

During May, Borneo should have good weather all round, making it a perfect time to visit before high season prices set in. Orangutans are out in full force, making jungle treks extremely rewarding. This is also a good time to visit the beaches as their white sands are basked in sunshine.

• Gawai Dayak/Harvest Festival (31st May - 1st June): An annual festival celebrated by the Dayak people in Sarawak, where it's a public holiday. It's marked with the sharing of food, decorated longhouses and traditional dress.
• Malaysian Labour Day (1st May): A national holiday throughout Malaysia — including Borneo — in celebration of the economic and social achievements of workers.
• Miri Jazz Festival (May): A two-day festival where local and international jazz musicians perform for visitors from around the world.

Visiting Borneo in June

Hot, dry weather is present across most of Borneo in June, with the occasional rain shower occurring on Borneo's northern coastline. June marks the start of turtle season off Lankayan Island, while the fruiting season is in full swing in the forest, causing orangutans to venture closer as they forage. All of this makes June an extremely attractive time to visit.

• The King's Birthday (first Saturday in June): A national holiday marking the birth of Yang di-Pertuan Agong, Malaysia's head of state.

Visiting Borneo in July

July is perhaps the most popular time to travel to Borneo as it experiences near perfect conditions throughout. Turtle season continues to enthral visitors, and orangutans are still active among the fruit trees. You should expect greater crowds and high season prices during this time of year.

• Borneo Cultural Festival (July): Annually held in Sibu, this ten-day festival includes traditional music performances, various contests and plenty of good food.
• Rainforest Music Festival (July): Renowned world musicians and indigenous musicians of Borneo gather in Kuching to perform, with lectures and workshops also taking place for visitors.

Visiting Borneo in August

With conditions similar to July, if not better, booking far in advance is recommended as jungle lodges and beach properties fill up fast. Baby turtles begin to hatch on the beaches and fruit is still abundant in the forests, making this a great time to visit for wildlife enthusiasts.

• Borneo Arts Festival (August or September): A variety of performances celebrating the arts take place over a week on the island of Labuan.
• Hari Merdeka (31st August): Malaysian Independence Day commemorates the independence of the Federation of Malaya from British colonial rule in 1957.

Visiting Borneo in September

It's the end of turtle season on Lankayan Island, and hotel prices start to return to normal. However, the weather remains fine and dry throughout, so it's still a very appealing time to visit for relaxing on the beach, snorkelling, and wildlife watching on Kinabatangan River .

• Borneo International Kite Festival (September or October): Hundreds gather at Old Bintulu Airport, Bintulu to fly colourful — and often complex — kites.
• Hari Raya Haji (September): Celebrated by Muslims around the world, when those who are able are required to undergo the hajj pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca.
• Malaysia Day (16th September): Commemorates the establishment of the Malaysian federation in 1963. It marked the joining together of Malaya, North Borneo, Sarawak and Singapore to form Malaysia.

Visiting Borneo in October

October is a great month to catch the last of the good weather prior to the rains setting in. Shoulder season prices take effect, and orangutans can still be seen in the wild. This is also the prime time for diving at Sipadan.

• Deepavali/Diwali (October): The Hindu 'Festival of Lights' is celebrated throughout Borneo as families gather to pray and give gifts.

Visiting Borneo in November

Visitor numbers decline as rainfall and thunderstorms return to Borneo. The rains create lush jungle, attracting an abundance of wildlife. Fewer people at national parks and sanctuaries may mean that this is a favoured month for keen wildlife enthusiasts who don't mind getting wet.

Visiting Borneo in December

Thunderstorms and rainfall during December can hinder access to parts of Borneo and mean that wildlife sightings are not as common. We would therefore avoid travelling to Borneo at this time.

Borneo Climate Guide

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Best Time to Visit Borneo

When to visit borneo, borneo seasons at a glance.

• Wet Season (September-February): Rain with frequent afternoon downpours, less tourist traffic.
• Dry Season (March-early September): Short showers in the afternoon, along with hot & humid temperatures.

Borneo Weather and Average Temperature

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The Best Time to Visit Borneo, Malaysia

June 28, 2018 by Lauren Melnick

Last Updated on August 22, 2020 by Lauren Melnick

Borneo is one of the top destinations in the world for wildlife and nature lovers.

(Side note: I am obsessed with the island and can’t wait to go back).

It’s home to endangered orangutans, pygmy elephants and the proboscis monkeys – and that’s just on land. If you venture into the ocean, you’ll find sea turtles laying their eggs on the nearby Lankayan Island (!) and whale sharks are easily spotted with visibility reaching up to 40 metres.

(The beautiful coral reefs and marine life are enough to tempt me to try scuba diving again.)

But when you decide to go to Borneo will impact on what you can expect to see as well as how much you’ll be paying for accommodation.

With the island lying on the equator, Borneo doesn’t experience the typical four seasons in a year. Instead, you’ll find a dry and wet season that will dictate the type of weather and how much wildlife you encounter on your trip.

Here’s what you need to know about the best time to visit Borneo, Malaysia!

Table of Contents

Dry Season in Borneo: March to October

While other Southeast Asian destinations like Thailand and Vietnam are at their wettest, Borneo is dry.

The best time to visit Borneo for budget travellers is in March.

There is little chance of rain, fewer crowds and it’s the start of whale shark season. With fewer people visiting the island during this month, you’ll have a wide choice of accommodation and be able to stay in some of the best lodges at a fraction of the price.

Read Next:  How to Backpack Sepilok, Borneo on a Budget

Borneo in April is excellent for trekking.

There is less chance of rainstorms, and you’ll have a good chance of seeing wild orangutans while exploring the trails. The lack of rain means conditions are perfect for summiting Mt Kinabalu, the highest mountain in Borneo.

And with temperatures reaching 29°C, the pristine beaches of Kota Kinabalu, Gaya Island and Lankayan Island are beckoning you to cool off in their turquoise waters.

Bring on the coconut drinks!

May marks the beginning of high season in Borneo.

Prices for accommodation will start to increase as more visitors arrive. But if you don’t mind making more room in your budget, jungle trekking is at it’s best with the orangutans and other wildlife out in full force.

If you’re a music lover, don’t miss the Miri Jazz Festival . Held in Sarawak every year in May, the 2-day event invites well-known artists from all over the world.

Borneo in June is the best time to visit Borneo to see wild orangutans.

The island’s fruiting season is at its peak, and the promise of food lures the notoriously shy creatures out of the depths of the forests.

J une also marks the start of turtle season at Lankayan Island. Travellers can book a stay at the island’s resort for a chance to watch the adult Green and Hawksbill turtles make their way to the shore to lay their eggs.

If that’s not enough turtle action for you, the island also has a hatchery that you can volunteer at and help with conservation efforts.

July is the most popular time to visit Borneo.

Schools in Australia and Europe are on holiday, and the island boasts near-perfect weather conditions. It’s also the height of turtle nesting season and the trees are still fruiting, increasing the chances of spotting a wild orangutan or two.

The only downside to visiting Borneo in July is that prices are high. You’ll need to book your trip in advance to lock in lower rates and secure a spot at your first choice hotel or lodge.

Borneo’s internationally acclaimed Rainforest World Music Festival takes place in July. It’s one of the largest events in Southeast Asia and attracts thousands of people from around the world for 3-days of dancing in the mud, attending traditional instrument workshops, film screenings and so much more.

August is the best time to visit Borneo for animal lovers.

The baby turtles start to hatch from the shores of Lankayan Island, and there is plenty of fruit in the forests keeping the orangutans around. But just like July, you’ll need to book your trip as early as possible.

The Borneo Arts Festivals takes place for 7-days in August. Held on the island of Labuan, it showcases the best of traditional and progressive music, dance performance, tattoo shows and original artwork.

Borneo in September is a good time of year to visit the beaches of Sabah, the nearby islands and the Danum Valley Conservation Area.

As turtle season starts to wind down, prices begin to drop in Borneo. The days in September are still sunny, and it’s still a great time of year to head to the Kinabatangan River for wildlife watching.

You might even catch a glimpse of the elusive pygmy elephants!

October in Borneo is the last month of the island’s dry season. While the rain showers are becoming more frequent, the weather is still good and it’s an excellent time of year for diving in Sipadan.

Borneo’s visitor numbers also start to wind down. You’ll have fewer people booking safaris and an easier time finding deals at the lodges and resorts.

Wet Season in Borneo: November to February

The wet season isn’t the best time to go to Borneo if you’re looking for good weather and tons of animal sightings.

November is another excellent time to visit Borneo, Malaysia for budget travellers. The frequent rainstorms keep most visitors away, driving down prices for hotels, tours and flights.

If you can handle the higher humidity levels and don’t mind getting wet, you’ll find fewer people at the national parks, dive areas and sanctuaries.

And while the weather isn’t ideal, animal sightings are still possible in November.

December is not the best time to visit Borneo for wildlife tourism. The heavy thunderstorms make it harder to access some parts of the island such as Sarawak.

But there are some dry spells in the Danum Valley and the Kinabatangan River if you want to go trekking.

January is Borneo’s wettest time of year. It’s difficult to reach the island’s more rural areas, and the poor weather makes it hard to spot wildlife in the dense jungle.

If you can’t avoid travelling to Borneo in January, stick to Sabah. It’s drier compared to other parts of the island, more accessible and accommodation will be cheap and easy to find.

The weather starts to improve in February, making it a good time to visit Borneo for its wildlife and the northern beaches.

There are plenty of low season deals in the drier areas of Sabah, Kota Kinabalu and Gaya Island and hardly any crowds.

The southern parts of Borneo such as Danum Valley, Sarawak and the Sipadan Islands still receive heavy amounts of rainfall and should be avoided if you’re looking for a sunny holiday.

• How to Backpack Sepilok, Borneo on a Budget

Comment below if you have questions or tips about the best time to visit Borneo, Malaysia!

Psst…Do you want more South East Asia travel inspiration? Check out my other posts:

• How To Backpack Sepilok, Borneo on a Budget
• 8 Unusual and Adventurous Things To Do in Bali
• How To Travel Krabi, Thailand With Less Than R 2,000

Hey, did you find this post informative? Save it to refer to later on Pinterest!

About Lauren Melnick

Lauren Melnick is the founder of Wanderlust Movement, Wander to Here and is a South Africa travel blogger. She's been travelling the world as a full-time freelance writer since 2016 and has visited over 40 countries.

When she isn't typing up a storm, you can find her conquering overnight hikes around the Western Cape, rock climbing, and hosting sold out group travel trips around South Africa, Namibia and Morocco.

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The Best & Worst Times to Visit Borneo in 2024 (Our Take)

Written by: Author Debra Carpenter  |  Reviewed by: Andrew Helling

Debra Carpenter is a Nashville-based editor and content creator. Having written for respected publications like Forbes and HuffPost, she’s committed to bringing her passion for writing about travel to the masses... Learn More

Andrew Helling is a licensed pilot, travel enthusiast, and the founder of Travellers Worldwide whose travel expertise has been quoted in countless publications across the web. Armed with a laptop and a Wi-Fi connection, he loves exploring the world with his wife and son and is always on the hunt for cheap flights and new adventures... Learn More

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What's the best time to visit Borneo?

The best time to visit Borneo is between May and September, which is the peak season with ideal weather for beach activities, safaris, and wildlife exploration. During this period, temperatures range from 86F-95F, and the decreased rainfall makes activities like hiking in Bako National Park and wildlife spotting in Danum Valley more enjoyable.

Wilderness seekers who want to find adventure in island rainforests, mountains, and amazing indigenous cultures need look no further than Borneo.

We’ll look at the best time to visit Borneo for different purposes — enjoying the best weather, finding the most affordable prices, and avoiding big crowds — along with the worst time to visit in this complete guide. 

This is a wild and fascinating place on the other side of the world, but if you want the most memorable experience, you’ll need to head down when Borneo’s weather, tourism, and prices cooperate with your goals for the trip. 

The Overall Best Time to Visit Borneo

BorneoRimbawan/Shutterstock

The overall best time to visit Borneo is between May and September, which includes the peak season. This is when the weather is ideal for beaches, safaris, and exploration while wildlife is more active in the rainforests.

You can expect moderately hot high temperatures between 90F-95F this time of year in Borneo, peaking in July. It’s slightly cooler in the northern region of Sabah, where mountains shield the area from extreme temperatures and keep things closer to 86F-87F. 

Borneo’s dry season isn’t exactly arid — this is a heavily forested island and things stay pretty humid and wet year-round. But from May to September, the rains slack off enough to make hiking through Bako National Park in Sarawak and spending time on the beaches of Gaya Island much more pleasant. 

May through September is the prime time to lounge on the beaches of Sabah, to explore the small coastal islands like Lankayan and Gaya, to climb Mount Kinabalu in the national park, to take a fascinating Kinabatangan River cruise, and to go on safari or head off into the rainforest for wildlife spotting opportunities in the Danum Valley. 

Orangutans come out to feast on fruit in the rainforests, turtles lay their eggs in droves on Lankayan Island, and whales can be seen migrating off the coast in July, August, and September.

This is a really rewarding time of year to visit if you want to go on safari or spot wildlife as you explore the wilderness. You’ll pay slightly more for a hotel room during this part of the year because it’s the much-awaited dry season.

Here’s how much Borneo 2- and 3-star hotels cost on average each month:

• May: $30-$33/night
• June: $32-$38/night
• July: $34-$37/night
• August: $35-$37/night
• September: $35-$41/night
• October: $44-$48/night

If you’re coming to spend time on Borneo’s beaches and offshore islands, prices will be higher. At the high-end 4- and 5-star beach resorts in Borneo in places like Gaya Island, you can expect the following nightly averages:

• May: $269-$421/night
• June: $317-$439/night
• July: $314-$509/night
• August: $125-$535/night
• September: $282-$467/night
• October: $151-$431/night

You can check out the following festivals and events if you decide to go during the best time to visit Borneo:

• Pesta Kaamatan (May 30-31) is a harvest festival in the Sabah region where locals celebrate and honor ancient legends and history related to rice, a staple food in the culture, with ceremonies, costumes, food, and rituals
• The Harvest Festival (May 31 to June 1) or Gawai Dayak celebrates the Dayak peoples’ history in Sarawak with traditional food and costumes, offerings, a chicken sacrifice, art, and brewed drinks
• Sabah Dragon Boat Race (early June) is celebrated annually with intricately crafted dragon boats racing across the River Milo with native music and costumes adding to the experience along with booths and stalls on Likas Bay
• Rainforest World Music Festival (mid-July) in Kuching is a 3-day festival featuring the musical talents of indigenous tribes with traditional instruments, local food, drinks, and dancing
• Borneo Jazz Festival (mid-July) brings jazz musicians from around the world to Miri, Sarawak for 2 nights of back-to-back performances
• Borneo Cultural Festival (late July) is a massive, 10-day cultural exhibition event on the square in Sibu, Sarawak that honors the island’s indigenous tribes and their customs, traditions, dress, and food 
• Hari Merdeka (August 31 to mid-September) or Malaysian Independence Day celebrations begin on the actual holiday (Aug. 31) and extend to Malaysia Day (Sept. 16) with festivals, fireworks, food, dancing, and cultural exhibitions throughout Borneo
• Borneo International Kite Festival (late September) gathers kite enthusiasts and crafters in Sarawak for a high-flying festival of color and flight
• Borneo Sonic (early October) in Kuching, Sarawak is a growing music festival that puts K-Pop artists front and center along with rappers, pop artists, and booths 

During the peak months of July and August, you’ll notice limited hotel availability along with higher prices this time of year (especially during July, the traditional festival and holiday month). It’s still well worth it for the improved weather and wildlife spotting opportunities. 

Cheapest Time to Visit Borneo

none5999/Shutterstock

The cheapest time to visit Borneo is from November to March, when hotel prices hit their annual low point as the rainy season takes over.

More rainfall means fewer tourists come to Borneo during the wetter period from November to March. As rainfall begins pouring down to the tune of 9″ to 20″ per month, crowds clear out and hotels begin dropping their nightly rates to adjust to the much lower demand. 

Here’s a look at how much 2- and 3-star Borneo hotels cost during the cheapest months of the year:

• November: $16-$19/night
• December: $18-$20/night
• January: $22-$25/night
• February: $22-$25/night
• March: $22-$28/night

While it’s never very costly to stay at a Borneo hotel (excluding the luxury beach resorts), you can feel good about saving a little money by staying during these more affordable months when rooms might cost you less than $20/night. 

It’s a less accommodating time for some of Borneo’s most popular destinations and activities, like hanging out on the beaches, exploring the rainforests and jungles, or going on safari due to all the rainfall. But the rain does bring one grand benefit to the island: Lush greenery unlike anything you’ve ever seen. 

The rainforests, jungles, and mangrove swamps drink up the excess moisture from November to March, exploding in greenery and color as the flora enjoys the most ideal conditions this lively biome could imagine.

You may have a harder time spotting wildlife as the leafy plants block your views, but it’s great for a short, guided hike or Kinabatangan River safari to see the swollen waterways and dense forests this time of year. 

You can reliably spot wildlife during this time of year by heading to one of Borneo’s wildlife sanctuaries or rescue centers in between storms.

There are fewer festivals and events during this part of the year because of the rainfall, but here are some ideas to check out:

• Sabah Hospitality Festival (mid-November) has the motto “My cuisine, my culture” and features a huge range of dishes and ingredients that indigenous tribes have used for centuries offered at the local convention center
• Tamu Besar Kota Belud (late November) outside of Sabah’s Kota Kinabalu is a Malaysian festival and open-air market bringing together farmers, craftsmen, and fishermen with a buffalo parade and race, great costumes, and more
• Kiulu 4M Challenge (early December) takes place in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah in Borneo where 4 sports beginning with “M” are played competitively: Manampatau, mamarampanau, managkus, and mamangkar (all involving bamboo)
• Miri Time Square and Gong Xi Bazaar (early to mid-January) celebrates the Chinese New Year in the Miri old city center of Sarawak with costumes, traditional music, dance, food, and more
• Feast of Fortune (mid-January) in Sabah’s International Convention Centre brings a traditional Chinese menu promoting blessings for the new year to guests and revelers
• Borneo Lunar Fest (February) celebrates the Lunar New Year with traditional lion dance, artwork, costumes, street markets, parades, craft workshops, and more in Kota Kinabalu 
• Pesta Makan Kreatif Kota Kinabalu (late February) is a giant food truck and vendor festival offering a mix of modern street food twists on native cuisine and traditional favorites that will make your mouth water
• A Taste of ASIAN Ramadan Dinner Buffet (late March to early April) is a huge buffet of over 700 dishes and treats from Royal Malay roots offered to celebrate Ramadan in a fun, communal setting at the convention center in Sabah

Expect to see at least some rainfall nearly every day from November to March when prices are at their lowest, but know that there will be some periods to dry out in between the short, heavy storms. 

Least Busy Time to Visit Borneo

Yusnizam Yusof/Shutterstock

The least busy time to visit Borneo’s most popular destinations is between March and June, before the summer high season arrives and just after the brunt of the rainy season. 

Conditions are still somewhat wet in March, April, and June, but things start to clear up as the months roll on toward summer.

Sarawak sees the fewest tourists of the year in April, Kota Kinabalu in Sabah gets very quiet April-June, and popular destinations like Gaya Island are less busy overall during the late spring and early summer months. 

The temperatures between March and June remain somewhat steady (as is usually the case across Borneo), reaching highs around 87F-91F in different regions of the island.

It’s definitely hot, but if you’re planning on staying shaded in the rainforest, swimming at the beach, or heading deep into the jungles and wildlife centers, you may not mind the heat as much. 

You can expect a sharp drop in precipitation in most parts of Borneo around the end of March, when rainfall may slope from over 18″ to under 10″ in a month. It’s never going to be totally dry in Borneo thanks to the tropical climate, but this less-busy time of year is actually pretty nice in terms of general weather and overall rainfall levels. 

Check out the average prices for 2- and 3-star hotels in Borneo during these months of the year — moderate and not too expensive:

• April: $26-$30/night

If you think you’ll be heading to one of Borneo’s beach resorts instead, you will pay more for your room, especially in popular areas like Gaya Island:

• March: $293-$366/night
• April: $287-$430/night

Soaking up the start of the dry season with fair weather and moderate prices makes it easy to enjoy this less-busy period from March to June when you’re visiting Borneo. 

You’ll also find plenty of events and festivals to go to during this season as people get out and about to enjoy the weather:

• Borneo Ultra-Trail Marathon (mid-March) in Kiulu Valley, Sabah takes place each year as runners put their stamina and speed to the test in the beautiful and challenging terrain of the valley 
• A Taste of ASIAN Ramadan Dinner Buffet (late March to early April)  gives you a chance to dine with the community in celebration of Ramadan with over 700 dishes to choose from in traditional and modern Asian cuisine styles
• Pesta Kaamatan (May 30-31) is a smaller harvest festival in Sabah honoring the use and versatility of the staple ingredient and crop, rice, that is a core part of many Borneo dishes and meals with parades, costumes, food, and more
• The Harvest Festival (May 31 to June 1)  is also known as Gawai Dayak and celebrates the indigenous Dayak people with offerings, a chicken sacrifice, parades, artwork, indigenous costumes and dress, and storytelling
• Sabah Dragon Boat Race (early June)  is when dragon-adorned boats race across the River Milo in Sabah to see who’s fastest with parades, music, food, and vendors back on shore at Likas Bay 

If you’re hoping to sidestep crowds of tourists, the lull between March and June is an all-around great time to visit. You’ll see slightly lower prices on hotels and resorts and enjoy better availability when you’re browsing for vacant rooms and flights. 

Worst Time to Visit Borneo

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The worst time to visit Borneo is during December and January, which tend to be the rainiest (and in some regions, busiest) months of the year. 

Rainfall is a natural thing across the island of Borneo and it’s what keeps the forests, jungles, rivers, and wildlife thriving. But for visitors, the rainy months of December and January are the worst possible time to go. 

You might appreciate the slightly cooler temperatures during these months (84F-88F highs with 71F-74F lows), but at the expense of almost constant cloudy skies and precipitation. Some areas get over 20″ of rain in December alone, though December is drier in some regions (like Kota Kinabalu, where it rains less than 10″ this month). 

January isn’t much better in terms of rainfall for Borneo, seeing over 14″ to 18″ of precipitation throughout the month with ever-present clouds that can put a damper on beach trips, rainforest tours, safari cruises, and mountain treks. 

While the rain makes visits less enjoyable in December and January, these months tend to bring lots of travelers and hotels can be scarce. The upside to visiting? Prices are lower than average and more affordable. 

There are some open-air markets, sports competitions, and Chinese New Year celebrations that take place in December and January (you can see some of these events under the Cheapest Time to Visit section). 

While you might save some money and find a few events happening, the heavy downpours of the Borneo rainy season make December and January far from an ideal time to visit.

Things to Consider

Omkoi/Shutterstock

Making sure to go during the best time to visit Borneo is only one planning step you should take. Keep the following pointers and travel tips in mind to gear up for the best possible Borneo experience! 

• Take in the indigenous culture. From the Dayak headhunting history to touring traditional longhouses of the Iban tribe, a huge part of what makes Borneo so captivating is its long and storied past with several indigenous tribes and influences. You can tour indigenous-style buildings, visit historic farms, attend cultural festivals and events, and shop at markets where traditional wares and spices are sold. 
• If you really want to explore, book flights. Borneo is a big island and its different regions are so varied that they’re all worth exploring independently. Roads aren’t always the best path to take and eat up valuable travel time, so plan on booking domestic flights to make your way to different regions of the island to save more time for exploring and enjoying yourself. Malaysia Airlines, Royal Brunei Airlines, Singapore Airlines, and Air Asia are a few of your options for these quick, domestic flights. 
• English is widely spoken. While Malaysian, Indonesian, and Chinese languages are the most common in Borneo, people speak English here, too. You’ll find that cab drivers, hotel and restaurant staff, and tourist attraction workers will speak English well enough to make communication a breeze for U.S. and U.K. travelers. 
• Protect yourself from mosquitoes. Mosquito-borne illness and disease can be life-threatening, and unfortunately, Dengue fever and malaria are both concerns when visiting Borneo, even in urban areas. Take measures to protect yourself by using plenty of insect repellant indoors and outdoors, covering your bed with mosquito netting, and wearing light-colored, loose clothing that covers your arms and legs completely. 
• Check travel advisories before you go. While Borneo is generally a safe place to visit , this island is not without its safety risks. Currently, there is a level 2 travel advisory urging travelers to exercise caution when going to Eastern Sabah in Malaysian Borneo due to the risk of tourist-targeted kidnapping on ferry boats and at island resorts in the area. 

So, When Should You Visit Borneo?

The best time to visit Borneo overall is between May and September. It’s the peak of the dry season, promising great weather, less rain, and more opportunities to enjoy cultural festivals, explore, and see wildlife.

Borneo is an enigma to many travelers, offering so many lush landscapes to explore, amazing biodiversity, a tasty melting pot of cuisines and flavors, and rich, indigenous cultures that make it more than worth a visit — especially during the prime May to September dry season.  

When to Go: Is Borneo Safe to Visit in 2024? | Safety Concerns

Borneo » Travel Tips » Best time to visit Borneo – When to go?

Best time to visit Borneo - When to go?

When planning your trip, you should, of course, consider the weather. In principle, you can visit Borneo all year round, but some times of year are more suitable than others. In this article we have compiled the most important information about the best times to travel to Borneo. You will discover:

• which time of year is best for which parts of Borneo
• when you have the best chance of seeing wild orangutans
• which months are ideal for diving
• when you should visit the island for a dream beach holiday

This is the best time to visit Borneo

Due to Borneo’s location, the climate is tropical. Therefore, heavy rainfall is to be expected all year round. 3,000 to 4,000 litres of rain fall per square meter every year. Temperatures remain warm throughout the year. They usually range between about 29.5 – 32 °C (85 – 89.5 °F) at the height of the day and drop to about 22 – 24 °C (72 – 75 °F) at night. The water is always about 28 – 29 °C (82 – 84 °F) and is thus pleasantly warm. Humidity is consistently around 80%.

As temperatures are consistent, rainfall is the most critical factor when choosing when to travel. If such thing as a dry season exists on the world’s third largest island, it would be from March to September. More accurately, however, we must say that there is simply less rain that falls during this period compared to other months. Even in the dry season, therefore, you must be prepared for regular and potentially heavy rainfall.

Temperatures also peak in the dry season, and the number of hours of sunshine is higher than October to February. This is why the period from March to September can be considered the best time to visit Borneo.

The best time for orangutan sightings, diving, and beach holidays

If you want to see orangutans in the wild, June to September is the best time to go. Then the jungle is in fruit season, and the primates are usually closer to the ground.

Divers also get their money’s worth during the dry season. Visibility is excellent, and the sea is calm. From March to May, hammerhead sharks pass by Layang Layang, while between April and September, turtles from the waters around Sipadan lay their eggs on the island.

For beach vacationers, the best time to travel to Borneo is March to May. Then it is nice and hot at the beaches around Kota Kinabalu, and on the east coast, the rainfall is at its lowest while the hours of sunshine are highest.

A visit in the rainy season is also worthwhile

Nevertheless, Borneo really is a year-round destination. Although the rainy season from October to February brings more rain than the dry season, they are often relatively short, torrential showers. Before and after these, the weather can be beautiful. Our climate charts (see below) show that the number of hours of sunshine per day in the rainy season is only about 1.5 – 2 hours less than in the dry season.

Visiting the island during the rainy season also has its advantages. For instance, it is significantly less frequented by tourists – and so not only is there more peace and quiet at the famous national parks and city attractions, but accommodation is also somewhat cheaper.

Climate charts for all parts of Borneo

Due to the size of Borneo, the weather naturally varies from region to region. From Mount Kinabalu in the northeast to the southwest, a mountain range runs across the island, influencing the climate. Below you will find information and climate charts for the six largest cities.

When to go to Kuching (including climate chart)

Kuching is located in the northwest of the island. The region around the city is one of the main tourist destinations. This is because there are enthralling national parks, fascinating caves, and free-roaming orangutans. However, Kuching is also a particularly wet region. The driest months are June and July, while the period from April to September is considered the dry season and, therefore, the best time to visit.

• Find out why a trip to Kuching is worth it in our travel report

Climate chart Kuching

The best time to visit Kota Kinabalu (including climate table)

Kota Kinabalu is another worthwhile stop in Borneo and located on the north coast. The offshore islands with their gorgeous beaches are a trendy place to spend a few days relaxing on the beach. Kota Kinabalu is comparatively dry. The best time to travel is February or March: there is a good chance that you will be spared heavy rain showers at this time. The temperatures during this period are also suitable for a beach holiday.

• Read our post on Kota Kinabalu and the surrounding area

Climate chart Kota Kinabalu

The best travel time for Sandakan (including climate chart)

The area around Sandakan in the northeast of the island is another where there is a lot to discover and thus is popular with tourists. March to July is the time when you can expect the least rainfall, which is why we recommend these months for a visit.

• Find out everything you need to know about Sandakan

Climate chart Sandakan

The best time to visit Pontianak (including climate chart)

Pontianak is located in the western-Indonesian part of the island. Temperatures are warm all year round, and the driest months are February and March as well as June to August, which is why we recommend these as the best time to visit.

Climate chart Pontianak

The best time to travel to Balikpapan (including climate table)

Balikpapan is located on the east coast of Kalimantan. Although it is also warm here all year round, the temperatures are about 1 – 2 °C (2 – 4 °F) cooler than in most other regions of the island. On the other hand, there are relatively few rainy days, and annual rainfall is also relatively low. Balikpapan can therefore be visited all year round, with the fewest rainy days occurring in the months from June to October.

Climate chart Balikpapan

When to go to Banjarmasin (including climate table)

Banjarmasin is located in the very south of Borneo. Although rainfall is very regular there, the showers are not as heavy compared to other parts of the island: the southern tip is relatively dry. Rainfall is at its lowest from June to October.

Climate chart Banjarmasin

Frequently asked questions about when to travel

When is the rainy season in Borneo?

In Borneo, it rains regularly throughout the year. However, there is more rain from October to February, which is why these months are considered the rainy season. Rainfall is highest in December and January.

When is the best time to travel to Borneo to see orangutans?

You have a good chance of seeing orangutans all year round in the sanctuaries. However, especially during the fruit season from June to September, the apes may not need to rely on feedings as they may find enough food in the forests. If you want to see orangutans in the wild, the fruit season is the best time, since the animals often stay a little closer to the ground rather than high up in the treetops.

When can you have the best jungle adventures?

Generally, the dry season from March to September is most suitable for jungle treks. However, the rainy seasons can vary depending on which national park you’re intending to visit. Our climate charts for six regions will help you find the best time to visit the different parks.

When should you come to Borneo for a relaxing beach holiday?

If you want to relax on the beach in Kota Kinabalu or on the islands off the city, January to May is the best time. We recommend the months of March to September for the islands off the east coast of Borneo.

When is the best time to spot pygmy elephants?

The dry season from March to September is best if you want to see pygmy elephants.

When should you not visit the island?

Borneo is a suitable destination at any time of year. Temperatures are consistent throughout the year, and it rains all year round. However, heavy rain showers are to be expected in December and January. Therefore, we do not recommend travelling during these months if it is not necessary.

When is the best time to go on a river safari on the Kinabatangan River?

The less rain, the higher the chances are of animal sightings. This is because, during heavier showers, many animals retreat into the forests and can no longer be seen from the river. Rainfall at Kinabatangan River is lowest from March to July.

When should you come to Borneo to see proboscis monkeys?

You have the best chance of seeing proboscis monkeys from March to September, during the dry season. This is because the animals retreat deeper into the forests during rain showers.

When is the best time to climb Mount Kinabalu?

The best time to climb Mount Kinabalu , Southeast Asia’s highest mountain, is during the drier months from March to September. This is when the chances of your rain jacket staying in your backpack are highest.

When is the best time to travel for a diving holiday?

Since the water is calmer during the dry season, we recommend the period from March to September for a diving holiday. You can expect good diving conditions in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park as early as January.

When should you visit the island to see birdlife?

You can see birds all year round.

The best time to visit Borneo: our recommendation

When choosing when to travel, the temperature isn’t really a key factor. There are only a few areas on earth where temperatures are as consistent throughout the year as they are in Borneo. It is, therefore, a suitable travel destination all year round, although you should take rainfall into account. Whilst this can vary significantly from month to month, you should expect heavy rain showers all year round, so it is advisable to pack weatherproof clothing .

If you’re willing to accept the higher risk of rain, you will also have a great holiday in Borneo during the rainy season. Otherwise, we recommend the dry season from March to September. The main tourist season is from May to September. During this time, accommodation is often booked up well in advance or only few vacancies are available. Accordingly, higher prices are to be expected.

Check this out

Are you looking for more information for your trip? Then we recommend our post about highlights in Borneo as well as our travel tips .

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Best time to visit Borneo

The best time to visit Borneo is during the dry season, which typically falls between the months of March and October. Borneo lies within the tropics and for this reason you should expect high humidity and rain at any time of the year, the seasons do not vary as dramatically as they do in other parts of the world.

The wettest months are generally between November and February when the Northeast Monsoon hits, with the milder better months for travel being between March and October. Do be prepared for rain at any time of year as you’ll be exploring rainforest, however the dry season is a lot busier and can be more expensive.

Specifically, the peak tourism season is between May and September, and accommodation can be booked up well in advance for these periods, particularly in the rainforest areas such as Danum Valley where there are less lodges, making early booking highly recommended.

Talk to a Borneo Destination Specialist

The best time to visit borneo.

High rainfall sees Borneo’s wildlife sheltering in the dense forest, meaning they are difficult to find. We would not recommend traveling at this time if you are looking to see the orangutans.

January is not the best time to visit Borneo, with high humidity, heavy rainfall and hiding wildlife.

Diving is not recommended as the seas can be very rough with storms brought on by the winds of the north-east monsoon. In Sabah, the temperature is around 27 degrees Celsius for the month with about 300 mm of rainfall. By sticking to the north, it is possible to travel in January if you avoid the roads as they can be rough with the heavy rain. We do not recommend heading to the Sarawak area of Borneo, which includes Kuching, Damai Beach, and Mulu National Park.

March to October

The dry season from the end of March to the beginning of October is the best time for wildlife, when there is less rain and it is hot and humid throughout. The trees are fruiting, particularly between June and August, meaning the orangutans venture down from the trees to feast; they would eat a diet consisting of 100% fruit if they were able to!

November to February

Despite being commonly perceived as the ‘wet’ season in Borneo, travel to the world’s third largest island during these months is still completely possible. Rainfall is generally unpredictable at any time of year so you should be undeterred by 'wet' season forecasts. With the highest rainfall and roughest waters, it is possible to travel but we don't recommend it as conditions are not favorable for wildlife and much of it hides in the dense jungle.

If you want to see Orangutans

As soon as the rains start to cease, around April and May, the hungry apes can be seen swinging from branch to branch in search of plump ripe fruit, as well as for potential mates. April to August has the driest weather giving optimal chances of good sightings of orangutans in the wild. See the new born baby orangutans starting to emerge, as they make their way out into the creeping boscage for the first time now it’s not so wet!

Borneo Safaris

Borneo Photographic Safari

Join us on this photographic safari, specialist-led by a seasoned professional in the realm of photography, Charlie Ryan. Capturing the essence of Borneo’s wildlife through his lens, Charlie’s work has been published in National Geographic, BBC, and Netflix.

Borneo Short Safari

From swinging orangutans and honking proboscis monkeys, to sandy beaches and exploring the jungle; this safari is perfect for families with just the right mix of wildlife, relaxation and adrenaline.

Ultimate Borneo Rainforests Adventure Safari

A wild adventure into Borneo’s jungles in search of the fascinating wildlife that call it home; from swinging orangutans to honk-nosed proboscis monkeys.

View All Borneo Safaris

Things to do in Borneo

Visit the orangutans.

Borneo is one of the few places on Earth where you can see orangutans in the wild. Head to places like Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre in Sabah to observe these incredible primates up close.

River Cruises

Take a river cruise on the Kinabatangan River or the Borneo Rainforest River in search of wildlife, including pygmy elephants, proboscis monkeys, and a variety of bird species.

Trekking and Jungle Adventures

Go trekking through Borneo's lush rainforests, like Danum Valley Conservation Area in Sabah, which offers a pristine environment for nature lovers.

Night Safari

Experience the fascinating nocturnal wildlife by going on a night safari in one of Borneo's national parks.

What to Expect from Wildlife Holidays in Borneo

Visit The Orangutans In Borneo

Despite being one of the most instantly-recognisable and endearing animals on the planet, orangutans are in fact critically endangered. There are now only around 60,000 orangutans remaining in the wild, and these great apes need our help now more than ever.

The idea of working with orangutans is something many of us dream of, and by becoming an orangutan volunteer in Borneo, you will be making a real difference to this incredible species while also marking an extraordinary experience off your bucket list. The Great Projects are proud to offer the opportunity for you to visit the orangutans in Borneo on any one of our many orangutan projects: spend time at the Samboja Lestari Orangutan Sanctuary to volunteer with our arboreal cousins; pay a visit to the world-famous IAR Sanctuary in Indonesian Borneo; or make a difference when visiting orangutans on the award-winning Great Orangutan Project.

Volunteering with orangutans will be a worthwhile and memorable experience for any conservationist - to make a difference to our closest relative in the natural world, visit Borneo and take part in an orangutan experience with The Great Projects.

Projects Do More

The Great Orangutan Project

7 - 28 nights from $994.00.

Volunteer with orangutans on this award-winning orangutan project at Matang Wildlife Centre in beautiful Borneo!

Samboja Lestari Orangutan Volunteer Project

12 - 26 nights from $1,744.00.

Work on enrichment for 112 orangutans and 72 sun bears at the world-renowned Samboja Lestari Rescue Centre

Family Volunteering in Borneo

6 nights from $1,057.00.

Travel with your family to Borneo, and see how you can aid orangutan conservation whilst meeting indigenous tribes-people on this exciting wildlife safari!

The Great Orangutan and Pygmy Elephant Project

11 nights from $1,744.00.

Help to restore Borneo’s rainforest and provide a safe home for wild orangutans and pygmy elephants.

Nyaru Menteng Orangutan Sanctuary

12 - 26 nights from $1,494.00.

Help to rehabilitate the largest number of captive orangutans in the world at this world-renowned orangutan sanctuary in Borneo!

Tours See More

The Great Iban Longhouse Experience

The Orangutan and Tribes Tour

Visit the orangutans in borneo information, orangutans at a glance.

Endangered Status

Critically Endangered

Number remaining in the wild

Around 60,000

Endemic Region

Borneo And Sumatra

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Orangutan, Heal Thyself

For the first time, scientists observed a primate in the wild treating a wound with a plant that has medicinal properties.

By Douglas Main

Scientists observed a wild male orangutan repeatedly rubbing chewed-up leaves of a medicinal plant on a facial wound in a forest reserve in Indonesia.

It was the first known observation of a wild animal using a plant to treat a wound, and adds to evidence that humans are not alone in using plants for medicinal purposes.

The male orangutan, Rakus, lives in the Gunung Leuser National Park on the island of Sumatra and is thought to be around 35 years old. For years researchers have followed orangutans like him on his travels through the forest, threading his way through the canopy in search of fruits to eat.

Scientists within the Suaq Balimbing research area of the park first noticed a wound on his face on June 25, 2022, when they saw his self-medication behavior begin.

“Once I heard about it, I got extremely excited,” said Isabelle Laumer , a primatologist with the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior in Germany, in part because records of animals medicating themselves are rare — even more so when it comes to treating injuries. She and colleagues detailed the discovery in a study published Thursday in the journal Scientific Reports.

The plant Rakus used, known as akar kuning or yellow root, is also used by people throughout Southeast Asia to treat malaria, diabetes and other conditions. Research shows it has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.

Orangutans rarely eat the plant. But in this case, Rakus ingested a small amount and also coated the wound several times. Five days after the wound was noticed, it had closed, and less than a month later “healed without any signs of infection,” Dr. Laumer said.

Michael Huffman, a visiting professor at the Institute of Tropical Medicine at Nagasaki University in Japan, who wasn’t involved in the study, said, “This is to the best of my knowledge the first published study to demonstrate an animal using a plant with known biomedical properties for the treatment of a wound.”

Primates have been observed appearing to treat wounds in the past, but not with plants. A group of more than two dozen chimpanzees in Gabon in Central Africa have been seen chewing up and applying flying insects to their wounds , said Simone Pika, an expert on animal cognition at Osnabrück University in Germany who documented that observation.

Orangutans have been spotted using medicinal plants in a different way: In 2017 scientists reported that six orangutans in Borneo rubbed the chewed-up leaves of a shrub with anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties onto their legs and arms, probably to soothe sore muscles .

“The general patterns of application are similar, and that is good for our understanding of the species’ propensity for this type of medication behavior,” Dr. Huffman said.

Examples of self-medication in primates remain uncommon and the behavior is incompletely understood. Chimpanzees, bonobos, gorillas and white-handed gibbons are all known to occasionally eat rough, whole leaves, presumably to help them expel parasites. Dr. Huffman and others have also seen chimps chewing the bitter pith of a plant called Vernonia amygdalina to treat worm infections.

But that behavior is not unique to primates. Indian civets, a catlike mammal, also swallow whole leaves, most likely to be rid of worms . Various birds engage in a strange behavior, called anting , in which they rub themselves in ants , to help them treat feather mites or other parasites. Hundreds of species of bees also harvest flower extracts that prevent fungal and bacterial growth in their colonies, which could be considered a type of preventative self- or group-medication.

Dr. Laumer hopes the study of Rakus will help create more appreciation — and desire to protect — the Sumatran orangutan, a critically endangered species. Even after 30 years of study in the park, researchers are learning new things.

Just in the past few years, scientists have shown orangutans can solve complex puzzles, engage in planning for the future, playfully tease one another and laugh — like humans.

“There are so many things we still don’t know about these apes,” she said.

Saying It With Flowers

With their countless applications and natural beauty, flowers can fill your days with color and wonder..

Floral artists are forgoing vases in favor of dramatic arrangements on the ground .

Hibiscus blossoms are as dazzling as they are ephemeral. In an age of shortened attention spans, they are having a resurgence .

Once considered fusty and unfashionable, corsages and other floral adornments are enjoying a renaissance .

Regal and otherworldly, the gloriosa lily has enchanted florists with its flamelike form and incendiary colors. But the bloom is every bit as dangerous as it looks .

Floral flavors may call to mind molecular gastronomy and dainty delicacies, but flowers have for centuries been part of cuisines  around the world.

The humble chamomile flower is suddenly everywhere. Here is how it came to captivate the worlds of fashion and food .

Looking for an online flower delivery service? Wirecutter tested more than a dozen .

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• Published: 02 May 2024

Active self-treatment of a facial wound with a biologically active plant by a male Sumatran orangutan

• Isabelle B. Laumer 1 ,
• Arif Rahman 2 ,
• Tri Rahmaeti 2 ,
• Ulil Azhari 3 ,
• Hermansyah 4 ,
• Sri Suci Utami Atmoko 5 &
• Caroline Schuppli 1  

Scientific Reports volume  14 , Article number:  8932 ( 2024 ) Cite this article

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Although self-medication in non-human animals is often difficult to document systematically due to the difficulty of predicting its occurrence, there is widespread evidence of such behaviors as whole leaf swallowing, bitter pith chewing, and fur rubbing in African great apes, orangutans, white handed gibbons, and several other species of monkeys in Africa, Central and South America and Madagascar. To the best of our knowledge, there is only one report of active wound treatment in non-human animals, namely in chimpanzees. We observed a male Sumatran orangutan ( Pongo abelii ) who sustained a facial wound. Three days after the injury he selectively ripped off leaves of a liana with the common name Akar Kuning ( Fibraurea tinctoria ), chewed on them, and then repeatedly applied the resulting juice onto the facial wound. As a last step, he fully covered the wound with the chewed leaves. Found in tropical forests of Southeast Asia, this and related liana species are known for their analgesic, antipyretic, and diuretic effects and are used in traditional medicine to treat various diseases, such as dysentery, diabetes, and malaria. Previous analyses of plant chemical compounds show the presence of furanoditerpenoids and protoberberine alkaloids, which are known to have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, antioxidant, and other biological activities of relevance to wound healing. This possibly innovative behavior presents the first systematically documented case of active wound treatment with a plant species know to contain biologically active substances by a wild animal and provides new insights into the origins of human wound care.

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Introduction.

In the early 1960s Jane Goodall first described the presence of whole leaves in the feces of chimpanzees ( Pan troglodytes ) at Gombe Stream, Tanzania 1 . By the late 1990s, this behavior, now called whole leaf swallowing, was documented at several African great ape study sites, along with bitter pith chewing, and demonstrated to have therapeutic, anti-parasitic functions 2 . Since then, various forms of self-medication have been observed in wild great apes (e.g., 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 ). Some of the most detailed evidence for animal self-medication comes from research in primates (e.g., 1 , 2 , 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 ).

Animal self-medication is now divided into five categories 2 , 4 : (1) sick behaviors, such as anorexia; (2) avoidance behaviors, such as avoiding e.g. feces, contaminated food or water; (3) prophylactic behaviors, such as routine consumption of foods with preventive or health maintenance effects; (4) therapeutic behaviors, defined by the ingestion of a small amount of a biologically active or toxic substance with no or little nutritional value for the curative treatment of a disease or its symptoms, and; (5) therapeutic topical application of pharmacologically active plants onto the body for the treatment of external health conditions or placement of such species in the nest as a fumigant or insect repellent 13 . Several of these behaviors can be found in wild apes 2 .

While sick and avoidance behavior (category 1 and 2) can be regularly observed in non-human animals (e.g. 14 ), self-medication in the form of ingestion of specific plant parts (prophylactic and therapeutic behavior, category 3 and 4) is widespread, albeit exhibited at low frequencies (e.g., 15 , but see 16 ). So far, leaf swallowing has been reported in chimpanzees ( Pan sp. ; e.g., 7 , 9 , 16 , 17 ), bonobos ( Pan paniscus 3 ), gorillas (e.g. Gorilla beringei graueri 18 ), and in only one Asian ape species, the white-handed gibbon ( Hylobates lar ) 19 . Another study reported the consumption of plant species directly related to the occurrence of parasite infections in individual orangutans ( Pongo sp. ), but not correlated with the plant’s distribution in the environment 20 . Another therapeutic self-medicative behavior seen in chimpanzees is bitter pith chewing of Vernonia amygdalina to treat worm infection 8 , 10 , 13 . Despite the plant’s year-round availability, the behavior is highly seasonal, peaking during the rainy season when worm infections also peak 8 , 13 . Interestingly, as Vernonia amygdalina is not evenly distributed in their home range, the apes often need to actively adapt their usual travel routes to gain access to the plant 13 .

Among Bornean orangutans ( Pongo pygmaeus ) there are several reports proposing the intentional ingestion of specific plant species also used in ethnomedicine for their medicinally active properties. In Sabah, Malaysia, a 4- to 5-year-old severely wounded female Bornean orangutan was observed eating ginger leaves and stem (Zingiberaceae) 21 . Ginger is known as a traditional medical plant against inflammation with antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal properties 22 , 23 , 24 , 25 . In 7 years of observation, no other individual, except two flanged males was ever observed feeding on the same ginger species at that study site. The researchers concluded that the juvenile may have attempted to treat itself with these plants. Another study, which interviewed 13 traditional healers from Central Kalimantan, showed that Bornean orangutans feed on the same plant parts from two plant species ( Uncaria gambir Roxb and Pternandra galeata Ridl ), used by traditional healers for treating internal illness, tumors, and haemorrhage 26 . Additionally, they observed a female Bornean orangutan selectively choosing young leaves of Mezzetia sp. , the pulp of Dyera lowii and Ilex cymosa , and leaves of Belang Handipek ( Scolopia macrophylla) 27 . This plant combination is used in ethnomedicine as a prevention against fatigue 27 . Despite these reports, overall, evidence of plant consumption for self-medication in orangutans is still limited.

Reports of the topical application of plants or insects to one’s own body (category 5) are found in a limited number of taxa, but the evidence for medicinal benefits remain mostly anecdotal (e.g. 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 , 32 , 33 , 34 , 35 , 36 , 37 , 38 ). However, there is growing evidence for the application of biologically active plant compounds to the skin in orangutans. At Sabangau peat swamp forest in Central Kalimantan, two adult female and one adolescent female Bornean orangutans were observed chewing leaves of Dracaena cantleyi for three to five minutes and then rubbing the resulting green-white lather onto their arms and legs for up to 35 min 11 . Ten years later, a follow-up study confirmed the same behavior in six additional adult females and one flanged male of the same population (the lather was similarly applied and massaged into the skin for up to 45 min 6 ). The behavior appeared to be intentional as only specific body parts were treated, the behavior was repeated several times until the hair was fully wet and the entire process took a considerable amount of time 6 , 11 . Orangutans were never observed ingesting the leaves 6 . Dracaena cantleyi is a medicinal plant used by indigenous people for several medical treatments including sore muscles, joint or bone pain 6 , pain after a stroke 6 and swelling 11 . Indeed, pharmacological analyses revealed that Dracaena cantleyi inhibits TNFα-induced inflammatory cytokine production thereby acting as an anti-inflammatory agent 6 .

There are some brief anecdotal mentions of chimpanzees using leaves (plant species unknown) to wipe blood from their wounds 39 , 40 . Active wound treatment with a substance has only recently been documented for the first time in a great ape species. Chimpanzees of the Rekambo community ( Pan troglodytes troglodytes ) in the Loango National Park, Gabon, were observed applying insects to their own wounds (n = 19) and to the wounds of conspecifics (n = 3) 5 . The five adult males, one adult female, and one juvenile female applied the insects in the same sequence: they caught a dark-colored, winged insect approximately 5 mm in size (unidentified at the time of publication), immobilized it by squeezing it between the lips, then applied the insect to the wound moving it with their mouth or finger, then removed it. The last two steps were usually repeated several times. Further research is needed to investigate the efficiency of this behavior. Active wound treatment has also been described in a captive capuchin monkey, that was observed grooming her vaginal area and four of her own wounds with a sugar-coated tool 41 . However, as the authors noted that the capuchin was used to having her wounds treated with an antibacterial salve topically applied by caregivers.

We here report for the first time active wound treatment with a known biologically active plant substance by a male Sumatran orangutan in the wild, and discuss the hypothesis that this may be a form of self-medication to treat a wound and possibly prevent infection and accelerate wound healing.

The observations took place in the Suaq Balimbing research area (N 3° 02.873′, E97° 25.013′), a part of the Gunung Leuser National Park in South Aceh, Indonesia. The research area is approximately 350 ha and consists mainly of peat swamp forest. Since 1994, the wild Sumatran orangutans ( Pongo abelii ) at Suaq have been the subjects of non-invasive, almost exclusively observational research.

Subject information

A male Sumatran orangutan named Rakus was first observed in March 2009. At that time, Rakus was an unflanged male (i.e., adult but without secondary sexual characteristics 42 ) and was estimated to be born in the late 1980s. He is either a resident to the area or a frequent visitor 43 , 44 , 45 . Rakus went through a secondary growth spurt in 2021 and has been a fully flanged male since August 2021.

Data collection procedure

Data on orangutans at Suaq Balimbing are collected using all-day focal follows. Data collection starts when an individual is found or when they leave their night nest in the morning until they build a new night nest in the evening. Data is collected at two-minute intervals following standardized protocols for orangutan behavioural observations. Furthermore, all rare behaviors are described in detail on an all-occurrence basis in the notes section of the data sheets.

Rakus was a focal individual from June 22 (on the day this fresh wound was first noted) to June 26, from June 28 to 30, on July 5, July 19, and August 5, 2022. The wound treatment data was collected on June 25, 2022, and described in detail in the notes section of the data sheets. Unfortunately, no photos or videos were taken of the wound treatment.

We took detailed pictures of the plant specimen that was used by the orangutan to ensure reliable identification (see Fig.  2 ). However, due to a lack of the necessary permits, we were unable to collect and store a physical sample of the specimen. The pictures of the specimen were compared to the site’s detailed picture-based herbarium which was established at the beginning of the research activities at Suaq Balimbing via samples collected at the site in partnership with the National Herbarium of Indonesia and the National University of Indonesia (UNAS).

Ethical guidelines

The data collection in wild orangutans was strictly observational and collected without any interaction with the study animals. The research protocols were approved by the Ministry of research and technology (RISTEK; research permit no. 152/SIP/FRP/SM/V/2012 and following) and complied with the legal requirements of Indonesia.

On June 22, 2022, our research team (including UA) first noticed that Rakus had a fresh wound on his right flange (see Fig.  1 , see movie S1 ) and inside his mouth, first visible when he emitted a long call; see movie S2 ). How he got the wound is unknown, however typically flanged males acquire these kinds of wounds during fights with other flanged males. Vocal evidence of a fight between orangutan males was reported earlier on the same day of this observation.

Process of wound healing. Rakus fed on and later applied the masticated leaves of Fibraurea tinctoria to his facial wound on June 25. On June 26 he was again observed feeding on Fibraurea tinctoria leaves (see photo). By June 30 the wound was closed and by August 25 was barely visible anymore.

On June 25 at 11:16, Rakus started feeding on the stem and the leaves of the liana of Fibraurea tinctoria (see Fig.  2 ), also known as ‘Akar Kuning’ (for other synonyms and classification of the plant, please see SI, Table S1 ), which is part of the orangutans’ diet in this area. The liana is rarely eaten (0.3% of all feeding scans, n = 390′000), but 47 out of a total of the 132 orangutans on which we have collected feeding data were observed consuming its leaves, fruits, or parts of the stem. Thirteen minutes after Rakus had started feeding on the liana, he began chewing the leaves without swallowing them and using his fingers to apply the plant juice from his mouth directly onto his facial wound. This behavior was repeated several times and lasted seven minutes. After this period, at 11:36, flies of an unknown species appeared on the wound. Rakus then smeared the entire wound with the plant pulp until the red flesh was fully covered with the green leaf material. He then continued feeding on this plant for a total of 34 min. The next day (June 26), but not on any other of the following observation days (June 28, 29, 30; July 5, 19, 20), he ate leaves of Fibraurea tinctoria again for two minutes (pictures (Figs.  1 and 2 ) and one video (see movie S1 ) were taken on June 26th while he was feeding on Fibraurea tinctoria ).

Left: Pictures of Fibraurea tinctoria leaves. The length of the leaves is between 15 to 17 cm. Right: Rakus feeding on Fibraurea tinctoria leaves (photo taken on June 26, the day after applying the plant mesh to the wound).

Observations over the following days did not show any signs of the wound becoming infected (see photos taken on June 26 and 28; Fig.  1 ) and by June 30 the facial wound was already closed (see Fig.  1 and movie S1 ). By July 19, 2022, the wound appeared to have fully healed and only a faint scar remained (see Fig.  1 ).

Furthermore, UA (who collected the focal data) noted that Rakus rested more than usual after being wounded, which may positively affect wound healing as growth hormone release, protein synthesis and cell division are increased during sleep 46 , 47 . When considering the percentage of time spent resting (based on 2-min interval activity scans) between January 30, 2021 (since then he has been considered a flanged male; this is important to consider, as flanged males in general rest more than unflanged males 12 , 48 ) to February 22, 2023, we noticed that resting time increased after being wounded (June 22, 2022, to July 20, 2022; mean = 33 ± 17.2%) compared to the time before (January 30, 2021, to November 8, 2021; mean = 14.8 ± 7.4%) and that resting time decreased again after the wound had closed (August 5, 2022, to February 22, 2023; mean = 23.6 ± 12.9%; see SI, Figure S1 ). He spent more than 50% the day resting after he was found with the fresh wound (June 23, 2022; 52.2% of resting), the day after wound treatment (June 26, 2023; 51%), and four days after treatment (June 29, 2023; 54.3%; see SI, Fig. S1 ).

To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first systematic documentation of the putative active wound treatment with a biologically active plant substance in great apes and other non-human species. In this study, the flanged male orangutan Rakus was observed to selectively detach, chew, and repeatedly apply the chewed leave juice directly on his three-day-old facial wound for several minutes and covered the entire wound with a chewed-up leaf mash. Additionally, Rakus rested more when the wound was fresh compared to before and after wounding.

The treatment of human wounds was most likely first mentioned in a medical manuscript that dates back to 2200 BC, which included cleaning, making plasters and bandaging of wounds 49 . One of the earliest known wound care products used by the Sumerians, Greek, Mayans and Egyptians were oil, herbs, maggots, beer, vinegar, wine, green paint containing copper and honey 49 , 50 .

Fibraurea tinctoria , has other generic names such as Akar Kuning (Central Kalimantan), Akar Palo (Aceh), and Yellow Root (East Kalimantan 51 ). It is an evergreen, climbing plant in the family Menispermaceae, with a broad distribution across Mainland China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam and other areas of Southeast Asia 52 , 53 , and is known for its analgesic, antipyretic, antidote, and diuretic effects, and is used in traditional medicine to treat condition such as dysentery, diabetes, and malaria 51 , 54 , 55 . All plant parts have been reported to be used for these medical applications, including leaves, stems, roots and bark 54 .

Pharmacological analysis of the plant’s chemical compounds shows the presence of furanoditerpenoids 56 , a special group of diterpenoids composed of one or more aromatic furan rings (with four carbon atoms and one oxygen), which are reported to have antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, antioxidant, and anticarcinogenic biological activities 55 , 56 . Fibraurea tinctoria also has a high concentration of protoberberine alkaloids, which have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, anticonvulsant, antiamnesic, narcotic, antiarrhythmic, antihemorrhagic, hypotensive, antioxidant, antitumoral, antidiuretic, antiulcer, and muscle relaxant properties 57 . It also contains jatrorrhizine (antidiabetic, antimicrobial, antiprotozoal, anticancer, and hypolipidemic properties; reviewed in 58 ) and palmatine (anticancer, antioxidation, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral properties; reviewed in 59 , 60 ). Among 38 plants used in ethnomedicine and grown in South Vietnam, Fibraurea tinctoria showed the highest activity tested for antimalarial effects 61 . It has also been shown that the leaves and stems of Fibraurea tinctoria inhibit the growth of several bacteria species, including Bacillus cereus , Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli 53 , 62 . Fibraurea tinctoria also showed a significant anti-inflammatory effect in reducing mouse paw edema 55 .

Like all self-medication behavior in non-human animals, the case reported in this study raises questions about how intentional these behaviors are and how they emerge. Similar to plant ointment behavior in Bornean orangutans 6 , 11 , the behavior of the Sumatran flanged male orangutan reported here appeared to be intentional as (I) he selectively treated his facial wound on his right flange with the plant juice (and no other body parts), (II) the behavior was repeated several times, not only plant juice but later also more solid plant material was applied until the wound was fully covered and (III) the entire process took a considerable amount of time. It is possible, that wound treatment with Fibraurea tinctoria emerges through accidental individual innovation 63 . Individuals may accidentally touch their wounds while feeding on Fibraurea tinctoria and thus unintentionally apply the plant’s juice to their wounds. As Fibraurea tinctoria has potent analgesic effects, individuals may feel an immediate pain release, causing them to repeat the behavior several times and subsequently apply solid plant matter possibly to also cover the wound as a protection against flies (as the case reported here suggests). Immature orangutans rely on observational social learning for the acquisition of their skill repertoires 64 and recent evidence suggests that social learning continues into adulthood 65 . Therefore, given that it occurs frequent enough and in social contexts, wound treatment with Fibraurea tinctoria may also spread socially from individual to individual.

However, up to date, in 21 years and 28′000 observation hours, we never observed any other orangutans at Suaq using Fibraurea tinctoria to treat their wounds. On the one hand, this may be due to the fact that we rarely encounter injured orangutans at Suaq. Due to high food availability, high social tolerance between orangutans and relatively stable social hierarchies (each area is usually inhabited by a dominant male and several females 66 ), there are few physical fights. However, during the time of this study, there was no clearly dominant male present in the research area. Rakus had just gone through his secondary sexual development in the year before the incident and, as a newly flanged male, he seemed to try to establish himself as the new dominant local male which is reflected in our behavioral data collected during this time. As a result of that, Rakus was involved in several long-call battles 66 and physical altercations with other flanged males that were resident in and around the area at that time. On the other hand, it may be that wound treatment with Fibraurea tinctoria has so far been absent in the behavioral repertoire of the Suaq orangutan population. Like all adult males in the area, Rakus was not born in Suaq (his origin is unknown). Orangutan males disperse from their natal area during/after puberty over long distances to either establish a new home range in another area (mostly as dominant flanged male) or are moving between other’s home ranges (as unflanged males or flanged males) 67 . Therefore, any adult male in an area does not originate from the area 67 . Thus, as of now, it is impossible to find out where the males come from. Therefore, it is possible that the behavior is shown by more individuals in his natal population.

Of the few injured orangutans that we observed at Suaq so far, we observed one other instance of possible wound soothing/treatment behavior. Flanged male named Pluto repeatedly put his injured finger into the water of a pitcher plant. The water may have had a cooling effect that could eventually relieve pain or help clean the wound.

Taken together, chemical analyzes of the properties of the Fibraurea tinctoria and the orangutan's particular goal-oriented behavior are consistent with the hypothesis that the process of preparing and applying herbal ointments may be a form of self-medication that reduces pain, prevents inflammation, and accelerates wound healing. The present study may thus present the first report of active wound management with a biological active substance in a great ape species and provides new insights into the existence of self-medication in our closest relatives and in the evolutionary origins of wound medication more broadly. As forms of active wound treatment are not just a human universal but can also be found in both African and Asian great apes, it is possible that there exists a common underlying mechanism for the recognition and application of substances with medical or functional properties to wounds and that our last common ancestor already showed similar forms of ointment behavior.

Data availability

The data of this study consist of detailed pictures of the wounded orangutan and the specimen used by the orangutan to treat the wound. All data are provided in the manuscript.

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Acknowledgements

The research at Suaq is funded by the Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior, the University of Zurich, the SUAQ Foundation, Stiftung Mensch und Tier Freiburg im Breisgau, and by a Freigeist Grant of the Volkswagen Stiftung to CS. We acknowledge all students, volunteers and local field assistants involved in the collection of standard behavioural data at Suaq. We gratefully acknowledge the Indonesian State Ministry for Research and Technology Badan Riset dan Inovasi Nasional (BRIN), Departement Dalam Negri, the Sumatran Orangutan Conservation Program (SOCP), Yayasan Ekosistem Lestari (YEL), the local government in South Aceh, the Balai Besar Taman Nasional Gunung Leuser (TNGL) in Medan and Tapak Tuan, and the Director General Departemen Kehutanan (PHKA) for their permission and support to conduct this research. We also thank the Fakultas Biologi Universitas Nasional (UNAS) in Jakarta for their collaboration and support, in particular, Tatang Mitra Setia.

Open Access funding enabled and organized by Projekt DEAL.

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Development and Evolution of Cognition Research Group, Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior, Konstanz, Germany

Isabelle B. Laumer & Caroline Schuppli

Department of Biology, Graduate Program, Faculty of Biology and Agriculture, Universitas Nasional, Jakarta, 12520, Indonesia

Arif Rahman & Tri Rahmaeti

SUAQ Project, Medan, Indonesia

Ulil Azhari

Yayasan Ekosistem Lestari (YEL), Medan, Indonesia

Fakultas Biologi, Universitas Nasional, Jakarta, Indonesia

Sri Suci Utami Atmoko

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IBL wrote the manuscript. UA collected the data and took photos and videos. AR helped obtaining detailed accounts of the observed behavior and commented on the manuscript. TR helped to obtain detailed accounts of the observed behavior, translated the focal follow protocol from Indonesian to English and commented on the manuscript. H and SSUA commented on the manuscript. CS reviewed and edited the manuscript text.

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Laumer, I.B., Rahman, A., Rahmaeti, T. et al. Active self-treatment of a facial wound with a biologically active plant by a male Sumatran orangutan. Sci Rep 14 , 8932 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-58988-7

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Received : 19 December 2023

Accepted : 05 April 2024

Published : 02 May 2024

DOI : https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-58988-7

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