Where can I see orangutans in the wild?

If there is one wildlife experience in Indonesia or Malaysia that leaves travelers utterly spellbound, it is encountering orangutans in their natural habitat.

Two destinations stand out for these extraordinary encounters: Borneo and Sumatra. Both offer unforgettable adventures, yet they are distinctly different and the choice depends on what kind of experience you are seeking.

Malaysia Borneo:

The Ultimate Rainforest Luxury at Danum Valley

Imagine stepping into a world where the rainforest stretches endlessly in every direction, the air is thick with the scent of wet earth and exotic flowers, and wildlife calls echo through the canopy. This is Borneo’s Danum Valley, home to one of the most pristine tropical rainforests on Earth. Staying here is an absolute privilege, especially at the Borneo Rainforest Lodge, widely regarded as the luxury standard among lodges in the region.

Borneo Rainforest Lodge

The lodge itself is seamlessly integrated into the forest, offering elevated walkways, open-air accommodations, and stunning views of the valley. The cuisine here is exceptional, with fresh, locally-inspired meals served in the lodge’s restaurant, making dining an experience in itself. Guests are paired with a personal guide, ensuring a tailored experience. You can join guided treks, wildlife safaris, and even night safaris to witness nocturnal animals in their natural environment.

For the full rainforest experience, a stay of 3–4 nights is recommended, and even 5–6 nights allows you to truly immerse yourself in the jungle. If you need a day off from trekking, the lodge offers relaxing massages and wellness treatments in the heart of the forest – a perfect way to recharge while still surrounded by nature.

The diversity here is mind-blowing: orangutans swing through the treetops, gibbons sing their morning calls, and hornbills and countless other birds fill the forest with color and sound. The sheer size and richness of the forest make every moment magical. Seeing an orangutan up close here is a memory you will carry for a lifetime - elegant, safe, and unforgettable.

Indonesia Sumatra: The Adventurer’s Paradise at Bukit Lawang

If Borneo is luxury in the heart of the rainforest, then Sumatra offers the raw, adventurous side of orangutan encounters. In Bukit Lawang, located at the edge of Gunung Leuser National Park, you step into a true jungle adventure. Here, there are no luxury lodges in the Borneo sense – instead, you may spend 1–3 nights in local forest huts, sleeping under the starry sky, fully immersed in nature.

My absolute recommendation is a 3-day trekking experience to fully enjoy the jungle. Guided by local experts, you will encounter orangutans, as well as long-tailed macaques, Thomas’s leaf monkeys, and a variety of exotic birds. Depending on your choice, you can embark on day safaris or more extended treks, including overnight jungle experiences. Meals are freshly prepared by locals, adding to the authenticity of the adventure.

Bukit Lawang also offers additional cultural experiences, such as visiting local villages, learning to make traditional soap, or taking a cooking class. Without any problem, you can spend 1–2 extra days before or after your trekking adventure to explore the area and soak in even more local culture. Every step in the forest, every sound, every sight of wildlife feels intimate and exhilarating.

Bukit Lawang is perfect for those seeking a hands-on, adventurous experience. The standard is different from Borneo, less about luxury, more about connection with the forest. Here, you feel part of the ecosystem, and watching an orangutan swinging through the trees is even more personal because it is raw, close, and wild.

Two Unforgettable Experiences,

One Important Choice

Both Borneo and Sumatra offer once-in-a-lifetime experiences with orangutans, but they are profoundly different.

• Borneo: Luxurious, comfortable, highly organized, with personal guides, fine dining, wellness options, and easy access to treks and safaris. Ideal for those who want to immerse themselves in pristine rainforest without compromising comfort.

  
  

• Sumatra: Adventurous, intimate, and authentic, with rustic accommodation in the jungle, freshly prepared local meals, cultural activities, and the chance to sleep under the stars. Perfect for travelers seeking raw encounters and multi-day jungle immersion.
  

From my perspective, both adventures are absolutely unique and extraordinarily special. Your choice depends on your preferences: do you want the luxury and ease of Borneo, or the authentic, hands-on adventure of Sumatra?

Either way, seeing orangutans in Malaysia or Indonesia is an experience that will stay with you forever, touching your heart and creating memories that no luxury or adventure alone can replace.

Borneo - Rainforest

Orangutan Experiences:

Signature Tours or Your Own Custom Adventure

We have incorporated both experiences into our tour packages, giving travelers the chance to enjoy the best of Borneo and Sumatra.

If you prefer to experience them differently, just let us know – we can tailor these adventures into your personal itinerary and plan them according to your wishes.

Plan your own custom adventure here