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Where & How to See Orangutans in Sabah (Borneo)

Where & How to See Orangutans in Sabah (Borneo)

Olly Gaspar

By Olly Gaspar, full-time traveler for 6 years. I visit every place I write about & share real tips, photos, & advice from my trips.

Seeing orangutans in Sabah was hands down one of the most important experiences on my Sabah itinerary. I spent weeks researching the best places to spot these incredible creatures, determined to see them in the wild and observe them in their natural habitat—not just behind fences.

Sabah, located in Malaysian Borneo, is one of the last strongholds for wild orangutans, but due to rapid deforestation, their habitats are shrinking fast. That makes finding the right places to see them challenging.

After exploring several orangutan sanctuaries and protected reserves across Sabah, I’ve gathered the most useful tips, insights, and firsthand experiences to help you learn everything need to know about seeing orangutans in Sabah, Borneo.

Overview: Where to See Orangutans in Sabah

Borneo, the third-largest island in the world and the largest in Asia, is one of the last remaining strongholds for orangutans, or the man of the forest.

Sabah is home to approximately 11,000 Bornean orangutans, significantly more than 1,600 in Sarawak, making it one of the best places, not only Borneo, but in the world to see these endangered primates in the wild.

  • Sabah’s rainforests are home to the Bornean orangutan which shares 96.4% identical DNA to humans.
  • It's said that orangutans could once swing from tree to tree across Borneo, but today, massive deforestation for palm oil plantations has restricted them to isolated rainforest pockets and sanctuaries.
  • While sanctuaries offer 100% guaranteed sightings, spotting orangutans in the wild along the Kinabatangan River or in Danum Valley offers a more authentic experience (more detail below).

In Sabah, orangutans are mainly found in the eastern and central rainforest regions, such as the Kinabatangan River, Danum Valley, and Tabin Wildlife Reserve. If it’s your first time in Sabah, you’ll likely fly into Kota Kinabalu, which is about 6–8 hours by road or a domestic flight from these orangutan habitats.

Don’t worry—I’ll cover all the details below on where to go and how to get to each place.

Orangutan in sabah

1. Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre

  • Location: Located near Sandakan, approximately 25 km (30 minutes by car) from Sandakan Airport.
  • Chances of Seeing Orangutans: 99% guaranteed, as rehabilitated orangutans regularly return for feedings.
  • Sightings: Semi-wild environment within a sanctuary setting

After exploring Kinabalu Park, we took a long overland journey to Sepilok specifically to visit the renowned Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre as this is the guaranteed place to see Orangutans in Sabah.

Established in 1964, this sanctuary is managed by the Sabah Wildlife Department and focuses on rescuing orphaned and injured orangutans, rehabilitating them for release back into the wild. The 43 km² Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve provides a semi-wild habitat where rehabilitated orangutans roam freely but often return to the feeding platforms.

I recommend staying in Sepilok and coming to the centre to see the Orangutans during feedings twice daily at 9:00 am and 2:00 pm. The entrance fee is RM 30 for international visitors.

While I prefered the other experiences of seeing wild Orangutans in Sabah, the center was a great first stop on my journey because I was able to learn a lot from their staff during guided boardwalks and educational videos.

My Recommended Hotel: Sepilok Nature Lodge

2. Kinabatangan River

  • Location: Eastern Sabah, stretching 560 km from the Crocker Range to the Sulu Sea.
  • Chances of Seeing Orangutans: Moderate to high; best chances during early morning and late afternoon river cruises.
  • Sightings: Completely wild setting; sightings depend on luck and timing.

The Kinabatangan River is by far my favorite wildlife experience in Borneo. Stretching 560 km, it's the second-longest river in Malaysia and flows through one of the most biodiverse floodplain rainforests in Southeast Asia.

This area is a haven for wildlife, offering the chance to spot wild orangutans along the riverbanks, as well as Bornean pygmy elephants, proboscis monkeys, crocodiles, and over 200 bird species, including hornbills and kingfishers.

Kinabatangan river in borneo

The best way to experience this incredible ecosystem is by joining a Kinabatangan River cruise—early morning and late afternoon trips offer the highest chances of spotting orangutans and other rare species in the wild.

Orangutan in the wild in sabah borneo

I highly recommend staying in Sukau, a small village along the river known for its eco-lodges and wildlife tours. Spending a few nights here allows you to take multiple river cruises each day, maximizing your chances of spotting orangutans and soaking in the rainforest's rich biodiversity. Some great accommodations in Sukau such as the Kinabatangan Nature Lodge and Kinabatangan Wildlife Lodge offer amazing accommodation in the rainforest with river cruise packages multiple times per day.

Kinabatangan river boat in sabah

My Recommended Package: 2-Day KK to Kinabatangan

If you want to save time & energy with public transport, check out this 2D1N Trip to Sandakan which includes transport & a guide to Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary, a Kinabatangan river cruise, and a visit to Gomantong Caves

3. Danum Valley Conservation Area

  • Location: Southeastern Sabah, about 70 km (2-hour drive) from Lahad Datu.
  • Chances of Seeing Orangutans: Moderate; sightings are possible but less frequent due to the dense primary rainforest.
  • Sightings: Completely wild and natural habitat; no feeding platforms or enclosures.

The Danum Valley Conservation Area is one of Borneo's most pristine and untouched rainforests, covering 438 km² of ancient, primary dipterocarp forest. This is one of the best places to experience Borneo's wilderness, with thriving populations of orangutans, clouded leopards, pygmy elephants, and over 340 bird species.

However, due to the dense canopy and vast terrain, spotting orangutans here can be challenging but would be incredibly rewarding when it happens. The experience is entirely wild, with no enclosures or feeding stations—just pure, untouched rainforest.

Most travelers stay at the Borneo Rainforest Lodge, the only accommodation within the conservation area, offering guided jungle treks, canopy walks, and night safaris.

Entry to Danum Valley requires a permit, often included in accommodation packages, with rates starting around RM 3,000 per person for a 3-day, 2-night stay, including meals and guided activities.

Orangutan in a tree in sabah, borneo

4. Tabin Wildlife Reserve

  • Location: Eastern Sabah, about 48 km (1.5-hour drive) from Lahad Datu.
  • Chances of Seeing Orangutans: Moderate; wild orangutans inhabit the area, but sightings can be quite unpredictable.
  • Sightings: Completely wild habitat with no feeding platforms or enclosures.

Tabin Wildlife Reserve is Sabah's largest wildlife reserve, covering 1,225 km² of lowland dipterocarp forest. This area was established to protect endangered species, including the Bornean orangutan, pygmy elephants, and the Sumatran rhinoceros. Although orangutan sightings are less frequent than in other areas, Tabin offers a truly wild and immersive experience in Borneo's rainforest.

Visitors can stay at the Tabin Wildlife Resort, which provides guided treks, night safaris, and visits to the Lipad Mud Volcano—a popular spot for wildlife observation. The dense forest means wildlife spotting requires patience, but experienced guides help track orangutan movements.

Entry is typically arranged through accommodation packages, with rates starting around RM 1,500 for a 3-day, 2-night stay, including meals and guided activities. For travelers seeking a quieter, off-the-beaten-path experience, Tabin is a rewarding destination for exploring Borneo's natural beauty.

Bornean orangutan in sabah, borneo

5. Deramakot Forest Reserve

  • Location: Central Sabah, approximately 190 km (5-6 hour drive) from Sandakan.
  • Chances of Seeing Orangutans: High; Deramakot is one of the best places to spot truly wild orangutans.
  • Sightings: Completely wild and natural habitat with no feeding stations or enclosures.

Deramakot Forest Reserve is a hidden gem for wildlife enthusiasts seeking an authentic and uncrowded experience. Spanning over 55,000 hectares, Deramakot is a sustainably managed rainforest known for its rich biodiversity and successful conservation efforts. It is one of the few places in Sabah where sightings of wild orangutans are considered highly likely, along with clouded leopards, pygmy elephants, and other rare species.

Due to its remote location and minimal tourism infrastructure, visiting Deramakot requires careful planning. While I didn't visit Deramakot Forest, it's clear that you will need to join guided multi-day tours departing from Sandakan, often involving off-road travel.

I found some basic accommodations available within the reserve, and they advertise guided night drives which significantly improve chances of spotting elusive nocturnal wildlife. Expect to pay around RM 2,500–RM 3,500 for a 3-day, 2-night package, including transport, meals, and guided activities.

6. Tawai Forest Reserve

  • Location: Near Telupid in central Sabah, about 2.5 hours (130 km) from Sandakan.
  • Chances of Seeing Orangutans: Low; wild orangutans inhabit the area, but sightings are less common due to the VERY dense forest.
  • Sightings: Fully wild and untouched habitat with no feeding platforms or tourist facilities.

Tawai Forest Reserve is an emerging eco-tourism destination in Sabah, offering a truly off-the-beaten-path experience for those who want to go the extra mile to see wild orangutans in Sabah.

Spanning 28,000 hectares, it consists of lush lowland rainforest and is a vital habitat for wild Bornean orangutans, sun bears, and various hornbill species. The reserve is less developed than other wildlife areas, making it ideal for adventurous travelers seeking a really raw experience.

For accommodation, the Tawai Rainforest Camp offers basic but comfortable eco-lodging nestled within the forest. Guided treks and nature walks provide opportunities to spot wildlife, although it looks like you'll need to be quite patient because the rainforest is very dense here.

Orangutan climbing on a rope in borneo

Orangutans in Sabah Borneo: Guided Trip or Independent Travel?

In my opinion, traveling around Borneo independently was surprisingly easy. This is how I spent my time traveling the country. There’s a well-connected public transportation system and affordable domestic flights from Kota Kinabalu to most regions, making it convenient to explore Sabah.

For example, getting from Sandakan to Sepilok is very straightforward—you can take a local bus or even book a Grab ride. Sepilok also has a wide range of accommodation options.

However, reaching more remote areas like the Kinabatangan River can be trickier. If you want to see the wildlife there I recommend contacting one of the lodges in Sukau directly or reaching out to my friend Mr. Choy, who offers reliable transport to Sukau for RM 75. He can also pick you up from Sepilok if it fits your route. You can contact him via WhatsApp at 019-536-1889.

Orangutan swinging on a rope in borneo

For more remote destinations such as Danum Valley, Deramakot, or Tabin Wildlife Reserve, it’s best to book with a reputable lodge or arrange a guided tour through a trusted agency in Kota Kinabalu. These tours handle permits, logistics, and offer expert guides who can greatly improve your chances of spotting orangutans in the wild.

Below, I’ve listed some highly rated tours that offer excellent opportunities to see orangutans in Sabah:

Palm trees in borneo

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Thanks for Reading

I’m Olly Gaspar, Australian adventure traveler and founder of We Seek Travel. Six years ago, I left home to travel full-time and started this website to share my journey. Today, it’s grown into one of the world’s largest free adventure travel resources, now supported by a team of passionate travelers writing travel guides to the places we visit.

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