Orang-utans ("men of the forest" in Malay) are the emblematic primates of Indonesia and Malaysia, living mainly on the islands of Sumatra and Borneo. These great apes, known for their intelligence and complex behaviors, face a growing threat of extinction due to deforestation and habitat loss. Indonesia and Malaysia share the planet's last wild orangutans. Before setting off to meet them, be sure to travel responsibly, respecting the places where they live and supporting the protection initiatives put in place by the organizations that look after these incredible primates. The best time to see them is during the dry season, between April and September.
Where to go to see orangutans? Indonesia, from Sumatra to Borneo
In Indonesia, orangutans are found on the island of Sumatra and in Kalimantan, on the island of Borneo. In Sumatra, head for the north of the island to observe these mythical animals, of which there are less than 14,000 individuals here. More precisely, in and around Gunung Leuser National Park. Straddling the provinces of Aceh and North Sumatra, this 9,500 km2 park has been recognized as a biosphere reserve by UNESCO since 1981. And back in the 1980s, crossing the Gunung Leuser Park was an epic moment to spice up your travel stories. Today, the tarmac weaves its way through the forest... Ketambe (also known as Gurah) is the main access point to the national park. Arriving at Ketambe is a great moment. The bus stops in the middle of nowhere, all you see is a bamboo gargote, and the jungle spreads out everywhere. A superb hike leads from Ketambe to Bukit Lawang. It takes no less than 5 days' walking and 20 river crossings! Along the way, there's a good chance of encountering macaques and, above all, the mythical orangutans. In Bukit Lawang, on the edge of the park near the Bahorok River, you'll also find the Sumatran orangutan rehabilitation center. Much loved by Indonesians, they have long been adopted as pets. Local legend has it that these great apes could talk, but choose to remain silent so as not to be forced to work. Today, the species is protected and orangutans held illegally by private individuals are seized and reintroduced into the wild. This is a delicate process, which is why this center was set up in 1973. Since then, many orangutans have been released. However, some skeptics claim that the apes still present there serve primarily to attract tourists and support the local economy.
Where to go to see orangutans? The country's other orangutan center is located in Kalimantan, Borneo, one of the most beautiful places to visit in Indonesia, in Tanjung Puting National Park. Covering an area of 355,000 hectares, it is also a biosphere reserve recognized by Unesco since 1977. Camp Leakey, founded in 1971 by Dr. Biruté Galdikas, a pupil of primatologist and paleontologist Louis Leakey, has done much to safeguard these animals, which offer many surprises near the feeding platforms at Tanjung Harapan or Pondok Tanggui. And to discover the Dayak villages and orangutans in the heart of the jungle, we climb aboard a rangkan, a traditional river boat designed for ecotourism. The crossing is a permanent spectacle!
Where to go to see orangutans? In Malaysia, between rehabilitation centers and wild habitat in Borneo
In Malaysia, where there are many beautiful places to visit, it's also in the Borneo jungle that the "men of the forest" find shelter. An indirect victim of human expansion and economic development, this great ape's habitat is also shrinking daily. What will become of it if man continues to devastate his environment? The most gloomy scientific projections estimate that the species could disappear within ten years, while the most optimistic scenarios highlight the actions undertaken to save it. To protect these emblematic animals, Malaysia has set up two rehabilitation centers to care for injured orangutans and take in orphans before reintroducing them into the wild.
Where to go to see orangutans? The Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre,renowned worldwide for its exemplary commitment to orangutan preservation, takes in orphaned, injured or rescued primates. After receiving care and learning the skills needed to survive in the wild, the youngest are gradually reintroduced to the forest. However, some monkeys, unable to regain their autonomy, remain at the center for the rest of their lives. The orangutans are fed twice a day, at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., with bananas and milk. Around 200 individuals live in the reserve, but their presence on the observation platforms depends on their hunger, making each visit unique and with no guarantee of a sighting. Sepilok attracts many tourists, often just passing through on their way to Sipadan, Kinabatangan or Sukau. To maximize your chances of sighting, it's advisable to arrive 30 minutes before meals. Although the crowds can make the experience less peaceful, the majority of visitors only stay for around 20 minutes, leaving room for a little more tranquility at the end of the session. For a more immersive experience, extend your visit until closing time (11 a.m. or 4 p.m.) and don 't miss the open-air nursery, where the youngest learn the gestures essential to their rehabilitation. Despite its popularity, Sepilok remains one of the best places to observe these emblematic great apes in respectful conditions.
Located some twenty kilometers from Kuching, the Semenggoh Wildlife Centre is less touristy than the previous one, and is our favorite! It's one of the few places in the world where you can observe orangutans in semi-liberty in their natural habitat. Semenggoh Wildlife Centre is home to 25 individuals. These great apes are often seen at feeding time, but are rare during the fruiting season, when the forest naturally provides their sustenance. There's no guarantee of spotting one on a jungle walk, although the chances are of course high. If the experience of visiting the centers is disputed by some, it should be noted that the ringgit spent contributes directly to saving the orangutans.
Finally, for a 100% immersive experience, it's also possible to meet these primates in their wild habitat. Batang Ai National Park, in the state of Sarawak, is one of the country's best observation sites. With its high concentration of orangutans, it offers great opportunities to see them in their natural environment. The park stands out for its collaborative management with the Iban community, the region's indigenous people. You can explore the jungle on guided hikes, cruise the waterways on longboats, the traditional Iban dugout canoes, and spend the night in a longhouse, the typical community dwelling. In addition to orangutans, Batang Ai is home to a rich biodiversity, including majestic hornbills and agile gibbons. Whether you choose to visit a park or a rehabilitation center, don't forget to take along a pair of binoculars and a camera with a powerful zoom lens... And let yourself be moved by these fascinating primates, whose profound gaze seems to remind us of our own humanity!
Where to go to see orangutans? Zoos around the world
If your purse doesn't allow you to discover orangutans in Indonesia or Malaysia, zoos welcome primates all over the planet. In Asia, you can visit the Singapore Zoo; in Australia, the Perth Zoo or the Melbourne Zoo; in North America, the San Diego Zoo, the National Zoological Park in Washington or the Toronto Zoo in Canada. Finally, in Europe, these legendary primates can be seen at the Leipzig Zoo in Germany, while in France they can be seen at the Zooparc de Beauval or the Zoo du Jardin des Plantes in Paris.
