Critically endangered, with a population thought to have dropped from 30,000 in 2000 to as low as 15,000 today, Orang-utan are now found on only two islands in the world: Borneo and Sumatra. For all visitors planning a trip here the first question is which country to choose?
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Southeast Asia
Borneo is a much more established place to see orang-utan and as a result provides people with a range of good range of quality rainforest accommodation along with highly experienced guides.
The Kinabatangan River flourishes with wildlife; protected reserves have been created in the lower basin and these now form an almost continuous narrow strip along a 200 kilometre stretch of river. This has attracted and sustained large populations of orang-utan as well as pygmy elephants, proboscis monkey, crocodile and all of Borneo’s native hornbill species.
Pros: Arguably the best birdlife in Southeast Asia, easily accessible just an hour boat ride from the city of Sandakan. By boat you have the chance to get very close to pygmy elephant on the river banks.Cons: There are few trails in to the rainforest so orang-utan are normally seen high up in the trees from the river and binoculars are vital.
Orang-utan are abundant in the Danum Valley; recent studies put the number at around 500 with possibly 17 resident to the immediate Borneo Rainforest Lodge vicinity. You will do your wildlife spotting on foot with a private guide; there are over a dozen trails through the surrounding rainforest that cater for all levels of fitness and the impressive canopy walkway gives a unique birds eye view.
Pros: One of the last remaining areas of primary rainforest in Borneo, sizeable population of orang-utan within close reach of the lodge, stunning location on the bend of a river valley.Cons: Two hours of very bumpy roads to reach your lodge base.
This expansive area of dipterocarp rainforest in the eastern part of Sabah, shelters an incredibly diverse range of flora and fauna. Tabin has several mud volcanoes and salt-water springs that are high in minerals and attract a variety of wildlife seeking these nutrients. These are great locations for viewing the forest inhabitants, that can also be seen on treks and night drives. Orang-utans, civet and leopard cats, hornbills, pygmy elephants and, if you are extremely lucky, western tarsiers can all be spotted.
Pros: The best place in Borneo for seeing wild cats, a great chance to see orang-utan in the wild as Tabin is the normal point of release after they have been rehabilitated at Sepilok.Cons: The accommodation is on the edge of the reserve rather than right in the heart of it.
Simple
Situated on Borneo's famous Kinabatangan River, Abai Jungle Lodge has an excellent position one hours boat journey from Sandakan and a similar time from Sukau village further upriver. Only...
Medium
At the heart of the Danum Valley Conservation Area lies the Borneo Rainforest Lodge. Several spacious bungalows have been built along the river and are connected by a wooden walkway....
The relaxed and friendly Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge has semi detached bungalows which are simply furnished but clean and comfortable. There are ensuite shower rooms with hot water and...