Orangutans in Malaysian Borneo
Borneo is divided into three countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, and the oil-rich sliver of Brunei. The Malaysian state of Sabah packs all the best attractions, including SE Asia’s highest mountain, jungle excursions, incredible food, and orangutan encounters. With the encroachment of Malaysia’s ubiquitous palm plantations, orangutans are now an endangered species. The Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary is the world’s largest, and covers a protected jungle of 43 square kilometres. Orphaned babies are reintroduced into the wild, and today there are hundreds of these colorful apes swinging in the forest canopy. Visitors are allowed near a feeding platform twice a day.
Length of Trip : 4 Days
Cost :
A day pass to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre costs about US$8. There is an additional US$3 fee if you wish to take photos.
Best time to go : Avoid the October - February monsoon season
Wheelchair friendly : Yes
Family friendly : Yes
Where to eat :
Seng Hing Kopitiam: Jalan Sinsuran, Pusat Bandar, 88000 Kota Kinabalu (Try the huang jiu tuaran mee!)
Laksa Melaka: Palm Square in Centre Point Sabah (Laksa Soup)
Official Site :
Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre
Experience the best of Sabah's natural wonders with World Expeditions
Malaysia, Truly Asia
Where to Stay :
Budget: Tune Hotel
Mid-Level: Imperial Boutec
High-End: The Shangri-La
Getting There :
Most international flights land in Kuala Lumpur, which is a short hour-long flight from the Kota Kinabalu Airport in Sabah.
Note from Robin :
During the 1800’s, the west was both fascinated and mortified by the idea of head hunting in Borneo. As with cannibalism in Papua New Guinea, when practiced these were complex rituals reserved for special occasions. Malaysian Borneo is divided into two provinces – Sabah and Sarawak. There are an estimated 32 indigenous groups on Sabah, and the biggest celebration of the year is Sabah Fest, taking place in May. Ethnic groups from across the province come together to celebrate the harvest with dance, feasting and music. The Gathering of the Tribes is a festival that takes place in Sarawak, bringing together its ethnic groups for celebration and performance.
