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Best time to see orangutans

Unlike many other wildlife watching trips, you can see orangutans any time of year - especially if you're heading to one of the superb sanctuaries or rehabilitation centres. But if you're planning to head to the beach, climb Mount Kinabalu or trek through the jungle, read our advice to ensure you avoid the rains and the worst of the tropical heat.

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Best time to see orangutans

Unlike many other species, orangutans neither migrate nor hibernate, and their two natural homes are free from cyclones and tornadoes.

In theory, orangutans can be seen year-round, especially in the rehabilitation centres and sanctuaries, where the question of when to see orangutans only concerns the set feeding times. November to February can be soggy, though, with most of the rain falling mid-afternoon in monsoon-style downpours, so jungle hikes can end up being pretty miserable in these months, and leeches more prevalent. However, there are savings on both flights and accommodation to be made by travelling in the low season. Shop around, and you might snag a bargain.

Call us for the best time to go on an Orangutan Holiday

Sepilok (Sabah) Weather Chart

MIN °C

MAX °C

RAIN (mm)

JAN

443

FEB

278

MAR

188

APR

120

MAY

154

JUN

190

JUL

184

AUG

241

SEP

231

OCT

230

NOV

300

DEC

435

Our Orangutan Holidays

When to watch orangutans

In reality, the best time to see orangutans is all year round as they're not actually going anywhere, especially in the rehabilitation reserves and wildlife centres of Sepilok. If you're hoping to watch orangutans in January or February then make sure you bring an umbrella, as this is still considered to be the tail end of the rainy season for both Borneo and northern Sumatra. However, just because you might get wet doesn't mean you won't see orangutans and there's many a bargain to be found during the traditional monsoon season that tends to stretch from October and November all the way through to March and April. If you're looking for heat then May, June and July never fail to get sun worshippers in a spin, although forest fires can put a cloud over proceedings and make Malaysia and Indonesia really quite unpleasant. September is one of Sumatra, Sabah and Sarawak's wettest months and probably best avoided if you're looking to combine trekking with orangutan watching. Consider southern Kalimantan for a much drier alternative.

Travel Team

If you'd like to chat about Orangutan or need help finding a holiday to suit you we're very happy to help.

01273 823 700

Call us until 6pm

Calling from outside the UK

rosy@responsibletravel.com

01273 823 700

Call us until 6pm

Calling from outside the UK

rosy@responsibletravel.com

The best time to see orangutans

Nicki Hollamby, a Borneo expert at our tailor made holiday specialists Audley Travel, shares her advice on when to see orangutans: “If you are spending the day at Sepilok, I always suggest you go to the afternoon feeding in your own time because although there are fewer orangutans, there are also fewer people.”

Kate Tyler, from our partner Odyssey World, on when to see orangutans:
“If you are looking to go to the Kinabatangan River area, I would avoid going earlier than about March or April, or in December, because the weather is atrocious. The rain is so heavy. It can be a year-round destination but when the rain is at its heaviest it can really hinder your experience. It can be really humid. Peak is probably from end of April through to October, so it’s perfect for a summer holiday destination – but it does get really busy.”

Tom Hewitt, founder of our supplier Adventure Alternative Borneo, shares advice on when to see orangutans: “It’s an all-year-round destination really. That’s the great thing about it. It doesn’t have huge typhoons like the Philippines, or monsoons like other parts of Southeast Asia. There’s no volcanoes, no earthquakes... If you’re doing serious trekking then you don’t want to go in the rainy season. But other than that it’s great year-round.“

More about Orangutan

Orangutan watching travel guide

Only two islands in the world are home to the orangutan: Borneo and Sumatra. Find out the best places to spot them swinging through the trees in their native forests as well as up close in superb sanctuaries in our orangutan watching travel guide.

Best place to see orangutans

Borneo and Sumatra are the only places you can see orangutans in the wild. Both Sumatra and the Indonesian region of Kalimantan, in Borneo, are somewhat more intrepid destinations, while the Malaysian provinces of Sabah and Sarawak are easier to get around.

Best place to see orangutans in the wild

Most travellers head to the rehabilitation sanctuaries to see orangutans in Borneo and Sumatra. But there are plenty of places to see orangutans in their natural habitat, too. Read our guide to find out the best places to see orangutans in the wild.

Borneo wildlife

Orangutans are supremely adapted for life in the rainforest, but they are not the only unusual creatures you are likely to encounter here. Track sun bears in the forest; spy comically ugly proboscis monkeys; and watch out for slow lorises on night walks.

Volunteering with orangutans in Sarawak

Orangutans are only found naturally on Borneo and Sumatra, yet each year thousands go on orangutan volunteering holidays to see the numbers that remain. Each visit to a sanctuary or rehabilitation centre supports the conservation of these creatures.

Orangutan watching with kids

Seeing orangutans is a surprisingly family friendly option, but only if you do your research and read up on the best places for watching orangutans with kids. Take a look at our guide to find out if Sabah or Sarawak is for you and the sprogs.

Orangutan watching tips

We've spoken to our holiday companies working in Borneo and Sumatra and asked them for their best orangutan watching tips. From wild orangutans vs. sanctuaries to how to support local communities - read their orangutan watching advice here.

Responsible orangutan watching

Orangutans are highly endangered across their range, so responsible orangutan watching is the only way to go. Find out more about volunteering, deforestation, and how to support the communities that live alongside these "old men of the forest".

More relevant guides

Written by Vicki Brown

Best time to see orangutans