In search of orangutans in Indonesia

The quiet and curious orangutan is one of our closest relatives in the animal kingdom. In fact, the name “orangutan” translates to “people of the forest,” highlighting their strikingly human-like behavior that fascinates both scientists and wildlife enthusiasts alike. If you’re wondering where to see orangutans in Indonesia, this article will guide you through the best places to encounter these gentle creatures in their natural habitat.

Where to see orangutans in Indonesia

Orangutans once thrived throughout the forests of Southeast Asia, but severe habitat loss from expanding palm oil plantations and the illegal pet trade has caused their numbers to plummet. Today, they’re only found in Borneo and Sumatra, making conservation efforts more critical than ever. Organizations like WWF are leading the charge to promote sustainable palm oil production and protect orangutan habitats through formal conservation measures.

The survival of our closest living ancestors has reached a critical point. If you’re looking for where to see orangutans in Indonesia, here are our top recommendations on where to go, when to visit, and how to make the most of your wildlife experience.

Gunung Leuser National Park

Spanning nearly 8,000 square kilometers in northern Sumatra, Gunung Leuser remains a wildlife sanctuary, relatively untouched by the average tourist. Renowned for its rich biodiversity, the park is home to 105 mammal species, including tigers, elephants, and of course, orangutans. Since the 1970s, when a rehabilitation center was opened by two Swiss zoologists, orangutan populations have steadily increased. Although the center closed in 1996, more than 200 captive orangutans were reintroduced into this thriving ecosystem, and daily feeding sessions are still held to support them.

When to go: Gunung Leuser experiences heavy annual rainfall, making sudden downpours common. For the best chance of dry weather, plan your visit between December and March.

How to see it: For the best experience at Gunung Leuser, try to visit mid-week to avoid crowds. Feedings occur daily at 8am and 3pm. To increase your chances of close-up sightings, explore the park with a local guide. They can share insights about the surrounding ecosystem and lead you to the best viewpoints where you can enjoy the scenery in peace.

Tanjung Puting

With its popularity soaring in recent years, Tanjung Puting has become one of Indonesia’s most prominent wildlife hotspots. Designated a protected reserve by the Dutch in 1939, the park gained national acclaim in the 1970s thanks to the work of Birute Galdikas, one of the primatologists trained by Louis Leakey. For those wondering where to see orangutans in Indonesia, this jungle-covered gem is a must-visit, as orangutan sightings are almost guaranteed. The park offers an incredible chance to get up close with these captivating primates and observe their natural behavior while guided by knowledgeable local experts. Along with colorful birdlife and the unique Proboscis Monkeys that also frequent the park, it’s a perfect outing for any wildlife enthusiast.

When to go: June through September is peak season, with over 60 klotoks (traditional boats) running tours around the park. For a quieter experience and to see orchids in bloom, plan your trip between January and March.

How to see it: Tanjung Puting is best explored over several days, traveling upriver on a traditional klotok. Cruise through scenic, jungle-fringed waterways and spend your nights on deck, falling asleep beneath the rainforest canopy.

Danum Valley Conservation Area

A jewel in Sabah’s wildlife crown, Danum’s raw and untouched rainforest boasts one of the most unique ecosystems in the world. With a new plant species discovered here nearly every week and its canopy stretching up to 230 feet skyward, Danum’s 500 orangutan residents are just part of the reason nature enthusiasts have it marked on their must-visit list. The park’s canopy walkway brings you right into the heart of the action, allowing you to observe your new orange friends up close. Danum is best explored on foot, and the park’s lodges offer clearly marked trekking routes for visitors to follow. When it comes to other wildlife, night drives can reveal sightings of clouded leopards as well as pygmy elephants, gibbons, and marbled cats.

When to go: Danum is a great wildlife destination year-round, but for the best chance of dry weather, plan your visit between May and September.

How to see it: Danum is a dense jungle maze, and lodging options are limited. There are currently three places to stay in the valley, all of which must be booked in advance. This visitor limit has helped keep the park wild, untamed, and perfect for exploration. For an authentic experience, join a tour led by local scientists to learn about the area’s unique biodiversity and ongoing conservation efforts.

Sebangau National Park

When to go: Because Sebangau National Park is a wetland rainforest park with major rivers, much of the region is waterlogged. The best time to visit is during the dry season, from June to October, as flooding during the wetter months can make some areas inaccessible. You’ll need a permit from the local park office, so be sure to book well in advance to secure your spot during the optimal time of year. During the wet season, from November to May, heavy rainfall floods both trails and rivers. 

How to see it: Sebangau National Park is a protected park sitting between the Sebangau and Katingan rivers on the outskirts of Central Kalimantan. If you’d like to spend significant time in the park, consider flying into Panarung Airport (2 hours from Jakarta), just outside the region’s capital of Palangkaraya. Palangkaraya to Kereng Bangkirai Pier is about 30 minutes, after which you’ll take the boat to explore the park. 

Because permits are required, it’s probably best to hire a local guide for expertise. Most people stay outside of the national park in Palangkaraya, where there are a range of lodges and hotels. You can stay in the park, but accommodation options are limited and typically include homestays on 3-night packages, which are managed by the park authorities.

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