Finding Orangutans, Pygmy Elephants and other Borneo Wildlife
When I first set foot in Borneo, I knew I was in for an adventure. But nothing could have prepared me for the sheer magic of encountering its wildlife. From the moment I heard the rustle of leaves above me and looked up to see an orangutan swinging through the canopy, I was hooked.
Borneo isn’t just a destination; it’s a living, breathing wonderland of creatures you won’t find anywhere else on Earth. If you’re like me, a traveller over 35 who’s more interested in authentic experiences than luxury resorts, this guide is for you. Let’s dive into the best places to spot Borneo’s iconic wildlife and how to make the most of your adventure.
Why Borneo’s Wildlife is Unmissable
Borneo is one of the most biodiverse places on the planet. It’s home to some of the rarest and most fascinating animals, many of which are endemic to the island. Think orangutans, pygmy elephants, proboscis monkeys, and even the elusive clouded leopard.
But it’s not just about the big names. Borneo’s rainforests are teeming with life, colourful birds, playful otters, and even tiny insects that glow in the dark. For me, the thrill of spotting these creatures in their natural habitat was unmatched. It’s a reminder of how wild and beautiful our planet still is.
Orangutan Facts for Visitors to Borneo
- Orangutans Are Found Only in Borneo and Sumatra
Borneo is home to the Bornean orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus), while Sumatra hosts the Sumatran (Pongo abelii) and Tapanuli (Pongo tapanuliensis) orangutans. - They Spend Most of Their Lives in Trees
Orangutans are arboreal, meaning they live high in the rainforest canopy. You’ll often spot them swinging from branch to branch or resting in nests made of leaves. They make new nests every night and that’s where they sleep - They Are Critically Endangered
Habitat destruction, mainly due to palm oil plantations, logging, and illegal hunting, has caused orangutan populations to decline drastically. - Orangutans Are the Largest Tree-Dwelling Mammals
Males can weigh up to 90 kg (200 lbs) and have an arm span of over 2 meters (6.5 feet). - They Are Highly Intelligent
Orangutans use tools, recognize themselves in mirrors, and even create makeshift umbrellas from leaves to stay dry in the rain. - Orangutans Are Mostly Solitary
Unlike other great apes, orangutans prefer to live alone, except for mothers raising their young. This makes spotting them in the wild a special experience. - Their Diet Includes Over 300 Types of Fruits
Orangutans love fruits like figs, durians, and mangosteens, but they’ll also eat leaves, bark, insects, and even honey. - Young Orangutans Stay with Their Mothers for Up to 8 Years
Baby orangutans rely on their mothers for a long time, learning survival skills before venturing out on their own. - Orangutans Rarely Come Down to the Ground
But when they do, they usually walk on all fours with their fists. In areas with fewer predators, they may explore the forest floor more often. - Orangutans Share 97% of Their DNA with Humans
Their facial expressions, problem-solving skills, and emotional depth make them one of our closest relatives in the animal kingdom. - They Have Unique ‘Long Calls’
Adult males make loud, echoing calls that can be heard over a kilometre away. These are used to communicate with other orangutans and establish territory.
Where to Spot Orangutans
Orangutans are the stars of Borneo’s wildlife scene, and for good reason. These gentle giants are incredibly intelligent and share 97% of our DNA. Seeing one in the wild is an experience I’ll never forget.
1. Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, Sabah
This was my first stop, and it’s a great introduction to orangutans. The centre rescues and rehabilitates orphaned or injured orangutans, preparing them for life in the wild. I visited during feeding time and watched in awe as these majestic creatures swung down from the trees to grab fruit.
While it’s not entirely “wild,” it’s a must-visit for understanding the challenges orangutans face and the efforts to protect them.
How to Get There: Fly to Sandakan, then take a 30-minute drive to the centre.
2. Danum Valley Conservation Area, Sabah
If you’re after a truly wild experience, Danum Valley is the place to go. This pristine rainforest is one of the best spots to see orangutans in their natural habitat. I joined a guided trek and spent hours scanning the treetops.
When I finally spotted one – a mother with her baby – it was pure magic.
How to Get There: Fly to Lahad Datu, then take a 2.5-hour drive to the conservation area.
3. Tanjung Puting National Park, Kalimantan
Located in Indonesian Borneo, this park is another orangutan hotspot. I took a traditional klotok boat along the Sekonyer River, and it felt like stepping into a David Attenborough documentary.
The park is home to Camp Leakey, a research and rehabilitation centre, and I saw orangutans up close during feeding sessions.
How to Get There: Fly to Pangkalan Bun, then take a boat ride into the park.
Tips for Seeing Orangutans
Best Time to Visit is the Dry Season
The best time to see orangutans in Borneo is between March and October, when there is less rain and the trails are easier to navigate.
Keep a Safe Distance
Orangutans can catch human illnesses, so keeping at least 10 meters (30 feet) away helps protect both you and them.
Deforestation is Their Biggest Threat
Vast areas of Borneo’s rainforest are being cleared for palm oil, logging, and agriculture. Supporting sustainable products can help protect their habitat and avoiding Palm Oil where possible is the first step.
Borneo Pygmy Elephant Facts for Visitors
- They Are the Smallest Elephants in Asia
Borneo’s pygmy elephants (Elephas maximus borneensis) are the smallest subspecies of Asian elephants, standing about 2.5 meters (8 feet) tall—shorter and rounder than their mainland cousins. - They Only Live in Borneo
These elephants are found only in the forests of Malaysian Borneo (Sabah) and parts of Indonesian Borneo (Kalimantan). - Kinabatangan River Is One of the Best Places to See Them
If you want to see pygmy elephants in the wild, the Kinabatangan River in Sabah is one of the best locations. They often come to the riverbanks in small herds. - They Are More Gentle and Social Than Other Elephants
Pygmy elephants are known for their calmer, more docile nature, making them unique compared to other wild elephant species. However, they are still wild animals so you need to remember that. - They Are Critically Endangered
With fewer than 1,500 pygmy elephants left in the wild, habitat loss and human-wildlife conflict are major threats to their survival. - They Travel in Small, Family Groups
Unlike larger herds of African elephants, pygmy elephants move in smaller groups of about 8 to 20 individuals, usually led by a matriarch. - They Are Excellent Swimmers
Pygmy elephants often swim across rivers and even take long swims between islands in search of food and water. - They Eat Over 150 Types of Plants
Their diet includes grasses, fruits, tree bark, and crops, sometimes leading them into conflict with farmers. - They Need to Eat Almost Constantly
Pygmy elephants spend about 18 hours a day feeding, consuming up to 150 kg (330 lbs) of food daily. This info really reminded me of our Koalas who are the same. - Baby Elephants Stay with Their Mothers for Years
Pygmy elephant calves stay with their mothers for up to 5 years, learning survival skills before venturing out on their own. - They Have Large, Round Faces and Oversized Ears
Compared to other Asian elephants, pygmy elephants have larger ears, longer tails, and more rounded faces, giving them a unique appearance. - You Might Smell Them Before You See Them
Pygmy elephants have a distinct, musky smell, and guides often use their scent and fresh dung trails to track them. - They Communicate with Low-Frequency Rumbles
Like other elephants, pygmy elephants use deep, low-frequency sounds (inaudible to humans) to communicate over long distances. - They Love Mud Baths
Pygmy elephants wallow in mud and dust to cool off and protect their skin from insects and sunburn.
Where to Spot Pygmy Elephants
Borneo’s pygmy elephants are the smallest elephants in the world, and they’re absolutely adorable. These gentle giants are a subspecies of the Asian elephant and are found only in Borneo.
1. Kinabatangan River, Sabah
This river is one of the best places to see pygmy elephants in the wild. I joined a river cruise at dawn, and within an hour, we spotted a herd grazing by the water’s edge. They were really hard to see through the foliage but I was super excited I’d seem them at all.
Little did I know I would get supremely lucky and witness a herd of Pygmy Elephants swim across the river, also in Kinabatangan. It was just epic and I was so enthralled I forgot to film it!
Watching them swim and follow directions from the older elephants was a highlight of my trip. A male crossed first and our guide got a call from another boat. We hightailed it to the location and arrived in time to hear him calling to the rest of the herd.
Apparently he crosses first to ensure its safe and then calls the the mothers and calves. Along with patting a wild whale it remains up there as one of the most amazing wildlife experiences I’ve had.
How to Get There: Fly to Sandakan, then take a 2-hour drive to Sukau, the main gateway to the river.
2. Tabin Wildlife Reserve, Sabah
Tabin is a hidden gem for wildlife enthusiasts. I stayed at a simple eco lodge and joined a night safari, where I saw pygmy elephants, civets, and even a clouded leopard. Well we thought it was a leopard deep in the forest, but our guide may have been a little over exuberant! The reserve is less crowded than other spots, making it feel like my own private wildlife sanctuary.
How to Get There: Fly to Lahad Datu, then take a 1.5-hour drive to the reserve.
Borneo Proboscis Monkey Facts for Visitors
- They Are Found Only in Borneo
Proboscis monkeys (Nasalis larvatus) are endemic to Borneo, meaning you won’t find them anywhere else in the world. - Males Have Huge Noses
Male proboscis monkeys have large, drooping noses, which can grow up to 17 cm (6.7 inches) long. Scientists believe the big nose helps attract females by amplifying their calls. - Females and Young Have Smaller Noses
Female proboscis monkeys have much shorter, upturned noses, while babies have small, flat noses that grow as they age. - They Are Excellent Swimmers
Unlike most primates, proboscis monkeys are strong swimmers. They have webbed feet and hands, allowing them to cross rivers and escape predators. - They Live in Mangroves and Riverine Forests
Proboscis monkeys prefer habitats near water, such as mangrove forests, swamps, and riverbanks. This is why boat tours along Borneo’s rivers are a great way to see them. - They Have Big Potbellies
Their large, round stomachs help them digest their diet of leaves, seeds, and unripe fruits, which are tough to break down. - They Have a Multi-Chambered Stomach
Like cows, proboscis monkeys have a specialized stomach with multiple compartments that allows them to ferment and digest fibrous leaves. - They Are Endangered
– Their population has declined due to deforestation, palm oil plantations, and hunting, with fewer than 20,000 individuals left in the wild. - They Are One of the Largest Monkey Species in Asia
Adult males can weigh 20–24 kg (44–53 lbs) and measure up to 76 cm (30 inches) in body length, not including their long tails. - They Live in Small Social Groups
Proboscis monkeys form harem groups with one dominant male and several females with their young. Bachelor males live in separate groups. - They Make Loud Honking and Roaring Calls
Males produce deep honking sounds to communicate, warn off rivals, and keep their group together. - They Can Jump Between Trees Like Acrobats
Despite their big bellies, proboscis monkeys are agile climbers and can leap from tree to tree, sometimes landing in water. - Their Fur Is a Mix of Red, Orange, and Grey
They have reddish-brown backs, grey limbs, and a white belly, making them easy to spot in the green jungle. - Baby Proboscis Monkeys Are Born with a Blue Face
At birth, proboscis monkey infants have dark blue faces, which gradually turn a pale orange as they grow older. - They Mostly Eat Leaves and Unripe Fruits
They avoid ripe fruit because it ferments quickly in their stomach, causing bloating and discomfort. - They Are Active During the Day
Proboscis monkeys are diurnal, meaning they are most active during the morning and late afternoon.
Where to Spot Proboscis Monkeys
With their comical noses and potbellies, proboscis monkeys are one of Borneo’s most unique animals. They’re also endemic to the island, so you won’t find them anywhere else.
1. Bako National Park, Sarawak
This park is a proboscis monkey paradise. I hiked through the jungle and spotted several troops lounging in the trees. The park is also home to bearded pigs, monitor lizards, and a variety of bird species.
Be careful though as the Macaque Monkeys will steal ANYTHING! They are all around the cafe and sitting area and you can’t leave your food for a second!
How to Get There: Fly to Kuching, then take the number 1 bus that goes direct to the Baku Boat Terminal. Then you get a short boat ride to the park. Be sure to book your boat home when you get there as timeslots fill up fast.
2. Kinabatangan River, Sabah
Yes, this river makes the list again! During my river cruise, I saw proboscis monkeys leaping from tree to tree. Their acrobatics were as impressive as their unique appearance and because they love the water, you see them everywhere on your river jaunts.
How to Get There: Fly to Sandakan, then take a 2-hour drive to Sukau.
3. Labuk Bay Proboscis Sanctuary
This is a great place to see these monkeys and also to learn just how intellegent they are. There is a shaded deck area where you can watch the monkeys all around and every now and then, one sprints across the roof making a hell of a racket. I swear I could see them planning it out.
Where to Spot Other Wildlife in Borneo
Borneo’s wildlife isn’t limited to orangutans, pygmy elephants, and proboscis monkeys. Here are a few more creatures to look out for:
1. Clouded Leopards in Deramakot Forest Reserve, Sabah
Spotting a clouded leopard is rare, but Deramakot is one of the best places to try. I joined a night safari and was lucky enough to see one slinking through the trees. It was a once-in-a-lifetime moment. I’m still not 100% sure it was a leopard but there was something moving and our guide seemed pretty excited!
How to Get There: Fly to Sandakan, then take a 4-hour drive to the reserve.
2. Hornbills in Kinabalu National Park, Sabah
Hornbills are one of Borneo’s most iconic birds, and Kinabalu National Park is a great place to see them. I spotted several during a morning hike, their colorful beaks and wings glinting in the sunlight.
They are actually much easier to spot than you think as they are also often near the water or high in the trees.
How to Get There: Fly to Kota Kinabalu, then take a 2-hour drive to the park.
3. Fireflies in Kuala Selangor, Sabah
While not as famous as the other animals, fireflies are a magical sight. I took a night boat tour along the river and watched as thousands of fireflies lit up the trees like Christmas lights.
How to Get There: Fly to Kota Kinabalu, then take a 1.5-hour drive to Kuala Selangor.
Tips for Wildlife Spotting in Borneo
- Go with a Guide: Local guides know the best spots and can help you spot animals you might miss on your own.
- Be Patient: Wildlife spotting requires patience. Some days, you’ll see everything; other days, you might not see much at all.
- Respect the Animals: Keep your distance, avoid flash photography, and never feed the wildlife.
- Visit During the Dry Season: The best time to visit is between March and October, when the weather is drier and animals are easier to spot. However, I was there in January and saw heaps of animals so you can find them at almost any time.
Final Thoughts On Borneo’s Wildlife
Borneo’s wildlife is nothing short of extraordinary. From the moment I saw my first orangutan to the thrill of spotting a pygmy elephant, every encounter left me in awe. If you’re over 35 and looking for an adventure that’s both thrilling and meaningful, Borneo is the place to go. Pack your binoculars, grab your camera, and get ready to explore one of the most incredible wildlife destinations on Earth.
Finally, I was stunned when I visited Costa Rica after Borneo. The similarities are so strong and if you just swap out Orangutans for Sloths its hard to imagine you aren’t in the same country. Costa Rica’s Animals are equally as diverse but the similarities across both countries is quite incredible.
Meet Jenny, a passionate Australian travel blogger who has explored 103 countries to date. With over 30 years of travel experience, Jenny has a wealth of knowledge to share with her readers about the cultures, landscapes, and people she has encountered on her journeys. She’s always battling unfashionably frizzy hair and you will never catch Jenny in anything but comfortable shoes. Learn more about Jenny and her travels.