South East Asia has many tourist attractions but the most outstanding of them all are the orangutans of Borneo.

 The population of this endangered species has been diminishing in the past years due to poaching and habitat destruction. A lot of effort is being put into preserving Borneo’s natural environment, and this includes the orangutans and their habitat.

Borneo, which is considered the 3rd largest island in the world, is home to these animals. Since there are few orangutans remaining, there are only limited parks where you can see them plus some rescue centers. Just about ever tourist who travels to Borneo wants to see Orangutans so it is wise to plan your activities early, so you know exactly where you are going in order to get the best sightings.

One of the best places to see them in their natural habitat is Tanjung Puting National Park which is located in southern Kalimatan, Borneo. This is a 400,000 hectares expanse of tropical swamp forest and is one of biggest remaining habitats for the orangutans. In this park the orangutan’s are feed on a daily basis with bananas, milk and ranbutan fruit.

When you visit Tanjung Puting National Park you will be able to participate in the outreach and educational programs that are conducted there. A renowned Kenyan paleontologist named Louis Leaky (great name!) had great passion for these animals and created an orangutan research and conservation project.

This project rehabilitates ex-captive orangutans and gives them a home to live. This camp is another place where you can see these animals. Camp Leaky, where these animals are kept, is a tour destination for thousands of visitors. If you wish to watch the animals feed you will pay just 50 cents per person.

 Local citizens usually visit the park on Sundays or peak seasons when more animals are reintroduced to the rainforest environment.

The Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre on the edge of Kabili Sepilok Forest Reserve in North Borneo is another place to spot Orangutans. This is a rehabilitation site for young primates and you’ll find free roaming adults plus young orangutans in the nurseries.

You are not allowed to handle the animals but will get a great view of them from the walkways. This is an important educational facility and you will no doubt leave here with a lasting passion for these great animals. By visiting these reserves and centers you contribute to the conservation of this extremely important species.

As you decide on where to tour this year, take a trip to Borneo Island and enjoy the breathtaking scenery and the wonderful orangutans!