When travellers first start thinking about where they can see orangutans in the wild, the question quickly arises: orangutans in Sumatra or Borneo – which is better? Both islands are among the last habitats of these endangered great apes, but the experience differs significantly. In this article, we compare the options, costs and travel arrangements – and give an insight into why jungle trekking in Sumatra is so special.
Orangutans in Sumatra – Trekking in Gunung Leuser Nationalpark
In Sumatra, the orangutan experience is concentrated in Gunung Leuser National Park. Here, the animals live freely in the jungle, encounters are unplanned and therefore seem particularly authentic. The village of Bukit Lawang is the main starting point for guided trekking tours, but there are also other places. These range from day trips to multi-day adventures, where guests stay in simple camps, eat by the campfire and experience the sounds of the jungle.
A big advantage is that you see orangutans in their natural environment, not in enclosures or at fixed feeding stations. The probability of a sighting is high, as many animals live near the national park. Besides to orangutans, gibbons, monitor lizards, Thomas Leaf Monkeys, snakes, and exotic birds among others can also be observed.
Read also: Jungle Trekking in Bukit Lawang – everything you need to know
Photo by Víctor Vázquez on Unsplash
Orangutans in Borneo – from Rehabilitation Centers to Houseboat Tours
There are several opportunities to observe orangutans in Borneo. In Sepilok (Sabah, Malaysia), visitors can visit the Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, where animals return to the forest after feeding time. This option is inexpensive, uncomplicated and ideal for travellers with limited time.
River tours such as those on the Kinabatangan River or in Tanjung Puting National Park (Kalimantan, Indonesia) offer a more adventurous experience. Here, guests stay overnight on small houseboats, known as klotoks, and glide through mangroves and rainforest. In addition to orangutans, proboscis monkeys and exotic birds can also be observed. The tours are more comfortable than trekking in Sumatra, but often significantly more expensive.
Price comparison: Orangutans in Sumatra or Borneo
| Region | Tour Type | Duration | Price per Person | Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sumatra | Trekking in Bukit Lawang | 1–3 days | Ca. 55-170 Euro | Intense jungle adventure |
| Borneo | Rehab Center Sepilok | Day Trip | Ca. 20 Euro | Simple and cheap |
| Borneo | Kinabatangan River Cruise | 3–4 days | 150 – 800 Euro | Wild, beautiful river experience |
| Borneo | Tanjung Puting Boat Tour | 3 days | 300 – 1,000 Euro | Comfortable houseboat experience |
The prices clearly show that an authentic jungle trek in Sumatra is relatively cheaper when you consider the intensity of the experience. Borneo offers cheap day tickets, but the real nature experiences are much more expensive.
Transport to Sumatra and Borneo
There are numerous flights from Jakarta, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok to Medan, the largest city in North Sumatra and the starting point for travelling to Gunung Leuser National Park, some of which operate several times a day. Tickets with AirAsia or Batik Air are often available from as little as 50 euros, especially from Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. More information on travelling to Sumatra.
Travelling to Borneo is somewhat more complex. Sandakan (for Sepilok) can only be reached by flight from Kuala Lumpur, and Pangkalan Bun (for Tanjung Puting) only from Jakarta and Surabaya. This means that travellers from Europe usually have to change flights more often. These flights are not only more expensive, but also more time-consuming.
Photo: Steffi and Martin Raabe
Our Offer: Ethical Jungle Trekking in Bukit Lawang
At Discover Sumatra, we place particular emphasis on sustainability and respect for animals. Our guides in Gunung Leuser National Park are specially trained: they do not feed wild orangutans, do not lure them, and maintain the recommended distance. They also collect rubbish from the jungle during the tours to help preserve the sensitive ecosystem.
For our guests, this means they can experience the orangutans in Sumatra in an authentic, responsible way without harming the animals or their habitat. We are only guests in the jungle. At the same time, our tours support the local community as we work closely with local people.
All information about our jungle trekking in Bukit Lawang
Conclusion: Orangutans in Sumatra or Borneo?
There is no simple answer to the question ‘Orangutans in Sumatra or Borneo?’ – both destinations have their charms. However, if you are looking for an intense nature experience and want to see orangutans as close as possible in their natural habitat, Sumatra offers ideal conditions. Trekking in Bukit Lawang is authentic, sustainable and offers a direct insight into the life of orangutans. Borneo scores with a variety of options – from inexpensive feeding stations to luxurious boat tours. Ideal for people who prefer not to go trekking.
Ultimately, the decision depends on your travel budget and the experience you want. For adventure seekers and nature lovers, Sumatra is the insider tip, while Borneo attracts with comfort and diversity.
