The Orangutans Of Brunei: A Natural Treasure

Orangutans are one of the world's smartest primates, and can be found in the wild in only two places: the northern parts of Sumatra in Indonesia, and throughout the island of Borneo, which is made up of Sabah and Sarawak (both Malaysian states), Kalimantan (Indonesian) and the small State of Brunei Darussalam. While there is no orangutan sanctuary in Brunei, the island of Borneo is divided between Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei, and the Bornean orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus) is a species of orangutan endemic to the island of Borneo.

Where to see orangutans in Brunei

There are only two places left in the world where orangutans can be found in the wild: the northern parts of Sumatra in Indonesia and throughout the island of Borneo, which is made up of the Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak, Kalimantan in Indonesia, and the small State of Brunei Darussalam.

The presence of orangutans in Brunei is uncertain and unconfirmed. There is no orangutan sanctuary in Brunei. However, if you would like to see orangutans in the wild, the best place to go is the Malaysian state of Sabah, which has fantastic national parks and protected areas. Areas such as the Kinabatangan River and the Danum Valley make for perfect wildlife safaris, as they are teeming with wildlife and provide the best places to see orangutans in their natural habitat.

If you are looking for a rehabilitation centre to see orangutans, the following are some options:

• Semenggoh Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, 12 miles from Kuching in Sarawak, Malaysia.
• Matang Wildlife Centre, nestled within Kubah National Park in Sarawak, Malaysia.
• Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre in East Sabah, Malaysia.
• Lok Kawi Wildlife Park, 30 minutes away from the capital of Kota Kinabalu in Sabah, Malaysia.

The Bornean orangutan

Orangutans are highly intelligent, displaying tool use and distinct cultural patterns in the wild. They share approximately 97% of their DNA with humans and are one of the closest extant relatives to Homo sapiens. They are also able to learn sign language. In the wild, orangutans build nests for use during the day and night, practising their construction from a young age by observing their mothers. They also exhibit the use of tools, such as leaves to wipe off faeces, a pad of leaves for holding spiny fruit, and a branch as a backscratcher.

• Northwest Bornean orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus pygmaeus) – Sarawak (Malaysia) and northern West Kalimantan (Indonesia)
• Central Bornean orangutan (P. p. wurmbii) – Southern West Kalimantan and Central Kalimantan (Indonesia)
• Northeast Bornean orangutan (P. p. morio) – East Kalimantan (Indonesia) and Sabah (Malaysia)

There are several places in Borneo where you can see orangutans in rehabilitation centres, including the Semenggoh Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre and the Matang Wildlife Centre.

The Sumatran orangutan

Male Sumatran orangutans grow to about 1.7m tall and weigh around 90kg, while females are smaller, averaging 90cm and weighing approximately 45kg. Compared to the Bornean species, Sumatran orangutans are thinner, have longer faces, and have longer and paler red hair.

Sumatran orangutans are primarily frugivores, favouring fruits with a large seed surrounded by a fleshy substance, such as durians, lychees, jackfruit, breadfruit, and figs. Insects are also a significant part of the Sumatran orangutan's diet, particularly ants of the genus Camponotus. They also eat bird eggs and small vertebrates, and occasionally meat in the form of slow lorises, a nocturnal primate.

Threats to orangutans

Orangutans are under serious threat, with experts believing they could be extinct in the wild in less than 50 years. The main threats to their survival include:

Loss of Habitat

Orangutans have lost over 80% of their habitat in the last 20 years. Deforestation, caused by agriculture, logging, and palm oil plantations, is a significant contributor to this. Between 2000 and 2010, Borneo lost around 3,234 square kilometres of forest per year. If this continues at the same rate, 129,000 square kilometres of forest could be lost by 2050. A study in 2022 projected that by 2032, deforestation in Borneo will have destroyed the habitat of more than 26,000 orangutans, a quarter of the population.

Palm Oil Plantations

Palm oil is a critical threat to orangutan habitats in Sumatra and Borneo. The cash crop has led to the bulldozing of thousands of hectares of land, destroying the homes of many orangutans. Palm oil is used in 50% of all consumer goods, from lipstick and packaged food to body lotion and biofuels, and demand is increasing.

Poaching and Hunting

Orangutans are also under threat from poaching and hunting. Although there are strict laws in place, several thousand orangutans are hunted and killed each year. The slow reproductive cycle of orangutans means that it is impossible for new births to keep up with the mortality rate.

Climate Change

Climate change is another threat to orangutan conservation. The effects of human activity on Indonesian rainfall have reduced the availability of food, impacting the health and breeding success of orangutans.

Where to see orangutans in Borneo

Borneo is one of the two places left in the world where orangutans can be found in the wild. The species is native to the island, which is divided between Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei. The Bornean orangutan is a critically endangered species, with deforestation, palm oil plantations, and hunting posing a serious threat to its continued existence.

If you're looking to see orangutans in Borneo, here are some places you can visit:

Semenggoh Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre:

Located just 12 miles from Kuching in Sarawak, Malaysia, the Semenggoh Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre is dedicated to reintroducing orangutans back into the wild. Visitors can join a group and hire a ranger for a forest tour to spot wild orangutans or observe them during their two daily feeding times.

Kubah National Park:

The Matang Wildlife Centre, nestled within Kubah National Park in Sarawak, is home to several resident orangutans. Visitors can hike through the national park to reach the wildlife centre and book dorm-style accommodation to increase their chances of spotting orangutans.

Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre:

This centre in East Sabah is one of the most famous places to see orangutans in Borneo. Visitors can climb tall platforms to observe orangutans in the trees and watch them during fruit feeding times on the platforms.

Lok Kawi Wildlife Park:

For those short on time, the Lok Kawi Wildlife Park is a great option, located just 30 minutes from the capital of Kota Kinabalu in Sabah. The wildlife centre is home to orangutans and other protected animals, and every effort is made to replicate their natural habitats.

Kinabatangan River:

For a wilder experience, boat cruises along the Kinabatangan River offer the chance to see orangutans in their natural habitat. Small lodges along the river offer accommodation and book boat tours with knowledgeable guides who can lead you to spots where orangutans are often seen.

Danum Valley:

The Danum Valley in Sabah is another excellent area for tracking wild orangutans. With its fantastic national parks and protected areas, this region provides a high chance of spotting Borneo's incredible flora and fauna.

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