Walk under the giant trees of the Danum Valley, in the heart of Sabah, with a guide who listens for the crack of branches that gives away a wild orangutan feeding in the canopy. This is untouched lowland rainforest with no feeding platform, so every meeting is with a truly wild animal, and it depends on which trees are in fruit. The valley lies about two and a half hours by road from Lahad Datu, and visitors stay inside the forest for several nights.
Up to 62% sighting chance in Danum Valley Conservation Area, Sabah, Malaysia. Best months: June, July, May.
Less certain than at a rehabilitation centre. Orangutans here are fully wild, and a stay of three nights or more with a guide gives a fair chance.
From March to October, the drier months. Sightings rise when fig and other fruit trees near the trails are in fruit.
By road from Lahad Datu, about two and a half hours on a private forest track arranged with your accommodation.
Gibbons, red leaf monkeys, hornbills and, with luck, Bornean pygmy elephants.
