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See orang-utans in Borneo

Orang Utans were once found all over South East Asia, from Java in the south to China in the north, but today their dwindling numbers are confined to the islands of Borneo and Sumatra. Indeed, there are only an estimated 60,000 orang utans living in the wild today and thanks to the destruction of its habitat through deforestation, the wild man of Borneo is on the endangered species list. To see Asia's only great ape in the wild is therefore a privilege and an honour.


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Orang Utan

Borneo, the island home to about 90% of the world's orang utans, is divided between three countries - Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei - and if you want to see orang utans in the wild that's the place to be.

The city of Kota Kinabalu is located on the northwest Malaysian coast of Borneo facing the South China Sea and is increasingly popular with tourists to Malaysia. From there you can catch a plane with a guide to Sandakan and the world famous Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre.

Sepilok is the oldest and largest centre of its kind and here a team of dedicated professionals work tirelessly to teach abandoned, abused and orphaned orang utans the necessary skills to return them to their natural home, the surrounding verdant jungles of Borneo.

From an observation deck, you can see these amazing creatures as they emerge from forest to feed. Sightings cannot be guaranteed as the orang utans are free to roam the jungle, but they can usually be seen at 10.00am and 3.00pm when the Sepilok centre supplements their feeding.

The Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre has expanded in recent years and now also helps other species such as sun bears, gibbons, Sumatran rhinoceros and the occasional injured elephant - all of which can also be seen at the centre.

During your visit you will also have the chance to visit the Puh Jih Shih Buddhist Temple which provides great photo opportunities and breathtaking views over Sandakan Bay.

Tickets that include return flights between Sepilok and Kota Kinabalu, entrance into the Sepilok centre, lunch and the services of an English speaking guide can be bought from Do Something Different before you leave the UK. Prices are £195 for adults and £145 for children (2009 prices) and air conditioned transport to and from your hotel in Kota Kinabalu and the Rasa Ria Nexus area to the airport is included in the price.




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