While I was in Peninsular Malaysia, I found a cheap flight to Malaysian Borneo. I hadn't planned on going but who can resist visiting Borneo? As soon as I clicked 'purchase', I was excited at the prospect of seeing orangutans and Proboscis monkeys in the wild.

My flight landed in Kuching, the capital of the state of Sarawak.  I did my research and found two places where to see endangered species in Malaysian Borneo.

WHERE TO SEE ORANGUTANS IN BORNEO

SEMENGGOH NATURE RESERVE

The first endangered species I wanted to see in their natural habitat was orangutans. According to my online research, a reputed wildlife center for orangutans was just 20 kilometers away from Kuching. Semenggoh Nature Reserve & Wildlife Center was established in 1975. The center aims to care for injured and orphaned orangutans.

Sadly, some of the abused orangutans were kept illegally as pets. All the orangutans are rehabilitated to then be safely released in the wild.

Semenggoh has a 'no contact' policy. That means visitors and caretakers alike can't come into contact with the orangutans. The caretakers are the only ones allowed to feed the orangutans as part of their rehabilitation process. Visitors are kept at a safe distance to not disturb the orangutans.

These measures are all put in place in order for the orangutans to learn to fend for themselves. Cages and fences aren't used at the Semenggoh Wildlife Center. That's one of the reasons I chose to go there. The orangutans are completely free to roam and swing around as they please

To safeguard the natural habitat of the orangutans, the center is open daily to the public only during certain times. Feeding times are also limited to one hour in the morning and one hour in the afternoon.

Entrance fee: 10 ringgit (adult foreigners) / 5 ringgit (children 6-7 years old) / FREE (children 5 and under)

Morning: 8 a.m. - 10 a.m. (feeding time 9 a.m. - 10 a.m.)

Afternoon: 2 p.m. - 4 p.m. (feeding time 3 p.m. - 4 p.m.)

It's important to note that orangutans might not show up for the feeding times. It could certainly be disappointing but this is actually a good thing. It means the center has successfully rehabilitated the orangutans. Subsequently, the orangutans have been released into the wild and are now capable of feeding themselves. This is particularly true during fruiting and flowering season when there's plenty for them to eat in the forest.

I met a couple who saw orangutans only on their second visit. I was very lucky to have seen several orangutans. Among them were a full-grown male who sat lazily on the grass munching on a banana. During feeding time, a pregnant mother carrying her orange-furred baby and a bratty adolescent male all came swinging by.

None of the orangutans are forced to show up for feeding just for the sake of pleasing visitors. The orangutans truly are the center's top priority. It really shows in the way these lovable primates are treated and cared for.

 Unlike many primates, orangutans don't live in families. They’re actually very solitary and territorial. You'll notice during feeding times that each orangutan naturally keeps its distance from other orangutans.

HOW TO GET TO SEMENGGOH WILDLIFE CENTER

It's really easy to get to the Semenggoh Wildlife Center from Kuching using public transportation. Buses number 6, 6A, 6B and 6C all go straight to the center. The ride takes about 45 minutes and the bus fare is 4 ringgit.

You'll be dropped off at the gates and from there you'll need to walk about 20 minutes to get to the entrance. Make sure to check out the flora and fauna along the way.

Read also: Things To Do In Kuching

BAKO NATIONAL PARK

At only 37 kilometers from Kuching, Bako National Park is a must when in Sarawak. Bako National Park is a protected area offering visitors a unique experience. The lush rainforest is home to wildlife, secluded beaches, trekking trails, waterfalls and a slew of exotic flora and fauna.

The main reason I wanted to go to Bako National Park was to see Proboscis monkeys endemic to Borneo. These elusive monkeys are also listed as an endangered species in Malaysian Borneo.

Proboscis monkeys are the most peculiar species I've ever seen. The males are known for their large, pendulous noses. Other unique features include slim legs, a pot belly, bushy eyebrows, long grey tails and a reddish-brown coat.

The most recent study estimated that 300 Proboscis monkeys live in the forests of Bako National Park. Proboscis monkeys are quite shy and tend to hide. I was ecstatic when I finally spotted a few hanging out right behind the main lodge. Seeing elusive Proboscis monkeys in the wild was a highlight of my time in Borneo.

TREKKING

Bako National Park is a wonderful place to do some light trekking. Some of the trails are a bit rough but easy enough for any trekker, beginner or expert. Just make sure to have the right shoes (no flip-flops or open-toe sandals). Some of the trails lead to beautiful secluded beaches. Others will gift you with incredible viewpoints.

Along the way, you might come across some wildlife such as Bornean bearded pigs, long-tail macaques and silvered langur monkeys. Feeding the animals is strictly forbidden. Not even the park rangers feed them. The animals are wild and human interaction should be kept at zero.

ACCOMMODATION

The park (which is really the jungle) is uninhabited by humans. I only did a day trip from Kuching but you can stay longer. Private bungalows or shared dorms are available. Both are very basic so don't expect much in terms of comfort. These are jungle lodges, after all.

You can reserve online here. The bungalows are behind the headquarter where there's a restaurant and information center.

HOW TO GET TO BAKO NATIONAL PARK

Getting to Bako National Park by bus is hassle-free. You can take bus no. 1 from Kuching. I took the bus across the street from the Riverside Majestic Hotel. The bus fare is only 4 ringgit and takes about one hour. The bus from Kuching to Bako runs hourly from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m..

The bus will drop you off at the entrance of the jetty in Bako village. From the jetty, you need to take a boat to reach Bako National Park. Guides will try to pressure you into hiring them but it's really not necessary. All you need to do is pay 50 ringgit for the 30-minute boat ride. Keep in mind, sometimes boats are delayed or canceled due to low tide or weather conditions. I had to wait nearly one hour for a boat to be ready to leave.

The boat will stop a few meters from the shore. Passengers are asked to get off in the shallow water and to walk to the beach. It's best to have waterproof shoes. If you don't, you can remove your shoes but keep in mind your feet will be wet. In that case, I suggest bringing a towel. The towel will also be handy if you decide to take a dip.

The entrance fee to the park is only 3 ringgit. All visitors are asked to register at the headquarter office. Once you're registered, you're free to hike on one of the designated trails.

WHY ARE THESE SPECIES ENDANGERED?

The main reason why orangutans and Proboscis monkeys are endangered are due to deforestation. I was astonished at the extent Malaysia (both peninsular and Borneo) has destroyed its forests.

The rampant clearing of the forests is for palm oil plantations and timber - both highly profitable. Unfortunately, primates are not. Deforestation has forced orangutans and Proboscis monkeys to venture out of the jungle. This makes them more vulnerable to being captured and kept as illegal pets.

Thanks to the Semenggoh Wildlife Center and Bako National Park, these endangered species are given a second chance. Both primates are protected from human destruction and are able to thrive in their natural habitat.  I'm sure you'll enjoy your visit to either place (or both) as much as I did.

Have you ever seen endangered species in Borneo or elsewhere?