Found only in South East Asia on the islands of Borneo and Sumatra, orang-utans are one of our closest relatives with regard to DNA and can display significant intelligence and ability to reason. They differ from the other three "great apes" (chimps, gorillas and bonobos) in that they are the only type to be found in Asia, the only strictly arboreal ape (meaning that they only spend time in trees) and they are the only ones with a bright reddish brown colouring.
At present orang-utans are on the verge of extinction, as their habitat is being destroyed for wood and to make way for palm oil plantations. The orangutan plays an integral part in a complex ecosystem which some believe there is no replacement for, and if the animals become extinct in the wild, many people believe it would be an ecological disaster. Some people choose to visit orang-utans in their natural habitat whilst on holiday in Malaysia - as part of Malaysia is actually located on the island of Borneo. Whilst this part of Malaysia, known as East Malaysia or Malaysian Borneo, is less populated than Peninsular Malaysia (which shares a border with Thailand) it is still popular with tourists, particularly those with a fondness for orang-utans.
The famous Sepilok Orang-utan Rehabilitation Centre is located in the Malaysian state of Sabah, and allows visitors to come into contact with orang-utans in their natural habitat. The sanctuary, which is set in forty-three square feet of rainforest, helps orphaned or once captive orang-utans fend for themselves in the wild. Visitors to the sanctuary can witness young orang-utans being taught how to climb, and being fed their daily meals as well as partaking in all of their other day-to-day activities.
Of course, there's still plenty to do in this part of Malaysia, even for those who aren't too fond of nature. Kota Kinabalu is the capital of the Sabah state and is largest urban centre in the area, boasting its own science and technology centre, art gallery and botanic garden for tourists to enjoy. Similarly, Tamu Market and the weekly Gaya Street fair are popular amongst visitors to the area looking for the chance to pick up souvenirs away from the orang-utans whilst on their Malaysia holidays.
This part of Malaysia is popular with tourists for a variety of reasons, and whilst the area's connection with orange-tans makes it particularly suitable for nature lovers, between the busier urban areas, street markets and beaches in the area, there really is something for everyone to enjoy.
At present orang-utans are on the verge of extinction, as their habitat is being destroyed for wood and to make way for palm oil plantations. The orangutan plays an integral part in a complex ecosystem which some believe there is no replacement for, and if the animals become extinct in the wild, many people believe it would be an ecological disaster. Some people choose to visit orang-utans in their natural habitat whilst on holiday in Malaysia - as part of Malaysia is actually located on the island of Borneo. Whilst this part of Malaysia, known as East Malaysia or Malaysian Borneo, is less populated than Peninsular Malaysia (which shares a border with Thailand) it is still popular with tourists, particularly those with a fondness for orang-utans.
The famous Sepilok Orang-utan Rehabilitation Centre is located in the Malaysian state of Sabah, and allows visitors to come into contact with orang-utans in their natural habitat. The sanctuary, which is set in forty-three square feet of rainforest, helps orphaned or once captive orang-utans fend for themselves in the wild. Visitors to the sanctuary can witness young orang-utans being taught how to climb, and being fed their daily meals as well as partaking in all of their other day-to-day activities.
Of course, there's still plenty to do in this part of Malaysia, even for those who aren't too fond of nature. Kota Kinabalu is the capital of the Sabah state and is largest urban centre in the area, boasting its own science and technology centre, art gallery and botanic garden for tourists to enjoy. Similarly, Tamu Market and the weekly Gaya Street fair are popular amongst visitors to the area looking for the chance to pick up souvenirs away from the orang-utans whilst on their Malaysia holidays.
This part of Malaysia is popular with tourists for a variety of reasons, and whilst the area's connection with orange-tans makes it particularly suitable for nature lovers, between the busier urban areas, street markets and beaches in the area, there really is something for everyone to enjoy.
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