The orangutans are two exclusively Asian species of great apes, currently found in only the rainforests of Borneo and Sumatra. The king of the swingers, these red-haired apes are close relatives to humans and the biggest of all tree-living animals. Orangutans have a arm span of up to 2 metres (7 feet) from fingertip to fingertip and their hands brush the ground when they stand upright. Half of their diet consists of fruit and the other half is made up of nuts, bark and occasionally ants, termites and bird eggs. Orangutans have lived up to 60 in captivity, but their survival is threatened by deforestation and poaching.
Crib Notes:
- Orangutans are amongst the most intelligent of animals – they have 97% of the same DNA as humans.
- Young orangutans stay with their mothers for up to twelve years.
- Orangutan means ‘person of the forest’ in Malay.
Time of year: Borneo is hot and humid all year round, but avoid November to April when rainfall is heaviest.
Destination: Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria Resort is surrounded by 400 acres of tropical forest and offers sweeping beachfront views. Located in Kota Kinabalu, a popular destination for those wanting to explore the island of Borneo, the Resort has been offered multiple awards including a number of different ‘Top Ten Family Resorts’ titles (most recently in 2012). The Resort is home to a championship golf course and the Spa at Dalit Bay, and for the 4-12 age group offers a kids club with activities ranging from coconut leaf weaving and the lighting ceremony to all kinds of sports and craft fun. In addition, the Resort is the proud owner of an orangutan care nature reserve where children and families can meet the animals in a near-wild setting, whilst learning about the Resort’s efforts to rehabilitate and protect the orangutan and endangered fauna. Of course, there are also a number of Borneo-based tours where these ‘men of the forest’ can be seen in their most natural habitat.
Price Guide: From 750MYR
