Orangutans, Malaysia © Shutterstock
A whiff of adventure
By Bénédicte, Malaysia specialist: “The Datai, or paradise on Langkawi! Here is a hotel I cannot praise enough. Simple yet refined, in a peaceful spot far from the noise and totally immersed in the jungle on one of the island’s most beautiful beaches. I have looked hard, but the setting has no flaw — it is perfect, as is the service, attentive without ever being overbearing. The ideal place.”
Discover this favouriteTo see animals in the wild, you need a naturalist guide who knows the region and the jungle of Borneo well.
They’ll know where to take you. Patience is essential too — plan for several nights on site.
Some orangutan sanctuaries in particular are highly touristic. We don’t recommend them.
Malaysia has many beautiful beaches. If the aim is to combine seclusion with scenic beauty, we recommend the Perhentian Islands or Teluk Dalam beach — remarkable, secluded spots.
We don’t recommend travelling without a guide in Malaysia, simply for the sake of a relaxed trip, so you can fully enjoy it and let yourself be guided. Nothing stops you, once the visits are over, from setting off on your own, following the usual common-sense precautions.
In Borneo, however, a guide is essential.
It’s easy to book French-speaking guides on the peninsula. In Borneo, however, naturalist guides are generally English-speaking. If you have no command of English at all, it’s best to arrange a French-speaking guide to act as translator during your stay in Borneo.