Watching a wild-born orangutan swing in to feed at Sepilok's rehabilitation centre in Sabah rearranges something in a child permanently. The morning and afternoon feedings are reliable, the sun bear conservation centre next door doubles the impact, and river cruises on the Kinabatangan add proboscis monkeys, hornbills and — with luck — pygmy elephants. It's a long haul, so fold it into a wider Malaysia trip. Best from about age six, with patience and repellent.
Featured in Ten wildlife holidays that beat any screen · Family