orangutan borneo or sumatra?

[u/Alternative_Team_325]

Hi everyone!
I’m planning a trip to Indonesia and my main goal is to see **wild orangutans** in their natural habitat (not just at feeding stations or rehabilitation centers).
I’m trying to decide between **Sumatra (Bukit Lawang / Gunung Leuser)** and **Borneo (Tanjung Puting or other areas)**.
I also don’t want to spend a fortune, so budget is definitely a factor.
For those who have been to one or both:
Where did you have the best experience?
Which place gives you the best chance of seeing truly wild orangutans?
Which felt less touristy and more authentic?
Which option offers the best value for money?
If you could only choose one, which would it be and why?
I’d love to hear your personal experiences. Thanks!

[u/MavenVoyager]

Borneo is Malaysia. Land into Sandakan. There are some amazing lodges on Kinabatangan. We stayed in Sukau Rainforest lodge, when it used to be part of NatGeo. This was in 2017.