Luxury Borneo Safari

Begin you luxury Borneo adventure by venturing into the rainforests and along the river in search of proboscis monkeys, orangutans and pygmy elephants, before ending your journey relaxing on the white-sand beaches of Pulau Tiga.

This spectacular two-week journey through wildlife-rich Borneo including Sepilok, where you can see orangutans as they are re-habituated after deforestation or poaching, and the Kinabatangan River, a haven for wild orangutans, proboscis monkeys, mouse deer, wild boar and buffalo. You will then move on to the Danum Valley, a pristine example of Borneo's primary rainforest, where you can explore via the canopy walkway and viewpoint. Finally, head off to the paradise island of Pulau Tiga for some relaxation and water activities, from diving and snorkelling to relaxing on the powder-white sands.

Arrive at Kota Kinabalu International Airport, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel for your overnight stay.

If exploring the city, take a visit to Kota Kinabalu’s famous night market where local people sell everything from fresh fish to jewelled hijab brooches.

Transfer to Sepilok; a nature haven and perfect base to visit the nearby animal sanctuaries and rehabilitation centres. Check into your lodge and enjoy your surroundings. At dusk you will visit the canopy walk at the Rainforest Discovery Centre in time to catch the red giant flying squirrels emerge from their nests and glide between the trees.

Visit the Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre in time for their morning feed. This sanctuary rehabilitates previously captive or orphaned orangutans (through deforestation, poaching, etc.) to their natural surroundings, ready for release when they are capable of supporting themselves in the wild. You then have a tour of the Sun Bear Conservation Centre to learn all about the project to save these adorable bears, the smallest and least known members of the species, whose population is rapidly diminishing.

Transfer to Sandakan Yacht Club Jetty for your boat transfer to the Kinabatangan River. Along the 80 minute you’ll cross Sandakan Bay passing the historical Berhala Island, fishing communities and a variety of wildlife. Enjoy lunch at your riverside lodge before a late afternoon sunset rifer safari in search of wildlife. Watch in awe as the foliage lights up like a Christmas tree – this is the largest gathering of fireflies in Malaysia! After dinner, take a walk along the boardwalk with your headlamp or torch and look for nocturnal wildlife.

Enjoy a picnic breakfast in your boat while sitting in the calm waters of the oxbow lake, taking in the sound of wildlife all around you. Afterwards, visit Abai village to experience what riverside village life is like. This community set up their own tree planting incentive which successfully ran for over a decade. Enjoy lunch back at the lodge before taking your boat transfer further along Sabah’s longest river to your next riverside accommodation. Along the journey keep your eyes peeled as this stretch of the river is a favourite spot for pygmy elephants! In the late afternoon, enjoy a boat trip to Menanggul tributary, a small stretch of the Kinabatangan which forms a narrow jungle corridor rich in wildlife. Enjoy the river safari in an electric motor boat; this tributary is particularly good for primate spotting! Return to the lodge for dinner and have the remainder of the evening to relax at leisure.

Rise early and head out on a shared morning river safari to explore a variety of fauna and flora along the banks of the Kinabatangan River. Species to be found include orangutans, proboscis monkeys, tree snakes, crocodiles, monitor lizards, macaques and much more. Herds of wild elephant may also be seen passing along the banks of the river.

Danum Valley is one of the best remaining examples of how Borneo's forests used to be, with a thick tropical canopy and a variety of wildlife. In the afternoon (around 3pm) join one of the fascinating treks taking in the canopy walkway for a close up view of the rainforest. You may like to join the evening slideshow presentation, an informative insight into the local wildlife. Following dinner, there is a night drive in an open top vehicle in search of nocturnal creatures.

Set up to protect the area from logging, Danum encompasses 430 square kilometres of pristine rainforest and is home to a variety of endemic wildlife; including, orangutans, flying squirrels, clouded leopard, elephants, gibbons, and many birds,. With a towering canopy walkway and a beautiful viewpoint which looks out over the jungle canopy and the dramatic mountains, this conservation area is a definite must if you're in Borneo. Spend your days with one of the naturalist guides exploring the many nature trails and waterfalls, take a dip in the natural Jacuzzi pool or floating down the Danum River on tubes. In the evening, dine at the lodge, before embarking on an exciting night drive in search of nocturnal animals.

Enjoy your time at Borneo Eagle Resort by taking part in the myriad activities here, designed to help you reconnect with the natural world. Explore miles of forested trails and ancient ecosystems, practice making local handicrafts or try your hand at cooking. There are also activities such as yoga or guided meditation and a PADI Dive Centre. Of course, you can also relax at the pool, make use of the spa or just float above the coral gardens with your mask and snorkel

Shangri La Rasa Ria

The Shangri-La Rasa Ria Resort is approximately 30 minutes drive from Kota Kinabalu; this is a great place to recuperate after arriving in Borneo. With 4 kilometres of private beach this is a great place from where to start your Borneo tour.

Borneo Rainforest Lodge

Borneo Rainforest Lodge is set in the fauna and flora rich Danum Valley; this rustic lodge is the perfect place to stay on a selection of bespoke Borneo holidays. The spacious main building offers an open veranda where the traveller can sit back and enjoy the incredible diversity of this forest environment whilst wooden chalets and bungalows provide comfortable lodgings for guests. The mist shrouded treetops and babbling river lull one to sleep after a day's wildlife spotting.