Ultimate Borneo Rainforest Adventure

This safari takes in the best that Borneo has to offer for wildlife encounters, including an orangutan rehabilitation centre, proboscis monkeys leaping through the trees, pygmy elephants in the rainforest and the world’s best location to see the elusive clouded leopard.

As the third-largest island in the world and a hub of biodiversity, Borneo is home to no shortage of fantastic wildlife destinations. The island is split between three countries – Brunei, Malaysia and Indonesia – but it is the Malaysian state of Sabah that provides perhaps the finest safari experiences that Borneo has to offer. Wild orangutans are an undoubted highlight, while primeval forests protect elusive and endangered species like the banteng, binturong, clouded leopard and bearded pig. This eleven day journey through Sabah allows travellers to experience the fullness and richness of this intoxicating corner of Southeast Asia, taking in plenty of wildlife and wilderness as well as mountain ascents, animal sanctuary visits and beachside relaxation.

On arrival into Borneo, meet up with your driver and transfer to Tabin Office, Lahad Datu. Trek from the Elephant trail to the active Lipad mud volcano which provides a mineral salt lick for wildlife, arrive at the elevated bare area of the mud volcano which is frequented by wildlife and birds.

Following a hearty breakfast back at the lodge, head out on a 1-2 hour jungle trek in the Tabin Wildlife Reserve, keeping your eyes peeled for the silver-leaf monkey and gibbons. The remainder of the afternoon is yours to relax in the jungle setting, before heading out on a night drive after dinner in search of leopard cats, civets, owls and other nocturnal species.

Transfer to the renowned Danum Valley. Join one of the fascinating treks, and in the evening after dinner, there is a night drive to search for nocturnal creatures.

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.

Take a moment to refresh before embarking on an afternoon river cruise in search of the iconic wildlife along the Kinabatangan. Each boat is equipped with an electric motor in order to provide a more peaceful experience not just for you but for the wildlife also. Finish the day enjoying a candlelight dinner overlooking the riverbank followed by slide presentation and interpretation by one of the naturalist guides.

Spend your time with your guide exploring the Dermakot Forest Reserve; one of the best wildlife locations in Borneo. Home to rare species like the clouded leopard, binturong, slow loris, flat headed cat, pygmy elephant, colugo, Bornean gibbon and otter civet.

Visit the Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre for a morning feeding, followed by a visit to the Sunbear center next door.

Tabin Wildlife Reserve

Consisting of 20 timber chalets in the midst of the rainforest, Tabin blends well with its surroundings on the banks of the Lipad River. This is the only lodge located within Tabin Wildlife Reserve, the largest wildlife reserve in Malaysia, with a total land area of 123,000 hectares.

Sukau Rainforest Lodge

Sukau Rainforest Lodge holds the prestigious accolade of being one of National Geographic’s Unique Lodges of the World; an award only given for outstanding wildlife, conservation and community programmes. With a 1,500ft long board walk, 4 viewing platforms and an open air lounge this lodge provides the opportunity to relax whilst watching forest life go by. A great place to be situated for a wildlife safari with walks to the nearby ox-bow lake and river safaris available on a daily basis.