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A two-week suggested itinerary in Borneo, visiting some of the best places to see wild orangutans and a great range of Sabah’s incredibly varied wildlife.

A perfect itinerary for lovers of orangutans and Sabah's diverse habitats and wildlife. From the varied montane habitats of Kinabalu National Park to the endearing orangutans at Sepilok Sanctuary, proboscis monkeys swinging through the trees on the Kinabatangan River, and the wonderful Borneo Rainforest Lodge in the Danum Valley (one of our favourites), Sabah offers a first-class wildlife experience, with the added benefits of good infrastructure, ease of access and top quality accommodation.

Suggested Itinerary

  1. Day 1: Depart UK

  2. Day 2: Arrive Kota Kinabalu

    On arrival at Kota Kinabalu you will be met and transferred to your hotel in the city. Once you have checked in, the remainder of the day is free to relax after the journey, and maybe to see something of the city.

    Accommodation: Shangri-La Tanjung Aru or Shangri-La Rasa Ria, 1-night

  3. Day 3: Kinabalu National Park

    This morning you will be transferred to Kinabalu National Park, arriving in time for lunch. Once you have checked in you can choose from the various activities and walks.

    Accommodation: Hill Lodge, 1-night

  4. Day 4: Return to Kota Kinabalu

    Today you have a further opportunity to explore the vicinity of the national park headquarters before packing up for departure. On the drive back to Kota Kinabalu, you will make a stop at Poring Hot Spring, where you can bathe in the restorative waters. On return to Kota Kinabalu you are free for the evening.

    Accommodation: Shangri-La Tanjung Aru or Shangri-La Rasa Ria, 1-night

  5. Day 5: Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary

    This morning you rise early for the transfer to Kota Kinabalu airport to check in for the short flight to Sandakan in the northeast of Sabah. On arrival at Sandakan airport, you will be met and transferred to your accommodation in Sepilok , where your one night stay is on full board basis.  In the afternoon you will visit Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary to learn about these endearing creatures and hear about the remarkable rehabilitation work that is done here.

    Accommodation: Sepilok Nature Resort, 1-night

  6. Days 6-8 : Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary

    This morning you transfer to the jetty for the boat trip along the lower reaches of the Kinabatangan River, stopping for lunch at a sister lodge en route. After lunch you continue on the river for another hour or so to you reach your accommodation. Once you have settled in, the remainder of the day is free to relax or to enjoy a wildlife activity.

    During the two full days you spend here, you will have a full programme of wildlife activities to enable you to understand the complex ecosystem. These may include  an early morning bird walk, boat trips on the river, jungle walks, a night excursion - all accompanied by the lodges local naturalist guides.

    Accommodation: Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge, 3-nights

  7. Days 9-12 : Danum Valley

    Early in the morning, depart overland for Lahad Datu (approximately 2 hours' drive). You'll then join a scheduled transfer (another 2 hours) to Borneo Rainforest Lodge in the delightful Danum Valley, arriving in time for lunch. In the afternoon, depart for a guided walk on a nature trail (400 metre boardwalk circuit) and the canopy walkway. Weather permitting, you will be able to go for a night drive/walk to spot some of the wild animals here.

    Accommodation: Borneo Rainforest Lodge, 4-nights

  8. Day 13: Transfer to Lahad Datu & depart

    Transfer to Lahad Datu to check in for an afternoon flight to Kota Kinabalu, connecting to an overnight connection back to the UK via Kuala Lumpur.

  9. Day 14: Arrive UK

Key info

Our trip ideas are offered to inspire you and can be tailored to suit your requirements.
  • Duration and price including flights from/to UK: 14 days from £4,395 pp
  • Duration and price excluding international flights: 12 days from £3,795 pp
  • Single supplement: From £650
  • Trip type:
    Tailor-made Holiday
  • When to go: Jan-Dec
  • Activities available:
    • Birdwatching
    • Boat trip
    • Walking
Featured locations:

Kinabalu Park

Kinabalu Park is dominated by the peak of Mount Kinabalu, and is probably one of the most important biological sites in the world. It harbours a remarkable botanical diversity with as many as 6,000 species of flora and fauna, over 600 species of butterflies, 320 species of birds and 100 species of mammal. Find Out More about {acc:title}

  • Where: Sabah State
  • Ideal for viewing: Bornean ferret badger, oriental small-clawed otter, rhinoceros hornbill, serpent eagle, sun bear
  • Excellent for: Birdwatching

Danum Valley

Danum Valley is arguably Borneo’s premier wildlife location and boasts all ten of Sabah’s primate species. Early morning is the best time to enjoy the canopy walkway through the surrounding lowland rainforest and view the stunning birdlife. It also offers maybe the best chance to see orangutan in the wild. Find Out More about {acc:title}

  • Where: Sabah State
  • Ideal for viewing: Asian elephant, Malayan sun bear, banteng, orangutan, Bornean gibbon
  • Excellent for: Photography tours With Nick Garbutt, Orangutan watching, Birdwatching

Sepilok Forest Reserve & Orangutan Sanctuary

Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary is renowned for its work in rehabilitating orphaned orangutans, However, set in primary lowland rainforest, the reserve has much more to offer. The forest boardwalks make exploring easy, the birdwatching is superb and there is a tremendous variety of snakes and frogs to see. Find Out More about {acc:title}

  • Where: Sabah State
  • Ideal for viewing: Bornean pygmy elephant, mouse deer, orangutan, slow loris, western tarsier
  • Excellent for: Orangutan watching, Rare mammal watching

Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary

The Kinabatangan River snakes through Sabah’s lowlands for 560kms to reach the Sulu Sea. Along its length, a river safari will reveal a mosaic of riparian forest, oxbow lakes, nipah swamp and mangroves which supports a wide variety of mammal and birdlife who have grown surprisingly tolerant of human presence. Find Out More about {acc:title}

  • Where: Sabah State
  • Ideal for viewing: Wallace’s hawk eagle, orangutan, proboscis monkey, pygmy elephant, bearded pig
  • Excellent for: Photography tours With Nick Garbutt, River safaris, Orangutan watching, Rare mammal watching, Birdwatching
Suggested accommodation options are shown below. Please contact us for further recommendations.

Borneo Rainforest Lodge

The remarkable Borneo Rainforest Lodge lies in pristine jungle in the heart of Sabah’s Danum Valley. Considering the remoteness of its location, this unique, award-winning property offers an extremely high standard of accommodation in a wonderful setting, blending in with the surrounding rainforest. Find Out More about Borneo Rainforest Lodge

Sepilok Nature Resort

This simple lodge, situated close to the Sepilok Forest Reserve entrance, is extremely comfortable and convenient for visiting the nearby Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary. It offers spacious accommodation in air-conditioned chalets, set in beautiful tropical gardens and connected by boardwalks to the main building. Find Out More about Sepilok Nature Resort