This 2-week trip visits premier wildlife locations in the Malaysian state of Sabah in Borneo, including the world-famous orangutan rehabilitation centre at Sepilok, the Kinabatangan river and Danum Valley.
This tour focuses on Sabah’s top wildlife sites and includes a 3-night stay at Kinabalu National Park in search of diverse flora, endemic mammals and superb birdlife. Next we transfer to Sepilok where we’ll have a chance to watch the orangutans at close quarters. We head to Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary which protects ten species of primate including the proboscis monkey and Bornean orangutan. We’ll enjoy river boat rides, and an excursion to the Gomantong Caves before transferring to the Danum Valley Conservation Area, one of the world’s best rainforest locations, for a 3-night stay.
Depart the UK on an overnight flight via Kuala Lumpur to Kota Kinabalu.
On arrival in Kota Kinabalu, we meet our local guide/leader and transfer a short distance to our city hotel. In the afternoon we enjoy some easy birdwatching at the local wetland centre, for an introduction to Sabah’s birds.
Dinner is not included tonight – we have the option of eating street food at the many stalls along the seafront, or in one of the city’s many restaurants.
Accommodation: Jesselton Hotel, 1-night
After breakfast we head to the Rafflesia Centre, en route to the national park headquarters at the base of Gunung Kinabalu, the highest mountain in the Malay Archipelago and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We spend the afternoon exploring the lower slopes and walking trails in Kinabalu National Park
Accommodation: Hill Lodge, 3-nights
We have two full days to enjoy the distinctive birdlife of Mount Kinabalu, which includes island thrush, friendly bush warbler and mountain black-eye, in addition to mammals such as endemic squirrels and tree shrews. We will keep an eye out for endemics such as chestnut-hooded laughing thrush, Bornean laughing thrush, chestnut-crested yuhina, Bornean flowerpecker, Bornean treepie, mountain barbet, and the Whitehead’s trio of trogon, broadbill and spiderhunter.
During our time at Kinabalu, we will also visit the Poring Hot Spring where sightings of blue-banded and banded pittas, chestnut-capped thrush, argus pheasant, Hose’s and Whitehead’s broadbills are possible.
In the morning we travel overland to Sepilok, near Sandakan, timing our visit to coincide with feeding time at the Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. We will also spend some time at the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre.
Accommodation: Sepilok Nature Resort, 1-night
Today we board a fast launch for the trip across the bay and a short way up the 560-kilometre-long Kinabatangan River, the second longest river in Malaysia. As we travel, we should see lowland wildlife in the estuary and in the corridor of forest that lines the riverbank.
We arrive at Abai in time to settle into the lodge before lunch, after which we will head out on a boat trip (accompanied by one of the lodge’s naturalist guides) in search of orangutans, proboscis monkeys and birdlife. We return to the lodge after sunset for dinner and possibly a night walk.
Accommodation: Abai Jungle Lodge, 1-night
Following an early morning (starting pre-dawn) boat excursion, we take lunch back at the lodge, then continue by boat to our second riverside lodge near the village of Sukau; there’s plenty of opportunity to see wildlife, including possibly elephants, along the way. Once we have checked into our lodge, we head out in the afternoon for another boat excursion with one of the lodge’s naturalist guides.
Accommodation: Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge, 2-nights
Today we’ll have an early morning boat excursion with one of the lodge’s naturalist guides, before returning to the lodge to explore the boardwalk. After lunch, we’ll have some time to relax before heading out on a mid-afternoon excursion by boat, returning after dark.
This morning we make the short journey by boat to the jetty at nearby Sukau, then board a vehicle to drive south to Lahad Datu, with a stop en route to visit Gomantong Cave and see its swifts, bats and cockroaches.
After lunch in Lahad Datu, we continue to our lodge deep in the Danum Valley, surrounded by pristine rainforest, and head out for our first rainforest walk to get the feel of the jungle.
Accommodation: Borneo Rainforest Lodge, 3-nights
We have two full days to enjoy the incredibly diverse flora and fauna of the Danum Valley. By exploring on foot and by vehicle we should see an excellent array of wildlife and birds. Birding should be particularly fruitful here, as the Danum Valley is one of Borneo’s best birdwatching locations. We should be able to spot all eight species of hornbill found in Borneo as well as crested fireback, Borneo bristlehead and much more.
In addition to the birds, these two days will provide our best chances of seeing orangutans in the wild. Other mammals that can be seen include Bornean gibbons, western tarsier, red leaf monkey and red giant flying squirrels.
The morning is free so we can enjoy our final taste of rainforest. We then have a transfer back to Lahad Datu to catch a flight to Kota Kinabalu, with an onward connection to London via Kuala Lumpur.
A tailor-made holiday or private departure can be arranged, please contact us to tailor a trip to suit your requirements.
Napolean - a.k.a. Paul - was born in Sabah and worked at Borneo Rainforest Lodge in Danum Valley for several years until he was promoted to become head guide.
He regularly leads tours throughout the rest of Sabah and has an excellent knowledge of Borneo’s flora and fauna.
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}
Kinabalu National 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}
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}
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}
Travel by small boat along the Kinabatagan River from Sukau for a truly authentic Bornean wildlife experience – the rewards can be huge, with many species thriving here that have lost their homes elsewhere in Borneo, such as proboscis monkey, Bornean orangutan and endangered hornbills. Find Out More about {acc:title}
Boasting a beautiful location on the north coast of Borneo, Kota Kinabalu offers a captivating mix of modern city life while also retaining its traditional heritage. With access to tropical islands and dense Bornean rainforest nearby, it’s a fantastic place to stop when exploring the Malaysian state of Sabah. Find Out More about {acc:title}
Accommodation at Abai Lodge is in timber-built cabins set amongst jungle, all with attached bathrooms, ceiling fan, hot shower and insect-screened windows. Electricity is provided by generator, and there’s a bar as well as a large restaurant, which serves tasty Malaysian food. Find Out More about Abai Jungle 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
Hill Lodge’s bungalows are spacious – about 83 square metres – and within a short walk of the complex’s central Liwagu restaurant and café. Each has a king-sized or twin beds and hot running water, and is surrounded by nature and gardens. Facilities include a souvenir shop and communal hall. Find Out More about Hill Lodge
Accessible by boat or road transport, this lodge consists of timber-built chalets connected by walkways. There are various spots around the lodge for viewing the surrounding nature and wildlife, including a bird observation tower and a jungle trail where red leaf monkey and wild orangutan are often seen. Find Out More about Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge
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
British Travel Awards
Awarded Silver in Favourite Tour Operator for Nature & Wildlife 2024 & 2025
Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards
Awarded Bronze in Best Travel Company for Wildlife & Nature Holidays 2024
