Rainforests & Pulau Tiga

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.

Day 1: Arrive in Kota Kinabalu

Arrive at Kota Kinabalu International Airport, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel for your overnight stay. That evening if you wish to explore the city, take a visit to Kota Kinabalu’s famous night market where local people sell everything from fresh fish to jewelled hijab brooches.

Day 2 : Travel to Sepilok

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.

Day 3 : Experience an Orangutan Sanctuary

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.

Day 4 : Explore The Kinabatangan River

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.

Day 5 : Breakfast Cruise

Enjoy a picnic breakfast on your boat on the peaceful waters of Oxbow Lake, surrounded by wildlife. Visit Abai village to see riverside village life and hear about their successful tree planting programme. Following lunch at the lodge, enjoy a boat journey down Sabah's longest river to your next destination, keeping a look out for pygmy elephants. In the late afternoon, take a boat ride to the wildlife-rich Menanggul tributary, which is great for monkey sightings. Return to the lodge for dinner and relaxation in the evening.

Day 6 : Kinabatangan River

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.

Day 7 : Danum Valley

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.

Day 8 - 10 : Stay at Borneo Eagle Resort

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

Tailored Safaris

Share your interests with our Destination Specialists and we will match you to the in-country experts, providing you with nothing but the best access and highly experienced wildlife trackers and guides.

Wealth Of Experience

We have used the same guides in Borneo for years, simply because they are the best at what they do. It takes expertise and patience to find these mesmerising and peaceful animals, but our guides have expert local knowledge which they will share with you, teaching you all about your surroundings, from the topography and wildlife to the local peoples and cultures.

Conservation Minded

Visit the Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary, the Sun Bear Conservation Centre and the Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre to learn about the work done to protect these endangered species.