Borneo is the third-largest island on Earth, consisting of the world's oldest and most revered rainforests, vastness of dense canopies and rich foliage filled with weird and wonderful biodiversity.
One of the greatest wildlife-watching destinations, you can observe orangutans in their natural habit. Expect other uniquely endangered wildlife on your Borneo Safari; the noisy proboscis monkey, diminutive pygmy elephant, sun bears and clouded leopards.
We specialise in Malaysian Borneo Safaris, as we believe it offers the best wildlife experience. This unspoiled pristine pocket of life is a paradise waiting to be rediscovered; a veritable treasure trove of resource-rich natural attractions.
Join us on this photographic safari, specialist-led by a seasoned professional in the realm of photography, Charlie Ryan. Capturing the essence of Borneo’s wildlife through his lens, Charlie’s work has been published in National Geographic, BBC, and Netflix.
From swinging orangutans and honking proboscis monkeys, to sandy beaches and exploring the jungle; this safari is perfect for families with just the right mix of wildlife, relaxation and adrenaline.
From 7000 per person
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.A wild adventure into Borneo’s jungles in search of the fascinating wildlife that call it home; from swinging orangutans to honk-nosed proboscis monkeys.
From 17500 per person
Our 10-day Borneo Photography safari starts from $8,698, including accommodation at 4 lodges and expert tuition from Charlie Ryan. For a bespoke luxury 14-day experience, expect to budget from $17,360 per person. Contact us for a bespoke quote.
The best time to go to Borneo is during the dry season, which typically falls between the months of March and October. Read our When to go to Borneo Guide.
Throughout Borneo, there are various areas where you can track wild orangutans, including the incredible Danum Valley and via river safaris down the Kinabatangan. Read more here.
Starting early in the day, you set out into the jungle before the mist has risen. Trudging through wet soil, peeling back the bright green vegetation as you go, you venture into the wild to search for orangutans. At this time in the morning, these incredibly human-like creatures are setting out in search of breakfast, occasionally daring to come down to the forest floor to pick fallen fruit. It takes expertise and patience to find these mesmerising animals, but your expert guide leads you in the right direction. Before you know it, you are looking straight up at one of these charismatic apes. At home in the treetops, they are comfortable sitting above you feeding on fruit, often just as curious about you as you are about them.
Our trip was brilliant. Everything ran smoothly and our wildlife encounters were incredible! We'd love to travel again!
The accommodations and guides were very good and the destination specialists we worked with were very helpful!
We experienced some incredible wildlife sightings on this trip which was aided by our fantastic guides!
We visited several different areas, all were slightly different and offered a different experience. The two places we stayed on the Kinabatangan offered something different - watching and an orangutan build his nest was a highlight at KWR and we saw an elephant swimming across the river at Sukau. Deramakot Forest was also a highlight due to our guide's knowledge and passion for the area. Choosing the right travel company is super important and we felt we had done well in this regard. Conservation and tourism is a tricky balance and I think NWS considers this and it is vital to me to spend my holiday budget as wisely as I can in support of conservation. The quality of the guides can make all the difference and NWS did very well for us. We had a busy schedule and it all went like clockwork which makes these trips much less stressful. Budget allowing, I would love to travel frequently - I love what you are doing as a company, and having someone who will learn what we want seems like a good partnership.
I had consulted with a number of different travel agencies prior to selecting NWS for this trip. My selection was based on NWS's professionalism, attention to detail and responsiveness. She and NWS did not disappoint. NWS paid meticulous attention to every detail of our trip. The app was a wonderful added benefit as it provided all the info we needed plus an opportunity to record all our memories. Thank you for a delightful trip. Everything was perfect and well designed on this trip.
Overall a great trip. The guides (especially the NWS Asia Destination Specialists) were outstanding, and all of the resorts were top quality. Outstanding planning services, strong support services (app, guides) Good value.
The water in many lodges and hotels in Borneo is, in fact, safe to drink, but we don't believe it's worth taking the risk during your safari. Stick to bottled water throughout your trip; it is readily available and inexpensive. The last thing you want on that trip of a lifetime is an upset stomach when it could have been easily avoided.
Currently, visas are not required for UK and US passport holders to enter Malaysia. However, it is your responsibility to check the government websites ahead of travel in case of any changes. Obtaining the correct visas are your responsibility.
Yes, vaccinations are recommended for travel to Borneo. Essential ones include Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Tetanus, with others like Hepatitis B, Rabies, and Japanese Encephalitis advised depending on your activities and length of stay. Always consult a travel health specialist at least 6–8 weeks before departure to ensure you're fully protected.
Travel times can vary considerably in Borneo. Main roads are generally good but travel is much slower than on European or American roads. Most roads in rural areas are often dusty or muddy and bumpy due to poor local maintenance and weather conditions.
The local currency in Sabah is the Malaysian Ringgit (RM). It is issued in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, and 100 Ringgit notes. Coin denominations are 50, 20, 10, 5, and 1 sen (cents)
Borneo is an emerging tourist destination, and the lodges and hotels do vary in terms of the facilities they offer. In most cases, accommodation is generally not as luxurious or well-appointed as the lodges/camps in Africa. Generally, lodging in the main towns and resorts is in western-style three- to five-star hotels or guest houses. The jungle lodges do vary in standard but almost all have en-suite rooms with hot and cold water. Air conditioning is not always provided but most have fans. We always attempt to use environmentally friendly lodges who are committed to helping the local communities.
If you are looking for extreme luxury throughout your journey, Borneo may not be the destination for you. However, for those of you seeking accommodation that blends rainforest style, traditional features and great proximity to wildlife, look no further. In Borneo, we hand-pick lodges that have been built to complement their surroundings, carefully choosing the locations that provide the best access to wildlife. We have some lovely beach-based options too, allowing you to end your safari on the powder-white sands of Sabah.
Discover our Top 10 Best Borneo Safari Lodges
Conservation Minded
We will only work with the best guides and most eco-conscious operators and will always put the protection of the rainforest and its inhabitants above commerical interests. 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.
Wealth of Experience
To sell Borneo well, you need to know it from the ground upwards; this unique destination is forever changing. Through our years of experience designing safaris and time spent on the ground, we are experts in putting you in the right place at the right time to witness the wildlife in its natural environment, be it orangutans in the misty rainforests or sea turtles in the turquoise waters.
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. Our exceptional selection of personally and privately run jungle lodges and bespoke experiences allows you to create a unique itinerary tailored to your specific needs.
