Borneo

Weird & Wonderful Wildlife 12-Day Adventure

Tour:
12 Days
Price From:
$7,998*-$8,598**
Pricing Details
Singles:
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A Little More Info

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT
Single travelers staying in a room by themselves will be charged this additional single supplement fee, as all of our regular prices are otherwise based on double occupancy.

SINGLE SHARE OPTIONS (if available)
If you are traveling alone and wish to share a room, we will make every effort to find you a roommate of the same gender, in which case you will not have to pay the single supplement fee. The single supplement will be charged until we are able to confirm a roommate for you. If we are able to match you with a roommate, the single supplement will be refunded. In the event that we cannot find a share for you, you will be required to pay the single supplement fee.

New: Click the Singles Find a Share' icon below or check our "Community" page to connect with other single travelers looking to share.

Rating:
Easy to Moderate

Borneo

Weird & Wonderful Wildlife 12-Day Adventure

Destinations

  • Sepilok Orang-Utan Sanctuary
  • Rainforest Discovery Center
  • Kinabatangan River
  • Sukau Rainforest Lodge
  • Gomantong Cave
  • Menanggul River
  • Lower Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary
  • Danum Valley
  • Borneo Rainforest Lodge
  • Sipadan - Kapali or Mabul Islands

Highlights

As wildlife specialists, we've carefully combined several unusual and remote eco-systems with exclusive activities, comprehensive environmental education and high-end local naturalist guides to create the absolute best possible wildlife experience currently available in the country, including not just commonly sought-after encounters with orang-utan, proboscis monkeys, and pygmy elephants but also:

  • Orang-utan Sanctuary
  • Authentic wildlife tracking by foot and electric boat to see WILD orang-utans, proboscis monkeys, Bornean gibbons, and pygmy elephants in the wild.
  • Special Expeditions to see Borneo's famous flying and gliding mammals and reptiles - a Wild Planet Adventures Exclusive
  • Special Nocturnal Expeditions to see Tarsiers and Slow Loris - two of the world's smallest and cutest primates - a Wild Planet Adventures Exclusive
  • Exposure to scientific researchers, contributions to local conservation efforts
  • Sukau Rainforest Lodge - Named one of the "Top 50 Jungle Lodges in the World" by National Geographic Adventure
  • Borneo Rainforest Lodge - Danum Valley's most award-winning lodge
  • Cultural Interaction with local Orang-Sungai "River People" at Sukau
  • Maximum Wildlife Viewing
  • Local Naturalist Guides
  • Award-Winning Rainforest Lodges
  • Includes all meals

Itinerary at a Glance

  • DAY 1 Kota Kinabalu
  • DAY 2 Sepilok Orang-utan Sanctuary - Flying & Gliding Wildlife
  • DAY 3 Kinabatangan River - Track Proboscis Monkeys & Pygmy Elephants
  • DAY 4 Gomantong, Menanggul River - Track Tarsiers & Slow Loris
  • DAY 5 Kinabatangan River - Track Pygmy Elephants
  • DAY 6 Lower Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary - Track Orang-utan
  • DAY 7-9 Danum Valley
  • DAY 10-12 Sipadan (Kapali or Mabul Islands)

Note: One popular extension to this itinerary is to add a 2-Day/1-Night visit to Selingan "Turtle Island" on Day 2 of the trip. See the 16-Day EcoTour page for more details!

Weird & Wonderful Wildlife 12-Day Adventure

Detailed Itinerary

DAY 1 Kota Kinabalu
Arrive Kota Kinabalu and transfer to Shangri-la Tanjung Aru Resort for the night

DAY 2 Sandakan – Sepilok Orang-Utan Sanctuary, Track Borneo's Unique "Gliders"
Depart in the morning to Kota Kinabalu Airport for your flight to Sandakan. Arrive at Sandakan Airport and transfer to Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre before proceeding to Rainforest Discovery Centre. This will prime you for the remote aspects of your adventure. Learn about efforts to combat deforestation and preserve orang-utan habitats. Witness orang-utans feeding. Visit a 28 meter tall canopy walkway to observe the breathtaking ancient forest.

Wild Planet Adventures Exclusive!

Tracking Borneo's Unique “Gliders” We will seek out prime habitat for Borneo's 33 species of unique flying and gliding animals, including flying lemurs, rare Wallace's flying frog, flying squirrels, paradise tree snakes, draco lizards and more. We'll visit several ecosystems at the right time of day with our expert naturalist guides to increase the chances of seeing these fascinating animals that are a major part of Borneo's unique natural heritage.

DAY 3 Kinabatangan River - Track Proboscis Monkeys & Pygmy Elephants
After breakfast, return to the Rainforest Discovery Center. Continue to Sandakan jetty for 2-1/2 hour boat journey to the award-winning Sukau Rainforest Lodge along Sabah's longest river, Kinabatangan. You'll have an opportunity to view birds and wildlife in virgin mangrove, wetland, and rainforest habitats. In the late afternoon, take a river cruise using electric motor boats in search of some of the ten primate species. Sukau is home to Borneo pygmy elephants, orang-utans, proboscis monkeys and all eight species of hornbill in Borneo. Return to the lodge for a solar-heated hot shower, candlelight dinner overlooking the riverbank, and slide show conducted by naturalist guide. After dinner, enjoy a late-night safari cruise spotting nocturnal animals, crocodiles and birds. Overnight at the award-winning Sukau Rainforest Lodge, named by National Geographic Adventure magazine in 2009 as one of the top 50 jungle lodges in the world.

Wild Planet Adventures Exclusive!

Late Night River Cruise After dinner enjoy a late night safari cruise spotting nocturnal animals from 10:00pm until about midnight. While all other cruises fill the river just after dinner, at this later hour you have the best possible chance to see some of the most rare and hard-to-find animals that other travelers don’t usually see. Not only will we be the only travelers out at this hour, we’ll also focus on a narrow tributary and do the cruise by electric motor in total silence. On our very first such Late Night Cruise, Wild Planet Director Josh Cohen spotted a flat-headed cat, a feline so rare it had not been seen by local guides for nearly 6 years!

DAY 4 Menanggul River - Track Tarsiers & Slow Loris
After breakfast, enjoy a safari by boat with electric motor along the Menanggul River to experience the tranquility of this ancient rainforest at its best. We'll head towards the ancient primary forest surrounding Gomantong Cave, where wild orang-utans, the "man of the jungle", are often spotted. 

Wild Planet Adventures Exclusive!

Tarsier & Slow Loris Tracking! Night Hike at The Gomantong Park Forest Road This evening we'll enjoy a nocturnal hike to give us the best chance to see some of the world's smallest and cutest primates, tarsiers and slow loris. At night tarsiers move about in the trees, staying about three feet above ground level. They wake just before sunset, rest for a while, and then search for food. They sleep again around sunrise. Our expert local naturalist guides know the favorite habitat where tarsiers frequently come to forage. While there are never any guarantees, we have an excellent chance to see them during this exclusive Wild Planet activity.

While there are never any guarantees, we have an excellent chance to see them during this exclusive Wild Planet activity. Overnight at the Sukau Rainforest Lodge.

DAY 5 Kinabatangan River - Pygmy Elephant, Orang-Utan & Proboscis Monkey Tracking
An early morning start in search of elephants on a river cruise. The Bornean pygmy elephant can be seen mostly in the floodplain, tributaries, and the upper catchment of the Kinabatangan River. They also like to feed along river banks in the cool of the morning and the evening. Note: Elephants migrate along the river year-round. Like all wildlife, sightings depend on luck and persistence. After dinner enjoy a late night safari cruise spotting nocturnal animals from 10:00pm until about midnight spotting nocturnal animals, crocodiles and birds. Overnight at Sukau Rainforest Lodge.

DAY 6 Lower Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary - Pygmy Elephant, Orang-Utan and Proboscis Monkey Tracking
Morning and afternoon private river cruise exploring one of the oldest rainforests in the world with one of the highest concentrations of wildlife in South East Asia. Track wild orang-utans and proboscis monkeys, visit areas where Borneon gibbons, marble cat, clouded leopard, sun bear, bearded pig, red leaf monkeys, and rhinoceros hornbills can be seen. Overnight at Sukau Rainforest Lodge.

DAY 7 Kinabatangan - Danum Valley
After breakfast, transfer overland from Sukau Rainforest Lodge to Lahad Datu. Continue the journey to the award winning nature lodge, Borneo Rainforest Lodge, set amidst 438 sq km of rainforest so thick it has never been populated by humans. Explore nature trail and nearby river. In the evening a slide show and if weather permits we go spotlighting to view some of the nocturnal animals. After dinner, enjoy the night drive for spotlighting some of the nocturnal animals. Overnight at Borneo Rainforest Lodge.

Known for its extreme biodiversity, the valley is home to the full range of Sabah's lowland fauna, including the rare Sumatran rhinoceros, pygmy elephants, clouded leopards, and orang-utans. 275 species of birds have been recorded in the area. Explore nature trails, river safaris, waterfalls, and swimming in natural pools, as well as wildlife viewing from a 560-foot hanging bridge walkway and tubing down the Danum River. Evening slide show to learn about wildlife conservation and scientific research. Night safari to see tarsiers, slow loris, marble cats and other nocturnal animals (weather permitting). Enjoy a soothing dip in the cool Jacuzzi pool after your activities.

DAY 8 Danum Valley
Early morning birdwalk before breakfast. Spend the whole day exploring the forest for birds and mammals, leading up to an escarpment with ancient burial coffins. Trek to waterfall for refreshing dip in rock pools. Lunch at the lodge. In the afternoon, explore more trails leading to canopy walkway. Return to lodge for Dinner. Overnight at Borneo Rainforest Lodge.

Wild Planet Adventures Exclusive!

Riverbed Night Hike for Nocturnal Animals  In April 2015, Wild Planet Adventures Director Josh Cohen created an exclusive activity at Borneo Rainforest Lodge after noticing that the only open area good for night spotting was on the 4km road going in-and-out of the lodge, which had vehicles of all sizes traveling on it most hours of the day and night, which would scare away many of the more rare and hard-to-find animals. So with the help of BRL’s guides and a resident Ranger, Josh figured out a way to hike on an old trail to the east of the Raleigh canopy bridge that runs parallel to the Sungai Segama river, towards the confluence, and then cut back into the riverbed, enjoy a light snack while waiting until it gets dark, and then return via the riverbed. The riverbed, like the road, is wide open, allowing for ideal spotlighting of nocturnal animals, however, there is no human traffic in this area (foot or jeep), so there is a higher likelihood of seeing rare and endangered animals as well as animals that are unhabituated to human presence. We will depart BRL around 4:00pm and follow Josh’s footsteps for an exclusive and authentic night hike to spotlight nocturnal animals in an area un-trodden by other tourists. With luck, (and weather permitting) we hope to increase our chances of spotting tarsiers, slow loris, marble cats and other nocturnal animals, as well as unhabituated sun bear, samba deer, and flying lemurs.

DAY 9 Danum Valley
Early morning trek before breakfast. After breakfast, trek to the Trogon Trail (2.6KM) and Danum Loop Trails (1.6KM).

Wild Planet Adventures Exclusive!

Night Spotting Nocturnal Animals At Research Station By Special Permission We’ve arranged exclusive access to hike at the Danum Valley Research Station less than 1 hour away from Borneo Eco Lodge, and we’ve specifically requested a road or trail that is rarely used or otherwise has few people or vehicles on it during the week, so we have a higher chance of seeing animals that would otherwise be scared away by people. Where possible, we will choose open roads for their superior viewing conditions, as long as no vehicle traffic was on that road on the day of our visit.

Overnight at Borneo Rainforest Lodge.

DAY 10 Danum - Sipadan (Kapalai or Mabul Island)
Depart from Borneo Rainforest Lodge to Lahad Datu, and then proceed overland to Semporna for a 1-hour boat transfer to Kapalai or Mabul Island (lunch enroute).

DAY 11 Sipadan - Kapalai or Mabul Island
Enjoy your days at leisure on the Celebes Sea and Ligitan Reefs, one of the top 5 spots in the world for diving and snorkeling (these activities are available at extra cost, see additional details below). Stay in your own private bungalow at an aqua lodge built atop sturdy stilts in the picture-perfect turquoise water. Overnight on Kapalai or Mabul Island.

*IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT DIVING AND SNORKELING AT SIPADAN ISLAND

Permits to visit Sipadan Island are only available to divers with a minimum 4-night stay, and even then can only be arranged upon arrival, with no guarantees. It is possible for snorkelers to accompany divers on the SCUBA boat and snorkel during dives, but this is dependent on space being available on that day, i.e. it also cannot be arranged in advance. Otherwise, diving and/or snorkeling is available without restrictions at Sipadan Kapalai and Sipadan Mabul, both of which are also high-quality sites.

DAY 12 Sipadan - Kota Kinabulu
Transfer by boat from Kapalai/Mabul to Semporna and proceed to Tawau Airport to catch a flight to Kota Kinabulu. From there you can connect to your onward international flight, or transfer to the Shangri-la Tanjung Aru Resort for the night (at additional cost).

 

 

Borneo Lodging

Our Borneo Weird & Wonderful "Ultimate Wildlife" itinerary specializes in the highest quality lodging combined with unsurpassed access to Borneo's most exotic and remote destinations. Great care has gone into our selection of lodging partners, with particular emphasis on lodges that offer outstanding wildlife viewing opportunities. These special lodges offer all the comforts of home and pamper you with delicious local Malay regional specialties. Our meals are sometimes extravagant, always healthy, and can cater to most special dietary needs.

KOTA KINABALU

Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort

This 5-star resort is the perfect place to begin or end your trip. A gentle breeze caresses your face as you wake to the sound of waves lapping the beach. The balcony opens up to an inspiring vista of sparkling coral islands and swaying of palm trees. Sophistication surrounds you in a lavishly decorated suite inspired by Borneo's rich cultural heritage. Shangri-La's Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa, Kota Kinabalu, is a perfect tropical getaway, a luxurious tranquil retreat just a short drive from the city.

SEPILOK

Sepilok Forest Edge Resort (Alternate)

Sepilok Forest Edge Resort comprises of Stylish Malay Design Chalets and a Longhouse around lush green surroundings and hills as a backdrop which further embraces an incredible view.

Each Chalet are built with recycled woods. The wood panels are originally from Chinese houses that was built in the 1940's which you will still see when you are on the way to Sepilok. Depending on which Chalets, the Rooms are inspired by the minimal design of the locals and indoor and outdoor shower, which will bring you back to life's basic necessities. You will first be invited by traditional Malay doors that have a wooden block that slide through both handles as a Lock. Upon entering your room, you will be greeted by Bubuh Lights and Lantern, which are inspired from both the Malay and Chinese culture. Each room are decorated with local drawings, handmade natural art pieces, or pictures of old Sandakan.

Sepilok Nature Resort

Hidden amongst a veritable treasure trove of tropical plants, grasses, huge trees and spectacular orchids in bloom, the quaint bungalows of the Sepilok Nature Resort are within walking distance of the world-famous Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve, precious home of the last wild Orang-Utans of Northern Borneo. Combining rich traditional style with contemporary luxury, Sepilok Nature Resort is the ideal starting point for most other wildlife land destinations in Sabah such as the fauna rich Kinabatangan River and the surrounding Sukau area.

SUKAU

Sukau Rainforest Lodge

Named "One of the World's Top 50 Jungle Lodges" by National Geographic Adventure (and recently elevated to 4 Star Resort Status), Sukau Rainforest Lodge nestles on the banks of one of Borneo's most important waterways, the Kinabatangan River, home to many of Borneo's magnificent wildlife. Immerse yourself in the tranquility of the rainforest and the cacophony of its inhabitants, its majestic birds, all 7 species of Borneo Primates including Borneo's iconic Proboscis Monkey, Orangutans in their natural habitat as well as herds of Borneo Pygmy Elephants. Sukau Rainforest Lodge offers the rare comfort and luxury in the midst of the Borneo Rainforest whilst retaining an Eco-Lodge ethos, the delicate balance of true sustainability. Here you'll have an experience you'll always remember and one you'll never regret.

 

New starting April 2017: Deluxe Villa upgrade option. Contact us for more details.

Borneo Nature Lodge (Alternate Lodge)

Nestled along the riverbank of Kinabatangan River lies Borneo Nature Lodge - an eco-friendly resort, offering the comfort without compromising the green. A natural haven for the outdoor enthusiast, Borneo Nature Lodge is your ideal lodging as you explore the melting pot of wildlife found here in Sukau. At the end of an exciting day, find comfort in your air-conditioned bedroom at the lodge, which comes with an attached bathroom as well as coffee-making facilities. Appreciate the 'green' details of the chalets built here - all electrical items run on solar power (with the exception of air-conditioners) and energy-saving light bulbs are used throughout the lodge. You will also notice a fixed glass feature which allows natural light to pour into your room.

DANUM VALLEY

Kawag-Danum Rainforest Lodge (Alternate Lodge)

Experience the wildlife and rain-forests of the Danum Valley conservation area while staying at the newly opened Kawag-Danum Rainforest Lodge. Danum Valley has 43,800 hectares of pristine primary virgin rainforest that is host to a plethora of wonderful wildlife, birdlife and insects.

 

*NOTE: Will require some activity changes from published itinerary, contact us for more info.

Borneo Rainforest Lodge

The award-winning Borneo Rainforest Lodge is nestled in a magnificent setting alongside the Danum River flowing through Sabah's largest protected Lowland Rainforest - Danum Valley Conservation Area - 43,800 Hectares of pristine and undisturbed tropical flora and fauna in the eastern part of Sabah. There are only 31 individual chalets with fans and en-suite bathrooms, accommodating up to only 60 guests on any one day and on a Full-Board basis.

TABIN WILDLIFE RESERVE

Tabin Rainforest Lodge

Tucked away in the edge of Borneo's lush rainforest within the Tabin Wildlife Reserve, Tabin Rainforest Lodge promises a unique rainforest escape that's decorated with wildlife encounters, whilst upholding its ecotourism ethos for an even more meaningful experience.

SIPADAN - KAPALAI & MABUL ISLANDS

Sipadan Kapalai Dive Resort

A few minutes by boat from the islands of Sipadan and Mabul but a full world away from them lies the exhilarating Sipadan-Kapalai Dive Resort, sitting on its sturdy stilts on the shallow sandbanks of the Ligitan Reefs. Planned and built in full style as an airy, comfortable, sunny water village with no land in sight, it boasts a mile-long sandbank of powdery white sand where one can suntan at complete leisure while gazing out to the miles of brilliant turquoise stretching into the horizon offering the purest image of natural serenity.

Dive spots are extremely close and can be reached in just a few minutes by speedboat and some of them, actually, just by swimming from the dive center pier. For those who are ready to explore more than the tiny marvels of Kapalai’s macro life, can, in just a few minutes, dive in Sipadan (where big fish and turtles abound) or in Mabul (where silky and muddy bottoms offer different and equally pleasant experiences and opportunities to the lovers of "muck diving").

Sipadan Mabul Dive Resort (Upgrade option)

Mabul Water Bungalow is a 4-Star floating dive-resort situated at Mabul Island, overlooking the world-renowned Sipadan Island which is 15-minutes away by speedboat.

These 16 wooden bungalow units are entirely built over water with stilts offer sheer comfort. Each bungalow is exquisitely furnished with contemporary decor, equipped with remote control air-conditioner, ceiling fan, private bathroom with hot/cold shower and toilet. A spacious private balcony offers panoramic vistas of blue sea, color TV with satellite channels, mini bar, in-room safety box and free wireless internet access.

Facilities includes a large and airy restaurant for dining, a souvenir shop selling a variety of t-shirts, accessories and gifts, a business center, a dive center and a luxury day-spa.

Dive spots abound. Around Mabul, silky and muddy bottoms offer fantastic experiences and opportunities to lovers of "muck diving". These sites can be reached in a few minutes by speedboat and some of them just by swimming from the dive center pier. For those who are ready to explore more, you can experience the tiny marvels of Kapalai Island's macro life, or secure a permit for Sipadan Island (where big fish and turtles abound). With a combination of sun and water in a unique and serene setting with friendly staff, Sipadan-Mabul is an ideal destination for diver and non-diver alike seeking a great holiday experience!

 

Borneo Activities

At a Glance

We know you've chosen to travel with us for our wildlife emphasis, so we've included a wide variety of adventure activities designed to educate, inspire, and bring out the wonder in you. All of our activities are flexibly designed to accommodate different skill levels and interests, while exposing you to a variety of unique eco-systems in order to see the most amount of wildlife. And did we mention fun?

  • Unparalleled Wildlife Viewing
  • Special expedition to see Borneo's unique flying and gliding mammals and reptiles
  • Exclusive excursion to see Tarsiers and Slow Loris
  • Night Safaris for Nocturnal Animals
  • River Cruises
  • Rainforest Hiking
  • Sustainable and Responsible Safaris
  • Snorkeling or Diving
  • Cultural Interaction

Exclusive Wildlife Activities

Flying and Gliding Animals

Special Expeditions to see Borneo's unique flying and gliding mammals and reptiles.

Night Safaris for Nocturnal Animals

Special night safaris to track Tarsiers and Slow Loris - two of the world's smallest and cutest primates. Thrilling nocturnal hikes and night time river cruises to see clouded leopard, marble cats, flying lemurs and more. No other company offers all these unforgettable wildlife experiences!

Other Activities

Unparalleled Wildlife Viewing

We've combined remote destinations with exclusive wildlife activities led by expert naturalist guides for the best possible chance to see rare wildlife. No other Borneo vacation itinerary will expose you to so much wildlife!

Night Safaris for Nocturnal Animals

Thrilling nocturnal hikes and river cruises for clouded leopard, marble cats, flying lemurs and more.

River Cruises

By electric motor where possible, for the best chance to view wildlife without scaring it away.

Rainforest Hiking

In three distinct regions to for up-close wildlife encounters with Orang-Utans, Proboscis monkeys, Pygmy Elephants and more.

Sustainable and Responsible Safaris

Electric motors for river safaris and interaction with local Orang-Sungai "River People." Your fees make a difference!

Snorkeling or Diving

On the Ligitan Reef in the Celebes Sea, one of the top 5 dive spots in the world.

Cultural Interaction

With local Orang-Sungai "River People".

 

Borneo Wildlife

Prolific & Likely Sightings

Wild Planet's wildlife safaris are designed for nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. Our "Ultimate Wildlife" safaris are specially designed for maximum wildlife viewing. We take care to seek out wildlife that is rare, off the beaten path, and in greater numbers than you will see on conventional tours.

Our expert naturalist guides will educate you in the field so your experience is intimate and unparalleled. Still, wildlife viewing can unpredictable and requires patience and sensory awareness. A partial list of some of the animals you are likely to see is below:

Primates: Orang-utan, proboscis monkey, Bornean gibbon, macaques, langurs
Other mammals: Pygmy elephant, bearded pig
Birds: Over 620 species including 8 hornbill species
Weird & Wonderful: Color-changing flying frog, flying lemur, draco lizard

Rare or Endangered Possible Sightings

Primates: Tarsier, slow loris,
Other mammals: Marble cat, clouded leopard, Bornean rhinoceros, sun bear
Weird & Wonderful: Paradise gliding tree snake, lung-less frog

 

Borneo Guides

Adrian Chin

Born in Kota Kinabalu, Adrian Chin has been guiding for 17 years and holds a "Blue Collar" (senior guide) license. A dazzling male Temminck's Sunbird inspired him to become a birdwatcher and he has now observed well over 300 of Borneo's birds. The endemic Whitehead's Trogon of montane forest is Adrian's favorite species and Dennis Yong (widely regarded as one of the finest naturalists in Malaysia) was his early mentor.

Adrian has tracked every kind of mammal in Borneo extensively, and watched birds in West Malaysia, Thailand, Bali and Taiwan, as well as in England. His dream is to see the amazing birds-of-paradise in New Guinea. In addition to birds, Adrian is fascinated by plants and Borneo's unique mammals and reptiles. He is a keen photographer.

Osman Majingah

Meet Osman, our licensed bird watching specialist. As a seasoned guide, Osman has led travelers to discover Borneo in a fun and enjoyable way. This Blue badge guide is easy going, radiates friendliness and able to guide with extraordinary patience - he is exceptionally recommended for families with kids or elderly adults.

With over a decade of experience, Osman knows the nooks and crannies of Sabah's best wildlife sanctuaries and birding sites.

With his expertise and interest in exchanging ideas with people from diverse backgrounds, it is not surprising that he is one of our most highly requested guides from repeat travelers.

Hazwan Bin Suban

Hazwan was born in the coastal city of Sandakan. In his nine years as a licensed wildlife guide, Hazwan has seen 345 of Borneo's bird species and is particularly interested in their calls and songs. The elusive Bornean Ground-Cuckoo of swampy forests is his favorite. His dream-trip would be to visit New Guinea with its incredible birds-of-paradise, bowerbirds and other interesting species. In addition to birds, Hazwan is also fascinated by Borneo's terrific diversity of mammals. He is one of our top mammal experts.

Hamit Suban

A native of Sandakan, Sabah, developed his passion for wildlife and birds as a youngster growing up in the tropical lowlands. He joined the tourism industry in 1999, quickly working his way up into a tour guide specializing in wildlife and birds in 2004. Hamit has developed an intimate knowledge of the behavior and vocalizations of Bornean birds and is also a keen wildlife photographer. He was the "guide of choice" for Susan Myers, the author of the Field Guides Birds of Borneo because of his detailed knowledge of essentially every active bird territory in Sabah, Borneo.

Hamit has been involved in various mammal and bird surveys with the Sabah Forestry Department under the project "Heart of Borneo" throughout Sabah. He is on the committee for the Borneo Bird Festival held yearly at the Rainforest Discovery Center. He is a member of the Borneo 400 Club, an elite club of those who have seen and identified more than 400 birds in Borneo and specializes in digiscoping - capturing wildlife photos through a scope with DSLR and compact cameras. His vast knowledge of birds has earned him wide recognition as one of the best hardcore bird guides in Sabah.

Jumaidi Bin Amil Hassan

Jumaidi has been guiding for seven years and holds a Green Guiding License. A lover of mammals, reptiles and amphibians, he is known for is keen sight and ability to find hard-to-find animals. He has observed over 300 of Borneo's birds including many of the sought-after endemics. He is captivated by the sheer beauty of birds and the glorious songs of species such as the White-crowned Shama.

Jumaidi's interest in nature is very diverse and he also enjoys studying frogs, reptiles and plants as well as larger mammals.

 

Borneo Departures

Borneo-Weird & Wonderful Wildlife 12-Day Adventure

* Call for Bespoke 2025 Dates *

 

Borneo FAQ

Borneo Facts for Visitors

Location

Borneo is a the third-largest island in the world and is located in Southeastern Asia. The island is divided between Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei. Our Weird & Wonderful Wildlife itinerary will visit only visit the Malaysian areas of the island.

Size

The island of Borneo is 287,001 sq mi, nearly the size of the state of Texas.

Language

The official language of Malaysia is Malay, however English is widely spoken across the island.

Religion

60% of the Malaysian population are Muslim. Nearly 20% are Buddhist. The remaining 20% is comprised by Christian, Hindu and several other traditional religions.

Currency

The currency of Malaysia is the Malaysian ringgit.

Entry Requirements

To enter Malaysia, your passport must be valid for at least six months. You do not need a visa to enter Malaysia if you are coming for tourism for stays of 90 days or less.

This Trip's Exclusive Wildlife Features:

Choose Your Borneo Travel Style! Any of our wildlife adventures are also available as fully customizable private trips, honeymoons or family wildlife adventures.
CONTACT US | EMAIL US | CHAT NOW | RESERVE A TRIP | 1-800-990-4376
We're Wild for Wildlife...
  • Unparalleled wildlife viewing in remote destinations with exclusive wildlife activities and expert guides
  • Special expedition to see Borneo's unique flying and gliding mammals & reptiles
  • Exclusive activity to see tarsiers & slow loris - two of the world's smallest and cutest primates
  • Sustainable and responsible safaris with electric motors for river safaris and interaction with local Orang-Sungai "River People"
  • Night safaris for nocturnal animals to seek clouded leopard, marble cats, flying lemurs, and more!
We're Wild for Wildlife...
  • Unparalleled wildlife viewing in remote destinations with exclusive wildlife activities and expert guides
  • Special expedition to see Borneo's unique flying and gliding mammals & reptiles
  • Exclusive activity to see tarsiers & slow loris - two of the world's smallest and cutest primates
  • Sustainable and responsible safaris with electric motors for river safaris and interaction with local Orang-Sungai "River People"
  • Night safaris for nocturnal animals to seek clouded leopard, marble cats, flying lemurs, and more!
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