Borneo Wildlife Journey: Orangutans, Rainforests & River Safaris (7D6N)

Note: This price is per person for 2 pax (shared room). Discounts available for groups of 3+ — contact me for details!

Experience the incredible biodiversity of Malaysian Borneo on this 7-day private wildlife journey through Sabah's most renowned conservation areas. Search for orangutans, pygmy elephants, hornbills, and other remarkable wildlife while exploring ancient rainforests, peaceful rivers, and world-class nature reserves with your own private guide.

7 Days | Private Wildlife Journey | English-speaking Naturalist Guide | Sandakan to Lahad Datu

BEST TIME TO VISIT: Wildlife can be seen year-round, with March to October generally offering drier weather and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.

TO BOOK THIS JOURNEY: This private wildlife experience is operated by one of Travelynne's trusted local partners. Choose your preferred travel dates in the booking form, and we'll confirm availability within 3 business days.

Description

Few places on Earth rival the wildlife of Borneo. From playful orangutans swinging through the trees to rare pygmy elephants wandering riverbanks, Sabah is one of Southeast Asia's most extraordinary destinations for nature lovers.

This carefully designed itinerary takes you through three of Borneo's most important conservation areas. Begin in Sepilok, where you'll visit the world-famous Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre before exploring the rainforest after dark in search of nocturnal wildlife.

Next, travel by boat into the Kinabatangan Wetlands, one of Malaysia's richest wildlife habitats. Cruise quietly along the river at sunrise, sunset, and after nightfall, keeping watch for proboscis monkeys, crocodiles, hornbills, macaques, and, if luck is on your side, the elusive Bornean pygmy elephant.

Your journey finishes in the award-winning Borneo Rainforest Lodge, nestled within the ancient Danum Valley Conservation Area. Here you'll explore one of the world's oldest rainforests on guided jungle walks, canopy walkways, and night safaris while learning about one of the planet's most biodiverse ecosystems.

Whether you're an avid wildlife photographer, passionate birdwatcher, or simply looking to experience one of Asia's greatest natural wonders, this journey offers an immersive introduction to the remarkable wildlife and conservation efforts of Malaysian Borneo.

🐾 Wildlife You May Encounter

While wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed, species commonly seen throughout the journey include:

• Bornean orangutans

• Bornean sun bears

• Proboscis monkeys

• Bornean pygmy elephants

• Gibbons

• Western tarsiers

• Slow lorises

• Flying squirrels

• Hornbills

• Saltwater crocodiles

• Macaques

• Red leaf monkeys

• Mouse deer and sambar deer

• Civets

• Colugos (flying lemurs)

• A remarkable variety of tropical birdlife

Day Itinerary

Day 1 | Welcome to Sabah

Arrive at Sandakan Airport, where you'll be met by your private driver and transferred to your lodge in Sepilok. Later in the afternoon, visit the Rainforest Discovery Centre for an introductory rainforest walk before staying into the evening to search for nocturnal wildlife, including flying squirrels, tarsiers, and slow lorises.

Meals: Dinner

Day 2 | Orangutans, Sun Bears & Rainforest Discovery

Spend the morning visiting two of Borneo's most important conservation centres: the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and the neighbouring Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre. After lunch, return to the Rainforest Discovery Centre to continue searching for wildlife from its extensive forest trails and canopy walkway.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3 | Sepilok to Kinabatangan Wetlands

Enjoy a relaxed morning before transferring to Sandakan Jetty for your boat journey into the Kinabatangan Wetlands. After settling into your riverside lodge, head out on your first afternoon wildlife cruise in search of monkeys, hornbills, crocodiles, and other river wildlife. End the day with a guided night walk around the lodge.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4 | River Safaris on the Kinabatangan

Rise early for a sunrise river cruise, one of the best times to spot wildlife as the rainforest comes to life. Return for breakfast before relaxing at the lodge. Later, head back onto the river for another afternoon cruise, followed by a night cruise to search for nocturnal wildlife along the riverbanks.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5 | Into Danum Valley

After an early departure, travel by boat and road to the award-winning Borneo Rainforest Lodge in the heart of Danum Valley Conservation Area. Following lunch, enjoy your first guided rainforest walk before heading out again after dinner to discover the rainforest's fascinating nocturnal creatures.

Meals: Breakfast (packed), Lunch & Dinner

Day 6 | Canopy Walks & Night Safari

Wake to the sounds of the rainforest before walking the famous canopy walkway for a bird's-eye view above the forest floor. Spend the afternoon exploring more jungle trails with your guide in search of wildlife before finishing the day with a guided night drive through the rainforest.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 7 | Farewell to Borneo

Enjoy one final guided rainforest walk before breakfast. After lunch, transfer to Lahad Datu Airport for your onward flight.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

✅ Inclusions

• Airport pickup in Sandakan

• Airport transfer to Lahad Datu Airport

• 2 nights' accommodation in Sepilok

• 2 nights' accommodation at Kinabatangan Wetland Resort

• 2 nights' accommodation at Borneo Rainforest Lodge

• Full-board meals throughout the journey

• Private English-speaking wildlife guide throughout

• Private airport and land transfers

• Boat transfers as per itinerary

• Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre entrance fee

• Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre entrance fee

• Rainforest Discovery Centre entrance fee

• Guided rainforest walks

• Canopy walkway experience

• Four private Kinabatangan river cruises

• Guided night walks

• Guided night river cruise

• Guided night safari in Danum Valley

• Tourism taxes

❌ Not Included

• International and domestic flights

• Travel insurance (essential)

• Visa fees (where applicable)

• Alcoholic beverages, soft drinks and juices

• Optional activities not listed in the itinerary

• Personal expenses and souvenirs

• Laundry services

• Tips for guides, drivers and boat crews (optional but appreciated)

💲Price

Trips in Borneo require private transfers and remote accommodations.

• 5-6 pax: $4400 USD per person

• 3-4 pax: $4780 USD per person

• 2 pax: $5250 USD per person

📝 Good to Know

This experience is operated by one of Travelynne's trusted local partners and is offered as a private wildlife journey.

Duration: 7 days

Route: Sandakan → Sepilok → Kinabatangan Wetlands → Danum Valley → Lahad Datu

Group Size: Private departure

Accommodation: Eco-lodges and rainforest lodges with private ensuite rooms

Suitable for: Nature lovers, wildlife photographers, birdwatchers, and active travellers with a moderate level of fitness.

Travel Style: Wildlife-focused, conservation-based, and designed for travellers who want to experience Borneo's extraordinary biodiversity with expert local guides while supporting responsible tourism.