Wild Borneo
Why Borneo? Rainforest. Orang-utan. Elephant. Hornbills. Tropical Islands.
Why a Borneo Adventure?
Borneo Rainforest - one of the world's biodiversity hotspots, comparable to Madagascar in its species diversity.
Orangutans & other primates - the rainforests of Borneo are home to orang-utans, proboscis monkeys, gibbons, langurs, macaques, tarsiers, the slow loris, a myrad of reptiles & birds, & plenty more.
Danum Valley, Kinabatangan River & Tabin Wildlife Reserve - home to orangutans, gibbons, Borneo pygmy elephants, clouded leopards, over 275 bird species including Borneo hornbills, 72 reptiles species, & more.
The Coral Triangle - the 'global epicentre of marine biodiversity'. Enough said! Awesome diving & snorkelling. Dive Sipadan Island. Layang Layang.
Highlights: Orang-utan, proboscis monkey, pygmy elephant. Tropical Islands.
Is this for me? For nature lovers who want tropical wildlife & reefs.
| Day | Location |
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| 1 | Sandakan/ Sepilok | |||||
| 2 | Sepilok Forest Reserve | |||||
| 3 | Kinabatangan River | |||||
| 4 | Kinabatangan River | |||||
| 5 | Danum Valley | |||||
| 6 | Danum Valley | |||||
| 7 | Lankayan/ Sipadan/ Mabul | |||||
| 8 | Lankayan/ Sipadan/ Mabul | |||||
| 9 | Lankayan/ Sipadan/ Mabul | |||||
| 10 | Kota Kinabalu | |||||
| Safari Highlights | ||||||
Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve: Learn about & see Borneo's unique wildlife at the Sepilok Orang-utan Rehabilitation Centre, Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre & Rainforest Discovery Centre. Danum Valley: home to a bewildering profusion of wildlife, including sambar deer, flying squirrels, lizards, snakes, gibbons, orangutans, pygmy elephants, hornbills, and plenty more. Also present, though unlikely to be seen are sun bears, clouded leopards, Sumatran rhinos. |
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| Day | Activities | |||
| 1 | Arrive into Sandakan, and transfer straight to your lodge at the Kabili Sepilok Forest Reserve. Depending on the time of your arrival, you have a chance of visiting the Sun Bear Conservation Centre this afternoon. (D) | |||
| 2 | Today you will visit the sanctuaries located within the Kabili Sepilok Forest Reserve. A small portion of the Reserve is being used as a rehabilitation centre for orphaned & injured orang-utans, with the aim of returning them to the wild. This is your best chance for seeing orang-utans as they come to feeding stations in the morning & evening. You will also visit the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre to see sun bears, and visit the Rainforest Discovery centre to walk along their boardwalks for a view of the treetops. There is an option for a night walk in the rainforest at the RDC (weather-permitting). (B L D) |
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| 3 | Today you'll drive from Sepilok back to Sandakan's boat harbour, where you will board your boat for the two hour transfer along the river to your lodge set on the riverbanks. You have a good chance of seeing Borneo pygmy elephants along the riverbanks, so keep your eyes peeled. Afternoon cruise along the Kinabatangan River in search of its wildlife, including proboscis monkeys, and even orang-utans & pygmy elephants if you are lucky. (B L D) |
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| 4 | Early morning & afternoon boat cruises today in search of wildlife. OPTION: Gomantong Caves visit - a massive crack in a mountain, with a limestone chamber. This is a living cave with swifts (whose nests are collected by locals), bats, and plenty of creepy crawlies - cockroaches, centipedes & scorpions to name a few. This visit is for the adventurous only! We normally recommend this option for those choosing to stay here a third night. (B L D) |
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| 5 | Early this morning transfer by road to the remote and wild Danum Valley, a lowland dipterocarp forest, and Sabah's largest protected area. Enjoy lunch at the lodge. In the afternoon, you'll go on a walk around the nature trails & the canopy walk-way. Tonight, enjoy a night driving safari to spot nocturnal creatures. Danum Valley is home to an abundance of wildlife, including the Sumatran Rhino, and although you are unlikely to see these, you are likely to see rhinoceros hornbills. Also present are sambar deer, pygmy elephants, flying squirrels, tarsiers, lizards, gibbons, orangutans, sun bears, clouded leopards and many more species - there are over 120 species of mammals, over 340 species of birds in these forests, 72 species of reptiles, and 56 species of amphibians. (B L D) |
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| 6 | Wake to the sound of Bornean gibbon calls. Another day to explore this extraordinary wilderness via walking trails. (B L D) | |||
| 7 | Chance for an early morning walk today, before departing for your 2 hour journey to Lahad Datu. |
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| 8 | Relax and enjoy your tropical island - do nothing, or go snorkelling or diving and discover the vibrant marine life in this region. (B L D) | |||
| 9 | Another day to relax. (B L D) | |||
| 10 | Today you'll leave your island and return to Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan or Tawau (boat/ drive/ fly as required) for your onward flight home. (B) | |||
Want more Luxury or Exclusivity? from $8,995 to $15,000+
Highlights: Kalimantan & Sabah. Pristine coral reefs. Mantas, turtles. Kakaban jellyfish lake. Sipadan Island.
Is this for me? For the avid diver who wants varied and remote diving.
| Day | Location |
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| 1 | Balikpapan - Derawan | |||||
| 2 | Derawan/ Maratua Atoll | |||||
| 3 | Derawan/ Maratua Atoll | |||||
| 4 | Derawan/ Maratua Atoll | |||||
| 5 | Derawan/ Maratua Atoll | |||||
| 6 | Derawan/ Maratua Atoll | |||||
| 7 | Tawau/ Kota Kinabalu | |||||
| 8 | Sipadan/ Layang Layang | |||||
| 9 | Sipadan/ Layang Layang | |||||
| 10 | Sipadan/ Layang Layang | |||||
| 11 | Sipadan/ Layang Layang | |||||
| 12 | Kota Kinabalu | |||||
| Diving Safari Highlights | ||||||
Derawan Archipelago (Derawan Island, Nabucco & Nunukan Islands, Pulau Maratua, Kakaban & Sangalaki): remote, and one of Indonesia's most biodiverse regions. Clear waters pelagic diving in Pulau Maratua's Channel - even occasional thresher sharks. Macro diving off Pulau Derawan with ghost pipefish. Pulau Kakaban jelly-fish lake. |
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| Day | Activities | |||
| 1 | Arrive at Balikpapan, Kalimantan (Indonesia) this morning. FLY to Berau. Transfer to the jetty for your boat transfer to your chosen island resort in the Derawan Archipelago. Depending on time of arrival, you have a chance for an afternoon shake-down dive. (D) |
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| 2 | During the rest of your stay here, enjoy the fantastic and remote diving of Borneo's Derawan Archipelago over 10 dives. Some of the highlights include: Pulau Kakaban, which is famous for the non-stinging jellyfish (4 species) lake in its interior, as well as excellent wall dives. Pulau Sangalaki, for a chance to see manta rays and plenty of turtles. |
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| 3 | Derawan Archipelago Diving - enjoy diving Kakaban, Sangalaki, Maratua, Derawan; depending on the dive schedule & weather conditions. (B L D) | |||
| 4 | Derawan Archipelago Diving - Kakaban, Sangalaki, Maratua, Derawan; as above. (B L D) | |||
| 5 | Derawan Archipelago Diving - Kakaban, Sangalaki, Maratua, Derawan; as above. (B L D) | |||
| 6 | Derawan Archipelago Diving - Kakaban, Sangalaki, Maratua, Derawan; as above. (B L D) | |||
| 7 | A long day of travel today to get between your remote destinations. Boat transfer back to Berau today, and boat/ road transfer to Tawau (in Sabah). Overnight in Tawau/ Semporna if you are continuing to Sipadan/ Mabul/ Kapalai. OR fly to Kota Kinabalu to overnight if continuing to Layang Layang. (B) |
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| 8 | Boat transfer to your chosen island resort within the Semporna Archipelago for your diving around the Semporna Archipelago, including Mabul, Sipadan, Kapalai, Mataking Islands. Layang Layang - 3 boat dives per day. (B L D) |
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| 9 | Sipadan/ Mabul/ Kapalai Diving OR Layang Layang Diving. The diving on nearby islands of Mabul & Kapalai offers outstanding macro diving; look out for ornate ghost pipefish, tiny shrimps, leaf fish, orang-utan crabs, flamboyant cuttlefish, and plenty more. |
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| 10 | Semporna Archipelago Diving - Sipadan, Mabul, Kapalai, Mataking. OR Layang Layang Diving. (B L D) |
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| 11 | Semporna Archipelago Diving - Sipadan, Mabul, Kapalai, Mataking. OR Layang Layang Diving. (B L D) |
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| 12 | Today boat transfer back to Semporna, then road transfer to Tawau. FLY Tawau to Kota Kinabalu. (or fly from Layang Layang). Continue with your onward flight home. (B) |
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Want more Luxury or Exclusivity? from $9,995 to $15,000+
Want even more?
Explore different regions, focus on particular wildlife, relax by the beach, go scuba diving, discover local culture... it's your choice.Below are some ideas. Contact us for specific recommendations just for you.
| Kuching, Sarawak - min 2 nights Want to see some of Borneo's culture & tribal history? Kuching is a sophisticated and stylish Bornean city, set in Malaysia's state of Sarawak. Thanks to its unusual history of being ruled by the White Rajahs, the culture of the indigenous peoples, the Dayaks, has remained relatively in tact. Explore Kuching's Old Chinatown, its India Street, and visit the Sarawak Museum or the Ethnology Museum. Take a day trip out to see one or more traditional Dayak Longhouses (e.g. Annah Rais) and stop in to the Semenggoh Nature Reserve to see orangutans, or travel to Gunung Gading National Park for a chance of seeing an amazing rafflesia flower (in season; unpredictable). Boat trips through the Kuching Wetlands National Park bring the chance of spotting proboscis monkeys, silver leaf monkeys, and other widlife - the most exciting being a chance to see critically endangered Irrawady dolphins. Incl. airport transfers, accommodation, breakfast. From US$ 390 pp for 2 nights. |
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| Tanjung-Puting National Park, Kalimantan - min 2 nights Want to see Camp Leakey's orang-utans via a jungle river cruise in a klotok (motorised longboat)? Explore Kalimantan's Tanjung Puting National Park (4,150 km sq) on a jungle river cruise up the Sekonyer river. You will travel on your very own private klotok (which is a motorised long boat), a wonderful soft adventure in itself. Visit the 'camps', or feeding stations for orangutans that are being rehabilitated for release back into the wild - these include Camp Leakey (established by Dr Birute Gladikas), Pondok Tanggui, Tanjung Harapan. You also have the chance to see other wildlife in this beautiful national park: proboscis monkeys, macaques, a myriad of birdlife, including the gorgeous hornbills & kingfishers, and maybe even a gharial (crocodile). Incl. airport transfers, accommodation & meals on the cruise, guide, park fees. From US$ 550 pp for 2 nights. |
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| Wildlife & culture of Central Kalimantan - min 3 nights Want a diverse Borneo experience, with local culture & wildlife (orangutans!)... on a luxury cruise? Enjoy a relaxing, gentle cruise on a luxurious but traditional wooden riverboat; the Rahai'i Pahan, Ruhui Rahayu, or the Spirit of Kalimantan. Cruise up the Kahayan & Rungan rivers of Central Kalimantan, exploring as you travel. The wildlife highlight is Orangutan Island, a rehab centre for orangutans in the middle of the Kahayan River. You will not get as up close and personal as at Tanjung-Puting National Park, or at Sepilok in Sabah, but you will see many of them. Also keep an eye out for proboscis monkeys & hornbills. You will also have a chance to go canoeing, and to visit a Dayak village where you will see traditional dancing or a welcome ceremony. Incl. transfers, accommodation, 3 meals daily on cruise, wildlife viewing, canoes, village visits. From US$ 995 pp for 2 nights. |
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| Rafflesia flower - min 1 day Want to see an epic rafflesia flower in bloom? Seeing a rafflesia flower definitely takes some luck. Although they flower all year round, it's unpredictable, and only happens around 30 times a year. Each bloom lasts only around 5 days. You can see them at Gunung Gading National Park near Kuching, Sarawak, or otherwise at Tambunan Rafflesia Reserve near Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. You'll need the better part of the day to visit the reserves, but the drives are picturesque, and the giant flowers worth seeing. Incl. transfers, guide, park fees. From US$ 95 pp for a day trip. |
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Q: How much does it cost?
A: The short answer; It depends....
The long answer: The World's wildlife, wilderness & best scuba diving destinations are often expensive because of strict government controls, high park fees & complex logistics. Amongst other things, it also depends on accommodation quality, location & exclusivity; what type of vehicles/ boats are used; whether you're flying around a lot; and how many days you spend in-country.
Whatever your budget, we will recommend the best possible adventure to suit you.
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Prices based on 2 people travelling, sharing a room.
Choose your own Private Safari or a Small Group - contact us for your tailor-made adventure!
No hidden costs - Guaranteed!
We include everything possible to make your adventure as easy as possible.
Accommodation & responsible travel
We are strongly committed to the principles of responsible travel, and therefore recommend accommodations that are trying to do the right thing - by the environment, their staff & local communities, and their guests! Environmental initiatives include using renewable energy such as solar power, using low-impact structures, reducing waste, and recycling wherever possible. They support their local communities by providing employment as well as educational, medical, and other support; some even include profit-share arrangements. Many have, or support, anti-poaching units to de-snare and protect the wilderness areas within which they operate.
Great, so what's the difference between a luxury vacation and an even more luxurious or exclusive one?
| Luxury | More Luxury & Exclusivity | ||
| Good quality hotels, lodges & resorts, in a classic or adventure style. Food is of a good standard. Set in areas with good wildlife & diving/ snorkelling. |
High quality hotels, lodges & resorts, often individually styled. High standards of guiding, food & service. Best locations for wildlife & diving/ snorkelling. |
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| Accommodation featured: | Accommodation featured: | ||
Grandis Hotel, Kota Kinabalu Sepilok Forest Edge Resort Sukau Rainforest Lodge, Kinabatangan Abai Jungle Lodge, Kinabatangan Tabin Wildlife Resort, Tabin Wildlife Reserve Klotok cruises, Tanjung Puting National Park, Central Kalimantan |
Le Meridian, Kota Kinabalu Rahai'i Pahan, Ruhui Rahayu, or the Spirit of Kalimantan, Palankaraya, Central Kalimantan |
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We clearly explain what's included & what's not:
Inclusions: All your accommodation, most meals, wildlife viewing activities by foot, boat or vehicle with experienced Guide, all internal flights, all airport transfers, all park & conservation fees.
All government taxes, fuel surcharges, Park & Conservancy entrance fees are included and correct as at date of quote. However they are subject to government & local authority imposed changes, often without notice (!) and therefore beyond our control. We will always endeavour to minimise their impact and inform you if a supplement is required.
Exclusions: International airfares to & from your chosen destination. Visa fees, personal & travel insurance, excursions not specified, drinks unless specified, laundry, telephone or internet costs, gratuities, and all other personal expenses. Some airports now charge safety fees, which are payable directly at each airport upon departure.
Additional things to consider: Busy times of the year normally have a supplement added by the accommodation providers - Easter, Xmas & New Year holidays. These will be included in our costs - so no surprises when you get there!
Q: When is the best time to go to Borneo?
A: It depends on what you want to see & experience.
The best time to go depends on what you want to see and do.
So if you're constrained to travelling at a particular time, don't worry: we'll recommend the best places & parks - and the best locations within the the parks - to visit at that time.
If you have specific interests - such as a chance to see hammerhead sharks - then you do need to travel at the right time of year, AND to the right area.
Guide to the rainforest & diving seasons & the best time to go to Borneo
January - February Lots of flowers in bloom - outstanding for botanists that are willing to brave the rain & leeches!
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March - April Change of season, from wet to dry. Fruiting season in the jungle brings orangutans into view, but may keep them away from feeding stations. Feb-April - whale sharks off Lankayan Island off Sandakan, Sabah (Malaysia). April - diving conditions improve in the Semporna Archipelago (Sipadan, Mabul, Kapalai). |
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May - September These are the drier & less humid months on Borneo, due to the SE monsoon. Tropical downpours do still occur even in the driest months of July & August. It is the most climatically pleasant time for land-based activities, and wildlife viewing. Good season for diving, especially May - July, which can be the calmest. |
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| October - December October is the beginning of the rainy season in most parts, although there are still many sunny days. By November/ December, increasing rains, with downpours on most days. |
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Whatever time of year you choose to travel, rest assured that when you choose to travel with us, we will advise you of the best Borneo safari locations, safari seasons and safari dates for your particular interests.
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