Borneo

ORANGUTANS, REEFS & RAINFORESTS

JUN 2028  •  13 DAYS  •  16 GUESTS

Journey into the wild heart of northern Borneo—one of the most biologically rich and diverse regions on Earth. This immersive expedition explores Sabah’s last great wilderness landscapes, from ancient lowland rainforests and wildlife-filled rivers to remote conservation areas where some of Southeast Asia’s rarest species still thrive.

Our land-based journey takes us deep into the forests of Sepilok, Danum Valley, and the rugged Tabin Wildlife Reserve, as well as along the meandering Kinabatangan River, a lifeline for wildlife in eastern Sabah. Walk beneath towering dipterocarp trees, explore forest trails by day and night, and cross canopy walkways that reveal the hidden world of the rainforest above. These habitats support an extraordinary diversity of life, including Orangutans, Bornean pygmy elephants, Proboscis monkeys, gibbons, and a dazzling array of birds and other mammals.

River cruises at dawn and dusk along the Kinabatangan reveal a wealth of riverside wildlife, while the immense limestone chambers of Gomantong Cave offer one of Borneo’s most dramatic natural spectacles, alive with millions of bats and swiftlets. In Tabin Wildlife Reserve, a rarely visited and wonderfully untamed landscape of forested ridges, volcanic mud pools, and mineral salt licks, guided walks and safaris provide further chances to encounter elusive mammals and birds.

The Danum Valley conservation area protects some of Borneo’s last remaining pristine lowland rainforest and offers a network of trails for day and night wildlife exploration. Its canopy walkways provide a rare perspective on life above the forest floor, and the area is home to a rich variety of primates, including Orangutans, gibbons, tarsiers, and macaques, as well as deer, flying squirrels, and hundreds of bird species.

For the ultimate Borneo nature immersion, begin your journey with a pre-extension to Mabul and Sipadan Islands, offering a striking contrast to the rainforest interior. Here, turquoise seas and coral reefs influenced by powerful Indo-Pacific currents support one of the richest marine ecosystems in the region. Spend several days snorkelling or diving among turtles, schooling fish, and vibrant coral gardens before transitioning inland for the main wilderness journey.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Explore one of the most biologically diverse regions on Earth, from pristine rainforests and wildlife-rich rivers to vibrant coral reef systems

• Observe Orangutans, Proboscis monkeys and Bornean pygmy elephants in their natural habitat

• Discover the remote and seldom-visited Tabin Wildlife Reserve, with guided walks and safaris through rugged forest landscapes

• Cruise the Kinabatangan River at dawn and dusk in search of primates, birds and other riverside wildlife

• Walk beneath towering primary rainforest and across treetop canopy walkways in Sepilok and Danum Valley

• Experience the dramatic spectacle of Gomantong Cave, home to millions of bats and swiftlets

• Enjoy day and night wildlife walks offering rare insight into Borneo’s nocturnal rainforest world

• Stay in atmospheric jungle lodges and comfortable forest reserves deep within protected national parks

• Snorkel and dive some of Southeast Asia’s most pristine reefs, getting up close to turtles, schooling fish and vibrant coral gardens

Pre-Extension - Mabul & Sipadan Island

JUN 2028  ●  5 DAYS  ●  16 GUESTS

Stay in wonderful overwater bungalows and enjoy the most enchanting views of the sea on the Post Extension to Mabul and Sipadan Islands (most suitable for Scuba divers). Mabul Island is famous for its ‘muck diving’ with a wide variety of exotic macro critters and crustaceans waiting to be discovered. Nearby Sipadan island marine reserve is home to a rich diversity of marine life and is known as one of the top dive destinations in the world. Giant schools of barracuda in tornado-like formations, huge schools of big-eye jacks, bumphead parrotfish and green turtles are common sights.

RESERVE MY SPACE & ENQUIRIES

You've got that "I don't want to miss out" feeling for a good reason. Our expeditions are life changers and we have a solid following of Wild Earth Explorers who love returning to adventure with us. Don't hesitate in reserving your space today. 

ITINERARY OVERVIEW

PRE-EXTENSION MABUL & SIPADAN ISLANDS

Day 01  Fly to Towau / Transfer to Mabul Island

Day 02-05  Spend 4 days diving and snorkeling Mabul & Sipadan islands

Day 06  Fly to Sandakan

BORNEO - ORANGUTANS, REEFS & RAINFORESTS

Day 01 Depart Home / En Route to Sandakan via Kota Kinabalu

Day 02 Sepilok / Proboscis Monkey Centre

Day 03 Sun bear and Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre / Nature Walk / Night walk

Day 04 Abai Village-Kinabatangan River / River wildlife cruises / Nature walks

Day 05-06 Sukau-Kinabatangan / River cruises and walks / Gomantong Caves

Day 07-09 Tabin Wildlife Reserve / Wildlife walks

Day 10-11 Danum Valley nature walks and safaris

Day 12 Fly home via Lahad Datu or continue to Africa for the “Primates of the World” Expedition

Day 13 Arrive home

WILD EARTH LEADERS

PHOTO CREDIT © Thomas Baechtold, Mabul Water Bungalows, SI Tours, Canva & Adobe Stock