Borneo Safari 2028: Orangutans; Pygmy Elephants & More

Why Join This Trip

Visit an Award Winning Wildlife and Nature Destination in Malaysian Borneo
Discover Borneo’s incredible biodiversity with expert-led wildlife cruises and jungle treks
Spot wild orangutans, proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants, and hundreds of bird species
Visit the renowned Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and Sun Bear Conservation Centre
Visit Turtle Island and watch turtles come ashore at night to lay their eggs and see hatchlings released into the ocean
Ideal for nature photographers, adventure travelers, and wildlife enthusiasts
Enjoy a well-paced itinerary with comfortable accommodations and scenic transfers
Fully refundable deposit until 12 months from departure
25% off rental photo gear from Bluewater Photo

Trip overview

Trip Overview

Journey deep into the heart of Borneo to explore the Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary, a 26,800-hectare protected area within Malaysia’s largest floodplain. This extraordinary region is a haven for wildlife, home to over 1,000 wild orangutans, 300 Bornean pygmy elephants, and ten primate species including the iconic proboscis monkey. Scenic river safaris offer unforgettable encounters with the “Borneo Big 5”—orangutans, pygmy elephants, rhinoceros hornbills, proboscis monkeys, and estuarine crocodiles—alongside rare birdlife such as Storm’s storks and Bornean ground cuckoos. From coastal mangroves to oxbow lakes, the sanctuary is a paradise for photographers, birders, and nature lovers alike. Guests may even witness resident orangutans visiting the lodge, adding a magical, up-close experience to an already rich itinerary.

Connectivity

Sakau Lodge offers free WiFi in the common areas, and Sabah Hotel Sandakan has good WiFi throughout the resort. You will be completely disconnected for the one night at Selingan Turtle Island.

Itinerary

Day 01 - Semporna to Kinabatangan. Pick up from Semporna Jetty or Sandakan Airport and transfer by land to Kinabatangan.

Day 02 - Kinabatangan. Trekking, river cruising and wildlife viewing.

Day 03 - Kinabatangan. Trekking, river cruising and wildlife viewing.

Day 04 - Gomantong Cave / Sandakan. Drive to Visit Gomantong Cave and return back to Sandakan. Check in at hotel.

Day 05 - Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre / Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre / Sandakan. Visit Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre and Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre.

Day 06: Sandakan to Selingan Turtle Island. Overnight at Selingan Turtle Island.

Day 07: Selingan Turtle Island to Sandakan. Return to Sandakan for Free and Easy Day.

Day 08: Sandakan Hotel to Airport. Check out of Hotel and Trip Leader will assist guests in arranging transport to the airport.

Weather Conditions

It’s hot and sunny in Borneo most of the year, so light, breathable clothes are best to keep cool and avoid overheating. Rain showers can pop up without warning, so it’s a good idea to carry a light rain coat just in case.

Average Temperatures

Lowland areas (Kota Kinabalu, Kudat, Sandakan, and Tawau): around 90°F
Highland areas (Ranau, Kundasang, and Tambunan): around 70°F

Trip Inclusions

3 nights in a Deluxe Room at Sukau Rainforest Lodge, twin share
3 nights in a Deluxe Room at Sabah Hotel, twin share
1 night at Selingan Turtle Island Chalet, twin share
Full board meals at Sukau Rainforest Lodge and Selingan Turtle Island Chalet
Breakfast and lunch only at Sabah Hotel, except on the free day in Sandakan which will include breakfast only
All private transfers detailed in the itinerary
All private tours detailed in the itinerary
River cruises on shared boat
Main attraction entrance fees
Luggage storage option for extra bags
Luggage storage option for extra bags

Trip Exclusions

Luggage storage option for extra bags
Evening meals while at Sabah Hotel
Lunch and evening meal on the free day in Sandakan
All airfares
Transfer to airport at the end of the tour
Personal expenses
Alcoholic/carbonated drinks
Malaysian Tourism Tax (TTX)
Personal Travel Insurance - please ask us about our preferred partner policy
Any other items not listed in the Inclusions

Book this Trip

Accommodation

Sukau Rainforest Lodge

Sukau Rainforest Lodge offers an award-winning blend of sustainability, comfort, and immersive nature experiences in the heart of Borneo. Nestled along the banks of the Kinabatangan River, the lodge is built on stilts to preserve the surrounding environment and is recognized for its eco-friendly practices. Guests enjoy serene river views, delicious local cuisine, and the chance to spot wildlife right from the deck—sometimes even a visiting orangutan or hornbill. Thoughtfully designed boardwalks like the Hornbill and Attenborough trails invite quiet exploration, while the local staff share warm hospitality and insights into the culture of the Kinabatangan people.

Luxury room with two beds and natural decor

Sabah Hotel Sandakan

Sabah Hotel Sandakan is a tranquil retreat set amid lush tropical rainforest, just minutes from Sandakan’s town center. With spacious, colonial-style rooms and modern amenities, the hotel offers a peaceful base for exploring Sabah’s wildlife attractions, including Sepilok and the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre. Guests can unwind by the landscaped pool, dine at the onsite restaurant, or enjoy forest views from their private balcony. Surrounded by nature yet close to the city’s key sights, Sabah Hotel provides the perfect balance of comfort, convenience, and Bornean charm for travelers wrapping up their East Sabah adventure.

Selingan Turtle Island

Selingan Turtle Island, located about 40 kilometers north of Sandakan in the Sulu Sea, is a protected sanctuary within Malaysia's Turtle Islands National Park. Renowned as a vital nesting site for endangered green and hawksbill turtles, the island offers visitors a unique opportunity to witness turtles laying eggs at night and the release of hatchlings into the sea. Accommodations are modest, featuring 25 air-conditioned chalets with en-suite bathrooms, emphasizing the island's focus on conservation over luxury. Guests can enjoy buffet-style meals at the on-site cafeteria and participate in guided educational programs about turtle conservation efforts. With visitor numbers limited to preserve the delicate ecosystem, Selingan Turtle Island provides an intimate and unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts and conservation-minded travelers alike.

Note: Guests should pack an overnight bag for Turtle Island; any additional luggage will be securely stored until their return.

Extend your trip

Want to extend your trip? We can help with that! Experience an unparalleled diving trip before your Borneo Safari with Bluewater. Flying all that way merits a multi-destination vacation! Here are some examples of packages we can add on to your reservation:

Save $150 when you book this trip alongside our Sipadan Dive Adventure

Extend your trip

Trip Leader

Mark Hatter

Mark Hatter is an accomplished photojournalist who has had nearly one hundred feature articles with many hundreds of images published in more than two dozen fly fishing and diving publications over the last two decades. His most recent destination features have appeared in Alert Diver and Diver (UK) magazines.

Mark has traveled the world in pursuit of new underwater photography challenges, including cold-water destinations such as British Columbia and even Antarctica in January 2018.

“Of course, I love shooting in tropical locations but I think cold water diving is a great forcing function to hone one’s photography skills as the environment and equipment are much more demanding of a diver. Good image capture in cold water is particularly rewarding.” Mark tells us.

Mark has been shooting underwater since the early 1980s and has worked in both film and digital mediums in his photojournalism pursuits. In 35 years of diving, Mark has logged over 2000 hours, much of it doing underwater photography. Currently, he teaches underwater photography classes locally at Seminole Scuba in Lake Mary, Florida.

Check availability
and start planning your perfect trip

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Why Join This Trip

Visit an Award Winning Wildlife and Nature Destination in Malaysian Borneo

Discover Borneo’s incredible biodiversity with expert-led wildlife cruises and jungle treks

Spot wild orangutans, proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants, and hundreds of bird species

Visit the renowned Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and Sun Bear Conservation Centre

Visit Turtle Island and watch turtles come ashore at night to lay their eggs and see hatchlings released into the ocean

Ideal for nature photographers, adventure travelers, and wildlife enthusiasts

Enjoy a well-paced itinerary with comfortable accommodations and scenic transfers

Fully refundable deposit until 12 months from departure

25% off rental photo gear from Bluewater Photo

Trip overview

Trip Overview

Connectivity

Itinerary

Weather Conditions

Average Temperatures

Trip Type

Trip Inclusions

3 nights in a Deluxe Room at Sukau Rainforest Lodge, twin share

3 nights in a Deluxe Room at Sabah Hotel, twin share

1 night at Selingan Turtle Island Chalet, twin share

Full board meals at Sukau Rainforest Lodge and Selingan Turtle Island Chalet

Breakfast and lunch only at Sabah Hotel, except on the free day in Sandakan which will include breakfast only

All private transfers detailed in the itinerary

All private tours detailed in the itinerary

River cruises on shared boat

Main attraction entrance fees

Luggage storage option for extra bags

Luggage storage option for extra bags

Trip Exclusions

Luggage storage option for extra bags

Evening meals while at Sabah Hotel

Lunch and evening meal on the free day in Sandakan

All airfares

Transfer to airport at the end of the tour

Personal expenses

Alcoholic/carbonated drinks

Malaysian Tourism Tax (TTX)

Personal Travel Insurance - please ask us about our preferred partner policy

Any other items not listed in the Inclusions

Accommodation

Sukau Rainforest Lodge

Sabah Hotel Sandakan

Selingan Turtle Island

Extend your trip

Extend your trip

Trip Leader

Mark Hatter

How to get there

Inquire about this trip

Check availability and start planning your perfect trip

Check availability
and start planning your perfect trip