The third-largest island in the world, Borneo is also one of the least explored areas on the planet. Known for its ancient primeval rainforests (dating back some 130 million years), dramatic coastlines, and incredible biodiversity, this island is a nature lover’s delight. Our tour takes you through the states of Sarawak and Sabah in northwest Borneo. Spend days trekking through lush rainforest and cruising along mysterious jungle rivers to search for a rich variety of colorful birds and wildlife, many of which are found nowhere else in the world. A highlight of this adventure includes coming face-to-face with iconic species such as orangutans, proboscis monkeys, and a variety of hornbills.
Three moments you’ll never forget
Experience a cornucopia of sounds on your early morning boat ride in search of Wild Orangutans.
See and hear millions of bats as they leave the Deer Cave in Mulu National Park.
Hike the slopes of the highest mountain in Borneo and spot the famous carnivorous pitcher plants.
Featured
Day 1
Kuching, Malaysia
After a chance to freshen up in your river-view room at the Kuching Hilton, enjoy a tour of the highlights of Kuching which will include the City Tower for a bird’s eye view, a visit to the historical and ultra-modern waterfront, views of the famous Malay Houses on stilts, and time to explore the Sarawak museum. Gather this evening at the hotel with fellow travelers and your Expedition Leaders, Mark Brazil and Rich Pagen, for a welcome reception and dinner.
Day 2
Kuching / Bako National Park
After breakfast, depart overland for the short drive to Bako National Park. Walk along forest trails to observe an amazing array of diverse tropical vegetation, including pitcher plants, mangrove forests, and ‘Padang’ or bush type vegetation. Wildlife commonly encountered include silver leaf langurs, long-tailed macaques, monitor lizards, wild boars, and hornbills. However, the star attraction of the park is the rare and engaging proboscis monkey, found exclusively in Borneo. Enjoy a lunch of Malay cuisine in the park canteen before heading back to Kuching for an evening cruise.
Day 3
Kuching / Gunung Mulu National Park
A morning flight takes us to the renowned Gunung Mulu National Park and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Upon arrival, check in to the Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa, and spend time relaxing on your private balcony, or take a refreshing dip in the pool. In the afternoon, set out on our first exploration of the spectacular national park to the Lang and Deer Caves. The caves are famous for their beautiful stalactite and stalagmite formations, as well as for the immensity of their caverns. Three million bats of a dozen species make Deer Cave their home and, as dusk falls, they leave in immense clouds, creating one of the world’s greatest wildlife spectacles.
Day 4 & 5
Mulu National Park
Spend two full days exploring one of Borneo’s greatest natural attractions, Mulu National Park. During our time at the park, board longboats to visit a Batu Bungan-Penan settlement to learn about their tribal lifestyle and shop for unique handicrafts. Also by longboat, visit the Wind and Clearwater Caves for a picnic lunch and the unique opportunity to swim in the spring. Multiple nature walks will be offered, in search of the fascinating plants and wildlife of the dense rainforest. With luck, spot all eight of Borneo’s hornbill species!
Day 6
Mulu National Park / Kota Kinabalu / Sandakan
After a morning at leisure, transfer to the airport for our flight to Kota Kinabalu, and connect with our flight to Sandakan. Upon arrival, transfer to the Sepilok Nature Resort for dinner and overnight.
Day 7
Sandakan / Kinabatagan River
After breakfast, transfer to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center to learn about the plight of wild orangutans and the ongoing rehabilitation efforts at the Center. Take a short walk through the rainforest to watch the orangutans at feeding time before continuing to the newly-completed nursery for young orangutans. Then visit the Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Center to learn about conservation of the world’s smallest bear. Following an afternoon cruise up the Kinabatangan, Sabah’s longest river, check in to the award-winning Sukau Rainforest Lodge, set along the banks of the river. Enjoy a candlelit dinner along the riverbank followed by a presentation by a local naturalist.
Day 8
Kinabatagan River
Rise early this morning for a cruise up the Kinabatangan River to Kelenanap Oxbow Lake to observe the early-morning activity amongst the birds and wildlife. Return to the lodge for breakfast, then take a walk along the lodge’s Hornbill Boardwalk with a resident naturalist. The afternoon offers more river cruising where we hope to see silvered, maroon, and Hose’s langurs; proboscis monkeys; and wild orangutans. Though elusive, pygmy elephants, clouded leopards, and sun bears have also been found in the area.
Day 9
Kinabatagan River / Danum Valley
After an early breakfast, depart overland to the Danum Valley and check in to the Borneo Rainforest Lodge. Spend the evening exploring the pristine rainforest, nature trails, and canopied walkways surrounding the lodge. Weather permitting, venture out on a spotlighting excursion through the forest to discover some of Borneo’s nocturnal inhabitants such as common palm civets, bearded pigs, the rare western tarsier, and the elusive leopard cat.
Day 10 & 11
Danum Valley
The maniacal laughter of helmeted hornbills and eerie songs of Bornean gibbons herald the dawn at Danum Valley. With luck, see these characterful creatures in the trees adjacent to the lodge. Spend two full days savoring this pristine area’s many treasures, which may include a mouse deer moving through the leaf litter, a giant squirrel crossing a gap in the forest canopy, or a tiny pygmy squirrel dashing up a tree trunk. Be on the lookout for a number of colorful birds such as rhinoceros hornbill, crested fireback, and perhaps even the endemic Bornean bristlehead.
Day 11
Danum Valley / Lahad Datu / Kota Kinabalu
After a morning at leisure and lunch at the lodge, depart overland for the airport in Lahad Datu and board our flight for Kota Kinabalu. Upon arrival, check in to the Shangri-La Rasa Ria for dinner and overnight.
Day 13
Kota Kinabalu / Mt. Kinabalu Park
After breakfast, depart overland for Mt. Kinabalu, stopping at Pekan Nabalu market to sample local fruits. Visit the Kinabalu Natural History Gallery and the Mountain Garden at the park headquarters. Weather permitting, take a guided walk on one of the trails to explore the montane forest. This lush paradise is home to more than 1,000 orchid species as well as Jentinck’s and Prevosts’s squirrels, tree shrews, and over 250 species of birds including minivets, babblers, and laughing-thrushes. Endemic birds here include Whitehead’s broadbill and Bornean green magpie. Return to Kota Kinabalu for an evening farewell dinner at the hotel.
Day 14
Kota Kinabalu / Depart
Board your independent homeward flight.
Departure
The trip starts in Kuching, Malaysia and ends in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
“Ever since reading The Malay Archipelago by naturalist Alfred Russel Wallace, I have had a fascination for the incredible biodiversity of the Old World tropics. Tropical forest birds, especially the frugivorous barbets and hornbills, are the primary hook for me, but primates, frogs, butterflies and other bugs, along with the amazing flora are an incredible draw.”
— MARK BRAZIL
“Borneo is host to some of the world’s most impressive rainforests, and on this expedition, we will set out to spot and observe many of its unique wildlife inhabitants. I’m am thrilled to be co-leading this wildlife adventure with Mark Brazil, my longtime friend and outstanding naturalist. Come join Mark and me as we set out to discover the secrets of the Bornean jungle!”
– Rich Pagen
Perched in the Pristine Rainforest
From nature resorts to rainforest lodges, our accommodations will have you finding luxury in the heart of the lush rainforest.
Marriott Mulu National Park
Located in the lush rainforest of Borneo, adjacent to Gunung Mulu National Park — a UNESCO World Heritage site, the 5-star Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa features stunning views and well-appointed rooms resting on raised wooden walkways. Every room features luxury bedding and a private balcony with picturesque views.
Sepilok Nature Resort
The Sepilok Nature Resort is a great way to settle in for a night in the Bornean rainforest, with the Orangutan Rehabilitation Center and Sun Bear Conservation Center just a short drive away.
Sukau Rainforest Lodge
Get a taste of luxury in the midst of the Bornean Rainforest with a stay at Sukau Rainforest Lodge. Perched on the banks of Kinabatangan River, flood plains creating numerous ox-bow lakes make the area the ideal environment for wildlife watching and birdwatching within Malaysia. Gorgeous villas with private balconies make for a memorable and relaxing stay at this environmentally conscious resort, dedicated to conservation efforts and support for their local communities.
Borneo Rainforest Lodge
The Borneo Rainforest Lodge is perched within a pristine rainforest in the Danum Valley Conservation Area, and is home to more than 320 species of birds, 124 species of mammals, 72 species of reptiles, 56 species of amphibians and a staggering 200 species of plants per hectare. The lodge has well-appointed rooms, excellent food and highly knowledgeable naturalists. The service is 5-star and maintains sustainable and environmentally sensitive practices.
More Detail
PRICING
Per Person: $10,490
Single Supplement: $1,990
Group Size
16 travelers
What’s Included
13 nights accommodation
All meals, non-alcoholic beverages and beer included with lunch & dinner
All excursions, transportation and local guides
Park fees, taxes, gratuities and tips
Internal air in Malaysia: Kuching-Kota Kimabalu
Arrival and departure transfers
Ready to Go?
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