Borneo Holidays: Best Wildlife Experiences to Explore

Step into the Wild Heart of Borneo

There is a moment just before sunrise when the jungle holds its breath. Mist curls over the Kinabatangan River, and the air buzzes with life. The distant call of a gibbon echoes through the trees, and somewhere, unseen but near, an orangutan stirs in its leafy nest. This is Sabah, Malaysian Borneo, where nature still flourishes and moments feel like scenes directly from a wildlife documentary.

It is no wonder that our eco-travellers often say that this place feels like stepping into another world – one that is more alive, more connected, and undeniably wild. It’s the kind of place that leaves you wide-eyed and speechless – and then suddenly chatty because you want to share it all.

If you seek adventure, breathtaking nature, and rare wildlife, our Malaysian Wildlife Borneo Holidays are the perfect way to experience it all, from orangutan sanctuaries to night hikes through glowing forests. 

Sabah, Malaysian Borneo: A Land of Rainforests, Rivers, and Tribes

Borneo is a land of contrasts, where mountains, tropical rainforests, and pristine rivers are all sustained by an incredibly diverse and rich culture. For centuries, the indigenous peoples of Borneo, such as the Kadazan-Dusun, Bajau, and Murut, have lived there in harmony, with all of their cultures tightly linked to the environment. The connection with nature is evident in their traditions, beliefs, art, and daily lives. In Sabah, the landscape is not only alive with wildlife but also with stories of people whose history is deeply rooted there.  

Borneo is the world’s third-largest island, and it is shared by Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei. Among these, the Malaysian state of Sabah offers one of the most immersive wildlife experiences in the whole of Asia, making it the ideal place for Borneo holidays. The area is a combination of some of the oldest rainforests in the world and ancient cultures, each contributing to the specialty of the region.

Borneo’s climate can be divided into two seasons – wet and dry. While Borneo is a year-round destination, depending on the season, it offers a unique wildlife experience. The trees are fruiting during the dry season, making it an incredible time to visit the area for wildlife spotting. Forests burst with abundance, attracting fruit-loving animals such as orangutans and hornbills, making the wildlife scene even more active. It’s like a nature party where everyone’s invited! 

For those hoping to witness young animals exploring and learning crucial skills, timing your trip around their birthing seasons is key. Many species tend to give birth when food availability is at its highest and the conditions are good for raising the young. Visiting during the peak fruiting months from May to August increases the likelihood of spotting young animals. While other species rely heavily on fruit, some species, such as sun bears, have been observed to reproduce throughout the year. So, even if you are not in Borneo during the high birthing season, you still have a chance to see young animals roaming in the forests during your Borneo holiday. 

Sepilok: The Orangutan Sanctuary of Borneo

Sepilok is one of the best places in the world to see orangutans. The forest consists of lowland dipterocarp and mangrove forests, offering a diverse diet of wild fruits, young leaves, and tree barks to support a wide variety of wildlife, including orangutans. These ecosystems provide everything orangutans need to thrive, but habitat loss makes food and nesting sites increasingly scarce. Orangutans are known to be territorial yet solitary – each needs large amounts of forest to survive. When suitable habitats are under threat, it increases competition for resources.

Orangutans in Borneo are listed as critically endangered by the IUCN due to deforestation, human-wildlife conflicts, and illegal wildlife trade. To combat these threats, the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre was established in 1964, making it the first sanctuary in the world to offer rehabilitation to orphaned and rescued orangutans. You get to learn about these animals and their rehabilitation in the center during our tours. Usually, the journey of rehabilitation begins when an orangutan is rescued. Often, it is an orphaned baby who has lost its mother due to poaching or other threats. These intelligent animals go through a rehabilitation process, learning the necessary skills to survive in the wild, and are then reintroduced to their natural habitats. 

Sepilok: A Haven for Rare and Endangered Wildlife

Sepilok is not just a home to the iconic orangutans – it is a thriving sanctuary for incredible wildlife. 

Here, you have the opportunity to see a peek of the elusive Sunda Clouded Leopard or hear the calls of lively hornbills, the rare Bornean bristlehead, and the vibrant white-crowned shama through the trees. This biodiversity hotspot shelters species found nowhere else on Earth, making every step an adventure into the unknown.

The Bornean Sun Bear Rehab offers an exclusive opportunity to observe the world’s smallest bear. Like orangutans, this center rescues and rehabilitates bears, many of which have been orphaned by deforestation or poaching. Malaysian Wildlife takes you to visit the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, where these shy and playful animals are being given a second chance.

To continue a truly immersive experience, take a canopy walk starting from the Rainforest Discovery Centre, where a bird’s eye view offers a chance to spot wildlife hidden in the dense foliage. The forest itself is a botanical wonderland, with an astonishing variety of plant life, from dipterocarps, the dominant trees of Southeast Asia’s rainforests, to the legendary Rafflesia, the world’s largest flower, famous for its massive, vibrant blooms and its nickname – a corpse flower. Whether you are a wildlife enthusiast or an aspiring botanist (or who said you can’t be both?), this is a place you don’t want to miss out on.

Kinabatangan River: A Journey Through Borneo’s Ecological Heart

The Kinabatangan River is the second-longest river in Malaysia, stretching over 560 kilometers. The area is famous for being one of the richest ecosystems in the world – a mosaic of rainforest, wetland, and mangrove swamps. The cruise along the river is one of the best opportunities to spot wildlife. As you enjoy the sunset from the riverside, the golden hues reflecting off the water create a mesmerizing scene so vivid it will leave you speechless.

But the true magic of the river lies along its banks and beneath the surface. The river is filled with life – its waters are home to mangrove monitor lizards, mudskippers, and crocodiles. You can see proboscis monkeys jumping in the trees and spot a pygmy elephant herd migrating along the riverbanks. Nutrient-rich waters nourish an incredible range of animal and plant species, offering an unforgettable chance to witness the wilderness of Borneo.

But it is not just plants and animals who depend on the river – it is the people, too. Indigenous communities live along the riverside and rely on the waters for various reasons, like fishing, transportation, and trade. Consequently, several generations have gained and shared a deep knowledge of the river and its ecosystem, playing a significant role in conservation efforts in the region. Our guides are local Sabahans and will be happy to tell you about their home and culture.

Night Hikes: Discover the Jungle After Dark

As the sun goes down, the rainforest transforms into an entirely new world, allowing you to experience the nocturnal side of the jungle. Western tarsiers leap from tree to tree, hunting small prey, while frogs croak on the low sound and the glow-in-the-dark mushrooms fill the forest floor, creating a mysterious atmosphere. If you enjoy spotting reptiles or amphibians, a night hike in the jungle will not disappoint you. Even if you are a little hesitant, you will find it fascinating as our expert guides reveal the wonders of the jungle after dark. The cool, humid night is when many creatures come out to hunt, including some of the most secretive creatures, such as Bornean tarantulas, vipers, and flying lemurs. You will be amazed at how much there is to discover! 

The Borneo Big Five: The Most Iconic Wildlife of Borneo

You have probably heard of the famous Big Five in Africa, but did you know that Borneo has its version of it too? Indeed, with dedication, patience, and some luck, you can spot all five species special to Borneo in the heart of the Kinabatangan River. Our eco-tours are designed to give you the best shot at spotting them, from orangutans swinging above you to crocs lurking below. 

1.   Orangutan – Found only in Borneo and Sumatra. They are known to be the world’s largest tree-dwelling animals, and crucial to their ecosystems.
2.   Bornean Pygmy Elephant – The largest of the Borneo Big Five, yet the smallest subspecies worldwide. They have a significant role in the ecosystems by dispersing seeds and shaping the landscape.
3.   Proboscis Monkey – An iconic primate famous for its oversized nose, which is essential in controlling insect populations and maintaining forest health.
4.   Rhinoceros Hornbill – A symbol of Borneo’s wild beauty, this majestic bird is known for its unique bill and plays an important role in forest regeneration. A total of eight species of Hornbills can be found in Sabah!
5.   Estuarine Crocodile – One of the top predators in the animal kingdom, they regulate the populations of other animals and stop them from degrading ecosystems.

Ecological Importance: Preserving the Kinabatangan River Ecosystem

The Kinabatangan River is a critical ecosystem supporting various species, many of which are endemic and endangered. The river’s forest provides food and shelter and is a corridor for migration, including the Bornean Pygmy Elephants, which can be seen to cross the river.

Unfortunately, the area has been at risk due to deforestation and palm oil plantations, fragmenting the landscape. This has created a challenge for various species to roam freely, and conservation efforts focus on protecting areas and building forest corridors. 

By supporting ethical wildlife tours and choosing eco-friendly lodges, you contribute to conserving the river and its rainforests, making it a key part of your Borneo holiday. 

Ready for Your Borneo Safari?

A wildlife experience like the one in Kinabatangan is hard to beat. Whether you’re joining us for a full wildlife journey or just want to experience a taste of Sabah, our tours offer something for everyone: orangutan encounters in Sepilok, sun bear rehabilitation visits, night hikes through rainforests, and river cruises with a front-row seat to Borneo’s wildest moments.

To get the most out of your wildlife experience, check out our tours around Kinabatangan and Sepilok. They offer you an unforgettable glimpse into the rich wildlife and breathtaking landscapes of Borneo.

And if you are dreaming of staying longer and making a real difference, why not take it a step further? Join our volunteering programs, such as Sun Bear Volunteering or Borneo Wild Habitat, where you can help to take care of rescued wildlife or restore vital rainforest habitat. 

You’ll return home with unforgettable memories, a camera full of stories, and an even deeper love for the wild. Borneo is calling, and we are excited to be part of your journey!