WELCOME TO
Wildlife Holidays in Borneo
Borneo is a treasure trove of diverse wildlife, from the endangered orangutans to elusive pygmy elephants, offering a true adventure for nature lovers.
Tailor-made holidays with a focus on hand picked boutique hotels and luxury hideaways
Borneo Holiday IdeasA wildlife adventure like no other.
Borneo offers one of the most distinctive wildlife experiences in the world. Dense rainforest, deep jungle and a wide range of ecosystems support some of the planet’s most iconic species. Orangutans, proboscis monkeys and pygmy elephants are found alongside a remarkable variety of other wildlife. The Borneo Big Five include orangutans, pygmy elephants, proboscis monkeys, sun bears and saltwater crocodiles. These species can be encountered across some of the island’s most biodiverse regions, including the Kinabatangan River, Sepilok, Danum Valley and Mulu National Park. Experiences range from guided rainforest walks and river cruises to visits to rehabilitation centres, with each area offering a different perspective on Borneo’s wildlife.
A team of real experts, brilliant at designing bespoke holidays.
Call 01273 923100 to start planning your Borneo holiday today.
Borneo Wildlife Highlights
Kinabatangan River
The Kinabatangan River is one of the most reliable areas in Borneo for wildlife viewing, particularly during the drier months from March to October. Its slow moving waters act as a natural corridor, drawing animals to the riverbanks and making sightings more frequent than in dense forest interiors.
Early morning and late afternoon boat cruises commonly reveal proboscis monkeys, long tailed and pig tailed macaques, hornbills, kingfishers and crocodiles. Pygmy elephants are sometimes seen moving between forest fragments, especially during prolonged dry periods. Repeated outings over several days significantly improve the variety and quality of sightings.
Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
Located near Sandakan, Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre can be visited year round, though conditions are generally easier during the drier months. Set within protected rainforest, the centre focuses on preparing orphaned and injured orangutans for eventual release back into the wild.
Visits are typically timed around feeding sessions, when orangutans may emerge from the forest canopy. Sightings vary day to day, reflecting the centre’s conservation led approach.
Next door, the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre focuses on the rescue and rehabilitation of sun bears, the world’s smallest bear species.
Danum Valley Conservation Area
The Danum Valley Conservation Area is at its most accessible between March and October, when forest trails are drier and wildlife activity is easier to observe. Protected from logging and development, it supports one of Borneo’s most intact rainforest environments.
Wildlife encounters here depend on time, patience and expert guiding. Orangutans, red leaf monkeys, gibbons and hornbills are regularly seen, while nocturnal walks may reveal civets and flying squirrels. Sightings are never guaranteed, but extended stays increase the depth and quality of the experience.
Activities in this area centre on guided rainforest walks, canopy walkways and night excursions, offering insight into primates, birdlife and nocturnal species within one of Borneo’s most intact rainforest environments.
.
Mulu National Park
Located in northern Sarawak, Mulu National Park is known for its vast cave systems, limestone pinnacles and intact rainforest. The park protects a wide range of habitats, from lowland forest to karst formations, creating a setting that feels very different from river based wildlife areas.
Wildlife encounters here are more subtle and tend to focus on birdlife, insects and forest species rather than frequent large mammal sightings. Guided walks and canopy trails explore the forest at different levels, while the cave systems support one of the world’s largest bat populations. The evening bat exodus, when thousands of bats emerge at dusk, is a consistent and memorable highlight, offering a clear sense of the scale and ecological importance of the park.
Kuching & Bako National Park
In southern Sarawak, Kuching provides access to a compact but varied range of wildlife habitats, from mangroves and coastal forest to lowland rainforest. The surrounding area supports a wide mix of birdlife and primate species, making it a useful base for short wildlife focused excursions.
A short boat journey away, Bako National Park offers one of Borneo’s most accessible and reliable wildlife areas. Proboscis monkeys are frequently seen along the coastline, alongside bearded pigs, monitor lizards and a diverse range of bird species. The combination of mangroves, sandstone cliffs and forest trails allows for wildlife viewing in a relatively small area, with sightings often possible over a short visit.
Borneo Big 5 and beyond
Borneo is home to the Borneo Big Five: orangutans, proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants, clouded leopards and the rhinoceros hornbill.
Beyond these headline species, the island supports exceptional birdlife, with hornbills, kingfishers, pittas and trogons found across its rainforests and river systems. Amphibians thrive in the humid environment, particularly colourful frog species that emerge after rainfall, while snakes, lizards and other reptiles are most often encountered during guided night walks.
Together, this diversity reveals the complexity of Borneo’s ecosystems and adds depth to wildlife experiences well beyond the island’s most recognisable animals.
Best Time to Visit Borneo for Wildlife
The best time to visit Borneo for wildlife viewing is during the dry season, from March to October. The weather is cooler and drier during these months, making wildlife easier to spot. The rainy season, from November to February, brings lush greenery and more vibrant landscapes, though some areas may be harder to access due to flooding or muddy trails. The dry months are ideal for river safaris and jungle treks, as animals congregate around water sources, offering the best opportunities for wildlife sightings.
Know before you go
Wildlife holidays in Borneo are very different to open savannah destinations, with most sightings taking place in dense rainforest or along rivers. Encounters are not guaranteed and often reward time, patience and repeated outings rather than single excursions. Conditions are warm and humid year round, with rainfall affecting access and trail conditions at certain times. Leeches and insects are part of the rainforest environment, particularly after rain, and lightweight long sleeves and covered footwear are advisable. Choosing the right locations, allowing enough time in each area and travelling with experienced guides all play a significant role in the quality of the wildlife experience.
Talk to us about your perfect trip to Borneo
Call 01273 923100 to start planning your Borneo Holiday today.
Our top Borneo Holiday ideas
Borneo’s Danum Valley and Beach
Explore the untouched rainforest of Danum Valley, then unwind on a secluded tropical beach in true style.
Borneo Wildlife and Island Honeymoon
A truly unforgettable honeymoon that beautifully blends thrilling wildlife adventures with idyllic beaches.
Borneo Wildlife Highlights Holiday
Spot Borneo’s Big Five on a wildlife-rich adventure from Bako’s rainforests to Danum Valley’s remote jungle trails and riverbanks.
It's about you
We create exceptional holidays, unique to you, managed in a way that makes everything easy for you, with the aim of surpassing your expectations every step of the way.
Real travel experts
Our travel expertise ensures authentic experiences, fantastic boutique hotels and outstanding guides that help create unforgettable holiday moments.
Peace of mind
- Unbeatable prices
- Our price promise
- A focus on owner-run properties
- Ideas & advice from true specialists
- Wonderful guides to steer the way
- 24-hour emergency support
- Financial protection from ATOL
- Superb sundowner ideas!