With flora and fauna unlike anywhere else in the world, the Borneo rainforest offers a thrilling experience to anyone willing to venture this far. During this 5-day journey, you will explore the jungle by both river and land in search of elusive wildlife, as well as encounter endangered species through the local conservation and rehabilitation centers.

Highlights

  • Trek through the Danum Valley in search of rare flora and fauna
  • Speed along Kinabatangan River at sunset
  • Interact with orangutans at a wildlife rehabilitation center
Brief Itinerary
Day Highlights Overnight
Day 1 Arrive Lahad Datu - Danum Valley Borneo Rainforest Lodge
Day 2 Danum Valley Borneo Rainforest Lodge
Day 3 Danum Valley - Sandakan - Kinabatangan River Sukau Rainforest Lodge
Day 4 Kinabatangan River Sukau Rainforest Lodge
Day 5 Kinabatangan River - Sandakan - Depart  

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Lahad Datu - Danum Valley

Malaysian Tropical Rainforest
Malaysian Tropical Rainforest

Welcome to Borneo! Upon arriving at the Lahad Datu airport, you will head over to the local office for your two-hour land transfer to the Borneo Rainforest Lodge. Enjoy the changing landscapes as you venture through regenerating forests and into virgin rainforest millions of years old. Once at the lodge you have time to settle in, meet your guide, and enjoy lunch. After a short rest, your guide will introduce you to the Borneo rainforest and the nature paths surrounding the lodge. Following dinner, you have the option to embark on a guided night safari to spot nocturnal creatures.

Day 2: Danum Valley

Sunrise over the Danum Valley
Sunrise over the Danum Valley

Wake up to the calls of Borneo gibbons and start your day with a guided trek to the viewpoint and burial site known as Coffin Cliff. Take a short break for a refreshing dip in the natural pools before returning for lunch at the lodge. In the afternoon, you may partake in optional activities such as jungle trekking or tubing session down the Danum River.  Tonight you once again set off for a walk along the nature trail.

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Day 3: Danum Valley - Sandakan - Kinabatangan River

Kinabatangan River, Borneo
Kinabatangan River, Borneo

Early this morning, enjoy a brief breakfast before departing to Sandakan. At the airport, you are greeted by your guide and educated on the endangered orangutan as well as the ongoing efforts at the rehabilitation center. Walk through the rainforest to witness the orangutan feeding before continuing on to the nursery area for young orangutans where, if you are lucky, you may have the chance to get up close and personal with the energetic youngsters. Afterwards, visit the Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Center to learn about conservation of the world's smallest bear.

Following lunch, head to the Sandakan jetty where you'll set off on a speedboat for a two-hour boat journey along the Kinabatangan River to the stunning Sukau Rainforest Lodge. Cool down with a refreshing drink and savor an afternoon tea before you head out into the wild on your first of many river safaris in search of wildlife and birds. After sunset, return for a refreshing shower before enjoying a candlelight buffet dinner overlooking the mighty river.

Day 4: Kinabatangan River

The Slow Loris, one of many species inhabiting the Malaysian rainforest
The Slow Loris, one of many species inhabiting the Malaysian rainforest

This morning, an early wake-up call is the perfect opportunity to experience the rainforest waking up. After your morning coffee, embark on a morning river cruise in search of waking wildlife and birds, which are most active in the morning, as you make your way to the Kelenanap Oxbow Lake. Return to a tasty breakfast and take the time to just embrace your surroundings. After breakfast, proceed on a walking tour along the Hornbill Boardwalk with a local naturalist.

This afternoon you'll have some time to relax, or for those anxious for more activity, you have the option to enjoy a pampering spa treatment, trying your hand at batik painting, or take a dip in the pool. Following afternoon tea, head out onto the river once again in search of more wildlife. Breathe in the rainforest and capture the moments as you return at sunset from your final river cruise. 

Day 5: Kinabatangan River - Sandakan departure

Sandakan Rainforest Discovery Center

After breakfast, it's time to head to Sandakan by boat. Enjoy a brief lunch before you set off for the airport and your flight to Kota Kinabalu. For those taking the evening flight, you'll have time to visit the informative Rainforest Discovery Center. Here you can take in a panoramic view of the canopy walkway before exploring the botanical gardens, home to a variety of flora ranging from orchids to vegetables. For those interested, you can then proceed to the Sandakan Memorial Park, a memorial built to remember POWs lost during World War 2. Afterwards, return to the Sandakan airport for your evening departure flight.

Map

Map of Borneo Eastern Wildlife Adventure - 5 Days
Map of Borneo Eastern Wildlife Adventure - 5 Days