Tailormade Holidays in Borneo

Tour Code: TMYS

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Sample Itineraries

Create your own Tailormade holiday to Borneo with dates and an itinerary to suit you. Click one to scroll down and view more info.

When to Go

Good Time to Go

ALL YEAR ROUND

Best Time to Go

April to October

Speak to a Borneo expert

Tom Mabbett

Operations Manager

Email Call 1-844-433-9473

Where to Go

Danum Valley Conservation Area
Tabin Wildlife Reserve
The Kinabatangan River
Deramakot Forest Reserve
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Summary

The mention of ‘Borneo’ alone is enough to summon a sense of adventure and excitement. The rainforests here are among the most biodiverse in the world and, in particular, the northern state of Sabah holds a legendary status amongst naturalists. The Danum Valley and Tabin Forest Reserve, both in Sabah, are extraordinary places in which to experience genuine primary rainforest. Another Sabah treasure is the Kinabatangan River system which presents excellent mammal-watching and birding opportunities while silently cruising along the tranquil waters. There’s fantastic birding, too, on the forested slopes of Mount Kinabalu, south-east Asia’s highest mountain. For adventurous souls the option to trek to the summit of Mount Kinabalu, at just over 4,000 metres, is a tempting prospect. To add a cultural element to your holiday, head for the southern state of Sarawak; the region’s capital, Kuching, is a beautiful ex-colonial city and, further afield, one can gain an insight into the past headhunting practices of the Iban tribes. Borneo has plenty of reef-fringed coast should you wish to cool off after your jungle experience with a little diving, snorkelling or relaxation after your Borneo adventures.

Our Locations

The Danum Valley Conservation Area covers 438 square kilometres of predominantly lowland dipterocarp rainforest and is one of only two substantial areas of protected primary rainforest remaining in Sabah. The forest can be explored via a good network of trails, an incredible 300-metre long canopy walkway and, after dark, through spotlighting safaris in search of such nocturnal mammals as Red Giant Flying Squirrel, Sunda Colugo, Temminck’s Flying Squirrel and occasionally Bornean Slow Loris and Western Tarsier. Sunda Clouded Leopards are also occasionally seen on night-drives, although Leopard Cats are much more common. During the day there’s always a good chance of encountering a Bornean Orangutan or Northern Grey Gibbon, but the more elusive denizens of the forest such as Malayan Sun Bear are rarely seen. The Danum Valley is also outstanding for birds, being home to eight species of hornbill, of which the huge Rhinoceros Hornbill can be seen almost daily. Other specialities include the Great Argus and Crested Fireback Pheasants, Black-headed and Blue-headed Pittas, Bornean Bristlehead, Bornean and Black-throated Wren-babblers, Great-billed Heron, Wallace’s and Blyth’s Hawk-eagles, Rufous-bellied Eagle, Great Slaty and Olive-backed Woodpeckers, Whiskered Treeswift and Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher.

Accommodation in Danum Valley Conservation Area

Borneo Rainforest Lodge

Details

Northern Grey Gibbon (George Vincent).JPG

Tabin Wildlife Reserve consists of mature secondary and primary lowland rainforest and is first and foremost a wonderful birding location. Forays into the forest are made on foot and it’s possible to see 70 or 80 species in a day, among them Brown Wood Owl, White-fronted Falconet, Blue-banded Kingfisher, Large Green, Thick-billed and Little Green Pigeons, Great Slaty, Crimson-winged and Olive-backed Woodpeckers, plus a range of leafbirds, hornbills, malkohas and trogons. Time spent at the local ‘mud volcano’ can reveal some of the forest’s larger inhabitants such as Pygmy (Asian) Elephant, Bornean Orangutan and Northern Grey Gibbon. Spotlighting at Tabin can also be very productive with Malay, Philippine Palm and Bornean Small-toothed Palm Civets frequently seen, along with Sunda Leopard Cat and Bornean Slow Loris.

The floodplain of the Kinabatangan River is a low-lying wilderness of muddy rivers, dense rainforest, serene ox-bow lakes and towering limestone outcrops. Wild Bornean Orangutans are often encountered during boat safaris as are Pygmy (Asian) Elephants and the bizarre Proboscis Monkey for which the area is renowned. The birdlife is outstanding and the river’s meandering course allows clean lines of sight with highlights including Storm’s Stork (this is one of the most reliable sites for this endangered species anywhere), Chestnut-necklaced Partridge, Bornean Ground Cuckoo, Hooded, Black-headed and Giant Pittas, Diard’s Trogon, Moustached Hawk-cuckoo, Wallace’s Hawk-eagle, White-bellied Sea Eagle, Lesser Fish Eagle, Bat Hawk, Buffy Fish Owl, Whiskered Treeswift, up to four species of malkoha, and eight species of hornbill. The nearby Gomantong Caves penetrate deep inside two huge limestone outcrops and an excursion here to search for the wildlife of the surrounding forest and then watch the exodus of millions of bats as they try to evade the waiting Bat Hawks and Peregrines is most certainly recommended. If your visit is so timed, there is also the chance to observe the remarkable sight of the local people ascending to the roofs of the caves on their precarious rope and bamboo ladders to collect swiftlet nests (sustainably) for ‘bird’s-nest soup’!

Accommodation in The Kinabatangan River

Sukau Rainforest Lodge

Details

Clouded Leopard, Deramakot, Borneo shutterstock_655666393.jpg

The Deramakot Forest Reserve is fast becoming one of the most exciting destinations in which to see south-east Asia’s most sought-after mammals, including the Sunda Clouded Leopard. Until very recently, accommodation in the Deramakot Reserve has been extremely limited and so the area has remained well off the tourist trail. The fact that visitors are free to roam unrestricted (as there are so few of them!) is perhaps why the reserve offers such wonderful rare mammal sightings. Other exciting mammals to be found at Deramakot include Sun Bear, Binturong, Pygmy (Asian) Elephant, Marbled Cat, Otter Civet, Banteng and Sunda Skunk. Spotlighting and nocturnal drives offer the best chances for mammals at Deramakot, and visitors prepared to be out around the clock are likely to be rewarded the most highly.

At 4,101 metres (13,455 feet) Mount Kinabalu is the highest mountain between the eastern Himalaya and New Guinea and its forested slopes hold a rich diversity of montane and submontane fauna and flora. It also attracts many visitors wishing to trek to the summit to witness the spectacular sunrise over the surrounding lush Bornean hills. Accommodation is available near the park’s headquarters from where an excellent network of trails radiates out into the cool and refreshing montane evergreen forest. The scenery is spectacular and you are sure to see a wealth of species amongst mixed feeding flocks that work the forests, and perhaps some of the specialities which include Crimson-headed Partridge, Temminck’s Babbler, Black-breasted Fruit-hunter, Eyebrowed Jungle Flycatcher, Bornean Stubtail and, of course, the legendary trio: Whitehead’s Trogon, Whitehead’s Broadbill and Whitehead’s Spiderhunter. Also found in the area is the Rafflesia plant, which boasts the largest flower in the world. After a long day on the trails, a stop at the nearby Poring Hot Springs is a great way to relax.

Gaya Island, Borneo shutterstock_1365645431.jpg

There are a number of world-class snorkelling and diving locations dotted around the reef-fringed coast of Borneo. The coastal eco-resorts of Gayana and Bunga Raya on Gaya Island, near Kota Kinabalu, are peaceful places to relax, snorkel and enjoy a little birding in the surrounding forests. Since most international flights depart from Kota Kinabalu (15 minutes away), they are ideally situated for a final few days of down time.

The Sepilok Orang-utan Sanctuary is home to the Orang-utan Rehabilitation Centre and is an integral stop on nearly all Borneo itineraries. A short drive from Sandakan, the centre arranges twice daily feeding sessions for semi-rehabilitated Bornean Orangutans living in the surrounding forests that make their way back to the centre for the free meals on offer. While there you will learn about the plight of the Orang-utan and the valuable conservation work carried out to rehabilitate these endearing great apes ready for life back in the wild. The surrounding forest also supports a number of interesting birds including the spectacular Black-and-red Broadbill, Scarlet-rumped Trogon, the endemic Bornean Bristlehead and various species of barbet, sunbird, flycatcher and spiderhunter.

Accommodation in Sepilok Orang-utan Sanctuary

The Sepilok Nature Resort

Details

Pink Mosque, Kuching City, Borneo shutterstock_330760493.jpg

The city of Kuching, located on the Sarawak River in the far west of Borneo, is a lovely mix of old colonial buildings, riverside promenades, Chinese temples, Islamic mosques and bustling local markets. Both the Fort Margherita and the stately Istana Palace are worth a visit, while the Sarawak Museum is the pick of the city’s sites. Bako National Park, a coastal forest reserve, is a full day’s excursion from Kuching, with good birding and excellent Proboscis Monkey sightings possible. Looking further afield from Kuching, the surrounding region of Sarawak is famed for its Iban tribal culture and particularly the headhunting traditions of a bygone era. It’s possible to spend a night in a traditional longhouse or, if you want more comfort, the Hilton has a lakeside ‘Longhouse Resort’ in Batang Ai where you take long-tail boat excursions across the lake to the nearby local villages. Here visitors can shoot a blowpipe and learn something of the residents’ ancient cultural heritage.

View Map

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Sample Itineraries

This exciting birding itinerary visits the lowland and montane forests of the Malaysian province of Sabah in northern Borneo.

Day

Depart London

Days

2 - 5

Mount Kinabalu

Days

6 - 7

Sepilok

Days

8 - 10

Kinabatangan River

Days

11 - 14

Tabin Wildlife Reserve

Day

Depart Kota Kinabalu

Day

Arrive UK

16 Days (Flight Inclusive)

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Optionally Extend Your Holiday:

Choose from one of the many lodges and coastal eco-resorts for snorkelling, diving or relaxation on the beach.

This itinerary is designed to offer the best possible chance of viewing Borneo's most iconic wildlife, including wild Orang-utans.

Day

Depart London

Days

2 - 3

Sepilok

Days

4 - 6

Kinabatangan River

Days

7 - 9

Danum Valley

Day

Depart Kota Kinabalu

Day

Arrive UK

11 Days (Flight Inclusive)

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Optionally Extend Your Holiday:

Add some time in the Deramakot Forest Reserve to search for Sunda Clouded Leopard

Days

7 - 10

Deramakot Forest Reserve

Days

11 - 13

Danum Valley

Day

Depart Kota Kinabalu

Day

Arrive UK

The Essentials

Wildlife Guides

The wildlife lodges in Borneo have their own excellent local naturalist guides. However, should you require a dedicated expert naturalist to guide you throughout your Borneo wildlife adventure we will be happy to arrange this.

When to Visit

Weather conditions are localised and complicated throughout Borneo, with one region receiving its highest rainfall while another is dry. The peak tourist season (when rainfall is, on average, lowest) is from May to September. However, visits during the northern autumn and winter are fine if your focus is on the rainforests of Sabah, which are at their best when rainfall is higher; this is also the time when guest numbers are lower. However, the seas around Borneo can be choppy between November and March, making beach stays a less ideal option during this time.

Getting Around

Access to the state of Sabah is via the hub city of Kota Kinabalu or directly to Sandakan (near Sepilok). Travel within Borneo is best achieved through a combination of short domestic flights and private car or minibus; it is also possible to join shared transfers, when travelling to the Danum Valley, for example.

Why Naturetrek Tailormade?

A Naturetrek Tailormade holiday allows you, with the benefit of our wildlife travel expertise and destination experience, to enjoy the perfect private wildlife holiday – one that truly matches your requirements, expectations and ambitions. We will ensure the most competitive prices, superb naturalist guides and seamless ground services.

Some of the benefits of Naturetrek Tailormade travel include:
• A bespoke itinerary which is crafted by experts and designed specifically for you
• Private guiding by the very best local naturalists
• Travel with people you know, at your own pace
• Incorporate as much culture, history or relaxation time as you wish
• Choose dates to suit you
• Select your preferred style of accommodation
• Travel with families and children of any age

Furthermore, our Tailormade team are always on hand to help and guide you along the way, with friendly advice, first-hand knowledge and inside information specific to your destination of choice. So if you have any queries about your holiday, we will be delighted to answer them. Please just give us a call!