Wild Borneo: Orangutans, Birds, and Elephants

Duration
10 days
Price from
£4,200 pp.
Location
Borneo, Asia
Family of elephants Borneo

Trip Highlights

  • Orangutan sightings
  • Riverboat wildlife viewing
  • Vibrant tribal heritage

What's Included

  • 9 nights accommodation
  • All activities specified as included
  • Transfers and internal flights

Trek deep into the wilderness of Borneo

Venture into the wilds of Borneo on this 10 day journey into the depths of the rainforests and beyond.

A wildlife-rich adventure through Borneo’s most iconic ecosystems, from the emerald canopies of the rainforest to winding river trails and wild riverbanks. Expert-led safaris bring you face-to-face with critically endangered orangutans, rare pygmy elephants, and a kaleidoscope of tropical birds, while bespoke lodges and river cruises ensure a comfortable, immersive experience in the heart of the jungle.

Our Borneo Specialist, Nia, says: “This itinerary offers one of the best ways to experience Borneo’s wildlife in a single journey. From tracking orangutans at feeding platforms and floating through elephant habitat by boat, to spotting vibrant hornbills and proboscis monkeys, every day is centred on connection with both nature and local culture.”

Accommodation includes stays in family-friendly rainforest lodges, serenity-focused river camps, and rustic yet comfortable jungle retreats. Activities range from guided jungle walks and river safaris to night-time wildlife spotting, providing a full sensory exploration of Borneo, its sounds, sights, and stories. Sustainable practices are integrated throughout, with local guides, community projects, and conservation initiatives forming part of every lodge itinerary.

Ideal for wildlife enthusiasts, families with older children, and active couples seeking a blend of adventure and rainforest immersion. This journey is perfect for travellers eager to encounter endangered species and lush biodiversity firsthand, all while staying somewhere truly wild.


Trip Itinerary

Day 1 Sandakan – Sepilok

Proboscis monkey Sadakan Borneo Malaysia

Upon arrival at Sandakan Airport, meet and greet with your local representative and transfer to the Sepilok Nature Lodge for check-in, where you will stay overnight. Spend the afternoon acclimating to Borneo's unique climate. Conclude your day with dinner at the resort.

Day 2 Sepilok – Sukau

Orangutans Borneo

Embark on a captivating day with an early morning pick-up from the hotel, where you will then head to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. Learn about the plight of the orangutans, witness a feeding in the rainforest, and explore the orangutan nursery. After that, it's off to the Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre before lunch. In the afternoon, you will be transferred to the Sandakan jetty for a 2 ½ hour boat ride along Kinabatangan River to your accommodation for the next two nights, at Sukau Rainforest Lodge. Enjoy a wildlife river cruise, a delightful dinner overlooking the riverbank, and a fascinating slide presentation by a naturalist guide.

Day 3 Sukau

Day 4 Head to Tabin Wildlife Reserve

Day 5 Tabin Wildlife Reserve

Day 6 Off to Danum Valley

Day 7 Danum Valley jungle trek

Day 8 Fly to Kota Kinabalu

Day 9 Kota Kinabalu

Day 10 Depart Borneo

Trips in Borneo

Borneo Trip Inspiration

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Nia pictures

Nia

Borneo Expert

When to go to Borneo

Find out the best time to visit Borneo with our month-by-month guide.

  • Best
  • Good
  • Mixed
  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec

January

January is part of the rainy season, particularly in the northern parts of the island. Cultural events such as Chinese New Year (depending on the cycles of the moon this can be January or February) are a good bet to attend rather than venturing into the jungles where wildlife will largely be hiding from the intense weather.

February

There is still rainfall in the southern parts of the island but the north is starting to dry up so a good time to head to the beaches around Kota Kinabalu for underwater activities such as snorkelling if you want fewer crowds. Potential Chinese New Year celebrations are good to look out for (check the calendar for the year for when the celebrations start)

March

Good for wildlife viewing, especially orangutans. Cooler temperatures for jungle treks. As the weather cools down a bit, it's prime time to explore Borneo's diverse flora and fauna with fewer crowds before tourist seasons ramps up.

April

Great weather, dry and good for trekking. Head out to the rainforests to try and spot orangutans. Visit cultural festivals and enjoy water-based activities. Join in the festivities during various cultural celebrations and explore the island's rivers and coastlines.

May

Experience vibrant local cultures. Weather is favourable for outdoor adventures, especially wildlife viewing. Connect with the indigenous communities and take part in their customs while enjoying outdoor activities in comfortable temperatures.

June

Great for hiking and exploring the rainforests. Wildlife is active. See orangutans in the jungles and sea turtles in the ocean. The lush rainforests are alive with wildlife, making it an excellent time for nature enthusiasts.

July

Warm temperatures make July the most popular month to visit Borneo, meaning prices are often higher and crowds larger. Excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. Ideal for river cruises and exploring markets. Enjoy the warmth and explore the island's waterways and vibrant markets.

August

Warm and dry weather. Possibly the best month to visit Borneo, as it is perfect for outdoor adventures. The dry season ensures excellent conditions for hiking, jungle exploration, and other outdoor pursuits. Turtle hatching season begins in August so head to Lankayan Island to watch this adorable event.

September

Tourist season slows down so there are fewer crowds and lower prices but September is still a good time for jungle treks and wildlife spotting. September maintains favourable weather for outdoor activities and wildlife encounters.

October

Octobers marks the start of the wet season so if you want to visit in this month, try to get in in the first few weeks. Outdoor activities can be challenging. The onset of the wet season means more rainfall and the need to plan outdoor adventures more carefully. A great time for diving around the coral reefs.

November

Rainy season persists. Limited outdoor options. The wet season continues, which can limit outdoor activities, so plan accordingly.

December

Middle of the rainy season, bringing storms and heavy rainfall. Large parts of the island become inaccessible due to weather constraints so avoid visiting in December if you can.

Shirley Newman

What can I say….my son and myself had the most wonderful time in Kenya thanks to the first-class itinerary that Ben and Louise put together for us. We spoke with Ben many times to ensure he ‘got it right’. This was our 2nd visit to Kenya, and it certainly lived up to our expectations and memories. We stayed in four locations, firstly at the wonderful El Karama Lodge, Laikipia Wildlife Conservancy, where we even had a visit from Ruth from Far and Wild! Then, for a return visit, to Saruni Samburu, which is absolutely stunning and still one of our favourite places in the world. Next came Basecamp Mara Camp, where we saw our first Cheetah, the only animal we didn’t see on our first visit. After that, onto the wonderful Leopards Hill in the Naiboisho Conservancy, what a way to spend the last four days of this trip. Here we finally spent many hours with a beautiful leopard. Throughout our time in Kenya, we saw many lions, giraffes, elephants, ostriches, hyenas, cheetahs, and leopards, to name just a few. Nothing was too much trouble for all the staff; we cannot have been looked after any better. Since our return again Ben phoned to see how it went in addition to emails. I would highly recommend Far and Wild; they are so knowledgeable and have personally visited the lodges and areas. We are already planning another visit, and we cannot wait.

16 Aug 2025
Elizabeth Spells

I have just returned from the most amazing trip to Tanzania, booked with Far & Wild. Everything went so smoothly from the first time I spoke with them. The planning was great, the itinerary was perfect for us, and the lodges were amazing. We spent 10 nights with an amazing guide, travelling through Northern Tanzania and even got to see the migration, which was a lifetime ambition of mine. This wasn't our first safari, so we were nervous as to how it would compare, but it was spot on. We're particularly grateful that she suggested a private 'bush lunch' in the Ngorongoro Crater as the public picnic spot was very busy! I will certainly be using them again to book our next trip....we're thinking of a relaxing beach stay next time to get over the excitement of safari!

17 Sept 2025
Orla Rhodes

Just back from another amazing F&W organised trip to Namibia with the family (8 adults). Having been there before, Alistair tailored our trip to include our favourite locations and added a new one for us, Okonjima Plains camp, which we loved.The quality of accommodation and guiding, activities, food and drinks was exceptional throughout. Although not inexpensive I felt it was good value for the level of luxury we had. Kwessi Dunes, Shipwreck lodge, Ongava, Okonjima with pit stops Windhoek (city tour recommended ), Swakopmund (Sandwich Harbour and Walvis Bay tour) and Grootberg lodge (best sundowner drive )

31 Jul 2024
Arnhild Schia

We had a wonderful trip to São Tomé and Príncipe - a small island nation in the Gulf of Guinea with paradise (almost empty) beaches and jungle forest. It was all well organised by Far and Wild and we stayed at Omali lodge at Sao Tome, then on Roca Sundy, and Sunday Praia at Principe - a great combination of different types of resorts/hotels. Omali is close to Sao Tome town with its colonial buildings, markets, hustle and bustle. Roca Sunday gives an old plantation experience and Sundy Praia a luxury beach experience. Very friendly (from time to time a bit slow) service, great fresh food, specifically if you like fish/seafood, vegetables and fruits (almost all sourced locally). Nice temperature between 23 and 30 degrees Celsius, nice swimming conditions. We really recommend this for those who want to experience a pristine destination with few other tourists and friendly and welcoming people. The islands also feel (and I believe are) very safe. At Principe, there are no dangerous animals, snakes or whatever, and it was great to be able to hike in the jungle without being very conscious of where to put your hands and feet. Go before everyone else does!

3 Jul 2024
Henri Papenfus

Back home again, basking in the joys of a superb safari. Every aspect you arranged for us, including linking up with Mack Air and Wild Horizons locally to transport us. The choice of camps, Camp Hwange in Zimbabwe and Muchenenje Safari Lodge in Botswana, was spot on and exactly what we had hoped for - ideally situated, comfortable, in good surroundings, and with excellent wildlife on the doorstep and throughout the wider country. The service staff in each looked after us very well, catering was excellent, and the game guides were professional, knowledgeable and helpful. The weather was, as usual for that part of the world, also good at the time of our visit. Blue skies and stunning sunsets. Warm but not too hot during the day, although quite cold at sunrise when viewing game. The viewing started. You made us happy, and we recommend you to similar safari enthusiasts with confidence.

28 Jun 2024
AC

Far and Wild went above and beyond to make sure my trip to Zambia was special. I would definitely recommend them and their services to anyone wanting to travel to Africa.

5 Jun 2024
Tiny

Lovely holiday at the amazing Almanara on Galu beach, a beach like no other. Far and Wild excelled themselves from beginning to end of our holiday in beautiful Kenya.... What a country!,

5 Jun 2024
Stodge

Wow! These guys are amazing. Can’t recommend them highly enough. Friendly AND efficient! Sorted out our trip (last minute and lots of different family member needs, sorry!) in record time and everything worked like clockwork. Trip of a lifetime to the Masai Mara. Will be back (and use F&W again!)!

5 Jun 2024
Fiona C

It was a dreamy holiday on the Kenyan Coast - Far and Wild, their efficiency and professionalism allowed us to relax and be the happiest family alive !! We cannot fault them, their care and understanding of what we wanted from a holiday ensured we had the most memorable trip. We will be booking with them again for sure!

5 Jun 2024

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