24 August 2026 - 10 days for £5,499 per person
Explore Malaysia’s primary rainforests and wetlands, including the Kinabatangan wetlands, Tabin rainforest and the Danum Valley. Teeming with rare and endangered species, explore Malaysian Borneo as Alfred Russel Wallace did before writing his 1869 book The Malay Archipelago. Expect to see orangutans, sun bears, civet cats, langurs, gibbons, proboscis monkeys, rhinoceros hornbills and many more.
Visit conservation projects, hear from the experts and experience how species and habitats are being rehabilitated and protected. Stay in secluded lodges and nature resorts in the heart of the forest reserves. Enjoy wildlife safaris, cruises, treks and evening walks through hectares of pristine and undisturbed tropical rainforest.
Visit the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and the Rainforest Discovery Centre to learn about species conservation. From here, begin your wild exploration through an array of ecological delights including the Tabin Rainforest, one of the largest wildlife reserves in Sabah. As well as the Danum Valley, one of the world’s most diverse and pristine rainforests, renowned for its wildlife, ancient trees and stunning scenery. As well as the Kinabatangan wetlands, a biodiversity hotspot offering a range of species including proboscis monkeys and over 200 bird species, including hornbills, kingfishers, eagles and oriental darters. All three locations offer perfect places for wildlife enthusiasts to explore.
You will be accompanied by biologist and passionate conservationist Dr Martin Cohen, who will engage and educate you on the beauty and ecological wonder of this remarkable region of Malaysian Borneo. In addition to Martin, local ecologists and conservation experts will offer insight into this stunning hidden gem.
The tour has a maximum group size of just 16 guests and is ideal for those with all levels of expertise, as it acts as a fantastic introduction to Malaysian Borneo's amazing flora, fauna and geology and how it is being protected, whilst allowing those with a deeper understanding to observe a great many species.
In partnership with Intrepid Travel.
DAY 1: ARRIVE IN SANDAKAN
Welcome to Sandakan! The gateway to some of Sabah’s richest wildlife areas that boast elephants, orangutans, sun bears, proboscis monkeys and myriad species of birds, Sandakan is also a culinary paradise with amazing seafood and local delicacies unique to the cultural melting pot of people who have settled here over the centuries. You will be met upon arrival at Sandakan airport and then transferred to your hotel located in Sandakan.
In the evening, your accompanying guide Martin Cohen and tour leader will give an introductory talk on the expedition ahead and you can enjoy a welcome meal together.
DAY 2: BORNEAN SUN BEAR, SEPILOK ORANGUTAN REHABILITATION, RAINFOREST AND DISCOVERY CENTRES
After breakfast, depart for the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, which is located next to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. Whilst here, enjoy an educational talk on sun bear conservation by founder Dr Wong or one of his team members before we explore this wonderful new centre, taking care of rescued sun bears that have spent many years mistreated and locked away in cages. Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre is giving a better life to these bears by caring for them with the hope of reintroducing them back into the wild. They are doing great work at promoting sun bear conservation in Borneo through animal welfare, conservation, rehabilitation, research, and education in order to put a stop to cruel practices.
Afterwards, walk the short distance to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre for 10am feeding time. The centre attracts tourists and researchers alike, giving them the opportunity to watch the orangutans up close in their natural habitat. A boardwalk leads to a viewing gallery and feeding platform where the apes are fed milk and bananas twice a day at 10am and 3pm by rangers. Feeding time also attracts long-tailed macaques to the area. Visiting Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre offers a unique opportunity to observe Borneo’s incredible species up close, but it’s important to set realistic expectations. The orangutans are semi-wild and free to roam, so sightings cannot be guaranteed, and encounters are meant to be respectful and non-intrusive.
In the afternoon, head out to the Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC), which will involve a short amount of trekking. It sits by a lake at the edge of the Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve in Sandakan. Enjoy the walk along the suspension bridge which ends with the only canopy walk (147 metres long) in Sandakan. The 28-metre high walkway puts you among the rainforest giants such as the mengaris trees. Birdwatchers will be fascinated by this place as it has one of the rarest birds in Sabah, the Borneon bristlehead, and another 250 species of birds like hornbills, broadbills, pittas and kingfishers. The centre is managed by the Sabah Forestry Department. The main purpose of the RDC is as an environmental education centre for students and teachers. Return to your resort on foot.
DAY 3: SANDAKAN TO LAHAD DATU AND ONTO TABIN WILDLIFE RESERVE
Today will involve an early start as you will depart to Lahad Datu. You will arrive at the Tabin office for registration where you will change vehicles before going to Tabin Wildlife Reserve which will take around one and a half hours. Upon arrival, check into the Tabin Wildlife Resort, nestled within the rainforest beside the Lipad river, this lovely setting is home to a surprising variety of birds, insects and small mammals, even right beside the buildings of the resort. Discover the rich variety of jungle herbs, some endemic, used for generations by local folks for the treatment of various ailments.
Afterwards, visit the Trogon Hall gallery for information about the conservation of Tabin Wildlife Reserve and briefing on birds, insects and animals that is found in this area.
In the afternoon, trek to the Elephant Trail, stopping by the compost bin to learn about recycling food waste into fertiliser. Proceed to the active Lipad mud volcano, a mineral salt lick for wildlife. Identify animal footprints and, if adventurous, try a volcanic mud facial for a fine complexion. Trek back to the main road and return to the resort.
After dinner, enjoy a presentation on Tabin’s natural wonders, followed by a night safari to look out for nocturnal wildlife and birds. Remember to look up at the clear, dark sky of Tabin, identify the constellations above.
DAY 4: EXPLORE TABIN RAINFOREST REGION AND LIPAD WATERFALL
Join an early morning bird walk to discover some of Tabin’s rich collection of almost 300 bird species. Return to the resort for breakfast. Afterwards, drive to the core area stop over and climb up the birds watching tower continue along the way guide will show and explained to you the Orangutan Release Centre before trekking through the lush green rainforest known for its rich diversity of plants and animal species to visit Lipad Waterfall. Take a dip in the natural pool and enjoy a natural and refreshing shower under the waterfall. Alternatively explore the surrounding vegetation or just relax. On the way back to the resort, stop at the Tabin Giant Tree for photos.
In the afternoon, you will have time to relax at the resort.
In the evening, enjoy a dusk drive to look out for more nocturnal wildlife and birds coming out to look for food during this time of the day. After dinner, go for a night walk along the trail nearby the resort in search of sleeping birds, frog and nocturnal wildlife.
DAY 5: TABIN WILDLIFE RESERVE TO THE DANUM VALLEY VIA LAHAD DATU
Today, you will depart Tabin Wildlife Reserve and journey to Mount Silam in search of the rare and endemic orange-red jungle crab, a species unique to this region. Afterwards, you will take a boat transfer to explore Malaysia’s only coral reef ring, which is part of one of only two known double blue-ringed reef systems in the world—an extraordinary example of marine biodiversity and coral geomorphology. Along the way, you’ll visit Baik Island to explore a historic Japanese shipwreck, and continue to Tabun Island for birdwatching, with a chance to spot the elusive Tambun bird, a species prized for its secretive behavior and striking plumage.
Continue to the Danum Valley, an amazing centre of plant and animal biodiversity with a network of nature trails to take you on an adventurous journey of discovery. Transfer by private vehicle from Lahad Datu airport for a 2-hour drive to Danum Valley. Then continue to a nature trail to a canopy walkway for a bird’s eye view of this wonderful rainforest ecosystem. End the day with a night drive in search of nocturnal animals. Continue to Borneo Rainforest Lodge, Borneo’s premier 5-star jungle lodge and is the only resort in the entire Danum Valley Conservation Area, an area of 440 square kilometres of virgin primary rainforest. This region is home to some of the highest diversity on the planet. With common sightings of orangutans, red-leaf langurs, gibbons, hornbills and more, it is the perfect place to explore.
Borneo Rainforest Lodge has exceptional local guides and, in the afternoon, you will head out for the first of several private wildlife walks with them.
DAY 6: FULL DAY OF EXPLORATION IN THE DANUM VALLEY
Spend the day with your guide trekking in Danum Valley, enjoy a jungle trek to a Kadazan burial site at Coffin Cliff to search for animals both large and small. The forest is alive with smells, sounds and sights that you will experience on a canopy walkway and a jacuzzi dip in a natural pool.
Return to the lodge with time to relax and unwind.
After dinner, take a night walk or drive as local conditions and sighting opportunities dictate.
DAY 7: DANUM VALLEY TO KINABATANGAN WETLANDS
After breakfast, you will return to Lahad Datu where you will transfer overland to Kinabatangan. Transfer to Bilit situated on the banks of the Kinabatangan River.
The 560-kilometre long Kinabatangan River flows through a floodplain that is teeming with wildlife, including large mammals, primates, birds, reptiles and insects. A river boat cruise makes light work of wildlife spotting and bird watching, but you can explore deeper into the riverine forest on foot to seek out more elusive species. Upon arrival, you are free to relax or explore the surrounding area on the nature boardwalk.
After time to relax at the lodge, head out by small boat for a private dusk river cruise to search for wildlife along the river. The region is teeming with fauna such as orangutans, pygmy elephants, hornbills, macaques, leaf monkeys and otters. You will spend a couple of hours on the river, before returning to the lodge for dinner.
After dinner, you have the option to head out for a short night walk to search for some of the nocturnal residents of the forest. Some of the things to be seen are civet cats, owls, frogs, mousedeer and. much more.
DAY 8: BORNEO ELEPHANT PROJECT FOLLOWED BY A RIVER EXPLORATION
This morning wake up to the enchanting calls of Bornean gibbons or perhaps a hornbill, setting the stage for a morning cruise down the river. Keep your eyes peeled for proboscis monkeys, Bornean gibbons, long-tailed macaques, and pigtailed macaques.
In the afternoon, visit the RESPonsible Elephant Conservation Trust (RESPECT), a non-profit organisation dedicated to conserving Borneo pygmy elephants and other wildlife species in the forests of the Lower Kinabatangan and across Sabah. Based in the Lower Kinabatangan floodplain in Sabah, the project encompasses the awe-inspiring diversity of Borneo's rainforest landscape. The project is situated in a region of enormous importance in balancing land development and the needs of its communities and wildlife.
At around 4.30pm, enjoy a late afternoon cruise to observe mangrove species, river scenery, village landscapes and more wildlife. Weather permitting, view firefly colonies.
DAY 9: KINABATANGAN WETLANDS TO KOTA KINABALU VIA GOMANTONG CAVE AND SANDAKAN
After breakfast, depart for Sandakan, stopping along the way at Gomantong Cave, the largest limestone formation in the Lower Kinabatangan region. The cave is a natural wonder, featuring vast chambers and a thriving ecosystem. However, the experience can be a little rugged, as the cave environment includes guano and various insects that are part of its unique habitat. During the fruiting season, there’s also a chance of spotting wild orangutans in the surrounding forest, along with other wildlife, though sightings are not guaranteed.
Upon arrival at Sandakan Airport, take a flight to Kota Kinabalu. On arrival, transfer to your hotel.
In the evening, meet your tour leader for a guided walk to a local waterfront restaurant for a farewell dinner in a local restaurant.
DAY 10: DEPART KOTA KINABALU
After a farewell breakfast, you will be transferred to Kota Kinabalu airport for your onward journey.
