Safari Tours & Trips in Borneo
Explore a wide diversity of safari tours through Borneo. We have 13 adventures that vary from 3 days to 16 days. With the greatest number of departures in March, this is also the most popular time of the year.
10 best safari Borneo tours
Compiled by
MelissaBorneo travel expert at TourRadar
- 3D2N Orangutan in Tanjung Puting with Overnight on the Boat
- Customized 10 Days Malaysia Borneo Wildlife Tour, Daily Start & Private Guide
- Malaysia Sabah Eco: Kinabatangan River & Wildlife (Semi Private Custom)
- Kalimantan Adventure
- Borneo bokeh: On a photo Safari in The forests of Sarawak and Sabah
- On the Trail of the Last Dwarf Elephants
- Borneo Wildlife Highlights (Sabah)
- Sandakan Orangutan Experience 4D/3N
- Borneo - East Sabah Adventure
- Borneo Wildlife Discoverer
3D2N Orangutan in Tanjung Puting with Overnight on the Boat
“Amazing experience, such a peaceful trip, the guides and all crew members were wonderful.”
Anne, traveled in April
A 3-day safari through Tanjung Puting features orangutan feedings at Camp Leakey and Pondok Tanggui. Sekonyer River's ecosystem teems with proboscis monkeys and hornbills. Evening firefly viewing adds magic to nights aboard a traditional riverboat.
Duration 3 days Destinations Tanjung Puting National Park Age Range Ages 15+ Physical Rating Easy Operator Pesona Indo From
- US$350
Duration 10 days Destinations Kota Kinabalu, Mount Kinabalu National Park, Sandakan, Sepilok, Sukau, Lahad Datu, Danum Valley Conservation Area Age Range All Ages Welcome Physical Rating Easy Distance 679 mi Operator Agate Travel From
- US$6,859
Duration 6 days Destinations Sandakan, Sepilok, Sukau Age Range All Ages Welcome Physical Rating Easy Distance 73 mi Operator Odynovo From
- US$3,139
Kalimantan Adventure
“Highlights included snorkelling with stingless jellyfish, meeting locals, seeing how people live in various places.”
ClareThomas, traveled in August
Traditional klotaks transport visitors to witness orangutans at Camp Leakey and Pondok Tanggui. Kahayan River's floating communities offer cultural insights, while buffalo-filled swamps in Negara and marine life in the Derawan archipelago captivate nature lovers. 50+ reviews rate this adventure highly.
No departure dates availableDuration 16 days Destinations Jakarta, Pangkalan Bun, Kumai, Tanjung Puting National Park, Palangkaraya, Martapura, Banjarmasin, Derawan Islands, Maratua Island Age Range Ages 16+ Distance 2244 mi Operator Explore! 
No departure dates availableDuration 16 days Destinations Gunung Mulu National Park, Kota Kinabalu, Sepilok, Deramakot Forest Reserve, Tabin Wildlife Reserve Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in Only: German Physical Rating Easy Distance 414 mi Operator DIAMIR Erlebnisreisen 
Wildlife viewing excursions along Kinabatangan River reveal pygmy elephants and orangutans. The natural wonders of Tabin Wildlife Reserve's mud volcanoes await, while visits to Sepilok Orangutan Center and proboscis monkeys at Labuk Bay round out the adventure. Dawn safaris at Kelanap Oxbow Lake offer prime viewing opportunities.
No departure dates availableDuration 16 days Destinations Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, Tambunan, Kundasang, Kinabatangan, Tabin Wildlife Reserve, Dinawan Island Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in Only: German Physical Rating Easy Distance 1844 mi Operator DIAMIR Erlebnisreisen 
No departure dates availableDuration 10 days Destinations Kota Kinabalu, Mount Kinabalu National Park, Kundasang, Poring, Sepilok, Sukau, Kinabatangan, Tabin Wildlife Reserve Age Range Ages 16+ Physical Rating Moderate Distance 490 mi Operator Explore! Sandakan Orangutan Experience 4D/3N
“Very well organised, swift and clear communication, great activities with lots of different animals to observe.”
Isabelle, traveled in September
Rare wildlife sightings await on Kinabatangan River safaris, including pygmy elephants and proboscis monkeys. The famous Sepilok orangutan sanctuary and sun bear conservation centre showcase rehabilitation efforts. Guided treks through Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve reveal pristine rainforest ecosystems.
Duration 4 days Destinations Sandakan, Sepilok, Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary Age Range Ages 10+ Distance 68 mi Operator Bamba Travel From
- US$729
Kinabatangan River safaris showcase diverse wildlife, from proboscis monkeys to pygmy elephants and wild orangutans. A visit to Sepilok's rehabilitation centers pairs with turtle conservation activities on Libaran Island. Guided oxbow lake walks and evening jungle cruises provide optimal wildlife viewing.
Duration 8 days Destinations Kota Kinabalu, Kundasang, Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary, Sandakan, Pulau Libaran Age Range Ages 12+ Physical Rating Easy Distance 323 mi Operator G Adventures From $1,699
25% Off- US$1,274
Borneo Wildlife Discoverer
“It was amazing. We were lucky to see several wild orangutans as well as those in the sanctuary.”
Tracy, traveled in September
Close wildlife encounters unfold at Sepilok Orangutan Centre and Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary. Proboscis monkeys gather at Labuk Bay, while pygmy elephants roam the Kinabatangan River. Wild orangutans thrive in Danum Valley Conservation Area, where expert naturalist guides lead tracking expeditions.
Duration 15 days Destinations Kuching, Bako National Park, Gunung Mulu National Park, Kota Kinabalu, Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, Mount Kinabalu National Park, Sepilok, Tabin Wildlife Reserve, Sandakan Age Range Ages 16+ Physical Rating Moderate Distance 823 mi Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From
25% Off- US$5,850
What our customers ask about Safari Tours & Trips in Borneo
What types of accommodation can I expect on a Borneo safari tour?
The accommodations on Borneo safari tours range from well-appointed lodges to simple yet functional facilities. Most visitors stay at properties strategically placed near wildlife areas such as the Sepilok Jungle Resort which sits close to the orangutan sanctuary or Nature Lodge Kinabatangan along the river banks. The Borneo Rainforest Lodge in Danum Valley represents the higher end of available options. A TourRadar traveler notes "While the jungle lodges are modest they're strategically located for wildlife viewing and offer an authentic rainforest experience." Standard amenities at most properties include private bathrooms air conditioning or fans and protective mosquito nets.
What are the best times of year to see wildlife in Borneo?
March through October marks the dry season which offers prime wildlife viewing conditions especially in areas like Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary and Sepilok. A TourRadar traveler reports "We were lucky to see orangutans proboscis monkeys pygmy elephants and various birds during our river safaris." The Danum Valley Conservation Area maintains consistent wildlife activity throughout the year with the Borneo Rainforest Lodge providing access to primary forest areas where wild orangutans frequently appear.
What differentiates various Borneo safari tours?
The main differences between tours lie in their focus length and comfort standards. High-end experiences such as stays at the Borneo Rainforest Lodge feature upscale accommodations and exclusive access to primary rainforest areas. Mid-range options typically combine Kinabatangan river safaris with time at Sepilok. One TourRadar traveler notes "The combination of different areas - Kinabatangan River Sepilok and Danum Valley - provides diverse wildlife experiences and perspectives on conservation efforts."
How close can we get to the wildlife?
Wildlife viewing distances follow safety and conservation guidelines. At Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre visitors observe from platforms positioned 5-10 meters from the animals. River cruise boats maintain safe but often close positions near wildlife. A TourRadar traveler shares "We got incredibly close views of proboscis monkeys in the trees along the Kinabatangan River while maintaining safe distances from crocodiles."