Wildlife Tours & Trips in Borneo
Explore a wide diversity of wildlife tours through Borneo. We have 34 adventures that vary from 3 days to 20 days. With the greatest number of departures in May, this is also the most popular time of the year.
10 best wildlife Borneo tours
Compiled by
MelissaBorneo travel expert at TourRadar
- Wildlife Trail Sabah
- Tabin Wildlife Experience
- Borneo Adventure
- Sabah Adventure
- Indonesia: Borneo Orangutans of Tanjung Puting National Park
- Kuching & Sarawak Express (Superior) - 5 days
- Kuching & Sarawak Longhouse Stay (Superior) - 5 days
- Kuching & Sarawak Longhouse Stay - 5 days
- Sarawak Secrets with Santubong Mangrove Cruise
- Borneo Wildlife Highlights (Sabah)
Travel across Borneo from west to east, staying at riverside lodges along Kinabatangan River where pygmy elephants and eight primate species live in riparian forests. Green and Hawksbill turtles lay eggs nightly at Selingan Turtle Island, then hike Poring's lowland forest and soak in hot springs.
Duration 6 days Destinations Kota Kinabalu, Kampung Kiau, Mount Kinabalu National Park, Poring, Sandakan, Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary, Pulau Selangan, Sepilok Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Asian Overland Services Tours & Travel From
- US$2,070
Track orangutans, elephants, gibbons, and red-leaf monkeys during 3 days in Tabin Wildlife Reserve on Borneo with night walks and dusk drives. Trek to Lipad mud volcano mineral salt lick where wildlife gathers, climb the Birdwatching Tower, and spot over 300 bird species during early morning walks. Hike through rainforest to Lipad Waterfall and visit Tabin Giant Tree with groups of 2-10 travelers.
Duration 3 days Destinations Lahad Datu, Tabin Wildlife Reserve Age Range Ages 6+ Operator Asian Overland Services Tours & Travel From
- US$1,020
Spot Borneo's unique wildlife at Semenggoh Orangutan Centre, Sepilok's sun bear sanctuary, and along Kinabatangan River. Watch proboscis monkeys in Bako National Park and witness turtle nesting on Selingan Island. Includes expert guides and comfortable lodges.
Duration 9 days Destinations Kuching, Bako National Park, Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan, Pulau Selangan, Sepilok, Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary Age Range Ages 18-45 Operator Contiki From $2,575
10% Off- US$2,318+$275 upfront costsYou save $258
Sabah Adventure
25 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“A great trip with a good mix of adventure. I highly recommend this tour for someone who is active and love adventure.”
Maria, traveled in December
Borneo's wildlife diversity spans from orangutans at Sepilok to proboscis monkeys on Kinabatangan River. Sea turtles nest on Turtle Island, pygmy elephants roam during river safaris, and UNESCO-listed Kinabalu National Park's rainforest teems with life.
Duration 11 days Destinations Kota Kinabalu, Mount Kinabalu National Park, Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary, Kundasang, Sepilok, Turtle Islands, Sandakan Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel From $3,195
15% Off- US$2,716You save $479
Rangers feed rescued orangutans at Tanjung Harapan Orangutan Rehabilitation Center and Camp Leakey, where semi-wild primates show their agility. River cruises and night treks through Tanjung Puting National Park reveal proboscis monkeys, macaques, crocodiles, and hornbills across two feeding sessions.
Duration 7 days Destinations Jakarta, Tanjung Harapan, Tanjung Puting National Park, Kumai, Pangkalan Bun Age Range Ages 15+ Operator G Adventures From $1,549
15% Off- US$1,317You save $232
Duration 5 days Destinations Kuching, Sri Aman, Bako National Park Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator On The Go Tours From
15% Off- US$1,225
Duration 5 days Destinations Kuching, Sri Aman, Bako National Park Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator On The Go Tours From
15% Off- US$1,225
Duration 5 days Destinations Kuching, Sri Aman, Bako National Park Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator On The Go Tours From
15% Off- US$1,170
Duration 6 days Destinations Kuching, Bako National Park Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Asian Overland Services Tours & Travel From
15% Off- US$1,002
Borneo's wildlife sanctuaries unfold over 10 days, from Sepilok's orangutan rehabilitation to Tabin's 122,000-hectare reserve. Cruise Kinabatangan's waterways spotting proboscis monkeys, trek to active mud volcanoes, and take night walks seeking tarsiers and slow lorises. Jungle lodges offer chances to spot clouded leopards.
No departure dates availableDuration 10 days Destinations Kota Kinabalu, Mount Kinabalu National Park, Poring, Sepilok, Sukau, Lahad Datu Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Explore!
What people love about Wildlife Tours in Borneo
Felix was amazing. Only request was to stay on river longer. It was only one night. Also I hope Borneo works on theirs carbon emissions. I felt like riding on the river I was contributing to carbon emissions from the boats. Also Turtle Island I felt again the boats could hit a turtle. My carbon foot print was very high on this trip. Mountain is not a hike but a climb. Take the brochure seriously and be in shape. Our group was but still took a lot out of us. Be prepared for no hot water or electricity through out the trip.
Sabah Adventure
G Adventures does a fabulous job of going to the jungle. Our guides were all so knowledgeable and engaged, and we saw some rare sights, such as pygmy elephants and orangutan mom and baby in the wild. Our 15 member group was pretty easy to travel with, not much drinking or whining either. This is the 4th or 5th G Tour we've been on, and we look forward to more.
Borneo – East Sabah Adventure
My first trip in a non developed country and I was not ready for the abject poverty. The tour was wonderful - all the issues I had were me and my total lack of preparation for the way animals are treated (dogs and cats). The filth and rubbish that is just a part of the country and the water ways including the ocean was more than I was able to process. The lack of effort to clean rooms to a high standard, and the garbage on the beaches was heartbreaking. If you are used to 3rd world destinations you will be fine. It was very cheap and cheerful. Amazing tour guide and group. Very cheap to eat and shop. Overall a wonderful experience. I would not have rated this a comfort tour compared to other intrepid tours I have done. It was a lot more walking and a lot more basic than I was expecting. Again that was about me and not the tour. I chose to not do several activities as they were too physically strenuous for this overweight older woman. And I thought I was prepared for the heat and the bugs - I WASN’T. Sooooo humid. I would suggest it is not suitable for anyone who doesn’t have a good level of fitness and it is a basic and not comfort tour.
Classic Borneo
What our customers ask about Wildlife Tours & Trips in Borneo
When is the best time to go on a Wildlife tour in Borneo?
The dry season from March to October offers prime wildlife viewing in Borneo especially in the Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary and Danum Valley. Morning river safaris in Kinabatangan provide clear views of orangutans proboscis monkeys and pygmy elephants. A recent visitor at the Kinabatangan River Lodge shared their experience of "waking to the distant calls of gibbons and hornbills" which showcases the rich wildlife activity during these months.
What are the must-see wildlife highlights during a tour in Borneo?
Borneo's wildlife circuit centers around key locations. The Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and Sun Bear Conservation Centre let visitors observe rescued animals up close. The Kinabatangan River system hosts 10 primate species including proboscis monkeys wild orangutans and pygmy elephants plus more than 200 bird species. A visitor recently shared: "Rounding a bend in the Kinabatangan river to come across a whole herd of pygmy elephants including mothers with their calves and all within a few feet from our boats was simply unforgettable."
What type of accommodation can I expect on a Wildlife tour in Borneo?
Lodging options range from standard hotels to riverside lodges and eco-resorts. The Bilit Adventure Lodge near Kinabatangan River provides air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms right by the water. Near the orangutan sanctuary the Sepilok Jungle Resort offers convenient rooms just 5 minutes away. A recent guest noted: "The jungle lodges were surprisingly comfortable while still maintaining an authentic rainforest experience with the sounds of wildlife all around."
How many days should I plan for a comprehensive Wildlife tour in Borneo?
A thorough wildlife experience needs 10-15 days to explore the main sanctuaries and reserves. The Classic Borneo tour runs 10 days through Sepilok Kinabatangan and nearby areas. The Best of Borneo extends to 20 days for deeper exploration. A recent visitor observed: "The 15-day Wildlife Discoverer tour gave us enough time to really experience the diversity of Borneo's wildlife."