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 August, this is also the most popular time of the year.
10 best wildlife Borneo tours
Compiled by
MelissaBorneo travel expert at TourRadar
- Tabin Wildlife Experience
- Wildlife Trail Sabah
- Borneo Adventure
- Real Borneo
- Sabah Adventure
- Indonesia: Borneo Orangutans of Tanjung Puting National Park
- Sandakan Explorer Safari
- Borneo - 15 days Adventure Trip
- Borneo bokeh: On a photo Safari in The forests of Sarawak and Sabah
- Borneo Wildlife Highlights (Sabah)
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 Tabin Wildlife Reserve, Lahad Datu Age Range Ages 6+ Operator Asian Overland Services Tours & Travel From
- US$1,693
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, Sepilok, Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Asian Overland Services Tours & Travel From
- US$2,277
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 $2,385
15% Off- US$2,027+$275 upfront costsYou save $358
Real Borneo
14 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“A fantastic way to get around Borneo without feeling too much like a loud, intrusive tourist.”
Piper, traveled in February
Duration 10 days Destinations Sandakan, Sepilok, Kinabatangan, Kundasang, Mount Kinabalu National Park, Dinawan Island, Kota Kinabalu Age Range Ages 18-35 Operator Intrepid Travel From
15% Off- US$1,125
Sabah Adventure
25 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“liked the combination of ease and flexibility in the programme.”
Caroline, 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 Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel From $2,920
10% Off- US$2,628You save $292
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
10% Off- US$1,394You save $155
Borneo's richest wildlife activities include close encounters at Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre during the 10am feeding sessions and sun bear observations at BSBCC. Cruise the Kinabatangan River's oxbow lakes searching for endemic proboscis monkeys, storm's storks, and saltwater crocodiles along the muddy banks. At night on Selingan Island, watch green turtles laying eggs on the beaches and see hatchlings released directly into the Sulu Sea, while staying in twin-share chalets just steps from the nesting grounds.
Duration 3 days Destinations Sandakan, Sepilok, Kinabatangan Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Asian Overland Services Tours & Travel From
10% Off- US$932+$24 local payments
The wildlife of Borneo comes alive, from Semenggok's orangutans to Kinabatangan's proboscis monkeys. Take night safaris, visit Sun Bear Conservation Center, and spot rare birds at Lake Kelenanap-Oxbow. Wildlife-focused lodges serve as bases throughout.
Duration 15 days Destinations Kuala Lumpur, Kuching, Gunung Mulu National Park, Kota Kinabalu, Mount Kinabalu National Park, Kundasang, Sepilok, Sandakan, Kinabatangan Age Range Ages 18+ Operated in Only: German Operator Chamaeleon From
10% Off- US$6,868Incl: Return flight Frankfurt
Master wildlife photography in Borneo's prime locations. Capture orangutans at Sepilok, clouded leopards in Deramakot, and proboscis monkeys along Kinabatangan River. Professional instruction focuses on photographing nocturnal species and canopy wildlife at Mount Kinabalu National Park.
No departure dates availableDuration 16 days Destinations Kota Kinabalu, Gunung Mulu National Park, Sandakan, Sepilok, Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary, Deramakot Forest Reserve, Tabin Wildlife Reserve Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in Only: German Operator DIAMIR Erlebnisreisen 
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
Elod was an amazing guide who was clearly focussed on making our time in Borneo the best adventure experience. Insightful, knowledgeable and attentive, Elod made the experience all the more better. We had an excellent time and made memories that lasted a lifetime. The Sepilok lodge was basic accommodation in need of an upgrade. The Bilit Adventure Lodge was much better with staff who were friendly and helpful. Overall a fantastic trip. Thank you
Sandakan Orangutan Experience 4D/3N
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
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."