3-Day Borneo Tour Packages
Ready to explore Borneo? Visit the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, Kinabatangan River for wildlife cruises, spotting proboscis monkeys and pygmy elephants if you’re lucky, and the mangroves. Or focus on Mount Kinabalu area, or Brunei's mosques and markets. Three days is honestly just a taste because Borneo is massive, but you'll get wildlife encounters and jungle experience.
Insider tips: Recommended 3-day Borneo tour itineraries
Compiled by
MelissaBorneo travel expert at TourRadar
3 Day Tanjung Puting National Park Itinerary, incl. Kumai and Camp Leakey
The rich wildlife of Borneo unfolds over three days. Day one features river ecosystem observations, day two takes you to two orangutan stations with forest walks, and the final morning includes a return cruise to Kumai.
- Day 1
Pangkalan Bun to Kumai River Safari
Land at Pangkalan Bun airport and take a 30-minute taxi to Kumai port. Board your klotok (traditional river boat) in late morning. These wooden boats are simple but perfect for river travel. As you cruise up the Sekonyer River you'll watch the scenery change from mangroves to thick jungle. Late afternoon is the best time to spot proboscis monkeys near the riverbanks. A good tip is to bring binoculars and stay on the upper deck where it's quieter. You'll spend the night on the boat under mosquito nets. It's basic accommodation but sleeping in the jungle is an experience you won't forget.
- Day 2
Orangutan Encounters and Camp Leakey
The jungle wakes you early for a visit to Pondok Tanggui feeding station at 9 AM. Get there 15 minutes before feeding starts to grab the best viewing spot. The boardwalk path can be slippery from morning dew so wear shoes with good grip. After watching the morning feeding take a 2-hour cruise upriver to Camp Leakey, the oldest orangutan research station in the world. You'll usually see more orangutans at the afternoon feeding here. As one traveler put it: "The journey to Camp Leakey felt like going back in time—we saw several wild orangutans swinging through the trees right from our boat."
- Day 3
Kumai Return and Departure
Start your final day with an early morning cruise back to Kumai. The water is calmer at dawn and you might spot some last wildlife along the banks. The boat ride takes about 2 hours plus a 30-minute drive to the airport. Book an afternoon flight from Pangkalan Bun to give yourself extra time in case of river delays.
3 Days in Borneo Wildlife, incl. Sandakan and Kinabatangan River
Spend 3 days covering Selingan Island's turtle conservation program, Sepilok's Orang Utan feeding platform, and Kinabatangan River's wildlife-rich banks. You'll stay at Bilit Rainforest Lodge in air-conditioned en-suite rooms and watch green turtles nesting at Selingan Island Chalet overnight.
- Day 1
Sandakan to Selingan Turtle Island
Plan to land in Sandakan by 9 AM to catch your boat connection. The boat ride to Selingan Island (Turtle Island) takes about an hour. You'll have the afternoon free for snorkeling. The turtle-watching program begins around 8 PM. Wear dark clothes and keep quiet to avoid disturbing the nesting turtles. You won't be able to use phones or cameras until the rangers give you permission.
- Day 2
Sepilok and Kinabatangan River
Take an early boat back to the mainland and head to Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. Get there by 9:30 AM to secure a good spot for the 10 AM feeding session. The orangutans can be shy so staying quiet is important. Visit the Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre next door to see the world's smallest bears up close. In the afternoon you'll travel to Kinabatangan River for a sunset cruise. Pack quick-dry clothes and bring binoculars. The humidity is strong and you'll need patience to spot wildlife.
- Day 3
River Safari and Rainforest Discovery
Get up early for a 6 AM river cruise. The morning mist creates beautiful photo opportunities as proboscis monkeys become active along the riverbank. After breakfast visit the Rainforest Discovery Centre and walk the canopy walkway for a top-down view of the forest. Book your departure flight from Sandakan after 6 PM to allow enough time to get back.
3 Days in North Borneo, incl. Kota Kinabalu and Sapulot
Head into the heart of Borneo's interior on this 3-day community-based eco-tourism trip, traveling from Kota Kinabalu through Keningau to the untouched Sapulut region. See the Pungiton Caves with their underground streams, climb the iconic Batu Punggul pinnacle rising 800 feet above the jungle canopy, and trek through primary rainforest to hidden waterfalls. With small groups of 2-8 people and moderate fitness required, you'll stay at Pungiton Camp and MunorAulai Guesthouse while trying authentic Murut culture, local wine, and traditional dance—your visit directly supports conservation efforts.
- Day 1
Kota Kinabalu to Pungiton Camp
Take the 7:30 AM coach from Kota Kinabalu's Sentral Bus Terminal to Keningau, a 2.5-hour journey. It's best to pack light and leave extra luggage at your KK hotel since you'll be traveling through remote areas. After meeting your local guide in Keningau, you'll take a river transfer to Pungiton Camp. In the afternoon you'll explore caves so bring water-resistant shoes with good grip for walking through underground streams. The caves feature impressive stalactite formations but watch your step on the slippery paths. At night you can stargaze in the pristine darkness, with amazing views of the night sky through breaks in the jungle canopy.
- Day 2
Batu Punggul and Romol Village
Start your day with a jungle trek to Batu Punggul, an 800-foot limestone pinnacle. Experienced climbers can reach the summit for spectacular views over the rainforest canopy but skip this if it's raining. After a picnic lunch by the river you'll head to MunorAulai Guesthouse in Romol Eco Village. Take an afternoon tour of local farms to learn about traditional Murut farming methods. In the evening you can try local rice wine and watch cultural performances. Remember to wear modest clothing out of respect for local customs.
- Day 3
Hidden Waterfall and Return
Your final day starts with a jungle trek to a secluded waterfall. Pack swimwear but be ready for basic trail conditions. You'll leave after lunch for Kota Kinabalu, arriving between 5-6 PM. If you're flying out book flights after 8 PM to account for possible delays on rural roads.
