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
This 3-day trip across Borneo's wildlife hotspots takes you to Pulau Selingan for green turtle conservation, Sepilok for orang utan rehabilitation, and Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary for river safaris. You'll stay 2 nights at Selingan Turtle Island Chalet and Bilit Rainforest Lodge, with morning and afternoon river cruises to spot proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants, and 200+ bird species. The tour finishes with a canopy walk at Rainforest Discovery Centre before your evening departure from Sandakan.
- 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 Borneo Rainforest, incl. Danum Valley and Lahad Datu
Stay 3 days at Borneo Rainforest Lodge in Danum Valley with jungle treks, canopy walks, and river tubing on the Danum River. See the Kadazan-Dusun Coffin Cliffs, walk the 300-meter-long elevated Canopy Walkway, and relax in natural Jacuzzi Pool streams. Night drives and guided walks with English-speaking nature specialists give you chances to spot endangered wildlife across this 92-kilometer journey from Lahad Datu through Borneo's rainforest.
- Day 1
Lahad Datu to Danum Valley
Your journey starts at Lahad Datu Airport, followed by a 2.5-hour drive to Danum Valley Conservation Area. Book your arrival flight before 9:00 AM to catch the only daily transfer at 9:30 AM. The road is unpaved and rough, so consider bringing motion sickness medication if needed. Pack quick-dry clothing and leech socks since rainforest humidity keeps regular cotton wet for hours. The Canopy Walkway runs 300 meters with heights up to 26 meters. If heights make you nervous, talk to your guide about alternative spots for wildlife viewing.
- Day 2
Danum Valley Exploration
Start your day at 6 AM to hear the morning gibbon calls. You'll trek to the Kadazan-Dusun burial site and Coffin Cliffs, which includes some steep sections. Wear sturdy hiking boots with good grip. River tubing in the afternoon helps cool off after your morning hike. Ask your guide about water levels first as it works best during dry season.
- Day 3
Final Morning & Departure
Join the optional early morning walk between 6:30-8:00 AM when wildlife is most active. Book your departure flight after 3:00 PM since the transfer leaves at 12:30 PM and takes about 2.5 hours to reach the airport.
