Borneo Wildlife Tour

Borneo does not often make the headlines for positive conservation news, but there is, in fact, a robust conservation effort underway on this magnificent island. Within its parks and reserves, there still resides the most spectacular array of plants and animals that you can find on Earth. Join Apex on this 15-day Borneo wildlife tour and visit some of Northern Borneo’s untouched wild places. See Proboscis Monkey, Bornean Gibbon, Pygmy Elephant, and Clouded Leopard in riverside mangroves. Watch for Slow Loris and Red Giant Flying Squirrel on night walks through ancient lowland rainforest. Trek among 800 species of orchid and search for the world’s largest flower, the incredible stinking Rafflesia, on the lowland slopes of Borneo’s highest mountain. And, of course, throughout the adventure, keep watch for Borneo’s “man of the forest,” the wise and winning Bornean Orangutan, still surviving, where protected.

• Day 1
• Day 2
• Day 3
• Day 4
• Day 5
• Days 6 & 7
• Day 8
• Day 9
• Day 10
• Days 11 & 12
• Day 13
• Day 14
• Day 15

• Arrive Kota Kinabalu, Borneo

  Arrive in Kota Kinabalu (or KK, as it’s known locally), on the northwestern coast of Borneo. Take the day at leisure to acclimate. If you’re up for it, go for a walk in the bustling city and explore its vibrant and diverse markets, boardwalks and beaches. Meet your expedition leader and fellow travelers at a welcome dinner. Overnight at Shangri-La Tanjung Aru.

• Kota Kinabalu

  Rise early for a journey that takes you about two hours outside of Kota Kinabalu to visit a bird hide along the hills of the Trusmadi Mountain. Stop at Gunung Alab, in the hopes of spotting a few rare avian species before arriving at the hide, known as the best place in the world to see the beautiful but rare Bulwers Pheasant. Also search for Crested Partridge, Bornean Banded Pitta, Rufous-chested and Dayak Blue Flycatcher, Penan Bulbul, and White-crowned Shama. The small pool nearby often attracts colorful dragonflies, while a short stroll along the roadside forest might turn up a completely different selection of birds and insects. Return to Kota Kinabalu late this afternoon for dinner and overnight at Shangri-La Tanjung Aru.

• Monday, November 10: Kota Kinabalu / Sandakan / Sepilok

  After breakfast, transfer to the airport for a flight to Sandakan in the Eastern Sabah state. Travel out of the city to the lush jungle at the Sepilok Forest Edge Resort, bordering the Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve, for lunch and check-in. After lunch, visit the world-renowned Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center, started in 1964 to help baby orangutans orphaned by logging, hunting, and the illegal pet trade. Get close-up views of some of the center’s 300 babies as they come in for their afternoon feeding. This evening take a walk to look for Red Giant Flying Squirrel, Slow Loris, or even the scarce Malay Stink Badger. Dinner and overnight at Sepilok Forest Edge Resort.

• Sepilok

  Early this morning, explore the trail system around the resort, searching the forest canopy for Bornean Gibbon and orangutan. Return to the resort for breakfast before setting off to visit the Rainforest Discovery Centre with its many trails and canopy walkways spanning the treetops at over 80 feet in the air. Later this afternoon, visit the mangroves of Labuk Bay, a safe haven for the indigenous wildlife isolated by the Sulu Sea to the north and encroaching palm oil plantations to the south. Labuk Bay houses a large population of Proboscis Monkeys, along with other exciting wildlife such as Silvery Langurs and Oriental-Pied Hornbills. Return to the Rainforest Discovery Centre for a night visit that will reveal nocturnal creatures such as the Buffy Fish Owl, Chevrotain or Mouse-deer, Common Palm Civet, and a variety of insects. Dinner and overnight at Sepilok Forest Edge Resort.

• Wednesday, November 12: Sepilok / Kinabatangan River

  After breakfast, visit the nearby Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Center, founded in 2008 to rehabilitate orphaned Malayan Sun Bear, the world’s smallest bear species. Head south toward the dense mangrove forests of Lower Kinabatangan Segama Wetlands, Malaysia’s largest Ramsar site and home to one of the highest wildlife concentrations in Southeast Asia. Here, wild orangutans, Proboscis and Hose’s Leaf Monkeys, Crab–eating and Pig-tailed Macaques, Pygmy Elephant, and a great array of birdlife dwell within the dense riverine forest. At the village of Sukau, board a boat for the final stretch to the lodge via the Kinabatangan River. Dinner and overnight at Sukau Rainforest Lodge.

• Kinabatangan River

  Spend time over the next two days on the river, starting with an early morning cruise. Watch Proboscis Monkeys waking from their slumbers in the mangroves, performing death-defying acrobatics over the water in attempts to evade the ever-watchful Saltwater Crocodiles frequenting the backwaters. Explore the river’s tributaries, looking for Hose’s and Silvery Langurs, Crab-eating Macaque, Storm’s Stork, and orangutan feeding at fruiting figs along the banks. In the evenings, take a spotlighting boat ride, and keep watch for Flat-headed Cat patrolling the banks, Slow Loris moving through the canopy, and Buffy Fish Owl on the hunt. Dinners and overnights at Sukau Rainforest Lodge.

• Kinabatangan / Sungai Kapur (Virgin Jungle Reserve)

  Have an early breakfast, before taking a boat back to Sukau. Travel south by vehicle for a rest stop at Lahad Datu before heading northwest to the Virgin Jungle Reserve of Sungai Kapur. The towering dipterocarp trees, freshwater swamp, and mangrove forest that make up this lush reserve offer exceptional biodiversity, housing a myriad of plant and wildlife species. The wildlife that can be found in the reserve are the elusive Borneo Pygmy Elephant, orangutan, and Clouded Leopard, as well as smaller mammals such as the Malay Civet, Palm Civet, Chevrotain, Leopard Cat, Marble Cat, Sunda Pangolin, and more than 300 bird species, including majestic hornbills and vibrant kingfishers. Once you are settled, enjoy a sunset river cruise searching for wildlife. Dinner and overnight at Utan Rainforest Lodge.

• Sungai Kapur (Virgin Jungle Reserve)

  Rise early for the short hike to a wildlife hide in the hopes of viewing the elusive Bornean Ground-Cuckoo, one of Borneo’s endemic birds. Return to the lodge for breakfast before embarking on a cruise along the coastline, venturing into the Segama River and its mangrove forest for possible encounters with flying foxes, eagles, and dolphins. Take the afternoon to relax before a jungle walk along the lodge’s trail system. Enjoy dinner back at the lodge before a night walk to find Moonrats, Chevrotains, Leopard Cats, and civets. Overnight at Utan Rainforest Lodge.

• Sungai Kapur / Danum Valley

  Return to the wildlife hide before breakfast for another chance to see Bornean Ground-Cuckoo. After breakfast, depart for Danum Valley with a stop in Lahad Datu for lunch. Danum Valley Conservation Area is the largest contiguous virgin rainforest remaining in Southeast Asia. Danum protects nearly 200 square miles of lowland forest and is recognized as one of the world’s most complex ecosystems. It is home to a staggering array of wildlife, including Bornean Orangutan, Western Tarsier, Sambar Deer, Proboscis Monkey, Red-leaf Monkey, Bornean Gibbon, Pygmy Elephant, and Clouded Leopard, to name but a few. Upon arrival, settle into your bungalow at the Borneo Rainforest Lodge. Enjoy lunch, then head out for an afternoon trek on the lodge’s nature trails and elevated canopy walkways. As the sun sets, listen for Bearded Pig rooting under the bungalows. Dinner and overnight at Borneo Rainforest Lodge.

• Danum Valley

  Rise each morning to the din of gibbons and the raucous laughter of Helmeted Hornbills. Take two full days to explore further on foot and by vehicle, searching for animals, including the elusive orangutan. Danum Valley has been designated an Important Bird Area, and is home to nearly 350 species, including the Great Argus Pheasant, eight species of hornbills, seven species of jewel-like pittas, and the bizarre Borneo Bristlehead. Enjoy night drives looking for the diminutive Leopard Cat, Common and Small-toothed Palm Civets, Black and Red Giant Flying Squirrels, and the curious Bornean Colugo. With luck and persistence, you may also encounter the rare Marbled Cat, Western Tarsier, or even Bornean Clouded Leopard. Dinners and overnights at Borneo Rainforest Lodge.

• Danum Valley / Lahad Datu / Kota Kinabalu / Rasa Ria Reserve

  After a leisurely breakfast, travel overland back to Lahad Datu to the airport for a flight back to Kota Kinabalu. Take the rest of today to explore the 400-acre nature reserve on the hotel’s property. Dinner and overnight at Shangri La Rasa Ria Resort.

• Rasa Ria Reserve – Mt. Kinabalu

  Enjoy breakfast seaside, then drive to Mt. Kinabalu, which at 13,000 feet is the highest point between the Himalayas and New Guinea. Explore the montane rainforest surrounding the park headquarters, home to more than 800 orchid species and five kinds of carnivorous pitcher plants. Look for Jentinck’s and Prevosts’ Squirrels, and some 300 species of birds, including minivets, babblers, laughing-thrushes, and the endemic Whitehead’s Broadbill and Short-tailed Magpie. This afternoon, visit the lowland rainforest on the other side of the mountain to hike among the largest mosses on Earth and more than 600 species of fern—exceeding the number found on the entire African mainland. See colorful butterflies and hornbills. With luck, you may also spot the incredible Rafflesia flower. Return to the hotel for a farewell dinner with fellow travelers. Dinner and overnight at Shangri La Rasa Ria Resort.

• Kota Kinabalu / Depart Borneo

  After breakfast, head to the Kota Kinabalu airport for your international flights home.