Malaysia wildlife tour in Borneo: orangutans and rainforest
Plan and book with vetted Malaysia experts
MalaysiaOn this Malaysia wildlife tour in Borneo, every moment draws you deeper into the wild, making it one of the most immersive Malaysia trips for nature lovers.
Cruise the Kinabatangan River at dusk as hornbills cross the sky and crocodiles move silently below. Watch orangutans in the canopy and search for the elusive Bornean sun bear along the forest floor.
Listen for proboscis monkeys and the constant rhythm of jungle life. Back at your lodge, connect with expert naturalists who share insights into the region’s wildlife and conservation.
This is travel shaped by curiosity and connection, where each day brings you closer to the true spirit of Borneo.
Malaysia wildlife tour in Borneo highlights
- Encounter Borneo’s iconic orangutans in their natural habitat: Observe semi-wild orangutans swinging through the canopy, guided by local experts.
- River safaris in search of proboscis monkeys and pygmy elephants: Drift along jungle rivers at sunrise and sunset, spotting rare proboscis monkeys, crocodiles, and, with luck, Bornean pygmy elephants.
- Night walks to discover Borneo’s secret nocturnal creatures: Join guided night walks through the rainforest to find slow lorises, flying squirrels, and luminous insects.
- Immersive stays in characterful jungle lodges: Sleep in handpicked eco-lodges deep in the rainforest, enjoying personalized service and the sounds of wildlife right outside your door.
- Travel with expert naturalist guides and local communities: Benefit from passionate naturalist guides and community hosts who share insider knowledge, ensuring your trip is meaningful, responsible, and truly one-of-a-kind.
| Day | Location | Activity | Overnight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sandakan | • Arrival in Sandakan and transfer to MY Nature Resort • Check in and leisure time in a rainforest setting • Visit Rainforest Discovery Center • Canopy walkway and botanical garden exploration • Flying Squirrel platform visit • Guided night walk | Sandakan |
| 2 | Sandakan / Sepilok / Labuk Bay | • Visit Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center • Observe orangutans in rainforest habitat • Visit Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre • Afternoon at Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary • Feeding session and wildlife observation | Sandakan |
| 3 | Sandakan / Kinabatangan River | • Transfer to Sandakan jetty • Boat journey to Sukau Rainforest Lodge • Afternoon Kinabatangan River cruise • Wildlife spotting along riverbanks • Evening presentation by a naturalist | Kinabatangan |
| 4 | Kinabatangan River | • Early morning river cruise to Oxbow Lake • Wildlife observation • Guided walk on Hornbill Boardwalk • Orangutan conservation talk • Afternoon river cruise | Kinabatangan |
| 5 | Kinabatangan River | • Morning river cruise • Wildlife spotting along riverbanks • Afternoon river cruise • Leisure time at the lodge • Nature talks and discussions | Kinabatangan |
| 6 | Kinabatangan / Sandakan | • Morning at leisure • Boat transfer to Sandakan • Private transfer to the airport • Departure or onward travel | — |
Arrival in Sandakan and rainforest discovery experience
Welcome to Sandakan and the start of your Malaysia wildlife tour, a memorable introduction to Malaysia travel in Borneo. On arrival at Sandakan Airport, meet your guide and transfer to MY Nature Resort for a relaxed check-in and time to settle into the rainforest surroundings.
Visit the Rainforest Discovery Center, walking along the canopy walkway and hanging bridge for elevated views, and explore the botanical garden.
Later, gather at the Flying Squirrel platform before heading out on a guided night walk to discover nocturnal wildlife. Return for dinner and an overnight stay at MY Nature Resort.
Sepilok orangutans, sun bears, and proboscis monkeys
Start your day with a relaxed breakfast at MY Nature Resort, then travel to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center. Watch rescued orangutans as they relearn the skills needed for life in the wild within the surrounding tropical lowland rainforest.
Continue to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre to learn how conservationists protect the world’s smallest bear and support its recovery.
After lunch, drive to Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary near Samawang Village for a feeding session, offering a close view of proboscis monkeys in their natural mangrove habitat.
Tips from Sunny
Malaysia Travel Expert
Arrive early at Sepilok for the morning feeding, when orangutans are most active, and crowds are smaller. Keep your distance and avoid sudden movements to respect the animals. At Labuk Bay, stay patient, as proboscis monkeys often appear gradually. Bring binoculars for better views and a light rain jacket, as short tropical showers are common even on sunny days.
Transfer to Sukau and Kinabatangan River wildlife cruise
Enjoy a relaxed morning at the lodge before transferring to Sandakan jetty for a scenic boat journey to the award-winning Sukau Rainforest Lodge, located in one of the best places to visit in Malaysia for wildlife.
In the afternoon, head out onto the Kinabatangan River, gliding quietly in a boat powered by a hybrid outboard and electric motor. Watch for proboscis monkeys, birds, and other wildlife along the riverbanks.
After a riverside dinner, join an engaging slide presentation and nature interpretation session led by an expert naturalist guide.
Kinabatangan River cruises and rainforest wildlife experiences
Begin your day with an early river cruise along the Kinabatangan River to Kelenanap oxbow lake, a peaceful habitat for rare birds, proboscis monkeys, and other jungle wildlife, a highlight of any Malaysia wildlife tour.
After breakfast, join the in-house naturalist for a guided walk along the Hornbill Boardwalk, uncovering the forest’s hidden details and ecosystems.
Later, deepen your understanding of conservation during an informative orangutan talk.
In the late afternoon, return to the river for another cruise, offering a second chance to spot elusive wildlife as the light shifts across Borneo’s rainforest.
Full-day river cruises and wildlife observation
Rise early for a peaceful morning river cruise, drifting past misty jungle banks as hornbills, proboscis monkeys, and crocodiles appear along the water’s edge.
Later in the day, return to the river for an afternoon cruise, when the rainforest becomes more active with sound and movement.
Between excursions, relax at your rainforest lodge, exchange sightings with fellow travelers, and join engaging talks that offer deeper insight into Borneo’s wildlife and ongoing conservation efforts.
Departure from Sandakan and onward journey
After breakfast, enjoy your final views of Sabah’s lush landscapes as you travel by boat back to Sandakan, reflecting on your Malaysia wildlife tour.
On arrival, a private transfer will take you to the airport, timed to match your onward travel plans.
If you wish to continue your journey, your specialist can tailor the rest of your Malaysia itinerary, from tropical islands and rainforest stays to cultural cities, ensuring your experience of Borneo’s wildlife and warm hospitality stays with you long after you leave.
