Borneo tailor made holidays, wildlife & beaches
Highlights
Kota Kinabalu | Danum Valley | Lahad Datu | search for proboscis monkeys, hornbills, leaf monkeys and orangutans in the wild | Kinabatangan River | Menanggul River | Pitas Lake | Sepilok Orang-utan Rehabilitation Centre | Sun Bear Centre | Gaya Island | Optional activities on Gaya Island, include: snorkelling, learning to dive and visiting the Marine Research Centre |Description of Borneo tailor made holidays, wildlife & beaches
Experience Borneo on a two week tailor made holiday that’s all about the wildlife and beaches that are the envy of Southeast Asia.With English-speaking tour guides throughout, this tour includes a stay at the exclusive Borneo Rainforest Lodge in Danum Valley, followed by charming jungle lodges along the Kinabatangan River where all manner of monkeys, and numerous other animals, peer from behind the foliage to keep excitement levels at fever pitch.
Suspended walkways within the rainforest canopy take you high above the jungle floor where everything from elephants and rhinos to gibbons and leopards may appear far below before your very eyes.
No Borneo tailor made holidays would be complete without visiting the orangutans at Sepilok rehabilitation centre as well as the sun bears in the adjacent conservation facility.
Although organic encounters with wildlife on this Borneo tailor made holiday conjure inevitable highlights there’s still plenty of enjoyment to come with five nights at a luxury spa resort* on Gaya Island always worth looking forward to after a few nights spent in the jungle.
From swimming and snorkelling in the South China Sea to trekking around the Gaya Island, this is a wonderful way to complete a Borneo tailor made holiday and certainly worth thinking about if you’re planning on celebrating an extra special event.
Please let us know any specific wishes or preferences that you’d like to add to this Borneo tailor made holiday as we want to ensure this holiday is as unique as it will be relaxing and enlightening. All you have to do is ask.
*Let us know if you’d prefer to stay somewhere else on Gaya Island, perhaps somewhere more suitable for a tighter budget. This tour can be modified to suit your travel dates and preferences.
Day-by-day experiences
Day 1: | Depart the UK on an overnight flight to Kota Kinabalu, Borneo (own arrangements). |
Day 2: | Arrive into Kota Kinabalu airport where you will be met by one of our representatives who will transfer you to Shangri La's Tanjung Aru Resort with the remainder of your day at leisure. |
Day 3: | Kota Kinabalu: You have the day free to relax at your hotel or explore the city. We can organise day tours for you if you wish (B). |
Day 4: | Danum Valley: Today you will head back to the airport for the short flight to Lahad Datu. Here you will be collected and transferred to the Danum Valley region and the fabulous Borneo Rainforest Lodge. Enjoy the day trekking the established trails with the extremely knowledgeable local guide, including an exciting walk across the suspended walkway and a night drive in search of nocturnal animals. [B,L,D] |
Day 5: | Danum Valley: Today enjoy another nature walk through the undisturbed riverine and lowland dipterocarp forest where there is a chance of seeing Orangutans in the wild, plus Proboscis Monkeys, Hornbills and Leaf Monkeys. Also trek to the famous viewpoint for a bird’s eye view of the entire Danum Valley region. [B,L,D] |
Day 6: | Kinabatangan River: This morning you will be up and about early for the transfer to the Kinabatangan River region. After checking into your river lodge, take an afternoon river cruise, an excellent opportunity to spot wildlife. [B,L,D] |
Day 7: | Abai: Enjoy a river trip to the Ox Bow Lake observing wildlife en-route. Transfer onwards to the Menanggul River by boat and your next lodge on the river. Here you will have the opportunity to take part in the tree planting project followed by an optional lunch with the local Abai villagers. [B,L,D] |
Day 8: | Pitas Lake: Take an early morning river cruise to the nearby Pitas Lake observing wildlife as the sun rises. Return to the lodge and after breakfast, you have the opportunity to take part in the tree planting project followed by an optional lunch with the local Abai villagers. Your afternoon is then free until the evening boat cruise searching for the nocturnal animals and birds that live within the forest. (B,L,D) |
Day 9: | Sepilok: This morning you are free to view more birds and wildlife at the nature boardwalk before transferring by river boat to the MY Nature Resort. [B] |
Day 10: | Sepilok Nature Reserve: Today visit the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and Sepilok Discovery Centre to see the Orangutans get fed and learn about these wonderful apes. You also have the chance to visit the Sun Bear Centre; a conservation centre for the world’s smallest bears who are in danger of becoming extinct. [B] |
Day 11: | Gaya Island: Head back to the airport for the short flight to Kota Kinabalu where you will be taken to the jetty for a speedboat ride over to Gaya Island and onto your resort. [B] |
Day 12-14: | Gaya Island: 3 days to relax on the beach at this beautiful resort, swim in the clear blue waters or go kayaking or snorkelling. You can do jungle treks on the island or simply relax at the resort spa. (Note: to keep costs down you can change the length of your beach stay) [B] |
Day 15: | Today you will take a boat ride back to the mainland and transfer to the airport for your return flight home (own flight arrangements) [B] |
Travel Team
If you'd like to chat about this holiday or need help finding one we're very happy to help. The Travel Team.
01273 823 700 Calling from outside the UK? rosy@responsibletravel.comDeparture information
Responsible tourism
As the pioneers of responsible tourism, we screen every trip so you can travel knowing your holiday will help support conservation and local people.

On this Borneo holiday, you will visit the famous Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre in Sabah, founded in 1964, to rehabilitate orphan Orangutans. The site is 43 square kilometres of protected land at the edge of Kabili Sepilok Forest Reserve. Today around 60 to 80 orang-utans are living free in the reserve. The facility provides medical care for orphaned and confiscated Orangutans as well as dozens of other wildlife species. Some of the other animals which end up being treated at the centre include endangered Sun Bears, gibbons, Sumatran Rhinos and the occasional injured elephants. A visit to the Sepilok Rehabilitation centre benefits the Orangutans in a number of ways - as the entrance fees go directly to paying the staff, providing food and the training of specialist guides to rehabilitate the Orangutans back into the wild. As part of our programme, we will 'adopt' an Orangutan for our clients for 1 year (1 per booking).
During the tour you also have the opportunity to visit the neighbouring Sun Bear Centre, a conservation centre with the aim to raise awareness and encourage research on the world’s smallest bear. Found throughout mainland Asia, Sumatra in Indonesia and Borneo, the exact number of Sun bears in the wild is unknown, making it even more pressing to reduce pressure on a species that is classified as “vulnerable” on the IUCN Red List and at risk of becoming endangered unless circumstances threatening their survival improve. The BSBCC, the first and only facility of its kind in the world, is a non-governmental organisation set up in 2008 through collaboration of the Sabah Forestry Department, Sabah Wildlife Department and LEAP. Donations are welcomed by the centre although not a condition of entry and we would invite all of our clients to donate a small amount for their visit.
The Danum Valley Conservation Area is one of the largest and best-protected expanses of pristine lowland forest remaining in South East Asia. When visiting the region guests are only allowed to walk on well established trails and with experienced, registered guides to minimise impact on the vegetation. Education is an important part of the package at Danum Valley so guests are also able to visit the Danum Valley Field Centre which was set up in 1986 for the purposes of research, education, training and wilderness recreation to learn more about the importance of the region. Guests can even enjoy talks by the resident scientists on what is being done to preserve Sabah’s natural heritage.
The Tanjung Aru Resort collaborates with the WWF and works with villagers from Kampung Berungus in Kudat to preserve the seagrass bed habitat of the seacow or 'dugong'. The Resort obtains a weekly supply of sustainably harvested fish and shrimp to be served in the resort’s restaurants. It is anticipated that this long-term collaboration will help restore the integrity of the marine eco-system whilst providing poverty troubled villagers with a consistent source of income. The Resort has also introduced a 'Bakashi' program which is a system using fermented organic matter to create compost for gardens from kitchen organic waste. This has resulted in a reduction in the amount of fertiliser and compost used.
The Impacts of this Trip
Our local ground operator owns and operates a number of eco-lodges which are included in this itinerary. Accommodation has all been locally built and is run and operated by local people. The main purpose of these trips is to interact and contribute to local communities and projects and understand the need to minimize any negative impact on the local environment. Our ground agents only employ local guides to accompany our clients. All food in the lodges is sourced locally, helping the local rural communities wherever possible.
The Abai Jungle Lodge hosts a tree planting and optional lunch programme with the local Abai villagers as part of your time there. This programme has been introduced by the Lodge as a way to directly contribute money to the local village community, plus it helps guests learn a little about the way this traditional community lives.
Shangri-La's Tanjung Aru Resort has partnered with Seri Mengasih, a school for over 100 intellectually and physically challenged children, since 2008. 2010 marked the third year of full school fees support alongside regular hotel skills training in areas such as housekeeping and bakery, with the goal of hiring apprentices into the hotel. One apprentice works at the registration and towel counter by the poolside and is able to interact with guests.


On this Borneo holiday, you will visit the famous Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre in Sabah, founded in 1964, to rehabilitate orphan Orangutans. The site is 43 square kilometres of protected land at the edge of Kabili Sepilok Forest Reserve. Today around 60 to 80 orang-utans are living free in the reserve. The facility provides medical care for orphaned and confiscated Orangutans as well as dozens of other wildlife species. Some of the other animals which end up being treated at the centre include endangered Sun Bears, gibbons, Sumatran Rhinos and the occasional injured elephants. A visit to the Sepilok Rehabilitation centre benefits the Orangutans in a number of ways - as the entrance fees go directly to paying the staff, providing food and the training of specialist guides to rehabilitate the Orangutans back into the wild. As part of our programme, we will 'adopt' an Orangutan for our clients for 1 year (1 per booking).
During the tour you also have the opportunity to visit the neighbouring Sun Bear Centre, a conservation centre with the aim to raise awareness and encourage research on the world’s smallest bear. Found throughout mainland Asia, Sumatra in Indonesia and Borneo, the exact number of Sun bears in the wild is unknown, making it even more pressing to reduce pressure on a species that is classified as “vulnerable” on the IUCN Red List and at risk of becoming endangered unless circumstances threatening their survival improve. The BSBCC, the first and only facility of its kind in the world, is a non-governmental organisation set up in 2008 through collaboration of the Sabah Forestry Department, Sabah Wildlife Department and LEAP. Donations are welcomed by the centre although not a condition of entry and we would invite all of our clients to donate a small amount for their visit.
The Danum Valley Conservation Area is one of the largest and best-protected expanses of pristine lowland forest remaining in South East Asia. When visiting the region guests are only allowed to walk on well established trails and with experienced, registered guides to minimise impact on the vegetation. Education is an important part of the package at Danum Valley so guests are also able to visit the Danum Valley Field Centre which was set up in 1986 for the purposes of research, education, training and wilderness recreation to learn more about the importance of the region. Guests can even enjoy talks by the resident scientists on what is being done to preserve Sabah’s natural heritage.
The Tanjung Aru Resort collaborates with the WWF and works with villagers from Kampung Berungus in Kudat to preserve the seagrass bed habitat of the seacow or 'dugong'. The Resort obtains a weekly supply of sustainably harvested fish and shrimp to be served in the resort’s restaurants. It is anticipated that this long-term collaboration will help restore the integrity of the marine eco-system whilst providing poverty troubled villagers with a consistent source of income. The Resort has also introduced a 'Bakashi' program which is a system using fermented organic matter to create compost for gardens from kitchen organic waste. This has resulted in a reduction in the amount of fertiliser and compost used.

The Impacts of this Trip
Our local ground operator owns and operates a number of eco-lodges which are included in this itinerary. Accommodation has all been locally built and is run and operated by local people. The main purpose of these trips is to interact and contribute to local communities and projects and understand the need to minimize any negative impact on the local environment. Our ground agents only employ local guides to accompany our clients. All food in the lodges is sourced locally, helping the local rural communities wherever possible.
The Abai Jungle Lodge hosts a tree planting and optional lunch programme with the local Abai villagers as part of your time there. This programme has been introduced by the Lodge as a way to directly contribute money to the local village community, plus it helps guests learn a little about the way this traditional community lives.
Shangri-La's Tanjung Aru Resort has partnered with Seri Mengasih, a school for over 100 intellectually and physically challenged children, since 2008. 2010 marked the third year of full school fees support alongside regular hotel skills training in areas such as housekeeping and bakery, with the goal of hiring apprentices into the hotel. One apprentice works at the registration and towel counter by the poolside and is able to interact with guests.

28 Reviews of Borneo tailor made holidays, wildlife & beaches
Reviewed on 17 Nov 2019 by T. Titanilla Szabo
Tabin Wildlife Reserve is a place to visit for everyone, the guides were really inspiration in their love of nature, the place where you can really get close to the animals... seeing the monkeys cross the river above my lodge or spotting an otter from my balcony is hardly an experience you can get anywhere else. Read full reviewReviewed on 15 Sep 2019 by Gregor Craig
The most exciting part of the trip was experiencing wildlife in their natural environment and of course seeing a wild orangutan. Read full reviewReviewed on 18 Aug 2019 by Tan Arulampalam
The most memorable part of the trip was the amazing trip down the Kinabatangan river and seeing the wildlife and conservation projects. Read full reviewReviewed on 08 May 2019 by Lisa Sundquist
We were able to be with so many magnificent orangutans!! Being IN nature like we were was amazing! A once in a lifetime experience for sure! Read full reviewReviewed on 08 Apr 2019 by Diane Beavis
The most exciting part of our holiday was seeing orangutans in the wild, one of which was making its nest for the night. Read full reviewReviewed on 13 May 2019 by Sian Thomason
George Town was fabulous and we loved the street art, the street food and in particular the people who were so welcoming and friendly. Read full reviewReviewed on 04 May 2018 by Terri Envey
The most memorable was the people, land and wildlife! Our holiday was a truly beautiful journey and I would highly recommend it. We spent two nights at Tabin and I think it would be better to do three nights and spread out all the activities a bit more. Gaya Island Resort was a piece of heaven. Read full reviewReviewed on 15 Jul 2017 by Elizabeth Barratt
Difficult-there were many. Seeing a wild Orangutan, just outside the cave at Gomantong, close up and "posing" for us, or rounding a bend on the Kinabatangan river to see 30-40 pigmy elephants of all ages on the bank. A set of experiences rather than just a holiday. Read full reviewReviewed on 12 Jun 2017 by Mary Selig
Every spotting of the orangutans, gibbons, birds, lizards, or even pigs was delightful. My husband and I adopted an orphaned Orangutan At the Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary. All along the way of our safari, the guides told us how we would recognize the child Orangutan. I spotted her immediately when she came out for the 4 pm feeding. Read full reviewReviewed on 01 Jan 2014 by Gill Bowles
10 out of 10...the most memorable moment was seeing the Pygmy elephants on the banks of the Kinabatangan river playing, tugging up plants and placing them on their head. Read full reviewReviewed on 25 Apr 2014 by Steve Jameson
We really enjoyed it and it lived up to expectations. Read full reviewReviewed on 18 Mar 2014 by Katie Southgate
The most memorable part of the holiday was 100 pygmy elephants on the bank of the Kinabatangan River...Brilliant. Would do it again, and spend more time in each place. Read full reviewReviewed on 14 Feb 2013 by Caroline Taylor
It was a fantastic holiday... Seeing the orangutans, proboscis monkeys and all other wildlife in their own environment, being on the boat going up river in the evening. .... tere were so many exciting memories of the holiday. Read full reviewReviewed on 15 Apr 2013 by Madeleine Herkes
Excellent..the orangutans in the wild and spending time with the Iban people were the most memorable parts. Read full reviewReviewed on 22 Nov 2012 by Anna Dockeray
Most memorable and exciting has to be seeing the incredible and varied wildlife, Danum Valley really stands out, the rainforest is stunningly beautiful, pristine primary rainforest which is teaming with life...best holiday ever, trip of a lifetime kinda holiday! Read full reviewReviewed on 05 Oct 2012 by Joanne Cash
Seeing the orangutans, going to lankayan island and living in pure paradise as well as seeing turtles and seeing elephants in Tabin were the most memorable parts of the holiday Read full reviewReviewed on 07 Aug 2012 by Virginia Choy
Great it was a fabulous experience. We're lucky to have seen such beautiful animals and landscapes. Read full reviewReviewed on 25 Apr 2012 by John Williams
Diving in Lankayan; the river cruise in Kinabatangan seeing the pigmy elephants; and the wild orang-utans and gibbons in the Danum Valley were the mosy memorable parts of the holiday. Read full reviewReviewed on 17 Sep 2012 by Pamela Francis
The most memorable part of the holiday was seeing A Buffy Fish Owl next to our chalet door and spectacular Fire flies at Abai Jungle lodge...Excellent organisation - everything ran like clockwork... Read full reviewReviewed on 21 Jun 2011 by Helen Garrad
Fantastic!! Words can't describe how much my husband and I enjoyed ourselves. The last 6 days on Mabul was lovely and the diving was excellent... The staff were courteous and so helpful, our guide Theo went above and beyond to make our holiday fantastic and, of course, thank you to all the wildlife...just one word... amazing! Read full reviewReviewed on 21 Mar 2011 by Christina Savage
Most memorable? Diving with a dozen turtles off the coast of Sipadan and visiting the local villagers of Mabul. And then of course to see wild Orangutans in their natural environment. Read full reviewReviewed on 06 Nov 2011 by Mike Adams
I can’t pick one particular moment out the whole trip was an adventure from start to finish...It was a real mental detox, something that I will remember for the rest of my life. Read full reviewReviewed on 28 Sep 2011 by Fiona Trolley
We felt privileged to be so close to orang utans, turtles (while laying their eggs), crocodiles, various monkeys and birds etc. The treks through the jungle in daylight and at night were astonishing. Read full reviewReviewed on 23 Aug 2011 by Anna Clark
We thoroughly enjoyed Borneo Rainforest Lodge. The welcome we received was incredibly warm and we were so well looked after throughout our stay. The guides were also great at sharing their knowledge and experiences with visitors. Read full reviewReviewed on 14 Apr 2011 by Linda Mundy
Seeing our first wild orangutan - absolutely amazing. Could have sat and watched all day... The balance between wildlife and relaxation was perfect. Read full reviewReviewed on 05 Apr 2011 by Kelly Kurth
Our entire trip to Borneo, Malaysia was wonderful. The many sightings of wildlife such as Pygmy elephants, and the variety of birds were very special... We learned a lot of new information from our guides about the local wildlife. I would encourage others to travel to the areas our family visited. Read full reviewReviewed on 03 Mar 2011 by Denise Rivers
The rainforest was the most exciting part, trekking through the jungle in search of orang utans and then actually finding some was amazing. The rainforest lodge was beautiful and the staff were lovely, food was fantastic. Read full reviewOur travel guides
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