The science of primary rainforests and wetlands: Malaysian Borneo

11 August 2025 - 10 days for £5,399 per person.

Explore Malaysia’s primary rainforests and wetlands, including the Kinabatangan wetlands, Tabin Rainforest, and the Danum Valley. Teeming with rare and endangered species as Alfred Wallace did before writing his 1869 book The Malay Archipelago. Expect to see orangutans, sun bears, civet cats, langurs, gibbons, proboscis monkeys, rhinoceros hornbills and many more. 

Visit conservation projects, hear from the experts and experience how species and habitats are being rehabilitated and protected. Staying in secluded idyllic lodges and nature resorts in the heart of the forest reserves. Enjoy wildlife safaris, cruises, treks and evening walks through hectares of pristine and undisturbed tropical rainforest.

Visit the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and the Rainforest Discovery centre to learn about species conservation. From here, begin your wild exploration through an array of ecological delights. Begin in the Kinabatangan wetlands, a biodiversity hotspot offering a range of species including proboscis monkey's and over 200 bird species, including hornbills, kingfishers, eagles, and oriental darters. Continue to the Tabin Rainforest, one of the largest wildlife reserves in Sabah. Finish with time exploring the Danum Valley, one of the world’s most diverse and pristine rainforests renowned for its wildlife, ancient trees, and stunning scenery. All three locations offer a perfect place for wildlife enthusiasts to explore.

You will be accompanied by biologist and passionate conservationist, Dr Martin Cohen who will engage and educate you on the beauty and ecological wonder of this remarkable region of Malaysian Borneo. In addition to Martin, local ecologists and conservation experts will offer insight into this stunning hidden gem.

The tour has a maximum group size of just 15 guests and is ideal for those with all levels of expertise, as it acts as a fantastic introduction to Malaysian Borneo's amazing flora, fauna and geology and how it is being protected whilst allowing those with a deeper understanding to observe a great many species.

In partnership with Intrepid Travel.

DAY 1: ARRIVE INTO SANDAKAN AND TRANSFER TO SEPILOK

Welcome to Sandakan! The gateway to some of Sabah’s richest wildlife areas that boasts of elephants, Orang Utans, Sun Bears, Proboscis Monkeys and myriad species of birds, Sandakan is also a culinary paradise with amazing seafood and local delicacies unique to the cultural hodgepodge of people who have settled here over the centuries. You will be met upon arrival at Sandakan airport and then transfer to Sepilok Nature Resort, just 20 minutes away. Situated at the edge of Kabili Sepilok Forest Reserve.

In the evening, your accompanying guide Martin Cohen and tour leader will give an introductory talk on the expedition ahead and you can enjoy a welcome meal together.

DAY 2: BORNEAN SUN BEAR, SEPILOK ORANGUTAN REHABILITATION, RAINFOREST AND DISCOVERY CENTRES

After breakfast, depart for the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, which is located next to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. Whilst here, enjoy an Educational Talk on Sun Bear Conservation by Founder Dr Wong or one of his team members before we explore this wonderful new centre, taking care of rescued Sun Bears that have spent many years mistreated and locked away in cages. Borneo Sun Bear Conservation centre is giving a better life to these bears by caring for them with the hope of reintroducing them back into the wild. They are doing great work at promoting Sun Bear conservation in Borneo through animal welfare, conservation, rehabilitation, research, and education - to put a stop to these cruel practices. 

<p">Afterwards walk the short distance to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation centre for 10am feeding time. The centre attracts tourists and research alike, giving them the opportunity to watch the orangutans up close in their natural habitat. A boardwalk which leads to a viewing gallery and feeding platform where the apes are fed milk and bananas twice a day at 10am and 3pm by rangers. Feeding time also attracts long-tailed macaques to the area. Return to resort to rest. 

In the afternoon, head out to the Rainforest Discovery Centre, which will involve a short amount of trekking. It sits by a lake at the edge of the Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve in Sandakan. Enjoy the walk along the suspension bridge which ends with the only Canopy Walk (147 metres long) in Sandakan. The 28 metres above ground walkway allows you to walk among the rainforest giants such as the mengaris trees. Birdwatchers will be fascinated by this place as it has one of the rarest birds in Sabah, The Borneon Bristlehead and another 250 species of other birds like the Hornbills, Broadbills, Pittas and Kingfishers. Return to your resort via walking. The centre is managed by the Sabah Forestry Department. The main purpose of the RDC remains as an environmental education centre for students and teachers.

DAY 3: SANDAKAN CITY TOUR AND TRANFER TO KINABATANGAN WETLANDS BY BOAT

After breakfast, check out and proceed for half day city tour. Visit Sandakan Memorial Park, which is adjacent to the site of the original Sandakan Prisoner of War (POW) Camp. The park commemorates the sacrifice and suffering endured by both Australian and British soldiers who were held by the Japanese as Prisoners of War between 1942 and 1945. The Puu Jih Shih Buddhist Temple, located on a steep hilltop where you can have a magnificent view overlooking Sandakan Bay and the Town Centre. Continue to one of the oldest churches in Sabah, St. Michael's Church where you can see a century old building where Christianity is preached. Visit to the Agnes Keith Museum to learn about the life in the colonial days on Agnes & Harry Keith. Harry was the first conservator of the Forestry Department in Sabah and Agnes was the author of the three famous books called Land Below the Wind, Three Came Home and White Man Returns. Transfer to the jetty and ride a boat through the Kinabatangan River, taking around 45 minutes. From here depart on a two-hour boat journey through the jungle to the Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort, a boutique lodge situated on the banks of the river.

The 560 kilometre long Kinabatangan River flows through a floodplain that is teeming with wildlife that includes large mammals, primates, birds, reptiles and insects. A river boat cruise makes light work of wildlife spotting and bird watching but you can explore deeper into the riverine forest on foot to seek out the more elusive species. Upon arrival, free to relax or explore the surrounding area on the nature boardwalk.

After time to relax at the lodge, head out by small boat for a private dusk river cruise to search for the wildlife along the river. The region is teeming with fauna, orangutans, pygmy elephants, hornbills, macaques, leaf monkeys and otters. You will spend a couple of hours on the river, before returning back to the lodge for dinner.

After dinner, you have the option to head out for a short night walk to search for some of the nocturnal residents of the forest. Some of the things to be seen are civet cats, owls, frogs, mousedeer, and much more.

DAY 4: RIVER EXPLORATION AND ORANG SUNGAI COMMUNITY VISIT

There will be an early wake-up call today for coffee and tea, before embarking on a 2-hour river safari to search for wildlife. Arrive at Danau Pitas ox-bow lake and enjoy a packed breakfast while exploring the area. Afterwards, visit a local fishing village, Kampung Abai. Interact with the Orang Sungai river people and observe their daily activities. Return to the resort for breakfast.

After a light breakfast, depart for a 45-minute river boat ride to Kulamba Field Centre. Participate in a tree planting project with the native Orang Sungai (river people) community to support conservation efforts. Explore the observation tower area for potential sightings of wildlife such as wild orangutans, silver leaf monkeys, and various birds. Attend a short PowerPoint presentation by a naturalist about RAMSAR and life in Tundun Bohangin Kulamba Field Centre. Afternoon: Enjoy a light tea served by the local community. Visit local fishermen and observe activities like crab and prawn catching. If weather and tide permit, proceed for clamshell digging at sandy beaches. Return: Cruise back to Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort for lunch.

At around 4:30pm, enjoy a late afternoon cruise to observe mangrove species, river scenery, village landscapes, and more wildlife. Weather permitting, view firefly colonies. 

After dinner, take a night river safari to look for specific wildlife with one of the resorts in-house ecologists.

DAY 5: KINABATANGAN WETLANDS TO THE TABIN WILDLIFE RESERVE

Today you will travel by boat to Sukau jetty before switching to a vehicle where you will be transferred by road to Tabin Wildlife Reserve (1.5 hours). Upon arrival, attend a guide briefing and video presentation on Tabin’s natural wonders.  Explore the surrounding rainforest, home to a variety of birds, insects, and small mammals. Learn about jungle herbs used by locals for treating ailments. Visit the Tabin Visitor Centre for information about conservation and local wildlife before we check in at 12pm.  In the afternoon, trek to the Elephant trail, stopping by the compost bin to learn about recycling food waste into fertilizer. Proceed to the active Lipad mud volcano, a mineral salt lick for wildlife. Identify animal footprints and, if adventurous, try the volcanic mud for a fine complexion. Trek back to the main road.

After dinner, embark on a night safari to spot nocturnal wildlife and birds. Enjoy the clear, dark sky and try to identify constellations.

DAY 6: EXPLORE TABIN RAINFOREST REGION AND LIPAD WATERFALL

Discover some of Tabin’s rich birdlife on an early morning walk before driving to the core area for further bird watching, a visit to the Tabin Orangutan Release Centre and a trek to nearby Lipad Waterfall. Enjoy a dip in the natural pool or relax under the waterfall. On the way back to the resort, stop at the Tabin Giant Tree for photos.

In the afternoon, try the Tabin Rainforest Foot Soak, made with a natural blend of herbs, to relax tired muscles after jungle treks. In the evening, take a dusk drive to spot nocturnal wildlife and birds.

After dinner, go for a night walk along the nearby trail to search for sleeping birds, frogs, and other nocturnal wildlife.

DAY 7: JOURNEY TO THE DANUM VALLEY

Today will involve travelling deep in the forest. There’s an early wake-up for a full breakfast, before departing for your next destination, the Danum Valley. Firstly, take a boat ride, followed by an overland transfer to Lahad Datu, then onto the Danum Valley Rainforest Lodge for lunch. It is Borneo’s premier 5-star jungle lodge and is the only resort in the entire Danum Valley Conservation Area, an area of 440 square kilometres of virgin primary rainforest. This region is home to some of the highest diversity on the planet. With common sightings of orangutans, red-leaf langurs, gibbons, hornbills and more, it is the perfect place to explore.

Borneo Rainforest Lodge has exceptional local guides and, in the afternoon, you will head out for the first of several private wildlife walks with them.

DAY 8: FULLY DAY OF EXPLORATION IN THE DANUM VALLEY

Spend the day with your guide trekking in Danum Valley, enjoy a jungle trek to a Kadazan burial site at Coffin Cliff to search for animals both large and small. The forest is alive with smells, sounds and sights which you will experience on a canopy walkway and a jacuzzi dip in a natural pool.

Return to the lodge with time to relax and unwind.

After dinner, take a night walk or drive as local conditions and sighting opportunities dictate.

DAY 9: KOTA KINABALU

After a relaxing morning and enjoying lunch at the lodge, you will depart for the journey back to Lahad Datu for a 1-hour flight to Kota Kinabalu. After checking into the Hotel Grandis you can explore this bustling waterfront city. It's surrounded by nature with offshore coral islands, forest-covered hills, scenic rivers and Mount Kinabalu, the highest peak in Southeast Asia. Explore its street markets and enjoy one of the amazing sunset. 

In the evening there is a farewell dinner in a local restaurant. 

DAY 10: DEPART KOTA KINABALU

After a farewell breakfast, you will be transferred to the Kota Kinabalu airport for your onward journey.