Borneo's Orangutans

Tour Code: MYS02

An 11-day tour to the rainforests of Borneo in search of the endearing Orangutan and other wildlife.

11 days from
£5,395

Land only price from
£4,595

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Highlights

There are few more endearing animals on the planet than the Orangutan, and the principal focus of our holiday will be this gentle and endangered great ape. We will visit the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, where we’ll see semi-wild Orangutans, many of which have been orphaned, in the latter stages of a rehabilitation process designed to allow their eventual release into the wild. We’ll then return to Sandakan and take a boat down the Kinabatangan River where we’ll hope to encounter wild Orangutans, troupes of Proboscis Monkey and perhaps Asian Elephant amongst the region’s riverine forest. We’ll then visit the Gomantong Caves before concluding our tour with a 3-night stay at the amazing Borneo Rainforest Lodge in the Danum Valley Conservation area, one of the finest wildlife lodges anywhere in the world!

Pristine rainforests, home to hornbills, malkohas, broadbills & pittas
Includes a visit to Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre in Sepilok Reserve
Opportunity to see wild Orangutan plus troupes of Proboscis Monkey at Kinabatangan
Varied & colourful avifauna such as Storm’s Stork & endemic Bornean Bristlehead
The Gomantong Caves (for bats, Bat Hawks, swiftlets & possibly edible-nest harvesting)
Night-time excursions to look for Flying Squirrel, Buffy Fish Owl & other nocturnal wildlife
Led by an expert naturalist guide

Grading

Grade A. Gentle wildlife walks only.

There are surely few more endearing creatures in the world than that gentle rainforest giant, the Orangutan. A close affinity with Homo sapiens is obvious, and gazing into the solemn inscrutable features of an old male, or observing the impish behaviour of youngsters at play, it is easy to appreciate their evolutionary links with mankind. Sadly, in its native Sumatra and Borneo, the ‘old man of the forest’ has been subjected to relentless pressures which have reduced its world population by as much as 50% during the last 10 years to a meagre 25,000 animals. Hunting for meat and the demands of the pet trade have been contributory factors, but more significant has been the large-scale clearance of forest throughout the region, leaving dwindling habitats for the apes. The principal focus of our holiday will be Orangutans but, as we visit some of the most magnificent rainforests on Earth, we will also be entering the domain of many wonderful birds, mammals and insects, including another threatened primate, the bizarre Proboscis Monkey.

Our tour begins with a flight to Kuala Lumpur, the modern capital of Malaysia. From here we quickly progress by air to Kota Kinabalu, in Sabah, and thence to Sandakan where we drive a short distance to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. This extraordinary place was established in 1964 to help once captive or displaced Orangutans learn to fend for themselves back in the wild and, during our time at Sepilok, we will see every facet of the work carried out there. Everyone will undoubtedly fall in love with the wide-eyed and bewildered little orphan Orangs, which are regularly taken into care and exemplify the scale of the problem faced by the Centre, as adult apes are ruthlessly slain to facilitate the felling of more trees. Returning to Sandakan we take a boat along the Kinabatangan River to spend three nights at the Sukau Rainforest Lodge. As we explore the river tributaries and hidden oxbow lakes we will be hoping to encounter our first wild Orangutans foraging in the riverine forest. We will also no doubt be observed by troupes of potbellied and comic-looking Proboscis Monkeys, another animal threatened by forest clearances. After making the initial acquaintance of Sabah’s stunning birdlife around Sepilok, we now have the opportunity to consolidate this experience as we meet hornbills, pittas, kingfishers, broadbills, woodpeckers and many other representatives of the very extensive avifauna. The rare Storm’s Stork is occasionally recorded at Sukau, and we also have a chance of glimpsing Asian Elephants at the river edge.

An excursion to the legendary Gomantong Caves will bring alive scenes familiar from TV documentaries as numerous swiftlets dash into these vast cathedral-like cave systems, their nests forming the unlikely basis of ‘bird’s-nest soup’, and at dusk there is a spectacular exodus of several million bats which emerge like plumes of smoke to fan out over the surrounding ocean of trees. We conclude our tour at the Danum Valley Conservation Area, where we spend three nights at the superbly situated Borneo Rainforest Lodge. The Danum Valley contains one of the last remaining tracts of primary lowland dipterocarp forest and is renowned as one of the very best natural history sites in south-east Asia. We have a very good chance of finding more Orangutans in the forests here, indeed all 10 species of primate found in Sabah have been recorded in the Danum Valley, together with a quite remarkable selection of mammals, birds and reptiles. As is usual in such forest habitats, many of the inhabitants are difficult to find or nocturnal in habits but we are assured many exciting observations as we explore this wonderful habitat.

The prolific birdlife includes a number of pheasants, eight species of hornbill, the endemic Bornean Bristlehead and a whole host of other Asian specialities. Mention should also be made of the many exotic butterflies which occur in a diversity of colour and form to enhance every day in the field. At the end of this memorable tour we will have learnt much about Orangutans and hopefully enjoyed the rare privilege of watching them in the wild.

DETAILED INFORMATION

Itinerary

Outline Itinerary

Day 1

Depart London

Day 2

Arrive Kota Kinabalu and fly Sandakan. Overnight Sepilok

Day 3

Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre

Day 4/6

Kinabatangan River

Day 7/9

Danum Valley

Day 10

Depart Kota Kinabalu

Day 11

Arrive London

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What's Included

What's Included?

Flights
Accommodation:
Comfortable eco-lodges, all rooms with private facilities.
Food:
Included in the price, except for any meals required in Kota Kinabalu. Allow £10.

Reviews

The people, food and experience of Borneo were all amazing. We saw all but one of Borneo's primates. We had close encounters with Pigmy and Long-tailed Macaques, the strange Proboscis Monkey and Maroon Langur, who played in trees above and around us for some time clearly undisturbed by our presence. We had several sightings of Silvered Langur seeing both colour morphs. Lots of wild Orangutan and spent and incredible morning watching a mum and teenage gibbon playing chase in the high tree tops. We also had sightings of Slow Loris and Tarsier and the strange Colugo. Saw lots of birds including most of the Hornbill species. It is really hard to think of a highlight. So hard to give just one! Seeing the gibbons at play was one. Watching wild Orangutans was another. We were also privileged to watch a Great Argus practicing his mating dance on his lekking ground, at Borneo Lodge. The guide who had worked there 7 years had only witnessed it twice before. Observing the trees covered in fire flies along on the banks of the Kinabatanga River, simply magical. Even the horrendous multitude of cockroaches at the Gomantong Caves was incredible albeit like something from an Indiana Jones film! (home of the swiftlets whose nests are collected to make Bird's nest soup - whoever thought of eating bird's nests?!?). Naturetrek are very careful in choosing ideal and well placed lodges to get the best wildlife and holiday experience. They ensure you have excellent and knowledgeable guides who also make sure your experience is the very best. They are easy to communicate with and give a personal touch.
J.D. Cambridgeshire, Aug 24
Can’t pick a single highlight, start to finish was incredible. I’d really wanted to see orangutans but most of my memories are of proboscis monkeys, flying squirrels, macaques and hornbills. And butterflies. And roosting birds, crocodiles, sun bears, snakes and lizards. Waking up to the sound of the gibbons calling and falling asleep to the sound of the tree frogs. Incredible.
P.H. Middlesex, Sept 23
A magical trip watching orangutan in the wild in different areas of Borneo, whilst walking, driving and by riverboat. And the chance to identify many other mammals, birds and reptiles indigenous to the area on both day and night walks. The Malaysian hospitality and welcome was exceptional as were the lodges we stayed in and the cuisine. Our guides were very knowledgeable, enthusiastic and always on hand to ensure we had the best possible experience. Naturetrek were first class from beginning to end. Their website answered all the questions clients would normally have to ask initially and when speaking to any member of staff all were very knowledgeable and helpful from the planning stages right through to my return.
A.H. Hampshire, Oct 22

This was probably the best wildlife holiday I have ever been on. Everything was incredibly well organised, the accommodation and food was well above my expectations and the guides were superb. We saw so much more than I ever expected. I had a wonderful time and 2500 photos to remind me!
H.H. Kent, Sept 18

I thought the whole trip was just fabulous.
J.H. Surrey

Borneo's Orangutans was an exceptional holiday; my first experience of wildlife travel, which far exceeded my expectations. The tour was very well organised, with great locations, accommodation, food and, above all, expert and enthusiastic guidance from tour leaders. I cannot recommend this too highly.
J.P. Greater Manchester

This was my first trip with Naturetrek. I thoroughly enjoyed the holiday and it exceeded my expectations... I found that having a naturalist heading the party was invaluable. I am spreading the word and recommending Naturetrek to anyone who has an interest in nature.
S.D. Bristol

This was yet another awesome Naturetrek tour... All accommodation was excellent. Service great, food very good.
S.A. USA

The guides were very knowledgeable and were able to share their knowledge with the group; there are so many things that I would have missed without their expertise.
A.B. London

Hotels were excellent! Surroundings amazing, especially Danum Valley. Staff very accommodating, friendly and always smiling. A very well balanced trip which worked very well for me (first-timer!), especially the Danum Valley - an incredible place to stay and definitely return. I didn't want to leave. Chris did a great job at accommodating everyone and was very well planned and organised. I definitely got a great taste of the Orang-utans, the river life and the Danum Valley forest. The trip leader: What can I say? A star! He made my trip a very enjoyable one, from start to finish. Chris listened to everyone and we had so many great walks/treks/boat rides that he organised. Thanks Chris. The local guides were great guys too! Very knowledgeable and interested to talk to. Always smiling and very reliable. A great mix of people.
D.I. Hertfordshire

This was an excellent trip. Having started off as someone who mainly wanted to see Orang-utans and with little knowledge of the bird life of Borneo. I am now a convert and enthusiastic about spotting birds and other wildlife. I put this down to the skills of our trip leader Chris Kehoe and local guide Hasmit. Chris managed the trip very well and ensured the group got whatever the individuals wanted from the experience. There was never any pressure to do walks of treks that you did not wish to do. It was obvious that Chris is extremely knowledgeable about the bird-life in particular, and very patient with those of us who were new to this type of holiday. The local guide was also very good and a delightful young man. The whole experience has exceeded expectations.
J.L. Middlesex

We had a fantastic trip and Chris Kehoe, together with the local guides, was wonderful. The friendliness of the local people, as well as the diversity of the wildlife and spectacular scenery, made this one of our most enjoyable and memorable holidays! Thank you.
B.M. Kent

A most interested and enjoyable holiday...excellent leaders in the shape of Chris Kehoe, Hamit & Nadir... Their knowledge and enthusiasm was without bounds, to the extent that I became caught up init and am now a convert to bird-watching as well as mammal spotting. Without a doubt, I would consider another Naturetrek holiday.
P.B. Middlesex

Terry was excellent - a good and amusing communicator, very personable and with a great knowledge of mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians, and he was able to take on some invertebrates as well. Energetic and enthusiastic. Great stuff!
G.T. Staffordshire

I thought the local guide Hazwan Suban excellent; he knew the bird and mammal species, could identify them on the spot, and could pick them out with his scope to show their details - a very good guide with the advantage of having local knowledge. The three locations where we stayed provided a range of habitats and kept interest levels high. The Orang-utans, the bat cave and exploring the jungle from the river were star attractions, but Danum Valley outclassed them all - undamaged jungle, the canopy walk, the numbers of mammals, birds, and sundry lizards and snakes, and the fact that what we could see was just as it had been for hundreds of years.
J.M. Oxfordshire

Very well organised with attention to detail. Great care was taken to meet the needs of all members of the group. It was a real privilege to share the expertise of Terry Reis and Hazwan Suban. This was my first wildlife holiday and a genuine learning experience!
J.P. Greater Manchester

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Dates & Prices

2025

Departures Availability Cost

Tue 2nd Sep – Fri 12th Sep 6 £5,495

Book Tour Show Details

Flights:

Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.

Flights are included in the tour cost

Regional Departures:

On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.

Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051

Land only cost:

The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.

£4,695

Single Room Supplement:

Single Room Supplement.

£1,195

Fri 5th Sep – Mon 15th Sep FULL £5,395

Flights:

Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.

Flights are included in the tour cost

Regional Departures:

On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.

Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051

Land only cost:

The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.

£4,595

Room sharing options:

If a customer on this departure has already expressed an interest in sharing a room it will be flagged here. We will identify if there are sharing options for male, female or both.

Female sharing available

Single Room Supplement:

Single Room Supplement.

£795

2026

Departures Availability Cost

Wed 2nd Sep – Sat 12th Sep SPACES £5,695

Book Tour Show Details

Flights:

Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.

Flights are included in the tour cost

Regional Departures:

On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.

Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051

Land only cost:

The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.

£4,795

Single Room Supplement:

Single Room Supplement.

£1,195

Fri 11th Sep – Mon 21st Sep SPACES £5,695

Book Tour Show Details

Flights:

Most Naturetrek tours include flight costs ex-UK. If flights are not included, we indicate that here.

Flights are included in the tour cost

Regional Departures:

On certain tours it is possible to depart from a regional airport (rather than London). If a regional departure is possible, we indicate that here.

Regional Departures are available. Call 01962733051

Land only cost:

The "Land Only" cost is the tour price you will pay if you choose to arrange your own flights/transport.

£4,795

Single Room Supplement:

Single Room Supplement.

£1,195

Tour Dates or Itinerary Don't Suit?

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Prefer to Travel in a Private Group?

For any interested natural history club or society, we can arrange for a private departure of this tour.

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Tour Reports

Tour report - September 2015

Tour report - September 2014

Tour report - September 2013

Tour report - September 2012

Tour report - September 2011

Tour report - September 2010

Tour report - September 2009

Tour report - September 2008

Tour report - September 2007

Tour report - September 2006

Tour report - September 2005

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