Danum Valley protected forest reserve is one of the largest swathes of primary lowland dipterocarp rainforest in Borneo, set aside for wildlife conservation, research and education.
It is one of the most reliable locations for wildlife sightings, with recent studies putting the number of orangutans in the area at around 500, but accommodation must be booked in advance as it is limited.
Visitors can spend time walking nature trails, taking guided jungle treks or night wildlife excursions, canopy walks and birdwatching. If you're lucky, and quiet enough, you might pass orangutans swinging through the trees. It is not uncommon to spot clouded leopards and sun bears during night treks, as well as the weird and wonderful, bulging-eyed western tarsier.
Sabah
A guide to spotting orangutans in Sabah
Borneo is the only island in the world that is home to three nations: Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesian Kalimantan. Sabah is one of the two Malaysian Borneo states in the northern part of the island. It was part of the British protectorate of North Borneo until 1963...read more
Starting in Kota Kinabalu, travel deep into one of the most remote parts of Sabah state by 4-wheel drive and boat. You’ll travel through the homeland of the Murat people towards Batu Punggul, an 800 ft forest-clad limestone pinnacle and explore caves via underground streams, sleeping under the stars in a comfortable hammock camp.
Spend the night in a longhouse in Batu Punggal and enjoy an evening of Murut hospitality before a morning of light trekking and swimming in local waterfalls.
Travel onto Kabili-Sepilok Forest, renowned for its orchids, ancient trees, its orangutans. Visit the Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary before travelling along the Lower Kinabatangan River passing mangroves, wetlands and lush rainforests, with plenty of opportunities for wildlife spotting.
Travel onward to Danum Valley Conservation Area where you’ll enjoy trekking, night drives and night walks and one of the best wildlife viewing experiences in Borneo. Keep watch for wild orangutan, slow loris, gibbons, red leaf langurs, western tarsiers, flying squirrels and maybe even the elusive clouded leopard.
After an early morning transfer and quick flight back to Kota Kinabalu, you’ll head towards the sleepy beaches of Kudat. Relax and rejuvenate on the sleepy beaches of Kudat for a few days before your flight back to the UK.
Luxury, Adventure & Boutique Beach
Explore Borneo's beaches and cities
15 daysFrom £3,000
Borneo, Malaysia
Custom itinerary,
Private guided tour
Luxury, Beach, Adventure, Caving, Water Sports, Kayaking, Canoeing, Active, Walking, Snorkelling, Swimming, Nature & Wildlife, Photography, Birdwatching, National Parks, Culture, Cities, Museums & Galleries
Luxury, Beach, Adventure, Caving, Water Sports, Kayaking, Canoeing, Active, Walking, Snorkelling, Swimming, Nature & Wildlife, Photography, Birdwatching, National Parks, Culture, Cities, Museums & Galleries
Tour Type
Custom itinerary,
Private guided tour
Physical Level
Easy
Starting your trip in Kuala Lumpur, you can explore China Town, the Jamek Mosque and Sri Maha Mariamman Hindu Temple before heading on to Borneo.
Drift down the Kinabatangan River searching for some of Asia’s best wildlife: wild orangutan, red and silver leaf monkeys and pygmy elephants and get a bird’s eye view of Danum Valley, spotting birds and gibbons.
Explore the countryside around Kota Kinabalu by bike and wonder at the rolling hills, lush forests and small villages before unwinding at Japamala and spending time snorkelling, in the spa or simply reading a book under the shade of the palm trees.
In-Depth Borneo Adventure
Explore Borneo's jungles and beaches
18 daysFrom £3,000
Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Bako National Park, Danum Valley, Mulu National Park, Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park
Custom itinerary,
Private guided tour
Luxury, Beach, Family, Adventure, Caving, Climbing, Hiking & Trekking, Active, Walking, Snorkelling, Swimming, Nature & Wildlife, Photography, Birdwatching, National Parks
Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Bako National Park, Danum Valley, Mulu National Park, Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park
Activity
Luxury, Beach, Family, Adventure, Caving, Climbing, Hiking & Trekking, Active, Walking, Snorkelling, Swimming, Nature & Wildlife, Photography, Birdwatching, National Parks
Tour Type
Custom itinerary,
Private guided tour
Physical Level
Mild
This holiday takes in some unique off-the-beaten-track jungle expeditions as well as plenty of time on to relax on glorious tropical beaches.
Follow a historic trail used by tribal hunters over water crossings and through forests on the Pinnacles trek. Marvel at some of the most extensive and most dramatic cave passages in the world and explore Danum Valley, keeping watch for orangutans, gibbons, slow loris and many more in the awe-inspiring rainforest.
Finally, snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park.
Malaysia's Wildlife and Nature Encompassed
Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu and Gaya Island
20 daysFrom £3,000
Borneo, Malaysia
Custom itinerary,
Private guided tour
Beach, Adventure, Caving, Hiking & Trekking, Water Sports, Kayaking, Active, Walking, Snorkelling, Swimming, Nature & Wildlife, Photography, Birdwatching, National Parks, Culture, Cities
Beach, Adventure, Caving, Hiking & Trekking, Water Sports, Kayaking, Active, Walking, Snorkelling, Swimming, Nature & Wildlife, Photography, Birdwatching, National Parks, Culture, Cities
Tour Type
Custom itinerary,
Private guided tour
Physical Level
Mild
Malaysia is a land of extreme beauty and dramatic contrasts, full of natural wonders and wildlife. This itinerary is a medley of Malaysia’s most striking natural surroundings, both inland and on the water taking you to some extraordinary places that not all tourists get to see.
Start in Kuala Lumpur where you can visit highlights like the Batu Caves and the Petronas Towers before heading deep into the jungle to greet its colourful inhabitants and nocturnal creatures in Taman Negara. Head to the east coast where you can visit a turtle sanctuary and enjoy white sand beaches at Tanjong Jara.
Fly onto Kota Kinabalu, Borneo and enjoy getting up close and personal with Borneo’s orangutans, pygmy elephants and primates before finishing your trip snorkelling, swimming and spa-ing to your heart’s content on Gaya Island.
Danum Valley Travel Companies
Experience Travel Group
Boutique holidays for curious travellers
South Asia, Southeast Asia
Custom itinerary,
Private guided tour
Safari, Luxury, Beach, Family, Nature & Wildlife, Culture
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