The Rainforests, Wildlife and Islands of Borneo
Experience Borneo’s natural wonders during this two-week trip that takes you to ancient rainforests and thriving coral reefs. Embark on guided treks to spot rare orangutans and sun bears in the wild, and learn firsthand about their conservation. Between the thrills of canopy walks and wildlife sightings, discover the marine worlds of Lankayan and Gaya islands. Enjoy tranquil moments on powder-white beaches before continuing your exploration with exhilarating dives.
Trip highlights
- Marvel at Borneo's rainforests from above on canopy walks
- Explore the Sulu Sea’s marine life from Lankayan Island
- Visit Sepilok’s wildlife rehabilitation centres
- Search for rare birds with an expert in the Danum Valley
- Go tubing along the Danum River
- Wind down on the white sand beaches of Gaya Island
Our bespoke trips include
We design one-of-a-kind journeys incorporating luxury in all its forms. Our bespoke trips include:
- Luxury accommodation throughout
- Privately guided tours
- Private transfers
- Meticulously selected experiences
- Expertise and support from your Jacada Concierge
Bespoke trips with Jacada
We design one-of-a-kind journeys incorporating luxury in all its forms. Our bespoke trips include:
Days 1–2
Touchdown in Sandakan
Start your journey through Borneo in Sandakan, situated on Malaysia’s northeast coast in the state of Sabah. The small port city offers the perfect introduction to Borneo’s rainforests and the life that flourishes there.
Head to Sepilok where the Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve invites you to uncover the hidden world of the tree canopy, high above the forest floor.
Take a walk in the trees
Connect with Borneo’s incredible biodiversity at the Rainforest Discovery Centre. See native orchids on a guided walk through the plant discovery garden. Or join a birdwatching tour to spot elusive blue-headed pittas, Bornean banded kingfishers and Wallace’s hawk eagles fluttering between branches. Then follow the canopy walkway among the treetops to admire sweeping views across the rainforest.
Days 2–6
Retreat to Lankayan Island
Marooned in the Sulu Sea and surrounded by a marine reserve, Lankayan is a tiny island off Sabah’s northeastern coast ringed by a clear turquoise lagoon. Abundant reef fish shimmer in the shallows while deeper waters offer thrilling sightings of rays and barracudas.
With a stay at Lankayan Island Resort, days drift by on guided snorkelling or diving adventures. You can also enrich your understanding of the island’s marine ecosystem at the Reef Guardian Centre. Or enjoy moments of stillness on the powder-soft sands that frame the water’s edge.
Island life
From sand to sea
In the deep
By paddle
Watch newborn turtles take their first steps
Lankayan Island’s shoreline is a beloved nesting site for green and hawksbill turtles. Join experts in witnessing tiny turtle hatchlings emerge from the sand (typically between April and October) and make their journey to the sea. You’ll also hear about the conservation initiatives put in place to help protect them.
Explore the Sulu Sea's colourful underwater world
Discover more than 30 dive sites in the Sugud Islands Marine Conservation Area. Descend into reefs that slope into coral gardens thriving with extraordinary macro life. Keep your eyes peeled for camouflaged frogfish, ghost pipefish and ribbon eels. You’ll also swim alongside graceful leopard sharks and giant groupers, as well as majestic whale sharks between March and May.
Drift along the coast
Board your kayak and glide over the glassy waters lapping the island’s shores. Peer down to glimpse reef fish darting between coral formations. Then pause, let the world melt away and take in the deep tranquillity of the open ocean.
Days 6–7
Exploring Sepilok
Next, you’ll journey back to Borneo’s mainland where you’ll overnight in Sepilok. During your stay here, you’ll visit Sepilok’s wildlife rehabilitation centres and gain valuable insight into their initiatives that help safeguard the region’s wildlife.
The wildlife of Sepilok
Sun bears
Orangutans
Proboscis monkeys
Witness the world’s smallest bear
Visiting the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, you’ll see how rescued sun bears are cared for. Learn about their rehabilitation process and the centre’s ongoing work to protect this endangered species.
Observe orangutans in their natural habitat
Head to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre – a sanctuary for orphaned and injured orangutans – just in time for their feeding session. Watch them climb down from the rainforest canopy, swinging between tree branches to claim their meal. You’ll observe this carefully managed process which supplements their diet, while encouraging them to forage for food themselves in preparation for independent life in the wild.
See Labuk Bay's long-nosed monkeys
At the Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary, you’re offered a glimpse into the lives of endangered proboscis monkeys. Wander the wooden walkways that weave between the mangroves of Labuk Bay where these fascinating primates live. Watch them roam their natural habitat while searching for other inhabitants like silver leaf monkeys and oriental pie hornbills. You’ll also learn about the sanctuary’s efforts that help protect the environment and educate local communities on the importance of mangrove forests.
Days 7–9
Two nights in the Danum Valley
Danum Valley’s 130-million-year-old rainforest is one of the Earth’s most biodiverse areas. This pristine ecosystem spans more than 43,000 hectares of protected lowland forest where orangutans, clouded leopards and pygmy elephants call home.
Track wildlife prints on guided treks. Shift your gaze upwards to glimpse rare birds perched in the trees. Or experience the forest from the water as you ride over the currents of the Danum River on an inflatable tube.
Deep in the rainforest
Birdwatching
Trekking
Tubing
Search for over 300 bird species
The Danum Valley is one of Borneo’s best birdwatching spots. Around Borneo Rainforest Lodge, you can spot more than 300 species including some 50 endemic birds. On a guided walk, search for white-crowned hornbills, Bornean bristleheads, blue-headed pittas and many more.
Embark on guided hike to Coffin Cliff
Follow a seasoned guide on a guided trek to an ancient burial site. You’ll trace a path through the rainforest to a cliff’s edge where views pan out over a dense canopy. Hear about local spiritual beliefs as you observe exposed wood coffins clinging to a rock face, then cool off at a natural pool.
Float along the Danum River
Let the gentle currents of the Danum River carry you downstream as you take in the sights and sounds of the rainforest that slowly unfold around you.
Days 9–11
Gaya Island, the perfect finale
Gaya Island offers a gentle exhale after exploring Borneo’s rainforests.
Spend your final days at Bungaraya Island Resort, tucked between the jungle and ocean. Start languid mornings with leisurely strolls along its private beach. Then take to jewel-toned waters by paddleboard. Venture further afield with an unforgettable diving trip in the South China Sea.
Explore the marine wonders of the South China Sea
Discover a thriving marine ecosystem during a guided diving adventure in the clear warm waters off Gaya Island. Watch clownfish and groupers flit between brightly hued corals, and look out for sea turtles gliding gracefully through calm currents.
We had the most wonderful experience in the jungle of Sabah (Borneo). The build up of the trip was perfect and well thought through. We learnt a lot thanks to our nice and experienced guide. Jacada was really proactive in their communication.
Why book with Jacada
Personalised design
We’ll plan your trip around your personal interests, tastes and preferences, providing honest advice based on first-hand knowledge.
Authentic experiences
Our expert guides and brilliant concierges are hand-picked for their ability to bring your destination to life with care and passion.
Positive impact
We seek out unforgettable experiences that benefit both local communities and the environment.
