What are the Best Wildlife Safari Locations in Borneo?

So much to see, but where to go...

In Sabah, Northern Borneo there is a few locations where the wildlife sightings really are fantastic. The Kinabatangan River region has such a vast array of wildlife and is so accessible that you are almost guaranteed to see a selection of endemic animals on your first river cruise. Proboscis monkeys live in groups of up to 32 members and spend most of their time hanging around in the trees above the shores of the river. This makes finding them very easy and it will not be long before you find a group. Orang-utans can be seen here although as they are solitary animals can be quite hard to find. During the months of July and August it can be easier to find them as they are attracted by a certain fruit which is growing at this time. Other primates found around the river are long tailed and pig-tailed macaques and as well as silver leaf monkeys. The Kinabatangan River is also home to Borneo pygmy elephants which are the world’s smallest elephants, crocodiles and as many as 250 different bird species including eight different hornbills. 

Another great area for wildlife safaris is the Danum Valley and at 438 sq km it is one of the largest protected lowland forests in Borneo. This is another fabulous place to try and spot wild orang-utans but is also home to some very rare and endangered species including the Sumatran rhino, tarsiers, sun bears and clouded leopards. Staying at the Borneo Rainforest Lodge, the only accommodation open to tourists in the park, walking safaris are led by an local expert guide and with over 50 km of walking trails chances of seeing orang-utans is one of the highest in all of Borneo.