Discover the best of Borneo – wildlife, rainforests and tropical beaches
Borneo is home to some of the most diverse and beautiful wildlife in Southeast Asia. This adventure covers many natural wonders, including majestic Mount Kinabalu and the Danum Valley, one of the trip highlights, for a jungle trek in search of the elusive orangutan. It’s a nature lover’s paradise, whose beauty and wildlife are equalled only by Bako and Mulu national parks, which we also explore. We come face to face with more orangutans in Sepilok, stay at a bamboo longhouse in Sabah, and finish the trip in the historic port town of Sandakan.
Highlights
Join a small group in the wilds of Borneo to experience the natural world in full bloom
Enjoy multiple chances to see wild orangutans and visit the Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary
Visit Mulu National Park in time to see the incredible bat exodus from Deer Cave
Take a dawn cruise along Kinabatangan River – the perfect time to spot wildlife!
Stay at Borneo Rainforest Lodge, an award-winning jungle resort in the Danum Valley
Free group arrival and departure transfers available
What's Not Included
Travel insurance
Single accommodation (available on request)
Visas or vaccinations
Sustainability and Impact
At Exodus, we thrive on travel, and we firmly believe our adventures should help destinations thrive too.
As a certified B Corp, we aim to take a ‘nature positive’ approach across our adventures, including carbon and waste reduction, animal welfare and support for rewilding and conservation. We also seek to contribute to local communities, providing economic opportunity and empowerment.
Kuching, capital of the Sarawak state, is a vibrant riverside city full of different ethnic groups who migrated here from the surrounding forests. With a great museum and a well-preserved colonial centre there is much to do in this cultural hot spot.
You can arrive at any time. There will be a group briefing at 6pm with your tour leader, after which we can have dinner at the waterfront hawkers’ stalls.
Accommodation: Hotel Lime Tree (or similar)
Arrive Kuching
The capital of Sarawak, Kuching, is a vibrant riverside city full of different ethnic groups who have migrated from the surrounding forests. With a great museum and a well preserved colonial centre there is much to do in this fascinating cultural hot spot.
Those arriving using their own arrangements can arrive at any time. There will be a group briefing this evening with your tour leader at 6pm after which we can have dinner at the hawkers stalls on the waterfront.
Accommodation: Hotel Lime Tree (or similar)
Day
2
Day trip to Bako National Park to see proboscis monkeys
We enjoy our first foray into the amazing nature of Borneo as we head to nearby Bako National Park, home to proboscis monkeys. Here, the rainforest meets the sea and the only way to get to the park is by boat (after a one-hour drive out of the city). It has abundant wildlife, jungle streams, waterfalls, interesting plants, secluded beaches and trekking trails. Despite being the smallest national park in Sarawak, Bako contains almost every type of vegetation in Borneo. We return to Kuching for the night.
Please note, our time at Bako is often dictated by tides and weather conditions. Our leader will inform us of the details the previous day.
Accommodation: Hotel Lime Tree (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
3
Fly to Mulu National Park; sunset walk to Deer Cave for bat exodus
We leave the city and fly to Mulu National Park (schedules vary). After checking in at the park HQ, we meet the park guides and head through the forest to Deer Cave, the largest cave passage in the world and home to millions of bats and swifts. The floor has a raised platform, though that is no escape from the smell of guano (bird and bat excrement).
Nearby is Lang’s Cave which, though much smaller, has stalactites and stalagmites and other cave formations. The surrounding forest is spectacular and there is plenty of time to examine it closely.
The walk to Deer Cave is 1.9mi (3km) each way along boardwalks and there are wooden steps leading to different viewing platforms inside the show caves.
We arrive at Deer Cave in time for dusk, when the bats leave their home to feed on insects (as long as it is not raining). This is a sight to behold with the bats forming a long, snaking line across the sky for quite some time. Dependent on the timings of the day, we may visit the caves tomorrow instead.
Please note, due to flight schedules, there isn’t much time for lunch between our arrival at Mulu National Park and when we depart for the caves. You should buy something at the airport to have later.
Accommodation: Mulu National Park Garden Cottages (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
4
Full day exploring Mulu National Park
Today we explore Mulu with a local guide. In the morning, we visit two of the show caves, including Clearwater, where we can enjoy a picnic lunch (not included) in the gorgeous riverside location. The park has some incredible statistics: it has more than 3,500 plant species, 8,000 types of fungi, and 170 orchid species. There are also 262 bird species, almost 300 butterfly species and many reptiles and mammals.
Members of the Penan people also live within the park. They are a small population of nomadic forest dwellers who live as hunter-gatherers. There has been fierce international opposition to the Malaysian government who tried to settle them in permanent longhouses and indeed the Penan themselves have resisted. In 1994, they were granted an area of the forest where they could continue their traditional lifestyle. Although you are unlikely to meet these elusive people, you occasionally see their fishing shelters or areas in the forest where they have recently visited.
This afternoon, relax in the park and listen to the weird and wonderful creatures that call it home or explore self-guided trails within the park.
Those with a head for heights can try the optional canopy walkway. This 1,575ft (480m) high skywalk takes approximately two hours to complete. Along the way, you may spot macaques, hornbills, flying lizards, squirrels and a variety of rainforest birds. Time slots are subject to availability. In the evening, there is an optional night walk or we can try tuak, the Mulu firewater.
Accommodation: Mulu National Park Garden Cottages (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
5
Early rise for dawn chorus in Mulu; fly to Kota Kinabalu
This morning we bid farewell to Sarawak and our local Sarawak tour leader and aim to catch the morning flight out of Mulu and onto Kota Kinabalu in the state on Sabah, though delays are not uncommon. Depending on what time we fly out of Mulu, there may be time to walk along self-guided trails or peruse the visitor centre.
Known as KK to the locals, the capital of Sabah is a modern, multicultural city. Upon arrival in KK, we meet our Sabah tour leader for the remainder of the trip. The evening is free to relax, explore the busy Filipino markets or enjoy a waterfront sundowner.
Accommodation: Hotel Dreamtel (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
6
Free day; optional snorkelling and island trip, wetland birdwatching or cultural village
Today you are free to enjoy some of the many activities Kota Kinabalu has to offer. A popular option is to visit one of the tropical islands in the marine park, a 15-minute boat journey from the city and with excellent snorkelling and diving opportunities. You can never be bored here, whether you are relaxing on the white sand, snorkelling or swimming in the warm South China Sea.
There are good birdwatching opportunities in the wetlands not far from KK and a culturally interesting village in Mari Mari where you can learn about the different cultures of Sabah. Your tour leader can help organise any of these options.
Accommodation: Hotel Dreamtel (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
7
To Kinabalu National Park; visit Sabah Tea Plantation
Today we transfer (about two hours) and explore Mount Kinabalu National Park. It’s a Unesco World Heritage site and home to the highest mountain in Southeast Asia, Mount Kinabalu, which stands at (4,095m) tall. This impressive granite peak can be viewed from the Crocker mountain range, which we pass over, with panoramic views of the countryside and soaring hills. The lower mountain slopes are covered in thick vegetation and it is well known for its diverse botanical and biological species.
En route, we stop at Nabalu market, where villagers sell their produce and handicrafts. It’s possible to walk through the plantation on your own if you want this afternoon. Tea, medicinal herbs, fruit and vegetables are just some of the local produce. From the plantation, the sunrise with a view of Mount Kinabalu is often spectacular. If we’re lucky, we can see the spectacular rafflesia in flower nearby or en route to the plantation.
Accommodation: Sabah Tea Gardens Longhouse
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
8
Visit Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary en route to Sepilok
We visit the tea factory before we leave the plantation behind and continue our journey to eastern Sabah. Our destination is Sepilok, home to a well-known orangutan rehabilitation centre. The journey is about five hours and we stop at the Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary to get an up-close look at this extraordinary animal only found in Borneo. We then continue to our lodge in Sepilok. This evening, as dusk approaches, we head to the nearby Rainforest Discovery Centre, which has fantastic bird-watching opportunities (though luck does play a role) as hornbills and Borneo bristleheads are often seen. Orangutans are also spotted during the fruiting season and there is an impressive canopy walkway plus easy walking trails.
Accommodation: Sepilok Jungle Resort
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
9
Visit Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary; optional visit to Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre
Up early, there will be the option to enjoy an early morning walk near our resort for more birdlife and wildlife viewing before breakfast. We then visit Sepilok Orangutan Centre, the largest orangutan sanctuary in the world. Here rehabilitated orphans and captured orangutans are cared for until they are ready to be released into the wild. We can see these incredible relations of ours close-up and learn about the threats to their existence. You have the chance to visit both morning and afternoon feedings. There is also an orangutan nursery where youngsters are trained to climb with the aim of reintroduction to the wild. We have the chance to view the youngsters from a special viewing platform that sits behind one-way glass so as not to disturb or influence them.
There is the option of visiting the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, which works to research, rescue and rehabilitate captured bears and provide education to the community.
Accommodation: Sepilok Jungle Resort
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
10
Travel to Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary; afternoon river cruise
After breakfast, we depart Sepilok and transfer (approximately two to three hours) to the third-longest river in Borneo, Kinabatangan.
Our lodge is by the mighty Kinabatangan River, an area home to an astonishing array of wildlife including 10 primate species, four of which are endemic to Borneo. It has one of the highest concentrations of proboscis monkeys and orangutans in Malaysian Borneo. Other wildlife includes Bornean gibbon, long-tailed macaques, sun bears and barking deer. The Asian pygmy elephant and clouded leopard also inhabit this area, but sightings are rare. There are also more than 200 bird species, including hornbills, eagles, herons, kingfishers, oriental darters, night jars, flowerpeckers and spider hunters. Later this afternoon, we take our first river cruise.
Wildlife cruises on Kinabatangan River and forest walks
We are up with the animals for a dawn wildlife cruise followed by a trek. In the afternoon, we once again take a river cruise to spot wildlife and, if we are lucky, a crocodile or two.
To Danum Valley Conservation Centre; jungle walk and nocturnal safari
We drive to Lahad Datu (approximately two to three hours) where we change vehicles and drive off-road into Danum Valley conservation area (approximately three hours), one of the last remaining pockets of primary lowland rainforest in Asia.
Danum Valley is at the forefront of tropical rainforest research, and home to many rare and endangered mammal and bird species – it is a real privilege to spend two nights here in the comforts of the Borneo Rainforest Lodge.
Danum Valley is probably the best place in Malaysia to see wild orangutans in their pristine habitat. Apart from orangutans, it has just about the complete range of Bornean wildlife and great trails. After settling in, we take an afternoon jungle trek to search for the elusive orangutan. After dinner, we can take a night drive to spot many of the shy forest creatures. We spend our time here with very experienced guides who accompany us on all walks. One night drive and one night walk is included during our stay.
Accommodation: Borneo Rainforest Lodge
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day
13
Full-day guided walk in Danum Valley
We spend a full day with our experienced guides. We can explore the trails, canopy walkway and waterfalls searching for wildlife. The trek to a lookout point over the Danum Valley takes approximately 1hr 30min each way. Danum is home to more than 275 bird species, 110 species of mammals including orangutans, five species of deer, giant flying squirrels, gibbons, bearded wild boars, flying frogs and the Borneo pigmy elephant.
Accommodation: Borneo Rainforest Lodge
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day
14
Transfer to Sandakan
Today we journey to Sandakan (approximately five to six hours). En route, we stop at Sandakan War Memorial. Sandakan was once a huge logging centre (it first exported wood in the late 1880s to supply the building of the Temple of Heaven in Beijing) and is home to many Chinese and Filipino people. The waterfront is the place for an evening walk and the rooftop restaurant at the Nak hotel is great for a cocktail or two.
Accommodation: Sabah Hotel (or similar)
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
15
End Sandakan
Our Borneo adventure ends after breakfast. Depending on your flight, you may have time to enjoy the hotel pool or explore Sandakan more before beginning your return journey home.
Meals included: Breakfast
Depart Sandakan
There may be some free time to enjoy the hotel pool or explore Sandakan some more before those on the group flights are transferred to the airport for their flight home. For land only clients, the trip finishes this morning after breakfast.
Meals included: Breakfast
Arrive London
Essential Info
Is this trip for you?
This trip is rated Activity Level 2 (Easy & Moderate) with a Wildlife Rating of Four. Visit our Activity Level Guidelines page for more on our trip gradings or our Wildlife Holidays page for more on our Wildlife Ratings. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.
Accommodation: There is a wide selection of accommodation, including hotels, national park lodges, river lodges, a five-star jungle resort and longhouse with shared bathroom facilities.
Weather: The climate tends to be tropical, which means it can get very hot and humid.
Walks: There are several hikes in the forest, though these are not strenuous.
Following a review of all our trips we have categorised this trip as generally not suitable for persons of reduced mobility. However if you are a regular traveller on such trips, please contact customer services to discuss the trip and your personal condition.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Start hotel: Hotel Lime Tree, 317, Jalan Abell, 93100 Kuching, Sarawak Phone: +60 82-414 600 Recommended arrival time: You can arrive at any time today. There will be a welcome briefing at 6pm, but if you miss it the leader will update you separately Airport: Kuching Airport (KCH)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately 20 minutes’ drive from the airport. Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.
If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
Catching your return flight
There’s a group departure transfer to Sandakan Airport (SDK) for customers who Exodus booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Kuching Location end: Sandakan
Vaccinations and Health
Malaysia
There are no mandatory vaccination requirements. Recommended vaccinations are: Polio, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Typhoid, Hepatitis A. The risk of malaria is slight, but you may wish to consult your GP or travel health clinic for further advice.
Dengue and zika fevers, both spread by mosquitoes, are known risks in places visited. There are currently no vaccines or prophylaxes available; therefore, we recommend you take the usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
Visa
Malaysia
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Malaysia. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
All foreign visitors must now complete and submit the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) within three days (including date of submission) prior to their arrival in Malaysia.
To complete the MDAC form, you need to add your date of arrival/departure in Malaysia, passport details, and accommodation (the start hotel of your tour). To obtain these details, please refer to the Final Joining Instructions, which are sent one to two weeks before your departure.
Once the MDAC form is submitted, you will receive an email with a PIN to check your registration on the MDAC website where you can download a PDF copy of your authorised MDAC. It is advised to also print a copy of your MDAC for immigration. All visitors must then present their printed, completed form and their passport at immigration upon arrival in Malaysia.
Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date you arrive in Malaysia.
Food & Drink
All breakfasts, four lunches and four dinners are included.
You should allow about 555-850 Malaysian ringgits (US$130-US$200) for food not included. If you fancy a few drinks, you may want to bring a little more as beer and other alcoholic drinks are expensive – expect to pay Western prices.
Malaysia is renowned for its culinary excellence; however, food can often be relatively unexciting and limited in the lodges and for hotel breakfasts.
Meals are more varied in the cities and seafood is widely available on the coast. In the bigger hotels and cities, a full range of Western and local foods are available. Most meals are basic, based around rice and noodles although most accommodations offer a Western breakfast of beans, toast and eggs. You can generally avoid spicier food if you wish.
Vegetarians are well catered for, but may find the food choice limited. Please inform us before departure of any special dietary requests. Please note, the availability of certain products is minimal or non-existent (for example wheat- or dairy-free), please be prepared for this as you may need to bring these from home.
Weather
Borneo has an equatorial monsoon climate with the weather remaining similar throughout the year. It is hot and humid; temperatures are 23C-33C (73F-91F) during the day and rarely drop below 20C (68F) at night. The rainy season is from November to January and the dry season is from May to September, though it can rain at any time. A Borneo rain shower is quite an event.
Weather Charts
Miri
Hotels, lodges and traditional Rungus longhouse
On this Borneo adventure, we spend 13 nights in hotels and lodges, plus one night in a traditional Rungus longhouse. The accommodations typically used are on the day-to-day itinerary. However, below are some of the notable places we stay on this trip.
Kinabalu National Park: Sabah Tea Gardens Longhouse (night 7)
Experience the traditional local life with a stay in a reconstruction of a Rungus longhouse. In a peaceful spot surrounded by forest-cloaked hills, the building is made entirely of bamboo, with rattan walls dividing the rooms. Rooms are simple with mattresses on the ground, mosquito nets and ceiling fans, while bathroom facilities are shared with hot showers.
Experience one of our best-loved places to stay – an award-winning resort in one of the oldest and most biologically diverse rainforests in the world. Each of the 31 chalets here resides within the 130m-year-old rainforest and comes with natural bath amenities. There’s also the Jari Jari Spa, which offers Sabah remedies, while the restaurant serves Asian and Western cuisines with views of the jungle greenery. With a strong focus on sustainability and offering unique wildlife-life viewing opportunities, our two-night stay here is a highlight of the trip.
Worth knowing
While the resorts we stay at in Borneo (Sepilok and Kinabatangan) are modest, they have been selected due to their proximity to wildlife activities included on the trip in conjunction with reduced accommodation options in the area.
Single rooms are available (subject to availability) for a supplement for 10 hotel/lodge nights only (singles are not available in Mulu National Park or the Danum Valley). Please advise your sales representative at the time of booking if you would like to request a single supplement.
This was a good trip but could have been even better. Highlights were seeing orangutans, proboscis monkeys and pygmy elephants in their natural setting.
On day 2 trip notes state a day trip to Bako NP and we left hotel at 7.45am. Unfortunately we were back at hotel by 1.30pm and this included an hour spent having lunch at Bako. Felt that if Exodus weren’t giving us the day trip promised then they could have added in an optional afternoon trip perhaps to Semenggoh to see orangutans.
On day 5 you fly from Mulu NP to Kota Kinabalu and meet new guide as Exodus have recently changed the trip so that you have different guides in Sarawak and Sabah. This is difficult for both group and guide as you no sooner meet new guide than you have a free day in KK (unless you choose the snorkelling day trip option). Unfortunately the hotel in KK has no outdoor space or swimming pool and Exodus need to upgrade this hotel to make free day more comfortable.
Stay in longhouse on Day 7 is a one-off experience and some on group really didn’t enjoy the basic facilities on offer. Unfortunately day 8 was a Sunday and the tea factory was closed so this spoiled the tea factory visit as there is no atmosphere being shown round an empty factory.
When i booked trip we were meant to get an included lunch on day 8 because the Gomantong Caves were closed to the public. This was outwith Exodus control so this was an acceptable compromise however in July the caves were open to public. Exodus cancelled the “free” lunch on Day 8 but we then had to pay to enter Gomantong caves when we visited on Day 10. Seems a stupid example of penny pinching on a fairly expensive trip.
On the nights of days 10 and 11 we stayed at Nature Lodge on Kinabatangan River. No mosquito nets were provided in the rooms and most of the group were bitten. Food at Lodge was included but was fairly basic and poor quality. Three river cruises were included whilst staying at Nature Lodge but entire group was charged 60MYR a head for the final cruise because they took us upstream in search of pygmy elephants. It seemed unnecessary to charge group this extra £100+ as we had an included cruise, were not out for any longer than we would have been and probably used the same amount of fuel. Also didn’t like that it was compulsory- if entire group didn’t agree then trip to find elephants wouldn’t happen.
Borneo rainforest Lodge in Danum Valley was lovely but unless you opted out of arranged activities it was full on for the entire visit and exhausting.
My main concern on this trip was the amount charged for single supplement. This is not something that you give much thought to until you find yourself travelling solo. On this holiday paying the supplement only gets you your own room for 10 nights as you have to share for 2 nights at Mulu NP and Rainforest Lodge in Danum. The other 10 nights are spent in fairly average hotels and a quick check of prices showed that the entire cost of a room in these hotels was fractionally less than the single supplement. Given that the basic tour cost includes accommodation surely the single supplement should only charge the additional 50% cost of the room. I and other solo travellers on trip definitely felt ripped off by single supplement charged.
Most Inspirational Moment
Seeing orangutans in the wild
Thoughts on Group Leader
Two group leaders (Nik and Rony) - took a couple of days to get used to change. Both very good.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take plenty mosquito spray for Kinabatangan River and good waterproofs for Mulu.
Reply from Exodus
Thank you for taking the time to submit a review, Linda, and we were pleased to read that you generally enjoyed your time in Borneo with us, particularly witnessing a variety of wildlife in their natural habitats. On the other hand, we are genuinely sorry thar you were disappointed with several other elements of the tour, which took some of the shine off your holiday. Our product team endeavours to produce the most up-to-date and accurate trip notes possible; all our trip notes are thoroughly checked and signed off by our local manager at the beginning of each season and these are updated throughout the year if any inaccuracies are brought to our attention. It is certainly never our intention to provide misleading information, so we regret that you felt this was true of some of your tour. Regarding day 2’s itinerary, this generally involves a very early start to Bako National Park, lunch, and a mid-afternoon return to the hotel to relax. Though, due to the nature of adventure travel, timings are always flexible, it sounds as though your group completed this activity quicker than usual and we regret if this left you feeling as though you missed out on the opportunity to do an afternoon activity. Next, recent changes to guiding legislation on Borneo has forced our hand into have two leaders on this trip. Whilst this may not be everyone’s preference, it is standard on our other trips in this region and we have found that it generally works very well. We appreciate that clients enjoy comfortable accommodation throughout their trips and we are sorry that the Kota Kinabalu Hotel fell short of your expectations, particularly as you had a free day here. This trip is classified as “classic” according to our comfort ratings and we feel the hotel meets this description, as well as being perfectly located in the centre of town. On the topic of accommodation, we note that some members of your group didn’t particularly enjoy the longhouse; we do specify in our literature that it’s fairly basic, which usually sets our clients’ expectations accordingly, but we feel it is worth doing as it provides an authentically Bornean experience. The Nature Lodge on Kinabatangan River is also rather basic, but we should mention that options in this part of Borneo are extremely limited and it is visited for its prime wildlife viewing opportunities, which we hope you enjoyed. We acknowledge, however, that the food service here could be improved and I can assure you that we are currently discussing this with the management to ensure better culinary experiences for future groups. The Gomantong Caves and day 8 included lunch were removed from our WOH itinerary for 2024 as we were advised they would be closed to the public all year. We understand that the caves were, in fact, open during your trip and you were given the opportunity to visit on day 10 but were disappointed to be asked to cover your entry costs. This is not an official optional activity we advertise and it appears your leader simply offered this at the time; however, as this was entirely optional, we do not feel that you were left short-changed on this occasion. We recognise that value for money is important to our customers and we were, therefore, concerned to receive your feedback about the cost of your single supplement. We negotiate rates with hotels a long time in advance of departure dates and we are held to those rates for a season, even when hotels may lower their own prices for last minute walk-ins, online bookings or other avenues through which guests can make reservations. The hotels we use often charge us the same rates regardless of room type, with no reduction for singles, which further impacts our ability to reduce the single supplement charge. Nevertheless, we endeavour to negotiate rates which are fair and favourable for our clients and we can assure you that the amount you paid for your trip was reflective of its inclusive elements. We would like to thank you, again, for your detailed feedback, as this will allow us to make improvements to this tour for future Exodus customers. We sincerely hope that, despite certain disappointments, you will continue choosing us for your adventure travel plans.
Kelly Reid, Product Manager
Angela Beckwith
Reviewed May 2024
Borneo Wildlife Discoverer
What can I say – what an amazing trip. From start to finish we were incredibly lucky with what we saw and the encounters we had. Starting in Bako NP, we saw wild proboscis monkey and were treated to a rare sighting of a Colugo (flying lemur) taking flight over our heads during the day. On the way back on the boat, we were even treated to a viewing of pink dolphins.
In Mulu, the caves were beautiful and great fun to walk through. Although we were supposedly there during the ‘dry’ season, climate change has made the weather much more unpredictable. We had lovely weather both mornings, but torrential rain in the afternoons and overnight, so much so that the bats stayed inside the cave on the first night. Patience and a willingness to walk in the rain with crossed fingers paid off on the second night, and we were treated to a spectacular bat exodus during sunset. The weather is very changeable in Mulu (and Borneo in general) so even if it looks as though it may be too wet for the bats, I would recommend heading to the viewing area anyway as you never know! Even in the rain, the air temperature is warm and you dry off quickly.
Moving to Sabah, the highlights have to be the Kinabatangan River and Danum Valley. Both were so rich in wildlife and we had such amazing viewings in both locations. The Orangutan and Proboscis monkey sanctuaries are great and do fabulous work, but nothing compares to seeing these animals truly out in the wild. We were incredibly lucky with our sightings and saw not only the Borneo Big 5 (orangutan, proboscis monkey, crocodile, rhinoceros hornbill and pygmy elephant) but a huge array of other primates and birds (long and short tail macaques, gibbons, silver and red leaf monkeys, flying squirrels, owls, civets, slow loris, eagles, deer and many more) . Particularly in Danum Valley, take the opportunity to do as much as possible. There are a couple of places on the track and boardwalk that you can go independently providing the sun is up. A few of us in the group met up at 6am on both mornings in Danum and we were rewarded with a group of gibbons eating and playing in the trees on both mornings – a sight not repeated during the day. Seize every opportunity and just explore and enjoy.
Most Inspirational Moment
Seeing the wild mother orangutan with her 1 year old baby up close in Danum Valley. We were the only group on that particular trail at the time and we were able to observe the two eating fruit up in the tree, before coming down and crossing over to a different tree right in front of us. The gentle and relaxed attitude of the mother was such a pleasure to experience and we were able to observe and photograph the two together in their natural habitat for an amazing time.
I also personally loved seeing the red leaf monkeys (or maroon langurs). These guys were an incredible flame red and moved through the trees so quickly - such a joy to see. Our guide in Danum (thanks Hairie) did such an amazing time in spotting the wildlife for us, and even managed to find two groups of red leafs on the different days.
At Kinabatangan River on our last river safari, we got to see a full herd of pygmy elephants crossing the river right in front of our boat which was just incredible.
Thoughts on Group Leader
We had two leaders for the trip - Nizam in Sarawak and J in Sabah. Both were excellent guides and went out of their way to accommodate any requests and ensure that the entire group got the most out of the trip possible.
In Sarawak, Nizam was such a lovely, bubbly guide - always looking for things to show us and little extras to do, be it wild swimming in Mulu or going to see the sea stacks (and accidentally finding pink dolphins) in Bako.
In Sabah, J took over and quickly learned the group's preferences and desires for the trip. He was excellent at adjusting our schedule or activities to best fit with the group and was able to maximise our wildlife viewings and time spent in nature.
I understand that this is the first trip Exodus have operated with the new model of split guide duties. We were lucky that both our guides were amazing, and our group of 7 all gelled really well. It seems to me that it could be difficult for the second guide (and the group) when you switch, having spent the first 5 days bonding and getting into a rhythm with the first guide, only for this to then change on arrival in Sabah. It must be hard for the guide too, to come into an already formed group, but J did a fantastic job.
Advice for Potential Travellers
As mentioned in a previous review, you really do not need much in way of long trousers and tops. It is very hot and humid, so quick-dry shorts and t-shirts are the way to go. It is easy to wash these out in the hotels each evening and they dry quickly in the air conditioning. Almost all the places we stayed (the longhouse excluded) had good air-con and so you could wash and dry clothes quickly and easily. Whilst Borneo is a Muslim country, it is not nearly as conservative as some and shorts and t-shirts are generally fine throughout.
Even in Danum, most of us had short-sleeves on; although you definitely do need long trousers and socks there for the leeches. Be prepared that it can and will rain with little to no warning, so if you are carrying expensive camera gear or anything you do not want to get wet, ensure you always have a dry bag or something waterproof to wrap your equipment up in if necessary.
I found it far too hot and humid to even consider putting on a poncho or raincoat on during the rain, so just accepted I would get wet. Even after a good soaking in Mulu, I was dry within 15 minutes of the rain stopping.
Pack light - you are moving around a lot and do not want to be struggling with a large bag.
John Spillare
Reviewed April 2024
Borneo Wildlife Discoverer
great tour leader, nice traveling group, great trip
Most Inspirational Moment
our time in Mulu. The caves, the rain forest, the ambiance of the village we stayed in and the locals.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Rony was a great leader, he went out of his way to make sure we got the best experience he could offer. he was so happy that we got to see the big 5 of Borneo.
No request was too much to ask for and he went out of his way to make sure that questions and requests were all taken care of.
Advice for Potential Travellers
this is a great trip to take if you are of average fitness or not that young, yet be warned, to be prepared for high temperatures and high humidity, in the 90% range. We have done many trips into 3rd world countries and I must say that this trip was the safest feeling one that I've ever been on.
Niamh Byrne
Reviewed April 2024
Borneo Wildlife Discoverer
This was a very interesting and enjoyable holiday in the tropical rainforest. Monkeys and birds were plentiful.
Most Inspirational Moment
Seeing an orangutan mother and baby in the wild and many other monkeys and birds.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Rony enthusiasm and knowledge of wildlife contributed hugely to the success of the holiday. He brought his telescope which allowed us to get very close views of the animals and birds.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Kuching where the tour starts is a very relaxing and interesting place to spend a one/ two extra days.
Diana Terry
Reviewed March 2024
Introduction to the island, its people and the wildlife.
We saw a lot of wildlife due to the skill of our guides. By the end of the holiday we were able to spot the birds and animals ourselves. Kept busy with many activities and group meals. We felt privileged to see such rare animals in their own habitat in disappearing rainforest.
Most Inspirational Moment
On the river Kinabatangan we were able to see the orangutans, horn bills, prob is us monkey and many birds in the wild. It was much better than seeing them at the feeding platforms.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Rony was excellent throughout being helpful, sociable and knowledgeable. He had the skill as group leader which meant he included everyone in all the activities. I am profoundly deaf but was able to take part and with support hear the talks. He explained the culture and context of the wildlife as well as the bare facts. We really felt looked after.
Advice for Potential Travellers
It was not necessary to have leech socks if you had long socks to tuck your trousers into. It was essential however to have insect repellent and to pack a light suitcase. You are moving regularly and the packing needs to be minimum.
Sue Bowen
Reviewed March 2024
BORNEO WILDLIFE
An excellent introduction into Borneo wildlife. We were a group of 8 and spent a fascinating two weeks discovering the birds and animals of Borneo. Great accommodation and and excellent guide.
Most Inspirational Moment
Snorkelling near KK - beautiful fish and coral plus a large turtle
Thoughts on Group Leader
Roni was great - always informative and incredibly enthusiastic. Took us to lots of interesting places to eat and made sure we saw a huge variety of wildlife.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take two water bottles - it is hot and humid. Walking poles also useful. Be prepared for long and often bumpy rides - the roads outside the cities are not great. While this trip concentrated on wild-life spotting, there is also amazing vegetation with flowers and funghi - don't just look up, there is a lot to see when you look down as well!
Andrew Phipps Newman
Reviewed October 2023
Borneo - A must visit in your Exodus trips list
I would recommend this trip, in fact I would say it’s a must, especially if your interested in wildlife and get a better understanding of the socio-economic reasons why rainforests are being replaced by agriculture. From countless up-close wildlife experiences (I would say guaranteed) deep inside the rain forests to amazing natural geological wonders of the world, this trip just keeps on giving. As always our Exodus leader or guide was just excellent on every level. Jay helped up to understand the natural world and its unique symbiotic relationships and the recent balance and regulation to help protect the remaining rain forests. We always felt safe and often important as Jay was well known as a long standing guide in the area. I’ve come away feeling lucky to experience such a country and keep replying my memories so they become indelible ones.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Jay was always thinking of the group. I would go as far to say the reason why the group got on so well was due to Jay and his constant consideration for other, which rubbed off on us all. Jay is a major asset to Exodus and if I could book him again on another trip, I would.
Brian Webber
Reviewed October 2023
Brilliant Borneo
We can thoroughly recommend this tour. The itinerary meant a fair amount of travelling but it was well planned and well supervised by Nostalia our guide. In two weeks we ticked off all the creatures on our pre-tour wish list apart from pigmy elephants, more than compensated by brilliant encounters with bats, orangutans, monkeys, hornbills, and flying squirrels. In between we had time to explore the cities of Kuching and Kota Kinabalu and sample great local food from restaurants and hawker stalls.
Most Inspirational Moment
The first came in Mulu National Park where we witnessed literally millions of bats leave Deer Cave at dusk to begin their evening search for dinner on the wing, twisting and swirling like endless murmurations of starlings. The second came from repeated sightings of orangutans and proboscis monkeys in trees along the Kinabatangan River and in Danum Valley, showing that they can thrive in the wild in areas where their natural habitat is being conserved. A pre-breakfast walk in the Danum Valley lasted less than 100 metres before we encountered orangutans that we joyfully watched for the next 90 minutes as they played and fed in the fruit trees near our lodge.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Nostalia was an excellent leader throughout our tour. She provided clear briefings with everything we needed to know about timings, where we were going, what we could expect to see, and what to wear on different occasions.
As expected from an Exodus leader, she proved very knowledgeable on all wildlife matters . She was also a great source of information in the towns and cities we visited, advising us where the locals go to eat excellent food at very reasonable prices.
Advice for Potential Travellers
From the trip notes, we surmised that we would be clad in long-sleeved shirts, long trousers, and boots most of the time. In practice, this proved necessary for only four days (Kinabatangan River and Danum Valley) near the end of the trip. For the rest of the time, shorts, t-shirts and trainers/sandals worked very well as long as our exposed limbs were well treated with insect repellent.
On the bird-watching front, we had delightful sightings of hornbills, eagles and kingfishers but the vast majority of Borneo's 300+ species proved elusive. If bird watching is a priority, you probably need to seek a specialist birding tour rather than a general wildlife tour like this one.
Elizabeth Kerley
Reviewed October 2023
Borneo Wildlife Discoverer Trip
Really enjoyed the trip. It was very expensive but was worth it for all the wildlife seen. Saw Orangutans, proboscis monkeys, other monkeys and bats and lots of birds and insects. Really enjoyed Bako National Park, Mulu, the snorkelling, Sepilok and Danum Valley. The accommodation overall was good but the food was amazing at Danum Valley (Borneo Rainforest Lodge) which made up for the food at Kinabatangan which a bit plain. The trip was the correct length as well, wouldn’t want it any shorter.
Most Inspirational Moment
Really enjoyed Danum Valley after a difficult walk with the humidity seeing orangutans close up. Also really enjoyed the snorkelling and got my confidence back after a bad experience on another holiday.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Roni was a good leader, very organised and he coped very well when one of our group had a fall. Everything was organised properly and I felt he really enjoyed his job.
Advice for Potential Travellers
It is a busy trip and you don't get much free time but really thought I got my monies worth. Leeches weren't as bad as I thought, luckily only got 1 bite that I know of and I didn't buy the leech socks.
Tony Burn
Reviewed September 2023
Borneo Wildlife Discoverer
Great opportunity to sees lots of wildlife in the wild Reasonable pace allowing 2 nights at each location Great end to holiday in the Danum Valley Jungle Resort
Most Inspirational Moment
Watching the male Orangutan making a nest in the rain and then seeing him make an umbrella out of leaves
Thoughts on Group Leader
Excellent, very helpful with plenty of local insight
Advice for Potential Travellers
Embrace the jungle as much as possible and don't be worried / afraid of insects / malaria etc
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Optional Single Supplement+£ 450
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