Borneo Explorer, Malaysia

The Trip

Borneo is one of the world’s last wild places with its dense rainforests, tropical coastal islands, and mysterious jungle valleys. As such, it has become a rare place on this planet today -- somewhere you can still encounter a rich variety of colorful and endangered wildlife amidst amazing natural scenery. Borneo is the third-largest island in the world. It is considered one of the most bio-diverse places, having over 15,000 species of plants, 221 species of terrestrial mammals, and 420 species of birds.

This trip is designed for active people with a sense of adventure. We will explore many parts of the incredible island, from primary rainforest to riparian jungle to cloud forests of the 14,000-foot Mt. Kinabalu, searching for wildlife, birds, and unique plant life. We’ll see unique birds with names such as spiderhunters, flowerpeckers, bee-eaters, and sunbirds. We will visit both the Sepilok Orangutan and Sun Bear Conservation Centers. The Borneo rainforest is one of the only remaining habitats for the Borneo Orangutan and Pygmy elephant, and we hope to experience these wild mammals firsthand. 

We stay at several jungle lodges; an added special highlight is six days in the pristine Danum Valley and Tabin Wildlife Reserve. At these remote lodges we go in search of the many birds and mammals found during the day, as well as those during the night, such as civets, flying squirrels, sambar deer, and slow loris. We hike to and explore Gomantong Cave, a spacious limestone cavern where locals sustainably harvest nests on tall bamboo ladders to make the authentic "birds nest soup." This trip also explores the rich cultural diversity in Borneo. 

We travel comfortably as a small group by private tourist bus with our own driver and naturalist, and enjoy spectacular scenery along the way, feasting on tropical fruits and healthy, fresh, local cuisine. The trip includes one in-country flight and a number of jungle boat cruises. Venture to the wild!

Note: The following day-to-day itinerary may vary according to current conditions.

Day 1: Arrive at the Kota Kinabalu International Airport and transfer to our comfortable hotel. In the evening, we meet each other over a welcome dinner and get a preview of the adventure ahead.

Day 2: We depart in the early morning for a two-hour journey through breathtaking scenery to Mt. Kinabalu Park, a World Heritage site, with a short stop at a suspension bridge and Nabalu village to savor the local fruits and to bargain prices for the handicrafts that the villagers sell. Upon arrival at Mt. Kinabalu Park, we embark on a guided nature walk with a park naturalist. After lunch, there is free time to visit the Mountain Garden and Education Center, home to various species of flowering rhododendrons, carnivorous pitcher plants, orchids, ferns, oak trees, and birds; hike on another trail; bird-watch; or simply relax. The park is a beautiful spot and many locals visit here to escape the heat and humidity of the lowlands. We spend the night in the park at a cozy lodge.

Day 3: An early morning start may reward us with a view of the 14,000-foot, jagged granite summit of Mt. Kinabalu and some colorful birds you have likely never seen before, such as the black-sided flowerpecker or the beautiful short-tailed green magpie. After breakfast we continue overland toward Poring Hot Springs, stopping to walk three miles on jungle trails to access treetop canopy walkways more than one hundred feet above the forest floor. If we are lucky, we may see the streaky-breasted spiderhunter. We also may find the flowering Raffelesia, or "corpse flower," which can have a blossom more than three feet in diameter! In the late afternoon we transfer overland to Sandakan in our private bus to our peaceful jungle lodge near the Sepilok Orangutan Center.

Day 4: Before breakfast, we walk the lodge’s lovely grounds to identify birds, as well as possibly see monkeys or orangutans and other species in the area. We’ll enjoy breakfast, then visit the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center for an informational video and walk through the rainforest to experience the orangutan feedings. After the feedings, some of the young orangutans laze near the boardwalk, offering great views! We head over to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Center, a new facility dedicated to promoting sun bear conservation in Borneo through animal welfare, conservation, rehabilitation, education, and research by giving captured sun bears a better home and restoring their right to live in the wild. You will truly be inspired by these bears and their story. We walk back to our lodge for lunch and a rest. In the late afternoon, we can return to the sun bears or to the Orangutan Rehabilitation Center and enjoy the second feeding, or stay at our lodge for a restful afternoon. We retire to our jungle lodge for dinner and an enjoyable evening.

Day 5: An optional early drive brings us to the Rainforest Discovery Center, where we take advantage of the elevated walkways and towers. From these platforms, we will look for monkeys, birds, and the famous primitive bird, the Borneo bristlehead. Afterward, we depart for the Sandakan jetty, making stops to visit the local market, a water village, and the Sandakan War Memorial as time permits. Following lunch, we board our boat for the journey to our lodge, the Sukau Rainforest Lodge -- a National Geographic award winner for one of the most unique lodges of the world. It is located on Sabah’s longest river, the Kinabatangan. There are many opportunities to view birds and wildlife in virgin mangrove, wetland, and rain forest habitats from our boats along the way. After settling in at our riverside lodge, we’ll take a late afternoon river cruise on a motorized boat to look for some of the 10 primate species that live in the area. A highlight will be spotting proboscis monkeys, often seen on the treetops along the river. Wild orangutans, long-tailed and pig-tailed macaques, monitor lizards, and various species of hornbills and kingfishers are often seen. If we are lucky, we may even see the wild Borneo pygmy elephant. We return to our lodge for a solar-heated hot shower, a candlelit dinner, and a slide show conducted by our resident naturalist.

Day 6: We wake up to the jungle calls of the gibbons and hornbills with a cup of Sabah tea. An early river cruise up the Kinabatangan River gives us a chance to view more birds and wildlife, and perhaps see the blue-banded kingfisher. After breakfast we enjoy an educational tour along the Hornbill Boardwalk located behind the lodge. Our afternoon includes a river boat ride in search for more wildlife, perhaps sighting pygmy elephants bathing in the river. 

Day 7: In the morning we travel overland to Gomantong Caves. We’ll walk just under a mile through the rainforest to the cave entrance. We learn about the balance of ecology with the cave bat, swift, and crab inhabitants. Afterward we visit MESCOT, a village concerned with protecting the forest habitat, wildlife, and biodiversity of the Lower Kinabatangan River while preserving the livelihood of the local population. There we have the benefit of hearing a presentation about their efforts and the invasive species that challenge them, and enjoy lunch there. On departure, we’ll drive through logged forests, cocoa and softwood plantations, and massive palm plantations to Lahad Datu, a small town with plenty of character. We learn how these palm operations affect the indigenous wildlife and how conservation efforts are developing to protect remaining habitat. We continue to an attractive timber lodge at Tabin Wildlife Resort. Nestled within the rainforest beside the Lipad river, this lovely setting is home to a surprising variety of birds, insects, and small mammals, even right beside the buildings of the resort. In the afternoon, we trek on the elephant trail to the active Lipad mud volcano, which provides a mineral salt lick for wildlife. We’ll climb the observation tower and admire the contrasting landscape of the bare mud volcano and its surrounding thick forest; then head back down to try to identify the multitude of animal footprints there. The adventurous can try a volcanic mud facial, said to be responsible for a fine complexion. After dinner, time permitting, we enjoy a presentation on Tabin’s natural wonders, followed by a night safari to look for nocturnal wildlife and birds. 

Day 8: Join an early morning bird walk to discover some of Tabin’s rich collection of almost 300 bird species and possibly view a gibbon family. After breakfast, we’ll drive to the core area for animal spotting and photography before trekking through the lush green rainforest to visit Lipad Waterfall. We take a dip (optional) in the natural pool and enjoy a natural and refreshing shower under the waterfall. Alternatively, explore the surrounding area or just relax. In the afternoon, we try out the Tabin Rainforest Foot Soak, made with a natural blend of herbs, to relax tired muscles after long jungle treks or just enjoy the solitude. In the evening, we take a dusk drive to look for more nocturnal wildlife. Following dinner, we enjoy a night walk along the trail nearby the resort in search of sleeping birds, frogs, and nocturnal wildlife. 

Day 9: Our morning will be free to walk, bird, relax, or visit with each other over coffee. In late morning, we board our bus back to Lahad Datu, where we transfer to vehicles to reach our next lodge. The Borneo Rainforest Lodge is located on the Danum River at the edge of 438 square kilometers of undisturbed lowland rainforest. This area is home to an incredible diversity of wildlife of more than 275 species of birds and 110 species of mammals, not to mention abundant plant life. We will be staying at a first-class nature resort, complete with all the usual luxuries for the next three nights. We enjoy lunch, check into our rooms, and have time for a hike or drive to spot wildlife. Many times there are red-leafed or macaque monkeys right outside the lodge. We enjoy a wonderful dinner at the lodge, followed by a presentation on the Danum Valley area and a night drive through the rainforest. If we are lucky, we may see nocturnal species such as civet, flying squirrel, porcupine, sambar deer, leopard cat, and slow loris.

Day 10: Today we hike in this wild paradise. Our day begins with an early morning bird walk of about a mile before breakfast, crossing gorges on the hanging walkways. Afterward we will look for sunbirds, bee-eaters, and mammals in other parts of the park. We hike six miles (round trip from lodge to the top of the ridge) uphill to Coffin Cliff, an escarpment lined with ancient burial coffins. Trekking to a waterfall, we enjoy a cool dip in a rock-lined pool. Following lunch we enjoy a canopy walkway for more birding or enjoy other opportunities available at the lodge. Weather permitting, our night drive this evening will have us looking for nocturnal animals and the Borneo frog-mouthed owl.

Day 11: Today is a completely free day! There will be opportunities to hike, bird-watch, or even meditate in one of the rarest primary rainforests of the world. Bring a book or journal to revel and ponder the pristine primary rainforest.

Day 12: We wake to the sounds of gibbons, hornbills, and the primary forest for the last time. After breakfast, we will have a final meeting to share our impressions of what we have seen and done on our trip and discuss the conservation issues that Borneo is confronting. It is a beautiful place to reminisce about our wonderful adventures. We return our vehicles to Lahad Datu, perhaps feasting on the infamous durian fruit en route. In the afternoon we fly back to Kota Kinabalu for a last night and dinner together.

Day 13: Sadly, our trip comes to an end after breakfast. Our photos and memories will keep alive all that we experience in this wild country.

Getting There

The trip starts and ends in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia. While Kota Kinabalu is a relatively small city in Asia, it is served by a number of regular flights out of Singapore, Seoul, Bangkok, and Kuala Lumpur. The leader can assist you with flight suggestions.

The leader will provide information on how to reach our hotel. She will be happy to assist you with ideas and suggestions if you wish to extend your stay on either end of the trip. Arriving early is recommended as we have a very full itinerary and it is better to be rested in advance. 

Accommodations and Food

We will stay in charming lodges, modern hotels, and first-class jungle lodges. All of our accommodations have private bathrooms and air conditioning or room fans. Rooms are double-occupancy; if you come alone we'll give you a roommate. Due to accommodation limitations, a single supplement is not available. The food will be delicious -- a mix of local and typical Asian dishes, with a variety of tropical fruits and vegetables. Vegetarians can be accommodated. We'll travel by comfortable, private, air-conditioned bus. There will be a few long drives, but the scenery along the way is spectacular.

Trip Difficulty

This trip is suitable for individuals who are in good health, get regular exercise, enjoy nature, and have a good-humored approach to traveling in Asia -- where things might not go as predictably as they do at home. Our trip is not strenuous, and can be considered leisurely-to-moderate most days. Elevation gains and losses on most hikes are minimal. Rain will not restrict our movements or our enjoyment of the forests or coast. Please know that it can be quite humid in the jungle and rainforest; the leader will recommend appropriate clothing and footwear for these conditions.

Equipment and Clothing

No special equipment is needed. However, binoculars and a camera are highly recommended. Your leader will provide a comprehensive packing list well in advance of the trip.

References

Books:

• Garbutt, Nick, Wild Borneo: The Wildlife and Scenery of Sabah, Sarawak, Brunei, and Kalimantan. Excellent overview of natural history and current preservation efforts. Published in association with the World Wildlife Fund for Nature.
• Myers, Susan, Birds of Borneo: Brunei, Sabah, Sarawak, and Kalimantan (Princeton Field Guides). Full field guide.
• McNamee, Brian Row, Wild Pythons & Head-Hunters in Borneo. A classic travel narrative.
• Galdikas, Birute, Reflections of Eden: My Years With the Orangutans of Borneo. Primatologist recruited by Leakey to study orangutans.
• Payne, Junaidi, Wild Malaysia: The Wildlife and Landscapes of Peninsular Malaysia, Sarawak, and Sabah. Great inspirational overview with photos.
• Keith, Agnes. Land Below the Wind. A lovely memoir of Borneo in the 1930s. Agnes was married to a forest conservationist and lived in Sandakan.

Websites:

• Overview information: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/borneo
• Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Center: http://www.bsbcc.org.my
• Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center: http://www.orangutan-appeal.org.uk/about-us/sepilok-rehabilitation-centre
• Rainforest Discovery Center: http://www.forest.sabah.gov.my/RDC/
• Kinabalu National Park: http://www.sabahparks.org.my/eng/kinabalu_park/
• Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park: http://www.sabahparks.org.my/eng/tunku_abdul_rahman_park/

Conservation

The Sierra Club is an environmentally focused entity. We are concerned about conservation and sustainability of resources both locally and globally. Our work is accomplished by volunteers and aided by a salaried staff, and encourages grassroots involvement. Our outings hope to inspire participants toward understanding the environmental parallels between home and abroad.

In Borneo, we will get an up-close look at conservation in action. The country is struggling with protecting indigenous animals and plants while striving for economic development. In the past five years, income from palm oil has strengthened the economy but also wreaked havoc on the environment. Borneo historically had extensive rainforest cover, but the Malaysian plywood industry has had a detrimental effect. Half of the annual global tropical timber comes from Borneo. Tracts of fast-growing tropical trees have been planted on formerly logged and deforested areas to supplement the timber production pressure on the native species. Malaysia is the second-largest world producer and largest exporter of palm oil. These palm oil plantations are rapidly encroaching on the last remnants of primary rainforest. The rainforest was also greatly destroyed from the forest fires of 1997 to 1998, which were started by the locals to clear the forests for crops. Further deforestation and destruction of the biodiversity are anticipated in the wake of logging commissions, hydroelectric dams, and other mining of minerals and resources. Additionally, increased tourism is placing pressure on the wildlife of this unique nation.

We will have many opportunities to discuss these issues with naturalists and rangers as we travel this amazing country on the brink of critical decisions for future preservation. These discussions will be lively and thought-provoking as we wrestle with the challenges and opportunities.

Evacuation and Travel Insurance

The Sierra Club provides evacuation insurance to all participants on international trips. Since this coverage does not include any trip cancellation or interruption insurance, we suggest you purchase another policy separately to provide coverage for your trip and other travel costs. This policy also does not cover pre-trip and post-trip travel. Please note the evacuation insurance provided does not cover claims resulting from any pre-existing condition that occurs within 60 days of the trip departure. If you have specific questions about this exclusion, please review the insurance brochure. For information on purchasing a separate policy, please see our travel insurance page.