I’m still working on relationships in Borneo as well as the itinerary. I have one client booked for this trip but i still have six openings!
Photos on this page are not my own.
Borneo, Culture and wildlife adventure
Overview
Get ready for the ultimate Borneo experience—a small, intimate adventure for just 6–8 travelers, and I’ll be right there with you every step of the way! This journey blends adventure with moments of total relaxation, perfect for nature lovers, animal lovers, and anyone curious about the rich cultures of this incredible island.
Orangutans, pygmy elephants, proboscis monkeys, and sun bears—oh my! Borneo is a wildlife wonderland, bursting with curious creatures and wrapped in lush, emerald rainforest with postcard-perfect beaches to match. We’ll wander through jungles where orangutans swing overhead, and cruise the Kinabatangan River keeping our eyes peeled for monkeys, crocs, and the elusive (and adorable) pygmy elephants. In the untamed beauty of the Danum Valley, we’ll go full explorer mode, exploring ancient forest where rare animals peer down from the treetops. And when we’re ready to kick off our boots, we’ll head to the sun-soaked shores of Gaya Island (maybe Turtle Island?) for some well-earned relaxation. Come with me for an unforgettable adventure into one of the most biodiverse corners of the planet—this is the kind of trip stories are made of!
The itinerary below is currently a draft and I’m open to feedback from friends interested in taking the trip!
Trip Details
Glide Along the Kinabatangan River – Enjoy sunrise and sunset longboat rides through Borneo’s most wildlife-rich region.
Jungle Walks & a Jeep Safari in Danum Valley – Venture into ancient rainforest on foot and by 4x4, searching for rare species beneath a canopy of stars.
Cave Exploration & Rainforest Walks in Kulu National Park – Discover mysterious caves and lush trails in one of Borneo’s most biodiverse parks.
Cultural Encounters & Night Markets – Visit remote villages, meet local communities, and dive into the flavors and colors of Borneo’s bustling markets.
Island Relaxation in Paradise – End your adventure on a tropical island with crystal-clear waters, perfect for unwinding after days of exploring the wild.
Itinerary
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Arriving in Kota Kinabalu, you will be transported to your hotel. The rest of your time is at leisure to explore your surroundings. The area is known for its shopping and the markets selling unique handmade items. If you arrive early I can make a few additional recommendation on how to spend your day. Also, you are more than welcome to join me on a walk to the night market for street food and shopping in the evening.
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We’ll gather as a group for the first time for breakfast and make introduction. Looking forward to it! We’ll then head to the airport for a short one hour flight to Kulu.
Once we’re checked into our hotel, our local guide will take us into the rainforest to explore the huge caves that the area is famous for. Deer Cave is the largest, named because deer use the cave to shelter from poor weather. Lang's Cave is smaller but is home to some unique rock formations and bats. we’ll spend the day in the park so we can watch the massive bat exodus as the colony sets off to hunt for the night at dusk.
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Today we’ll experience a jungle canopy skywalk and get a different view of the rainforest right above the trees. We’ll have lunch at our hotel before visiting the additional caves and taking a. boat ride to a Batu Mulong village in the afternoon.
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Today, we’ll have a relaxed morning at the hotel before we fly to Sandakan. On arrival, we’ll head to Sepilok, which is home to the world-renowned Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. Arrive at our lodge, which borders a protected forest reserve.
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Today, we head to the Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary in time for the morning feeding session, and if we have time, we will visit the nearby Sun Bear Conservation Centre. Then we’ll travel along bumpy roads and past palm tree plantations as we venture to the Kinabatangan River. In the afternoon we’ll be out on the water, spending our time spotting a huge array of wildlife. We’ll cruise down the tributaries of the river by boat, as our experienced naturalist helps us spot crocodiles, proboscis monkeys, and hopefully, orangutans.
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We’ll rise early for a second trip on the river and the chance to visit the nearby oxbow lake. Breakfast is served back at the lodge. Then we’ll transfer to our second river lodge located further south in the Sukau area where we have another opportunity to head out by boat hoping for a chance to see the pygmy elephants…along with several other animals, before returning to our lodge for dinner.
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Today we leave the river behind as we head for Lahad Datu to join our onward transfer to the Danum Valley. Hop on the 4x4 vehicles and hold on tight as you bound off-road into the deep jungle to arrive at Borneo Rainforest Lodge. Once you arrive, you will have a delicious lunch and then meet your guide, who will discuss the plan for your time here. This afternoon, you will visit the canopy walkway and learn about the flora and fauna in the area on one of the many nature trails. This evening, you can head out on a night drive, and you may be lucky enough to spot some of the area's nocturnal animals.
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Why not rise early to see and hear the rainforest come alive. After breakfast, you will head back into the rainforest for the trek to Coffin Cliff, where you can enjoy a spectacular view of the lodge and Danum Valley. Stop off at a waterfall on your way back to cool off. This afternoon, you can spend more time on the trails trying to track wildlife, or you may have the option to go tubing down the Danum River — a brilliant way to experience the area. A night walk this evening will give you a new experience of the area around the lodge.
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After your river and jungle adventure, it's time for some relaxation as you head to the airport for your flight to Kota Kinabalu, and on to Gaya Island for your stay at Bunga Raya Resort. Here, you will have three nights to relax in a tropical paradise, where you can enjoy your time on the beach or snorkeling in the sea.
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Full day at leisure. Bunga Raya offers a host of activities, with an outdoor infinity pool, spa and gym on-site, combined with various activities outside the resort. Surrounded by verdant rainforest, why not explore the jungle by zip-line or stay on foot with various trails on hand, as well as running a Marine Ecology Research Centre which contributes to meaningful marine conservation efforts.
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Today is another day free to explore. With time to enjoy the resort's facilities and excursions, or simply pamper with a spa treatment and dine on local cuisine.
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optional add-ons
If you're already coming all the way to Borneo, why not make the most of your journey with an optional trip extension that gives you a deeper taste of Malaysia—literally and culturally! Before we head into the wilds of Borneo, we’ll kick things off in vibrant Kuala Lumpur with a mouthwatering food tour through bustling night markets and hidden local gems. Then, hop on a scenic train ride to Penang Island, where we’ll explore the colorful streets of George Town and visit the magnificent Kek Lok Si Temple. Next, we’ll escape to the cool, misty hills of the Cameron Highlands, surrounded by tea plantations, strawberry farms, and rolling green landscapes. It’s the perfect mix of flavors, history, and highland serenity—all leading up to our grand Bornean adventure. Think of it as the full Malaysian experience, and trust me—you won’t want to miss it!
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The Iban people and their tRADITIONAL longhouses
Join me deep in the lush rainforests of the Batang Ai National Park where we’ll step into the world of the Iban people—guardians of a rich, living heritage. Batang Ai National Park is alive with the calls of hornbills and gibbons and the Iban people have called it home for 400 years. Their entire villages live under one roof in longhouses built primarily alongside the Delok River. Hidden away from the modern world, these communities have retained centuries-old traditions. You'll have two options: you can immerse yourself fully by staying overnight in a traditional longhouse with the village (I'll be right there with you, sharing stories and sipping rice wine!), or you can stay in a cozy forest lodge nearby and enjoy a guided visit to a longhouse with a fantastic local expert. Either way, it’s a one-of-a-kind cultural journey, full of heart, history, and a whole lot of adventure.
Traditional Longhouse visit
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This will match the longhouse stay itin
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We say farewell and you are transported by your guide to the —-lodge.
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Return to Kuching where I can either arrange a room where you can rest and spend the rest of the day in Kuching before heading to the airport for your journey home or keep traveling and I can plan a custom experience for you or you can be transported directly to the airport for your trip home. 3 options, totally up to you.
This add-on allows for the comfort of a lodge stay while still getting to experience what life is like in an Iban longhouse. Dare I say, the best of both worlds?
Traditional Longhouse Stay
This add-on is a one of a kind cultural experience but it’s only a good fit for those who are comfortable being uncomfortable and who can quickly feel at home in a very different environment form one they are accustomed to. Space for this add-on is limited because the longhouse chief can only accommodate six people total.
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Arriving in Kuching, we will be transported to your hotel located near the riverfront. I recommend a walk down the riverfront promenade which comes alive in the evening.
Today we embark on a guided walking tour to discover the charm of Kuching. Stroll along the scenic waterfront jetty, passing colonial landmarks and historic mosques, while our knowledgeable guide shares insights into the city’s rich heritage. Along the way, you may want to sample some local delicacies from vibrant street food stalls.
In the evening, we’ll enjoy a cruise along Santubong’s waterways as the sun sets.
Maybe Semenggoh Wildlife Centre
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Visit the Orangutan Sanctuary and a pepper farm on the way to the village longhouse stay
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Return to Kuching where I can either arrange a room where you can rest and spend the rest of the day in Kuching before heading to the airport for your journey home or keep traveling and I can plan a custom experience for you or you can be transported directly to the airport for your trip home. 3 options, totally up to you.