Borneo Safari 2028: Orangutans, Pygmy Elephants & More

Borneo Safari 2028 - Orangutans, Pygmy Elephants & More

Join Bluewater Travel in 2028 for an 8-day Borneo adventure filled with river cruises, jungle treks, and encounters with orangutans, sun bears, and nesting sea turtles. Explore ancient caves and capture rare wildlife moments in one of the world’s most biodiverse ecosystems.

Why Join This Trip

• Visit an Award Winning Wildlife and Nature Destination in Malaysian Borneo
• Discover Borneo’s incredible biodiversity with expert-led wildlife cruises and jungle treks
• Spot wild orangutans, proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants, and hundreds of bird species
• Visit the renowned Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and Sun Bear Conservation Centre
• Visit Turtle Island and watch turtles come ashore at night to lay their eggs and see hatchlings released into the ocean
• Ideal for nature photographers, adventure travelers, and wildlife enthusiasts
• Enjoy a well-paced itinerary with comfortable accommodations and scenic transfers
• Fully refundable deposit until 12 months from departure
• 25% off rental photo gear from Bluewater Photo

Back to Menu

Trip Overview

Journey deep into the heart of Borneo to explore the Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary, a 26,800-hectare protected area within Malaysia’s largest floodplain. This extraordinary region is a haven for wildlife, home to over 1,000 wild orangutans, 300 Bornean pygmy elephants, and ten primate species including the iconic proboscis monkey. Scenic river safaris offer unforgettable encounters with the “Borneo Big 5”—orangutans, pygmy elephants, rhinoceros hornbills, proboscis monkeys, and estuarine crocodiles—alongside rare birdlife such as Storm’s storks and Bornean ground cuckoos. From coastal mangroves to oxbow lakes, the sanctuary is a paradise for photographers, birders, and nature lovers alike. Guests may even witness resident orangutans visiting the lodge, adding a magical, up-close experience to an already rich itinerary.

Back to Menu

Sample Itinerary

Here's the schedule for this trip:

• Day 01 - Semporna to Kinabatangan: Pick up from Semporna Jetty or Sandakan Airport and transfer by land to Kinabatangan.
• Day 02 - Kinabatangan: Trekking, river cruising and wildlife viewing.
• Day 03 - Kinabatangan: Trekking, river cruising and wildlife viewing.
• Day 04 - Gomantong Cave / Sandakan: Drive to Visit Gomantong Cave and return back to Sandakan. Check in at hotel.
• Day 05 - Sepilok / Sun Bear Centre / Sandakan: Visit Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre and Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre.
• Day 06 - Sandakan to Selingan Turtle Island: Overnight at Selingan Turtle Island.
• Day 07 - Selingan Turtle Island to Sandakan: Return to Sandakan for Free and Easy Day.
• Day 08 - Sandakan Hotel to Airport: Check out of Hotel and Trip Leader will assist guests in arranging transport to the airport.

Back to Menu

Weather Conditions

It’s hot and sunny in Borneo most of the year, so light, breathable clothes are best to keep cool and avoid overheating. Rain showers can pop up without warning, so it’s a good idea to carry a light rain coat just in case. A separate clothing list and packing list will be provided.

Average Temperatures

• Lowland areas (Kota Kinabalu, Kudat, Sandakan, and Tawau): around 90°F (32°C)
• Highland areas (Ranau, Kundasang, and Tambunan): around 70°F (21°C)

Back to Menu

Trip Type

This is a PHOTO GROUP TRIP. Led by a professional or experienced photographer who will be happy to provide advice and guidance on all elements of your photography as required. The logistics of this trip mean that formal photography tutorials and workshops are not practical.

What to Expect from our Photo Group Trips

• Photography support – Your trip leader will ensure that they spend time with everyone throughout the trip, providing advice and guidance on all elements of photography. If you have specific questions about your equipment, shot composition, or post-processing, they will be happy to support you.
• Quality time with fellow photographers – You will meet like-minded divers or travelers with a passion for photography. Newer photographers will benefit from the experience of more advanced shooters, and those with experience can share their advice and tips with the group.
• Suitable for everyone – New and experienced photographers are welcome on all our trips. Gain the necessary skills to start shooting great photos, increase your confidence in finding the best underwater shots, or hone specific skills. We also encourage non-photographers to join, and do our best to split groups according to skills and interests.

Enjoy free, unlimited access to a wealth of knowledge and advice from your photo instructor.

Back to Menu

Inclusions

• 3 nights in a Deluxe Room at Sukau Rainforest Lodge, twin share
• 3 nights in a Deluxe Room at Sabah Hotel, twin share
• 1 night at Selingan Turtle Island Chalet, twin share
• Full board meals at Sukau Rainforest Lodge and Selingan Turtle Island Chalet
• Breakfast and lunch only at Sabah Hotel, except on the free day in Sandakan which will include breakfast only
• All private transfers detailed in the itinerary
• All private tours detailed in the itinerary
• River cruises on shared boat
• Main attraction entrance fees
• Luggage storage option for extra bags

Exclusions

• Evening meals while at Sabah Hotel
• Lunch and evening meal on the free day in Sandakan
• All airfares
• Transfer to airport at the end of the tour
• Personal expenses
• Alcoholic/carbonated drinks
• Malaysian Tourism Tax (TTX)
• Personal Travel Insurance - please ask us about our preferred partner policy
• Any other items not listed in the Inclusions

Back to Menu

Accommodation

Sukau Rainforest Lodge

Sukau Rainforest Lodge offers an award-winning blend of sustainability, comfort, and immersive nature experiences in the heart of Borneo. Nestled along the banks of the Kinabatangan River, the lodge is built on stilts to preserve the surrounding environment and is recognized for its eco-friendly practices. Guests enjoy serene river views, delicious local cuisine, and the chance to spot wildlife right from the deck—sometimes even a visiting orangutan or hornbill. Thoughtfully designed boardwalks like the Hornbill and Attenborough trails invite quiet exploration, while the local staff share warm hospitality and insights into the culture of the Kinabatangan people.

Sabah Hotel Sandakan

Sabah Hotel Sandakan is a tranquil retreat set amid lush tropical rainforest, just minutes from Sandakan’s town center. With spacious, colonial-style rooms and modern amenities, the hotel offers a peaceful base for exploring Sabah’s wildlife attractions, including Sepilok and the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre. Guests can unwind by the landscaped pool, dine at the onsite restaurant, or enjoy forest views from their private balcony. Surrounded by nature yet close to the city’s key sights, Sabah Hotel provides the perfect balance of comfort, convenience, and Bornean charm for travelers wrapping up their East Sabah adventure.

Selingan Turtle Island

Selingan Turtle Island, located about 40 kilometers north of Sandakan in the Sulu Sea, is a protected sanctuary within Malaysia's Turtle Islands National Park. Renowned as a vital nesting site for endangered green and hawksbill turtles, the island offers visitors a unique opportunity to witness turtles laying eggs at night and the release of hatchlings into the sea. Accommodations are modest, featuring 25 air-conditioned chalets with en-suite bathrooms, emphasizing the island's focus on conservation over luxury. Guests can enjoy buffet-style meals at the on-site cafeteria and participate in guided educational programs about turtle conservation efforts. With visitor numbers limited to preserve the delicate ecosystem, Selingan Turtle Island provides an intimate and unforgettable experience for nature enthusiasts and conservation-minded travelers alike.

Note: Guests should pack an overnight bag for Turtle Island; any additional luggage will be securely stored until their return.

Back to Menu

Connectivity

Sukau Lodge offers free WiFi in the common areas, and Sabah Hotel Sandakan has good WiFi throughout the resort. You will be completely disconnected for the one night at Selingan Turtle Island.

Borneo Trip Extension

Want to extend your trip? We can help with that! Experience an unparalleled diving trip before your Borneo Safari with Bluewater.

Read More.

Back to Menu

Trip Leader

Mark Hatter
Mark Hatter is an international award-winning photojournalist who has had over one hundred feature articles with many hundreds of images published in more than three dozen diving publications and fly fishing publications over the last three decades. His most recent destination features have appeared in Ocean Geographic and Asian Diver (UK) magazines. Mark has traveled the world in pursuit of new underwater photography challenges, including cold-water destinations such as British Columbia and even Antarctica.

Read more about Mark Hatter.

Back to Menu

How To Get There

Flight Information

Guests joining after the Sipadan Dive Adventure should fly into Sandakan Airport (SDK) on April 23, routing through Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI) or Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL).

Guests joining the Sipadan dive trip will be met at Semporna Jetty on April 23 to continue on with the Borneo Safari.

Departure flights can be booked out of Sandakan Airport (SDK) at any time on April 30. The transfer time from your accommodation to the airport takes around 20 minutes.

Flight Package

Our group trips attract guests from all over the globe and many of our customers prefer to book their own flights to take advantage of mileage points or credit card discounts. For these reasons, flights are not included in our group trip packages. However, we are more than happy to work with you to find the best travel itinerary for your trip and will gladly give suggestions and advice, even if you make the final booking. We will check through your travel reservations at any time to ensure they fit with the trip schedule and can give recommendations on transit hotels and day tours where needed.

If you would like us to book flights and transit hotels for domestic and/or international travel on your behalf, we are also happy to arrange this. Contact Us for more information.

Back to Menu

Payment Schedule

• Deposit: $750 to confirm your spot
• Payment 2: $1,000 due 1 April 2027
• Balance: due 1 November 2027

Back to Menu

Back to Menu