Borneo Wildlife Guide

Introduction

Borneo is one of the world’s last great wildlife frontiers — the island is home to extraordinary endemic species found nowhere else: Bornean orangutans, pygmy elephants (the world’s smallest elephants), proboscis monkeys, clouded leopards, and 8 species of hornbill. Malaysian Borneo (Sabah and Sarawak) is the most accessible part.

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Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre

One of the world’s most important orangutan sanctuaries. Orphaned and injured orangutans are rehabilitated and gradually returned to the wild.

The feeding platforms: Twice daily (10am and 3pm), rangers put out food at platforms near the jungle edge. Orangutans come from the forest — some semi-wild, some more accustomed to humans. The 3pm feeding often has the most activity.

Entry: RM 30.

Also at Sepilok: The Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (adjacent, RM 30) — one of the world’s only sun bear sanctuaries.

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Kinabatangan River

The single best wildlife experience in Malaysian Borneo. A 560km river corridor through lowland rainforest provides habitat for extraordinary wildlife concentration.

What you might see:

• Proboscis monkeys (found only in Borneo, extraordinary long noses)
• Pygmy elephants (often in herds along the riverbank)
• Orangutans in the wild
• Crocodiles
• Multiple hornbill species
• Flying squirrels at dusk

How to visit: Stay at one of the river lodges (Sukau Rainforest Lodge is excellent) for 2 nights. Morning and evening river cruises. RM 400–800/night all-inclusive.

Best time: Year-round but wildlife more concentrated near the river during dry season (March–September).

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Mount Kinabalu

Southeast Asia’s highest peak (4,095m) in Kinabalu National Park. The 2-day climb to the summit is achievable for fit walkers without technical climbing experience.

Requirements: Book permit and guide months ahead (limited daily permits). RM 700–900 for guided 2-day summit package including accommodation at Laban Rata mountain hut.

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