Borneo Safari 2027 – Orangutans, Pygmy Elephants & More

 

Borneo Safari 2027 – Orangutans, Pygmy Elephants & More

Embark on an unforgettable 8-day Borneo adventure—from cruising the Kinabatangan River to witnessing orangutans, sun bears, and nesting sea turtles. Trek through lush jungles, explore ancient caves, and unwind in comfort each night. Perfect for nature lovers and photographers seeking rare wildlife moments in one of the world’s richest 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

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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.

 

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Itinerary

• 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 Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre / Bornean Sun Bear Conservation 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.

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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)

 

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Trip Type

This trip is a GUIDED GROUP TRIP. Led by an experienced Bluewater trip leader or accredited local guide who will manage the trip logistics and ensure your needs are met throughout. While this trip is designed to optimize your photography opportunities, it is not led by one of our photo instructors and so meaningful photography advice from your trip leader should not be expected.

What to Expect from Our Guided Group Trips

• Meet like-minded travelers – Our Group Trips are perfect for solo travelers who enjoy meeting other divers or photographers and enjoy the support of a pre-arranged itinerary. Your trip leader will arrange group activities such as meals or game nights to ensure everyone feels part of the Bluewater family.
• Problems solved – Your trip leader will be on hand to assist with any issues you may have. From delayed or canceled flights, to lost room keys and dietary requirements. We have dealt with it all before and will ensure that your trip runs smoothly.

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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
• WiFi

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Exclusions

• Upgrade to single occupancy
• 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

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Accommodation Overview

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.

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.

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Trip Leader

Tim Yeo

Tim grew up in tiny Singapore, where driving for more than an hour meant you would need a passport. Traveling was always his passion, but Tim became addicted to dive travel soon after he got scuba certified in Malaysia. As his diving addiction grew, Tim eventually became a Staff Instructor with PADI and an Instructor Trainer with SDI. After getting his instructor certification, Tim spent time teaching scuba in Malaysia and Vietnam.

Tim serves as General Manager and COO at Bluewater Travel and is the company’s most seasoned trip leader. With a portfolio of leading over 30 group trips, his extensive expertise encompasses a variety of popular dive destinations such as the Galapagos, Raja Ampat, French Polynesia, Fiji, the Red Sea, Palau, Maldives, among others. His travels have taken him across all seven continents and allowed him to dive in all five oceans—the Atlantic, Pacific, Indian, Arctic, and Antarctic.

Read more about Tim Yeo.

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How To Get There

Flight Information

Guests joining after the Sipadan Dive Adventure should fly into Sandakan Airport (SDK) on April 18, routing through Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI) or Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL).

Guests joining from the Sipadan dive trip will be met at Semporna Jetty on April 18 to continue on with the Borneo Safari.

Departure flights can be booked out of Sandakan Airport (SDK) at any time on April 25. 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.

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Payment Schedule

• Deposit: $750 to confirm your spot
• Payment 2: $1,000 due 1 April 2026
• Balance: Due 1 November 2026

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