Borneo rainforest guide

The Kinabatangan River in Sabah is widely considered the best place for wildlife spotting in Borneo, and for good reason. The region is home to Borneo’s ‘Big 5’:  rhinoceros hornbill, orangutans, crocodiles, pygmy elephants and proboscis monkeys.

It’s one of the most accessible rainforest experiences, with most exploring done by boat rather than on foot. Cruising along the river by boat, you’ll drift past dense jungle banks where wildlife gathers. With multiple boat safaris included, you’ll head out at different times of day to maximise your chances of wildlife spots.

Stays here are typically in small jungle lodges located beside the river. If you’re planning a family holiday to Borneo, you should definitely be including the Kinabatangan River in your itinerary.

If you’re looking for a luxury rainforest experience in Borneo, Danum Valley is hard to beat.

This protected area is home to pristine primary rainforest – some of the oldest in the world. Countless animal species live here that are hardly found anywhere else in the world in this density: orangutans, gibbons, pygmy elephants, leopards, hornbills, sun bears and over 270 bird species.

Days here are spent on guided jungle treks – which can be challenging, but well worth the effort for the breathtaking jungle views. Spot wildlife along forest trails, climb canopy walkways for views across the treetops and head out on night drives to look for nocturnal species.

Accommodation is a big part of the experience. You’ll stay in a comfortable lodge set deep in the jungle, offering a surprisingly high level of comfort given the remote setting. Wildlife sightings can be more elusive than along the Kinabatangan, but the sense of immersion is what makes Danum so special.

The Tabin Wildlife Reserve is one of the most important protected areas in Sabah. It’s a diverse mix of secondary forest, rainforest islands, rivers and swampy areas stretching over around 1,200 square kilometres. The reserve is home to Borneo pygmy elephants, orangutans, gibbons, hornbills and more!

It’s known for its mud volcanoes and salt licks, which naturally attract wildlife, particularly at night. Guided walks and drives take you through the forest to these spots, where patience often pays off. You’ll also head out on night safaris, when the jungle feels completely different and more active.

The lodge accommodation in Tabin has been designed to blend into the natural surroundings. It’s simple but comfortable.

Looking for a remote rainforest experience in Borneo? Deramakot is one of Sabah’s best-kept secrets.

This vast reserve is known for its conservation work and low visitor numbers, which means wildlife here is truly wild. The focus is on guided drives along jungle tracks, both during the day and at night, where you might spot anything from civets and deer to the elusive clouded leopard.

Accommodation is simple and functional, but that’s part of the appeal. The experience feels authentic and less polished than other areas, but far more adventurous.

Tucked away in Sabah’s northeast, Sungai Kapur offers one of Borneo’s most off-the-radar rainforest experiences.

This is a place where river and jungle meet, combining mangrove forests, lowland rainforest and wildlife-rich waterways in one trip. You’ll explore by boat along the Segama River, head out on guided jungle walks, and venture out after dark on night drives and walks to spot nocturnal wildlife. It’s home to exceptional biodiversity and over 300 species of birds including hornbills, kingfishers, colourful pittas, and some rare endemic species such as the elusive Bornean ground cuckoo.

What makes Sungai Kapur different is its diversity. It’s often described as a “two-in-one” experience bringing together the river wildlife of Kinabatangan with the dense jungle feel of Danum Valley, but with far fewer visitors.

Are you still deciding where to go in Borneo? Take a look at our ready-made Borneo itineraries, or get in touch and our knowledgeable Borneo Travel Specialists will help you build a trip around the experiences you’d love.