Borneo is one of the world’s most biologically diverse and awe-inspiring landscapes, a legendary “Land Below the Wind” where ancient rainforests meet rare and endemic wildlife, like Orangutans and Pangolins. This 14-day itinerary in Malaysian Borneo offers a deep immersion into the island’s most iconic wild places, from the granite peaks of a UNESCO World Heritage site to the lush, wildlife-rich banks of the Kinabatangan River, to the deep forest of Tabin Wildlife Reserve.

The exploration begins in the coastal city of Kota Kinabalu before ascending into the montane forests of Mt. Kinabalu National Park. This botanical wonderland is home to an extraordinary array of flora, with over 50% of its plants found nowhere else on Earth. The park is a sanctuary for high-altitude birding specialties, including Whitehead’s Trogon, Golden-naped Barbet, Temminck’s Sunbird, and the Bornean Bald Laughingthrush... All set amidst a backdrop of ancient ferns and carnivorous pitcher plants.

Descending into the lowland dipterocarp forests of Sepilok, the journey visits the world-renowned Rainforest Discovery Center. This is a premier site for observing the enigmatic Bornean Bristlehead and the Banded Broadbill from the heights of a spectacular canopy walkway. Nearby, we visit the legendary “people of the forest” at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre.

The route then leads deep into the wild with several days on the Kinabatangan River, a premier location in Southeast Asia for observing wildlife. From riverboats, the canopy reveals endemic Proboscis Monkeys, Rhinoceros Hornbills, and the rare Borneo Pygmy Elephant, while the riverbanks offer glimpses of birds like Red-bearded Bee-eater. At the Gomantong Caves, nearly a million bats stream into the dusk sky in a stunning display.

The final destination is the vast Tabin Wildlife Reserve, an internationally recognized refuge containing diverse habitats from bizarre mud volcanoes to primary rainforest. This wilderness provides a final opportunity to search for elusive mammals like the Leopard Cat and observe all eight of Borneo’s majestic hornbill species. The forest floor here is home to jewels of the understory, including the Blue-headed Pitta and the Great Argus. This journey offers a comprehensive encounter with the unique species and ecosystems that define one of the most remarkable islands on our planet.

Itinerary at a Glance

Day 1 - May 20: Arrive in Borneo (Kota Kinabalu)

Arrive in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah’s coastal capital, where you’ll meet the Wild Latitudes team, transfer to the hotel, and gather for a welcome dinner and trip briefing.

Day 2 - May 21: Kota Kinabalu & Penampang

Begin with birding in the paddy fields and wetlands of Penampang, enjoying panoramic views over Kota Kinabalu and the nearby islands, with an optional late-day search along the beach for Blue-naped Parrot.

Day 3 - May 22: Kota Kinabalu to Kinabalu National Park

Travel inland to Mt. Kinabalu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site famed for its montane forests, endemic plants, and pitcher plants, then enjoy afternoon birding and an evening night walk for nightjars, reptiles, and amphibians.

Day 4 - May 23: Birding Mount Kinabalu National Park

Spend a full day birding the roads and trails around Kinabalu, searching for high-elevation specialties including the famous “Whitehead’s Trio” and other Bornean montane endemics.

Day 5 - May 24: Kinabalu Park to Sepilok

Bird around Poring Hot Springs in the morning, then drive east through changing landscapes into the lowland dipterocarp forests of Sepilok, with an optional night walk after arrival.

Day 6 - May 25: Sepilok - Rainforest Discovery Center & Orangutans

Explore the Rainforest Discovery Center’s trails and canopy walkways for spectacular rainforest birds, then visit the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre before returning for late-day birding and a dusk/night walk.

Day 7 - May 26: Sepilok to the Kinabatangan River

Bird the RDC again and visit the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Center, then transfer to Sukau Jetty and travel by boat to your Kinabatangan River lodge for an afternoon wildlife cruise.

Day 8 - May 27: Exploring the Kinabatangan River

Enjoy dawn and late-afternoon river cruises on the Kinabatangan, one of Southeast Asia’s premier wildlife-viewing regions, with chances for hornbills, pittas, primates, and mammals including Borneo Pygmy Elephant.

Day 9 - May 28: Kinabatangan & Gomantong Caves

Take another morning river cruise, then visit the dramatic Gomantong Caves to see swiftlets and, at dusk, witness the unforgettable bat exodus as huge numbers of bats stream into the evening sky.

Day 10 - May 29: Sukau to Tabin Wildlife Reserve

Transfer overland to Tabin Wildlife Reserve, an important refuge for Borneo’s wildlife, and explore the Elephant Trail to the Lipad Mud Volcano before an optional night safari.

Day 11 - May 30: Tabin Wildlife Reserve

Spend a full day exploring Tabin’s trails and boardwalks in search of hornbills, pittas, flycatchers, and other forest specialties, with a possible night drive for nocturnal mammals.

Day 12 - May 31: Further Birding in Tabin

Continue birding and wildlife watching in the vast forests of Tabin, with opportunities for additional lowland birds and mammals in one of Borneo’s richest reserves.

Day 13 - Jun 1: Tabin to Kota Kinabalu

Enjoy a final morning of birding in Tabin, then transfer to Lahad Datu for your flight back to Kota Kinabalu and celebrate the journey with a farewell dinner on the waterfront.

Day 14 - Jun 2: Departures

Transfer to Kota Kinabalu International Airport for departures and the journey home.