Last updated on September 21st, 2025
Borneo’s pristine rainforests, unique flora and fauna, and exclusive eco-lodges combine to make it a wildlife destination that defies imagination.
Home to some of the oldest rainforests in the world and a staggering range of diverse ecosystems, Borneo is a dream destination if you are looking for an adventure in the wild with a purpose.
A wildlife safari in Borneo is a must for those who love nature and want to see some rare bird and animal species in their natural habitat.
This guide will take you to seven iconic places to see wildlife, while supporting the local community.
- Kinabatangan River Region
The Kinabatangan River region is not only one of the richest river systems on Earth, but also the best place to observe wildlife from the water.
From pygmy elephants on the river banks to proboscis monkeys frolicking high above in the canopy, the concentration of wildlife here is to be seen to be believed.
Besides boat safaris, this untouched patch of rainforest provides a rare opportunity to engage with animals and view birds on foot.
You can boost conservation by supporting hornbill nesting projects by the conscious locals. The untouched forest is a mecca for foraging elephants and other animals and offers a rare opportunity to immerse in nature on guided walks.
You can book all these amazing wildlife watching spots in Borneo with Sundowner Holidays – the safari holidays specialists.
- Danum Valley Conservation Area
Home to a 130-million-year-old primary rainforest, the 438 sq km Danum Valley Conservation Area is one of the most unspoilt and least disturbed ecosystems in South East Asia.
From giant trees that soar over a 100 m in the sky to orangutans swinging in the canopy and gibbons howling in the mist, the wildlife of Danum Valley is as legendary as it is diverse.
Other outstanding species found here can include the Malay civet cat, pygmy elements, Thomas flying squirrel and with a bit of luck, the clouded leopard, slow loris and even the binturong in night in the company of expert guides who turn the forest alive after dark.
You can opt for guided treks to explore the forest as well as on canopy walkways. Danum Valley is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts and one of the top places to visit for any Borneo wildlife journey.
03.Sungai Kapur Virgin Jungle Preserve
Located in Sabah as a part of the Lower Kinabatangan-Segama Wetland system the recently opened Sungai Kapur Virgin Jungle Reserve covers an area of only 1250 hectares, but harbors some rare wildlife species.
This is where one can experience true wilderness across its coastal mangroves and fresh-water swamps that are home to the Irrawaddy dolphin, sun bears, helmeted hornbills, gibbons and the rare Borneo pygmy elephant.
You can stay in an eco-friendly lodge here and explore the forest by boat or by foot in untouched wilderness. Few visitors get the privilege to experience this newly protected paradise and immerse in a wildlife adventure of a lifetime.
04. Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
The heart of the country’s valiant orangutan conservation work takes place in Sepilok and is a must-visit destination for any wildlife lover in order to witness these intelligent apes from up close as they feed and play in the wild.
At the rehabilitation centre you can interact with these beautiful creatures at certain fixed times of the day when they are attracted to the calls of the forest keepers offering them food.
Right next to the Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre is the Sun Bear Conservation Centre where you can witness these smallest of all bear species in the world that is sadly facing rapid decline.
The best way to enjoy this extraordinary interaction is by staying at the charming wooden lodge within the campus which overlooks a lily pond frequented by frogs and kingfishers.
The impressive garden surroundings feature tall diperocarpaceae trees and fronds that thrive in the humid heat of Borneo.
05. Dermakot Forest Reserve
The sustainably maintained Dermakot Forest Reserve covers an area of around 55,000 hectares and is an absolute gem for those seriously interested in wildlife.
Simple government-run jungle camps are located deep within the forest to offer guests an unparalleled experience of staying in the heart of a jungle, far removed from the sights and sounds of the city.
Species often sighted here include orangutans, binturong, pygmy elephants, flying squirrels and the occasional clouded leopard.
Some rare birds hovering in the sky could include the crested serpent eagle, the splendid Argus pheasant and hornbills. Hiking is restricted to a few forest tracks which helps safeguard the ecosystem.
Night guided drives are known for their unpredictability and diversity and are one of the few places in the country where your patience can be rewarded with a glimpse of some of Borneo’s most secretive nocturnal creatures.
06. Maliau Basin
The Maliau Basin is considered to be the most mysterious and captivating wilderness area in Sabah and is often referred to as the “Lost World of Borneo” as it remained relatively untouched untill the late 20th century.
This vast bowl-shaped rainforest is one of those places in the country that feels mythical, and in all probability it still is.
The camp here is the Maliau Base Studies Centre, a comfortable and well-equipped hub on the edge of the reserve. However, accessing this place is a feat in itself as one has to traverse overland through dense forest corridors teeming with bird and animal life.
Expert-led treks from the base camp will take you through a spectacular natural world of cascading waterfalls over ancient jungle-cloaked trails.
On night drives, wildlife sightings here are nothing short of extraordinary as you may encounter leopard cats, giant red flying squirrels, long-tailed porcupines and slow loris.
There are astonishing insect species to be found in Maliau Basin also such as the huge rhinoceros beetle, cicadas, lantern beetles and swallowtail moths.
Morning hikes can bring sightings of gibbons, maroon langurs and exquisite birds like dusky broadbill, scarlet-rumped trogon, dollar bird and blue-rumped Parrot.
07. Kota Kimbalu
Kota Kimbalu is a perfect spot to unwind and see exotic wildlife as well while surrounded all the time by coastal rainforest with the sound of the waves and the aroma of frangipani in the air.
The coast near Kota Kimbalu offers golden sands and calm turquoise waters. Wildlife here can be enjoyed at a leisurely pace, but that doesn’t mean there is any dearth of sightings.
Wild pigs often roam the grounds here while troops of proboscis monkeys appear now and then to feed on the treetops.
Guided walks are a popular activity here where you might spot long-tailed macaques, monitor lizards, snakes and the endemic Borneo angle-headed lizard.
