Borneo Safari 2028: Orangutans, Pygmy Elephants & More
April 23 - April 30 , 2028
Off the Beaten Track
Great for Non-divers
Photo Group Trip
Why Join This Trip- Inclusions & Exclusions
- Trip Type
- Trip Overview
- Accommodations
- About the Trip Leader
- How to Get There
- Payment Schedule
Why join this Trip?
Sukau Lodge/ Sabah Hotel/ Selingan Turtle Island
WifiEn Suite BathroomDouble Occupancy
$2,995 per personSingle Occupancy
$3,990 per person
OptionalLand Extensions
Inclusions
Exclusions
Trip type
Photo Group Trip
Led by a professional or experienced photographer who will be happy to provide advice and guidance on all elements of your photography as required. The logistics of this trip mean that formal photography tutorials and workshops are not practical.
Read more about the trip
Trip Overview
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.
Connectivity
Sakau 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.
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.
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.
Average Temperatures
- Lowland areas (Kota Kinabalu, Kudat, Sandakan, and Tawau): around 90°F
- Highland areas (Ranau, Kundasang, and Tambunan): around 70°F
Accommodations
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.
About the Trip Leader
Mark Hatter
Mark Hatter is an accomplished photojournalist who has had nearly one hundred feature articles with many hundreds of images published in more than two dozen fly fishing and diving publications over the last two decades. His most recent destination features have appeared in Alert Diver and Diver (UK) magazines.
Mark has traveled the world in pursuit of new underwater photography challenges, including cold-water destinations such as British Columbia and even Antarctica in January 2018.
“Of course, I love shooting in tropical locations but I think cold water diving is a great forcing function to hone one’s photography skills as the environment and equipment are much more demanding of a diver. Good image capture in cold water is particularly rewarding.” Mark tells us.
Mark has been shooting underwater since the early 1980s and has worked in both film and digital mediums in his photojournalism pursuits. In 35 years of diving, Mark has logged over 2000 hours, much of it doing underwater photography. Currently, he teaches underwater photography classes locally at Seminole Scuba in Lake Mary, Florida.
How to Get There
Flight Information
Guests joining after the Sipadan Dive Adventure should fly into Sandakan Airport (SDK) on April 23, routing through Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI) or Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL).
Guests joining the Sipadan dive trip will be met at Semporna Jetty on April 23 to continue on with the Borneo Safari
Departure flights can be booked out of Sandakan Airport (SDK) at any time on April 30. 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. Please be advised that there is a ticketing fee for this service. Contact Us for more information.
Payment Schedule
Deposit: $750 to confirm your spot
Payment 2: $1,000 due 1 April 2027
Balance: due 1 November 2027
Borneo Safari 2028: Orangutans, Pygmy Elephants & More
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