Welcome to an unforgettable 5-day adventure through the raw, untamed beauty of Borneo — where ancient rainforests meet turquoise seas, and every moment offers a chance to reconnect with nature. This immersive journey takes you from the sandy shores of Turtle Island, where endangered sea turtles nest under starlit skies, deep into the lush jungles of the Kinabatangan River, home to wild orangutans, pygmy elephants, and proboscis monkeys. Along the way, explore legendary limestone caves, walk high above the forest canopy, and discover the heartbeat of Borneo through its wildlife, landscapes, and people.
This is not just a holiday — it’s a front-row seat to some of the most spectacular natural encounters on Earth. Whether you’re a wildlife lover, photography enthusiast, or simply in search of something real, this journey will stay with you long after you’ve left the jungle behind.
Sandakan Town or Airport (Google Map)
8.30 am
Up-close Wildlife Encounters
From nesting turtles and wild orangutans to proboscis monkeys, hornbills, and pygmy elephants, expect thrilling moments observing Borneo’s iconic species in their natural habitats — both on land and water.
Scenic Boat Cruises & Jungle Treks
Cruise along the Kinabatangan River at sunrise and sunset, venture into limestone cave chambers, and explore the rainforest by foot on guided walks — including a night walk to discover Borneo’s nocturnal creatures.
Island Time & Underwater Wonders
Snorkel in clear waters off Turtle Island, with vibrant reef life just steps from the beach. Enjoy serene island downtime between wildlife adventures.
Cultural & Conservation Experiences
Learn about conservation efforts at Sepilok and the Sun Bear Centre, and understand the delicate balance of Borneo’s ecosystems through meaningful encounters.
Comfortable Lodging in the Wild
While remote, your accommodations are thoughtfully selected lodges and chalets close to nature — clean, comfortable, and full of character.
Arrive in Sandakan and transfer straight to the jetty for a scenic 1-hour speedboat ride to Selingan Island, part of the famous Turtle Islands Park. After check-in, grab your snorkel gear and explore the shallow reefs just off the beach — teeming with marine life. As the sun sets, enjoy a casual dinner while learning about turtle conservation through an island slideshow. After dinner, stay alert — once the ranger gives the signal, you’ll quietly follow in a small group to witness a mother turtle laying her eggs, a humbling and unforgettable moment.
After breakfast, return to the mainland and head to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. Watch semi-wild orangutans descend from the treetops for their morning feed, then visit the neighboring Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre.
Next, continue your journey overland to the Kinabatangan River. After check-in and a quick refreshment, hop aboard a boat for your first river safari — cruise along the meandering waterway, scanning the treetops and riverbanks for proboscis monkeys, hornbills, crocodiles, and more. End your evening with a guided nature walk near the lodge.
Rise early for a serene morning cruise at 6:00 AM when wildlife activity peaks. After breakfast and some downtime, lace up for a mid-morning guided jungle walk — a chance to get closer to the rainforest’s heart.
Return for lunch and enjoy a lazy afternoon by the river, soaking in the sights and sounds of nature. In the late afternoon, set out again for another cruise to explore a different stretch of the river in search of new wildlife encounters.
Fuel up with breakfast before heading out to Gomantong Cave, famed for its bird’s nest harvest and resident bats. After exploring the ancient limestone system, continue to the Rainforest Discovery Centre in Sepilok.
Stroll along canopy walkways, offering an impressive aerial view of one of Borneo’s richest lowland rainforests. Learn about conservation efforts and keep an eye out for endemic birds and flora. After check-in at your lodge, end the day with a guided night walk to witness nocturnal wildlife emerging under the moonlight.
After breakfast, journey to Labuk Bay to observe the peculiar yet endearing proboscis monkeys in their mangrove forest home. Watch their morning routines up close and hear about the sanctuary’s conservation work.
Enjoy a final lunch together before transferring to Sandakan Airport or your next destination — leaving Borneo with your memory card full and your heart fuller.
I booked a trip through Borneo through Outback Venture – and it was just great! The route took me to Sepilok, Selingan Turtle Island and finally to the Kinabatangan River for two days. Every single stop was a real highlight with diverse and exciting experiences – from watching the orangutans to turtle hatching and stunning river boat tours where we could spot countless animals in the wild.
A huge thank you goes to Daisy from Outback Venture, who was always super available and answered all my questions quickly, kindly and competently. Their organization was great – I didn’t have to worry about anything.
I would like to highlight our guide Terance – what an incredible person! His knowledge of nature, animals and the entire region was impressive. Thanks to him, I learned so much and saw animals I would never have discovered without him. His enthusiasm is simply infectious!
I highly recommend Outback Venture – for those who want to experience Borneo authentically, well-organized and close to nature. A journey I will never forget!