This 12-day Borneo itinerary is crafted for nature lovers who want the perfect balance of leisure and wildlife adventure. Begin in Kota Kinabalu before heading to Sepilok for close encounters with orangutans and sun bears. Cruise the Kinabatangan River in search of proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants, and hornbills, then spend three unforgettable nights at the luxurious Borneo Rainforest Lodge in Danum Valley—trekking through ancient jungle and experiencing rare nocturnal wildlife.
Kuching International Airport/Kota Kinabalu
Preferable late afternoon or evening
Orangutan & sun bear encounters in Sepilok
Canopy walk & nature trails at Rainforest Discovery Centre
Dawn and dusk wildlife cruises on Kinabatangan River
Nocturnal walks and drives in Danum Valley
Three nights at the Borneo Rainforest Lodge
Balance of relaxation and guided exploration
(Afternoon — ideally)
Arrive at Kota Kinabalu International Airport and transfer to Horizon Hotel. Rest and relax after your journey.
Enjoy a leisure day in Kota Kinabalu to rest or explore the city at your own pace.
Depart early for Kinabalu National Park, visiting the Botanical Garden before continuing to Sepilok. Evening at leisure.
Morning visit to the Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and Sun Bear Conservation Centre. Afternoon exploration at Rainforest Discovery Centre with canopy walk. Night walk in the forest.
Return to Sepilok for the orangutan feeding session before transferring to Kinabatangan. Evening river cruise to spot wildlife.
Morning and afternoon river cruises along the Kinabatangan River, with time to relax by the riverside lodge.
Another day of dawn and dusk river cruises to maximize wildlife encounters in this rich corridor.
Transfer to Lahad Datu and continue to the Borneo Rainforest Lodge in Danum Valley. Evening nature walk or night drive.
Enjoy canopy walks, photography, and guided rainforest treks. Evening night walk for nocturnal species.
Full day of jungle activities including guided walks and canopy exploration. Evening night safari.
Morning at leisure before transfer to Lahad Datu for flight back to Kota Kinabalu. Check in at Horizon Hotel.
Transfer to Kota Kinabalu International Airport for your onward flight.