Best of Borneo

From watching fuzzy orange swingers in the trees at orangutan sanctuaries to putting your best foot forward at Mount Kinabalu, we’ve got the top travel specialists at hand when it comes to beautiful Borneo.

Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary

The number one tourist destination in Sandakan lets you get up close and personal with the hairy and not-so-scary jungle men. It’s orangutans aplenty at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. Established in 1964 to help and rehabilitate orphaned baby orangutans, its inhabitants now swing freely in the trees of this verdant 5500-hectare Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve.

Take the boardwalk to the viewing gallery and watch them play. If you’re keen to watch a feeding, make sure you arrive before 10am or 3pm, although if you go early you’ll also avoid some of the crowds. Watch out for your hats and cameras!

Take a walk on the wild side

If you’re into trekking, the mangrove forest in the Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve awaits. You’ll need a permit before taking off on the stunning 5km trail, which winds its way through beautiful Sepilok Laut. If you’re prone to tiredness or just want to soak up the wild for a little longer, you can easily arrange for a boat return or book some accommodation for a night’s rest in a nice chalet in the forest.

Mount Kinabalu: The climb of a lifetime

Mount Kinabalu, at a whopping 4095m, is the tallest mountain in South-East Asia and hard to resist for some adventurers. Towering high in the Kinabalu National Park in the province of Sabah, it challenges thousands of tourists every year who climb it with cameras and keen enthusiasm. Luckily, Mount Kinabalu is actually one of the easiest peaks in the world to reach, taking just two days with an overnight stop to break up the climb. The views from the peak at sunrise make it well worth the effort.

Where to dive in Borneo

If you’re keen to get down deep with the fish population, Borneo has some of the best diving spots in the world. In fact, it’s right in the centre of the richest marine habitat on Earth, at the heart of the Indo-Pacific basin. You’ll find more than 3000 species of fish in these diverse ecosystems.

Locations include Layang Layang, Sipadan Island, Kapalai, Mabul, Miri and Lankayan Island. Adventures can be booked at some hotels, or as the travel specialists we can help you arrange the perfect holiday package.

Visit a Longhouse

There are over 4000 traditional longhouses in Sarawak, many of which are made from traditional wood and offer a real taste of the traditional Borneo way of life. If you’re planning on staying overnight, ask our travel specialists to explain some great Longhouse visiting options, including an unforgettable tour on the Lemanak River.

Contact Concierge Traveller on 1800 047 047 for details on the highlights of Borneo. Our specialists can help you book the perfect orangutan, diving or trekking-oriented escape.

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