Short Orangutan Safari
A Short Orangutan Photography Expedition Through the Rainforests of Borneo
Locations
Sepilok
Sepilok Forest Reserve
Sepilok Forest Reserve offers an immersive introduction to the ancient rainforests of Borneo, where towering trees, dense vegetation and forest streams create a haven for remarkable wildlife. The reserve is renowned for its orangutans, alongside Bornean pygmy elephants, proboscis monkeys, gibbons and an extraordinary diversity of birdlife. Explore on guided forest walks and wildlife excursions, discovering the rich biodiversity of one of Borneo’s most important rainforest sanctuaries.
Kinabatangan River
Kinabatangan River
The Kinabatangan River winds through the wild lowland forests of Malaysian Borneo, creating one of the region’s richest habitats for wildlife. Its surrounding wetlands and dense rainforest support orangutans, proboscis monkeys, Bornean pygmy elephants, crocodiles and an extraordinary diversity of birdlife. Explore by boat and on guided walks, following the river through ancient forests and discovering the remarkable wildlife that thrives along its banks.
Itinerary Highlights:
Known as the “Man of the Forest,” orangutans are among the world’s most remarkable great apes. This expedition explores Sabah’s key orangutan habitats, from the conservation work of Sepilok to the wild forests of the Kinabatangan River. Encounter and photograph orangutans alongside proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants, hornbills and other rainforest wildlife.
- A curated orangutan expedition across Sabah’s two key wildlife destinations—Sepilok and the Kinabatangan River.
- Visit the renowned Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and learn about orangutan conservation and rehabilitation.
- Meet a conservation expert to understand the challenges facing Borneo’s orangutans and their remarkable behaviour.
- Photograph wild orangutans along the Kinabatangan River, alongside proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants, macaques and diverse rainforest birdlife.
- Enjoy expertly guided rainforest walks and private river cruises designed for exceptional wildlife and photography opportunities.
- A seamless journey combining comfortable rainforest lodges, expert naturalist guides and intimate encounters with the iconic “Man of the Forest.”
Inclusions and Exclusions
Inclusions
- All accommodation as specified in the itinerary
- All meals, tea, coffee and evening refreshments at the wildlife lodges
- Services of an experienced private local bird guide throughout the expedition
- All private airport, road and boat transfers between destinations
- Entry to Kinabalu National Park, the Rainforest Discovery Centre, Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre
- All guided birding excursions and rainforest walks as outlined in the itinerary
- All private Kinabatangan River birding cruises, including sunrise and sunset excursions
- All applicable park entrance fees, conservation fees and permits
- 5% Ameliya Conservation Commitment Levy
Exclusions
- Flights, visa fees, laundry, packed beverages, and alcoholic drinks
- Camera fees, if levied by the government
- Any additional activities or personal expenses, including tips
- Any increase in National Park fees or government taxes, payable by the guest
- Anything not specifically mentioned in the inclusions
Accommodation- Sepilok
Classic- Sepilok Forest Edge Resort
Sepilok Forest Edge Resort
Hidden within the rainforest surrounding Sepilok, Sepilok Forest Edge Resort places guests at the doorstep of one of Borneo’s most celebrated wildlife regions. Designed to blend seamlessly with its natural surroundings, the resort offers a peaceful escape where the sounds of the forest replace the bustle of the city. Its intimate setting and proximity to the Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, Rainforest Discovery Centre and Sun Bear Conservation Centre make it an ideal base for discovering Sabah’s extraordinary biodiversity while enjoying genuine Bornean hospitality.
Amenities
- Chalet-style rooms
- Outdoor swimming pool
- Restaurant serving local and international cuisine
- Tropical gardens and forest boardwalks
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Nature trails and easy access to Sepilok’s leading wildlife conservation centres
Premium- Sepilok Nature Lodge
Sepilok Nature Lodge
Set along the banks of the Kabili-Sepilok River, Sepilok Nature Lodge offers an elegant rainforest retreat in the heart of Borneo’s most celebrated wildlife sanctuary. Surrounded by ancient lowland forest and connected by charming wooden boardwalks, the lodge combines comfort with an immersive wilderness experience. Its privileged location, directly opposite the Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and moments from the Rainforest Discovery Centre and Sun Bear Conservation Centre, makes it the preferred choice for travellers seeking a more refined stay amidst Sabah’s remarkable biodiversity.
Amenities
- Spacious timber chalets and deluxe rooms
- Private balconies overlooking the rainforest
- Riverside restaurant serving local and international cuisine
- Landscaped tropical gardens and wooden boardwalks
- Complimentary Wi-Fi
- Nature trails and immediate access to Sepilok’s leading wildlife conservation centres
Accommodation- Kinabatangan River
Premium- Sukau Rainforest Lodge
Sukau Rainforest Lodge
Named after the Malay words sungai (river) and kau (you), reflecting the community’s enduring connection with the Kinabatangan River, Sukau Rainforest Lodge is one of Borneo’s most celebrated wilderness retreats. Perched along the riverbank and surrounded by pristine rainforest, the lodge seamlessly blends understated luxury with exceptional wildlife experiences. Accessible only by boat, it offers an intimate gateway to one of Southeast Asia’s richest ecosystems and the perfect base for exploring the Kinabatangan’s extraordinary diversity of wildlife, from orangutans and pygmy elephants to hornbills and proboscis monkeys.
Amenities
- Elegant river front villas and spacious guest rooms
- Award-winning restaurant
- Open-air lounge and riverside boardwalks
- Spa treatments
- Observation decks
- Guided river cruises and nature walks
- Complimentary Wi-Fi and eco-conscious design throughout
Day- Wise Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival in Sepilok
Arrive in Sepilok and enjoy a short drive to your rainforest lodge (20 minutes). Settle into your surroundings and spend the remainder of the day unwinding amidst the ancient rainforest. Listen to the sounds of the forest and prepare for the days ahead as you begin your journey into the world of Borneo’s iconic “Man of the Forest.”
Day 2 - Orangutan Conservation in Sepilok
This morning, visit the renowned Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, where orphaned and displaced orangutans are rehabilitated and gradually returned to the wild. Gain a deeper understanding of the centre’s pioneering conservation work through a guided visit and a discussion with an orangutan conservation expert, offering fascinating insights into their behaviour, ecology and the challenges of protecting one of the world’s last great ape populations. Continue to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre before returning to the rainforest in search of wild primates including Southern Pig-tailed Macaques, Long-tailed Macaques and Silvered Leaf Monkeys.
After dark, explore the Rainforest Discovery Centre on a guided night walk, where there is an opportunity to photograph the remarkable Western Tarsier, Bornean Slow Loris and other nocturnal wildlife hidden within the rainforest.
Day 3 - Following Wild Orangutans on the Kinabatangan
After breakfast, transfer to the jetty and journey by boat along the Kinabatangan River to your wilderness lodge (approximately 2.5 hours). This remarkable river supports one of Borneo’s highest densities of wild orangutans, with fruiting fig trees and riverside forests providing excellent feeding habitat. After settling into your lodge, embark on a private afternoon river cruise dedicated to searching for wild orangutans as they feed, travel through the canopy and construct their evening nests. Along the way, encounter Proboscis Monkeys, Silvered Leaf Monkeys, Long-tailed and Southern Pig-tailed Macaques, with opportunities to photograph Bornean Pygmy Elephants and hornbills.
Day 4 & 5 - Photographing Wild Orangutans
Spend two full days exploring the Kinabatangan River on private sunrise and sunset boat excursions, following the daily movements of wild orangutans through one of Southeast Asia’s richest rainforest ecosystems. Early morning and late afternoon provide the finest light as orangutans emerge to feed, travel through the canopy and interact with their surroundings, offering exceptional opportunities for natural history photography.
Between cruises, return to the lodge for lunch before venturing out again as the rainforest comes alive in the golden evening light. After dinner, join a guided nocturnal excursion in search of the elusive Bornean Slow Loris and Western Tarsier, completing an immersive exploration of Borneo’s extraordinary primate diversity.
Day 6 -Departure
Enjoy a final morning in the rainforest before transferring by boat to Sepilok (approximately 2.5 hours). From here, continue to Sandakan Airport for your onward flight, departing Borneo with unforgettable memories and an exceptional collection of images of the Great Ape.
Activites
Ape Viewing
Nature Walks
Night cruise
Cruise
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Payment Terms & Cancellation Policy
Payment Terms
Payment Terms
- All tours operate on 100% advance payment.
- 50% need to be paid at the time of booking, 25% is due 120 days prior to the trip start date and 25% 90 days prior.
- The preferred mode of payment is Bank Wire. All card transactions will incur a 3.5% service fee.
- Rates are subject to change and are not applicable for Christmas/New Years. Rates are valid for 2024 only. Rates for 2025 will incur a 10% hike.
- Any changes in government taxes and park/conservancy fees have to be borne by the guests.
- We reserve the right to revise any published costs without prior notice. However, confirmed bookings will be honoured.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation Policy
- 50% is non-refundable once the payment is done.
- The remaining amount will be refunded if cancellation is done 120 days prior to the tour start dates. Between 90-120 days, 35% is refunded.
- No refund if cancellation is done between 0 – 90 days of the trip start date. Amendment in dates within 90 days from arrival is treated as a cancellation.
- Please note that the date of written communication (e-mail) of intent to cancel will be the date considered for the calculation of the cancellation fees.
- The cancellation amount is calculated as per the total booking amount and not as per the advance deposited.
- No refunds in case of refusal to use a service/activity mentioned in the itinerary.
- All refunds are processed minus bank charges.
