Beyond Orangutans: A Conservation Journey in Borneo
Our six-day journey through Sabah, Borneo: from the famous Kinabatangan to the lesser-known Beluran and Tawau Hills' primary rainforests.
Borneo is a vast island in Southeast Asia, shared by three countries: Malaysia in the north (the states of Sabah and Sarawak), Brunei nestled in between, and Indonesia’s Kalimantan region covering the south.
For many visitors, the island’s lush rainforests and rich wildlife are the biggest draw. For us Brits, Borneo is a frequent backdrop in David Attenborough’s documentaries. It’s one of the few places where one can still see orangutans in the wild—a species that has become a global conservation symbol. But conservation in Borneo is not just a story for TV; it’s lived daily, shaped by complex social and economic realities.
Palm oil plantations are often portrayed as the main culprit behind deforestation and biodiversity loss. While they do play a role, the picture is far more complex. Conservation in Borneo requires a nuanced understanding, balancing human needs with environmental protection. Our 6-day itinerary through Sabah offers both unforgettable wildlife encounters and deeper insights into what conservation looks like on the ground.
Our 6-day Sabah, Borneo itinerary
This itinerary is conservation-focused, covering wildlife-rich destinations in Sabah, Borneo. You can contact us to design your own Borneo itinerary.
Day 1: Kota Kinabalu
The capital of Sabah is the natural starting point for most trips, with convenient flight connections across the rest of Sabah and Peninsular Malaysia. A great place to see the famed beautiful KK sunset is the Shangri-La Tanjung Aru's waterfront.
Day 2: Kinabalu Sayep
There are many great trails in the Kinabalu National Park, and it is also a popular destination for herping enthusiasts. Here, you’ll also learn about community-led conservation: how former poachers have been trained as wildlife guides and rangers. Poaching often happens when locals have no access to a regular income, and tourism is one way to give the locals a reliable income.
You'll be staying with a local family - and the view from the balcony? Sunset over the Kinabalu mountains.
Day 3: Beluran safari
This exclusive site is a project in collaboration with a palm oil plantation. This secondary rainforest is also great for wildlife - we got to see clouded leopards, flying squirrels, countless hornbills, eagles, and other mammals and bird species. Unfortunately, orangutans didn't make an appearance for us.
While palm oil is often vilified, the reality is complex. Many plantations in Sabah were once logging sites, and palm is a highly productive crop compared to other alternatives. Here, you’ll see how conservationists work with plantations to retain wildlife corridors and integrate wildlife-friendly practices—while gaining a more balanced view of the palm oil debate.
Day 4: Kinabatangan
This is probably the most popular destination in Sabah, because it is one of the best places to see orangutans, and the other "Borneo Big Five": pygmy elephants, proboscis monkeys, saltwater crocodiles, and rhinoceros hornbills. However, its popularity stems from a sobering reality: the reason it is almost guaranteed to see these animals is that Kinabatangan's forests are highly disturbed, and the wildlife is confined to a very narrow stretch of forest along the rivers. As orangutans cannot swim, they are essentially isolated and have nowhere to go. There are many NGOs doing fantastic work to reforest the area and to protect these species. David Attenborough himself has also fought to save the area from further roads and bridges being built.
However, many homestay guides only offer passive cruises; therefore, we recommend coming here with a knowledgeable guide and combining Kinabatangan’s river cruises with another destination to have a more holistic experience of Sabah.
Day 5-6: Tawau Hills National Park
Often overlooked in favour of nearby Semporna’s beaches, Tawau Hills offers pristine primary rainforest teeming with life. Through morning, afternoon and night walks, you'll see how the rhythm of the forest changes. Red leaf monkeys, Bornean gibbons, different hornbill species, and cute kingfishers are just some of the highlights.
Some target species you'll likely see on the trip
Sabah is highly biodiverse, and you'll see different animals during day and night walks/cruises
Why Travel With Kodama
Kodama Travel is a conservation-focused platform, offering bespoke Borneo itineraries that fit your budget, time, and interests. Our local guides are conservationists and researchers first, guides second. During our trips, you'll learn plenty about the rainforest habitat and wildlife, as well as how conservation happens in an Asian context. And better yet, your money goes to support local conservation efforts, some of which you’ll see during your trip.