Borneo Tours

Expert guided tours are an essential part of your Borneo holiday, particularly when exploring the rainforest and seeking wildlife encounters in the Sabah and the Sandakan regions.

Expert naturalist guides possess invaluable knowledge of animal behaviour, jungle sounds, and tracking techniques that transform a simple forest walk into an extraordinary safari. Their trained eyes spot camouflaged creatures invisible to untrained visitors, from sleepy orangutans high in the canopy to pygmy elephants moving through dense vegetation along the Kinabatangan River.

Whether exploring Danum Valley’s pristine wilderness or visiting Sepilok’s Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, a knowledgeable guide will enrich every aspect of your Borneo holiday.

Borneo Highlight:
The Kinabatangan River

The Kinabatangan, Sabah’s longest river, ranks amongst Borneo’s most exceptional wildlife destinations, offering unparalleled opportunities to observe diverse species in their natural habitat.

River cruises at dawn and dusk can reveal proboscis monkeys leaping between riverside trees, pygmy elephants bathing along muddy banks, and orangutans foraging in the canopy. Over 200 bird species, including hornbills and kingfishers, inhabit this region alongside crocodiles, monitor lizards, and occasionally the elusive clouded leopard.

Ask your FREEDOM Travel Consultant to include the Kinabatangan River in your Borneo Tour.

Borneo Highlight:
Danum Valley

Danum Valley represents one of the world’s most pristine and rainforest reserves. This 438-square-kilometre protected area encompasses ancient lowland forest that has remained undisturbed for millions of years.

Home to over 340 bird species, orangutans, gibbons, clouded leopards, and the rare Sumatran rhinoceros, Danum Valley provides exceptional wildlife encounters within breathtaking natural surroundings.

Ask your FREEDOM Travel Consultant to include the Danum Valley in your Borneo Tour.

Discover More With A Borneo Tour

Our Borneo Travel Experts answer your most frequently asked questions about planning tour in Borneo.

What types of tour are available in Borneo?

Because of the terrain in Borneo, when we refer to tours in Borneo, we are not talking about coach tours that are available in many countries. Borneo Tours are really any part of your holiday where an expert guide is there to lead you. In Borneo this may be a small group or it may even be a private guide, depending on the location and tour booked. Your Travel Consultant will be able to recommend and book either for you.

Borneo tours may include guided jungle treks, river cruises, canopy walks, night safaris, and birdwatching expeditions, all showcasing the rainforest’s incredible biodiversity. Cultural tours can also explore indigenous longhouses and local markets. Some holidays may include multiple tour types with various expert guides.

What is included in a typical Borneo tour?

Some Borneo tour may vary, depending on the activities involved, but generally the tour will include transfers from the airport and between properties, accommodation including full-board (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) and then experiences with a guide specialised in that activity. So in any one tour you may have multiple guides.

All our tours include entrance fees to National Parks and conservancies, and your Travel Consultant can also book international and domestic flights, private transfers and beach resorts to create a bespoke Borneo holiday just for you.

How far in advance should I book a Borneo Tour?

Because some rainforest lodges are in remote locations they often only have a limited number of rooms, so we always recommend booking your Borneo tour several months ahead of your planned travel. If you are planning to travel during the peak period between April and September, then we do recommend booking up to a year in advance to secure the dates and accommodation that you would like.

What clothing should I pack for a Borneo Tour?

If you are travelling into the rainforest, and particularly if participating in a walking tour or a trek then we advise packing all of the following items:

• Sturdy and comfortable walking shoes
• Lightweight and quick-drying clothing (not jeans)
• Waterproof jacket
• A small day pack
• A torch or headlight
• A refillable water bottle
• A hat (preferably waterproof)
• Insect repellent

How do I book a Borneo tour?

It is important that you book a Borneo tour that is right for you. Our experienced Borneo experts can advise you and recommend which tours will suit you best. They can also combine multiple tours to different destinations to create the perfect Borneo holiday for you. Of course, they can also arrange flights and a beach holiday after your tour if you wish. We recommend speaking directly with one of FREEDOM’s Borneo travel consultants who will be able to talk you through the whole process from enquiry to travelling.