THE BEST PLACES TO SEE WILDLIFE IN BORNEO
Borneo is a biodiverse paradise in Southeast Asia, home to some of the world’s most critically endangered species. Spanning three countries, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei, Borneo is an oasis of diverse landscapes, ecosystems, and cultures.
Borneo’s tropical rainforests and lush jungles support some of the most magnificent creatures roaming our planet, including orangutans and clouded leopards, as well as endemic species nowhere else on earth, like Pygmy elephants and Proboscis monkeys.
Trek through Indonesia’s vast national parklands on a guided wildlife tour, engage in responsible ecotourism with a visit to Orangutan sanctuaries, or take a midnight safari to spot some of the most elusive nocturnal species in the world.
If you’re searching for the best wildlife adventures in Borneo, here are five unmissable spots to add to your travel itinerary.
1. Tanjung Puting National Park
Situated in the heart of Indonesia’s Kalimantan region, the Tanjung Puting National Park is teeming with incredible species and stunning landscapes. Dominated by tropical rainforests, mangroves and peat swamps, this conservation area spans over 400,000 hectares and supports a range of plant and animal life.
Famously, the park is home to one of the most endangered apes in the world – the Bornean orangutan. Take a guided wildlife tour to spot these magnificent creatures swinging from lowland forest trees, adding a vibrant splash of orange to the otherwise green expanses.
Visitors can also enjoy a scenic cruise down the Sekonyer River, meandering through the heart of Tanjung Park, which offers brilliant wildlife spotting opportunities. Look out for distinctive proboscis monkeys perched in the treetops, or listen to the sweet serenade of hornbills and kingfishers as they flit through the mangroves.
2. Sepilok Orangutan Centre
The Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre is located in Sabah, a biodiverse region of East Malaysia. One of the oldest wildlife rehabilitation centers in the world, the reserve focuses on supporting orangutans who have been orphaned, rescued, or displaced due to deforestation and poaching.
With an educational mission, the center aims to teach visitors about the importance of protecting critically endangered species before releasing them back into the wild. Take a guided tour of the canopies to admire these magnificent creatures up close, and be sure to visit at feeding times to see baby orangutans play in the outdoor nursery.
Visiting wildlife sanctuaries is crucial for promoting awareness of the threats faced by Borneo’s animals. Be sure to visit the Sepilok Orangutan Centre during your trip to Borneo to gain a deeper understanding of how we can protect our planet.
3. Deramakot Forest Reserve
In northeastern Sabah, the Deramakot Reserve is a vast expanse of tropical rainforest characterized by its ecological diversity and sustainable practices. Home to a vast array of flora and fauna, the park offers visitors an opportunity to witness some of Southeast Asia’s most interesting wildlife.
Enjoy Borneo wildlife tours in Deramakot where guides will take you on a journey through dense rainforests, spotting docile Pygmy elephants and striking proboscis monkeys in their natural habitat. For bird-watching enthusiasts, admire the kaleidoscope of colour flying overhead, including crimson sunbirds and blue bee-eaters.
For the chance to spot more elusive creatures, like the clouded leopard or sun bear, venture on a night safari in Deramakot Reserve when these magnificent nocturnal species bring the forest to life under Borneo’s star-spotted sky.
4. Ulu Temburong National Park
The Ulu Temburong National Park is in southeastern Brunei, covering over 50,000 hectares of pristine tropical rainforest and mountainous terrain. From slithering reptiles to elegant deer, this park is teeming with beautiful wildlife species and entices visitors with its mission of sustainable tourism.
Venture along hiking trails and immerse yourself in the park’s flourishing greenery, spotting majestic sambar deer and wild boars along the way. The high canopy walks are a special feature of this park, offering panoramic views of the rainforest from 164 feet above the ground.
The park has a particular focus on eco-tourism, and river cruises are available for visitors to explore the delicate water systems responsibly. Venture down the Temburong River with local guides who can expertly navigate the mangroves and point out freshwater dwellers.
5. Kinabatangan river
Taking the crown as the longest river in Sabah, Kinabatangan is famously known as one of the most biodiverse regions of Southeast Asia. Supplying water to lowland forests, floodplains and peat swamps, the Kinabatangan River supports a vast array of Malaysia’s wildlife.
Trekk alongside the river banks to spot Kinabatangan’s varied marine life, including crocodiles, freshwater sharks, and Irrawaddy dolphins. Famous for roaming these waterways, pygmy elephants are common to the region and can be spotted cooling off in the river’s swampy pools.
Eco-lodges are a great way to immerse yourself in the beauty of Kinabatangan rainforest. Stay overnight in a comfortable hut, serenaded by the sounds of the jungle. For a unique experience, venture out after dusk on an evening river cruise to spot the night-dwellers that roam these waters.
Summary
Borneo is one of the most naturally beautiful and biodiverse regions of Southeast Asia. With its rich and varied landscapes spanning across Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei, the island is home to many unique species of flora and fauna.
From midnight safaris spotting elusive leopards to tours of orangutan conservation centers, the wildlife viewing opportunities in Borneo are as abundant as they are breathtaking.
Exploring delicate ecosystems containing some of the world’s most endangered species comes with responsibility, and eco-tours are available to ensure you travel through this magical region of our planet sustainably.
So, when you plan your Borneo adventure, be sure to add these magnificent wildlife hotspots to your itinerary.
