A Journey Into Sabah’s Wild Heart
There is a special kind of magic that unfolds deep in the rainforests of Sabah, Borneo. On this 7-day private Borneo wildlife tour, we explored some of the region’s most iconic conservation areas with Gibbon Adventure, experiencing wildlife encounters that felt straight out of a documentary.
From the moment we arrived, we stepped into a world of ancient forests, winding rivers, and extraordinary biodiversity. Despite the tropical rains, the jungle revealed itself in unforgettable ways.
Borneo Wildlife Encounters
First, our journey began in Sepilok, home to world-renowned conservation centers. We visited the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, where we observed rescued orangutans in a semi-wild environment.
In addition, we explored the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, where we learned about the world’s smallest bear species. Afterward, we continued our journey to the Rainforest Discovery Centre, where elevated canopy walkways offered a new perspective of the rainforest ecosystem.
A highlight of the trip occurred on the RDC canopy walkway, a close-up encounter with a young orangutan swinging through the treetops. More importantly, this experience reminded us why preserving this habitat is so vital.
Sightings: 10 Orangutans (including Alpha Male) • Young Orangutan at RDC • Red Giant Flying Squirrel • Oriental Pied Hornbill • Wallace’s Hawk-Eagle • Brown Barbet • Monitor Lizard • Stork-billed Kingfisher.
Deramakot Forest Reserve: Low-Impact Tourism & Borneo Wildlife Safari
Next, we entered Deramakot Forest Reserve, one of Sabah’s most important low-impact tourism areas. This protected forest limits visitor numbers to preserve its pristine ecosystem and minimize human disturbance.
As a result, wildlife encounters here feel more natural and exclusive.
Deep in the forest, we shifted into true “expedition mode.” Along the way, the rainforest rewarded us with incredible sightings and raw wilderness experiences.
Despite the tropical rain, the rainforest continued to deliver extraordinary wildlife moments.
The “Hornbill Parade” remained in full force as we spotted five hornbill species across the journey. Among them, the magnificent Rhinoceros Hornbill stood out with its striking appearance and iconic casque.
Even when its raining, the rainforest felt alive, vibrant, and unforgettable.
As night fell, the low-impact approach paid off as we tracked the jungle’s most elusive, shy residents:
1. Malay, Masked, and Common Palm Civets
2. The wide-eyed Slow Loris and the ghostly Moonrat
3. The rare Yellow-throated Marten and Bornean Colugo
Sightings: Orangutan • Gibbon • Rhinoceros Hornbill • Wreathed Hornbill • Bushy-crested Hornbill • Asian Black Hornbill • Malay Civet • Common Palm Civet • Masked Palm Civet • Slow Loris • Moonrat • Yellow-throated Marten • Thomas’s Flying Squirrel • Bornean Colugo • Short-toed Coucal • Bornean Whiskered Treeswift • Collared Kingfisher • Brown Barbet • Bronzed Drongo • White-crowned Forktail • White-crowned Shama • Indian Cuckoo • Asian Fairy-bluebird • Red-eyed Bulbul • Cream-vented Bulbul • Pied Fantail • Crested Serpent Eagle • Red Leaf Monkey • Pig-tailed Macaque.
Kinabatangan River Safari Experience
Meanwhile, our journey continued along the Kinabatangan River, one of the richest wildlife corridors in Borneo.
The river consistently rewarded us with unforgettable sightings. We observed Proboscis Monkeys leaping through the canopy. In addition, we spotted Silvered Langurs moving gracefully through the trees.
A prehistoric-looking crocodile patrolled the riverbanks, adding to the dramatic atmosphere of the safari.
To complete the experience, we were treated to an incredible birding highlight—the rare and endangered Storm’s Stork, a true reward for wildlife enthusiasts.
Without a doubt, the highlight of our river expedition came when we encountered a mother and baby Bornean Pygmy Elephant along the riverbank.
We watched them quietly as they fed near the water’s edge. In that moment, the experience became more than just wildlife viewing. It became a powerful reminder of why low-impact and sustainable tourism is essential for protecting Borneo’s fragile ecosystems.
Sightings: Bornean Pygmy Elephant (Mother & Baby) • Proboscis Monkey • Silvered Langur • Pig-tailed Macaque • Long-tailed Macaque • Blue-eared Kingfisher • Black-and-red Broadbill • Crocodile • Storm’s Stork.
Final Thoughts: Conservation and Sustainable Tourism in Borneo
This journey through Sabah was more than just a wildlife tour—it was a deep immersion into one of the world’s most important rainforest ecosystems.
Ultimately, every sighting reinforced the importance of conservation and responsible tourism. From orangutans in Sepilok to elephants along the Kinabatangan River, each encounter highlighted how fragile yet extraordinary this ecosystem truly is.
Ready for Your Ultimate Wildlife Tour?
If you enjoyed reading about our encounters in Deramakot and Sukau, you can experience it for yourself. Our 8D7N Borneo Wildlife Expedition is our most comprehensive journey, designed for those who value exclusivity, rare wildlife photography, and deep conservation impact.
