Wildlife Encounters in Malaysian Borneo (2025)

Cover Photo Credit: The World At My Feet

Our guide stopped and motioned us closer. We moved slowly through the soft sand and mangroves of the the rainforest of Malaysia. A wild pig and half a dozen two week old striped piglets were trudging through the sand a few meters away. We froze. They gathered in groups, sniffing the air with their pink snouts. The wild piglets stood within touching distance for a moment. Then, they changed direction and they scattered into the underbrush. Our guide, was a local and had had lived his entire life in that jungle, said he had never experienced anything like it. Of all the places I have travelled around the world, Malaysian Borneo has given some of the most unforgettable wildlife experiences. We encountered orangutans, proboscis monkeys, enormous monitor lizards, bright green snakes and much more apart from piglets. If you are looking for a Southeast Asia destination that is relatively less unspoiled by tourism and overflowing with natural beauty, I highly recommend it.

How to get to Malaysian Borneo

Via Air

You can fly into Sabah via the Kota Kinabalu International Airport, which is about 20 minutes from the city. Then, you’ll need to take a taxi as this is the only mode of transport, although some hotels offer shuttle bus pick up. There are daily flights offered from Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia. If you fly to Kuching International Airport, you can travel from there as well. Once you are in Malaysian Borneo you can take flights between many of the cities including Miri, Bintulu, Sibu and Sandakan. There are bus services between the main points in Malaysian Borneo.

Via Sea

You travel via ferry to Sabah from the Philippines, Indonesia and Labuan. You’ll arrive at Kota Kinabalu and go through the immigration checkpoint there.

The Best Places to See Wildlife in Malaysian Borneo

Wildlife Encounters in Malaysian Borneo (1)

Photo by Luca Ambrosi

Here are some of the best national parks and outdoor experiences.

Bako National Park

It was while around Bako National Park, we had the unforgettable encounter with wild piglets I wrote about in the introduction to this post. We hiked around Bako National Park with a local guide who knew the jungle was so incredibly enriching and it enhanced our experience greatly. We noticed a snake curled around a tree from several meters away, even though it was exactly the same colour as the leaves. I would definitely recommend hiking around with a guide, they will point out so many creatures and plants that you would otherwise miss. This dense rainforest ecosystem in Sarawak is home to 64 species of mammals, 237 species of birds, 46 species of reptiles and 20 species of frogs. You can hike Lambir Hills to find refreshing waterfalls in the jungle. There are arrangements to stay overnight in the park at wooden forest lodge chalets. They are basic, but they are comfortable. If you really want to get up close with nature there is also a campsite. One of the most fascinating creatures you can see in Malaysian Borneo is the orangutan. These beautiful and intelligent animals are endangered species and are decreasing due to hunting, the live animal trade, humans encroaching on their habitat and deforestation. The orangutans are not fenced in, and are free to roam the jungle and are fed twice a day by the sanctuary workers. This protected park has been established since 1975 and it offers a safe home for orangutans that have been orphaned, injured or rescued from captivity. When the orangutans are rescued, they are given medical care and then they are raised to become independent and be able to survive on their own in the wild. They learn the basic activities, how to swing, climb and forage for their own food. It takes around two to four years until the orangutans are able to fend for themselves and can be released.

Kinabatangan River Safari

Commencing in the Crocker Range, it is the longest river in Sabah and travels 560km down to a mangrove swamp estuary in the Sulu Sea on the East Coast of Sabah. This gorgeous river has a unique ecosystem and is thought to be one of the most accessible and varied places to see wildlife in all of Southeast Asia. This is home to proboscis monkeys. These monkeys have large bulbous noses and they are often seen jumping and chattering in the trees. On your safari you might also encounter giant monitor lizards, hornbills, hawks, kingfishers, rare birdlife and even saltwater crocodiles. The best way to see the abundant wildlife of this rich ecosystem is best experienced by the river safari. As you float down the river you will see the local fishermen everywhere, as the river is their livelihood. This is a protected area of virgin rainforest. It is located in the eastern region of Sabah and it is home to an incredible cast of creatures, including mouse deer, clouded leopards, Sumatran rhinos, Borneo pygmy elephants and gibbons. Bird watchers can spot spectacled flowerpecker here, one of the rarest birds in the world. Over here, you can indulge in many thrilling activities, including swimming in the river, bird watching, jungle treks, night tours and much more. To reach here, head to the nearest town of Lahad Datu, then make your way to Borneo Rainforest Lodge. Guided walks through the lowland rainforest trails, night walks and drives are highly recommended. I’ve had a lot of amazing wildlife encounters on my travels, from swimming with wild dolphins in Brazil to spotting leopards on safari in Sri Lanka to feeding kangaroos in Australia.

Malaysian Borneo is sketched out in my memory prominently as one of my favourite places in the world for experiencing unspoilt nature up close. Getting within sniffing distance of tiny wild piglets, watching proboscis monkeys swing through the trees, seeing rare orangutans are some of the unforgettable experiences.

Wildlife Encounters in Malaysian Borneo (2025)

FAQs

Wildlife Encounters in Malaysian Borneo? ›

Best places to visit to see Bornean wildlife

What is the best time of year to see wildlife in Borneo? ›

The Best Time to Visit Borneo for Wildlife: July to October

For wildlife enthusiasts, Borneo's dry season, particularly from July to October, presents a unique chance to observe some extraordinary wildlife.

What is the biggest predator in Borneo? ›

The true king of the Bornean jungle the Sunda clouded leopard is a formidable predator highly adapted to life in the forest. Probably the most sought after animal for wildlife sighting in Borneo is the Sunda clouded leopard. As the largest cat in Borneo they are a formidable predator.

What wildlife lives in Borneo? ›

As well as famously being home to the endangered orangutan, it is a natural habitat for the Borneo elephant, proboscis monkey, Bornean clouded leopard and so many more. Moving out to the littoral layers, Borneo's coast proffers peat swamp forests and mangroves, where birds really do rule the roost.

Is Borneo jungle safe? ›

But like all wild destinations, visiting Borneo isn't risk-free. Getting lost in the jungle, kidnapped by pirates or even eaten by a crocodile, these are just a few things that could happen to you (though admittedly, you'd need to be very unlucky)!

When not to go to Borneo? ›

Borneo can be visited during the entire year. The most rain falls from October through February, with December and January producing the most rainfall in the area surrounding Kuching in Sarawak.

When to see orangutans in Borneo? ›

June, July and August are peak season on the island, with the best weather conditions but the biggest crowds and highest prices. The wildlife is very active at this point in the year – the summer months are a perfect time to see the famous orangutans and turtles native to Borneo.

Where to avoid in Borneo? ›

In Borneo, the east coast of Sabah is considered dangerous. In the past, there have been kidnappings and attempted kidnappings of both locals and tourists in this area. The islands off the city of Semporna have been most affected.

What is poisonous in Borneo? ›

The island is home to 24 venomous snakes, 19 of which are aquatic. The most venomous is the yellow-lipped sea krait, and they live off eels and small fish.

Are there Komodo dragons in Borneo? ›

- Go ashore searching for the fearsome Komodo dragons found only in the Komodo National Park. This is the world's largest lizard, growing up to a length of three meters and weighing up to approximately 70 kilograms. - Enjoy some magnificent snorkelling on some of Komodo Park's best reefs.

Are there a lot of snakes in Borneo? ›

Amazingly, there are around 160 snake species in Borneo. The vast majority are harmless, but there are 24 species of venomous snakes, the most dangerous of which is the yellow-lipped sea krait. All of Borneo's snakes are very reserved and unused to human company, so they'll vigilantly avoid your footsteps.

Where is the best place to see wildlife in Borneo? ›

Deramakot Forest Reserve, Sabah: one of the finest places to see Borneo's rare and endangered wildlife, including the clouded leopard and banteng. Danum Valley Conservation Area, Sabah is a protected area of rainforest known for its variety of birds and other wildlife, including the Bornean orangutan.

Are there wild tigers in Borneo? ›

Tigers never occurred on Borneo

The island of Borneo has been connected to Sumatra and Java several times during the Pleistocene when lower sea levels exposed the Sunda shelf. It is generally assumed that during the glacials most faunal exchanges between the islands occurred (e.g. Groves 1990).

What injections do you need for Borneo? ›

For most short-term travellers the usual recommended vaccinations for Borneo include cover against the childhood diseases (Tetanus and Diphtheria, Measles, Mumps and Rubella), as well as cover against the food and water borne diseases of Typhoid and Hepatitis A.

Can you wear shorts in Borneo? ›

The tropical days are hot and humid and we recommend light, comfortable cotton shirts. Casual wear is acceptable for most occasions in the city; on trips to the interior, shorts and T-shirts may be more appropriate.

Are mosquitos bad in Borneo? ›

Dengue Fever and Malaria are present in Borneo. Dengue Fever is a viral disease with flu like symptoms that is transmitted by mosquitoes that bite during the DAYTIME and in URBAN regions. There is no vaccine for dengue fever and prevention is based upon insect repellents, nets and insecticides.

What is the best time to go to Borneo? ›

The best time to visit Borneo is between March and October, when the island is hot, humid, and at its driest. This makes it one of Southeast Asia's few summer destinations. It is also the best time to see orangutans in the wild, while turtles can be seen on Lankayan Island between June and September.

When can you see turtles in Borneo? ›

Turtles lay their eggs throughout the year, but the best time to head there is between July and October when the sea is calmer. Observe the collection of eggs, tagging of mother turtles and releasing baby turtles to the sea.

What is the weather like in the Borneo jungle? ›

Borneo Weather and Average Temperature

Temperatures are steady throughout the year, regardless of precipitation. The lowlands (Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan, and coastal areas) enjoy temperatures between 80-90 F (27-32 C) year-round and the highlands (Renau, Kinabalu National Park, Crocker Range) maintain 65-75 F (18.

What is the rainy season in Borneo? ›

The wettest times are during the Northeast Monsoon months of November to February, and the “dry” season is from June until August.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Ray Christiansen

Last Updated:

Views: 6195

Rating: 4.9 / 5 (49 voted)

Reviews: 80% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Ray Christiansen

Birthday: 1998-05-04

Address: Apt. 814 34339 Sauer Islands, Hirtheville, GA 02446-8771

Phone: +337636892828

Job: Lead Hospitality Designer

Hobby: Urban exploration, Tai chi, Lockpicking, Fashion, Gunsmithing, Pottery, Geocaching

Introduction: My name is Ray Christiansen, I am a fair, good, cute, gentle, vast, glamorous, excited person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.