The banks of the Kinabatangan River in Sabah offer some of the best wildlife watching in Borneo. The Rainforest is home to a diverse range of species from insects to mammals as well as some pretty special endemic wildlife.
Going to the rainforest was a bucket list moment and we couldn’t wait to grab some binoculars and get stuck in. Borneo is known for the Borneo Big 5, a group of animals that are on everyone’s tick list, throughout this blog we will share information about each as well as some of our other favourites that we saw.
The big five, famous for their unique characteristics, are Estuarine Crocodiles, Rhinoceros Hornbill, Pygmy Elephants, Proboscis Monkeys and the famous Bornean Orangutans.
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Borneo Wildlife On The Kinabatangan River
Due to the deforestation in Sabah many animals have been forced closer to the Kinabatangan River creating a corridor of rich, abundant wildlife, however also making them endangered due to habitat loss, meaning these interactions are more special than ever. Borneo is one of the best places in the world for wildlife watching and of course the Borneo Big Five should be on your list.
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🗺️ Your Ultimate Borneo Map
On our way, we created a Google Pinned Map with all the places we visited in Borneo. Grab your Pinned Map today and start planning your adventure!
Borneo Orangutan – The Man Of The Treetop (Forest Human)
Perhaps the most iconic animal on the list and the one everyone wants to see. To guarantee a sighting head to the Orangutan Conservative Centre In Sepilok, however there is no feeling like seeing a fully wild orangutan. We were lucky enough to observe a young male low down on the canopy on our jungle trek when we stayed with a Tungog Rainforest Camp, and to be honest the feeling was indescribable.
Orangutans share 97% of their DNA with humans and are the only arboreal primates. Seeing them gracefully swing through trees, grab a banana and carry their young only highlights their likeness to us and the importance of their conservation. Over the past 60 years their numbers have dropped by half and there are now estimated to be 11,000 left in the Lower Kinabatangan.
Estuarine Crocodile – The Silent Predator
Basking in the sun on the backs, sneering at its unaware prey is the Estuarine Crocodile. Not the only species of croc found here, as we also saw a Saltwater Crocodile during our Kinabatangan River Tour, but the most abundant.
Taking the top spot on the food chain you’ll see multiple signs warning you of the dangers that lie below the murky surface. Estuarine crocodiles can grow up to 7m long and are an eerie sight to see floating centimetres from your boat!
If you love wildlife, discover more about the Kinabatangan River in Borneo
Rhinoceros Hornbill – The Majestic One
Borneo is a twitchers paradise where you can see eagles, kingfishers and eight different species of Hornbill. The only bird that makes the Borneo Big Five is the Rhinoceros Hornbill, with a unique horn adorning its head these birds gracefully cross the Kinabatangan River at dawn and dusk in their pairs. Hornbills are monogamous and therefore have become a symbol of love across Malaysia, they share the same partner for life! We also recommend the Rainforest Discovery Center in Sepilok for amazing bird watching.
Proboscis Monkey – The Unique One
The most unique animal on the list and one you can only see in Borneo. The Proboscis Monkey, famous for its bulbous nose, was a highlight of our boat tour; we saw many monkeys swinging between trees, grooming each other and chilling in the canopy. This is particularly special as only 6000 remain in Sabah making them an endangered species.
Proboscis Monkeys live in communities made up of all-male or unimale and there can be between 3-30 monkeys in a group. While in Sabah we saw multiple large groups on the banks of the Kinabatangan River.
Pygmy Elephants – The Elusive One
The elusive Pygmy Elephants! We weren’t lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the smallest sub species of elephant as they were further down the river when we visited. The Pygmy Elephants often live in a herd made up of 30+ individuals that will be led by a female and can often be seen bathing, drinking or swimming in the Kinabatangan River.
Other Borneo Animals
Of course the Borneo Big Five isn’t the only wildlife you’re going to see during your time in the jungle. There is lots more to discover from tiny, iridescent white collared kingfishers to silver monkeys, black prevost squirrels, monitor lizards and white sea eagles. Of course this is still only a handful of the wonderful wildlife you’re going to experience on your trip to Borneo.
Night Wildlife In Borneo
The night jungle walks are often overlooked by tourists, it’s dark, humid, sweaty and there are animals that can kill you in a matter of hours, but with a guide you can discover what happens in the jungle after sunset.
Some animals that we saw included scorpions, a Malay civet, tarsier as well as lots of bugs, frogs and snakes.
Don’t forget a Head Torch for the Night walks!
Borneo Wildlife Tours
One of the best ways to experience wildlife in the Borneo Jungle is through guided tours. We recommend visiting the Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC) where in the day you can explore yourself and at night join a guided night walk to uncover the park’s secrets after dark.
If you’re on the hunt for the Borneo Big Five then staying on the river with an eco camp is a great way to get the most out of your stay. We stayed at Tungog Eco Rainforest Camp and through their jungle treks and river cruises were able to tick off 4 of the big 5.
Discover our favourite Kinabatangan accommodation, The Tungog Rainforest Eco Camp
We also recommend spending some of your time in Sepilok, you can get a guided tour from Sandakan or explore yourself. Here you can visit the Sun Bear Conservation Centre, Orangutan Centre and the RDC.
Read more here about The Rainforest Discovery Centre
Best Places To Stay In Sepilok
Best Places To Stay In Sepilok
$ Budget
Sepilok B&B
Located near the Rainforest Discovery Centre, Sepilok B&B is in a a prime location. With both private rooms and shared dorms this is a great place for solo travellers or couples.
$$ Mid-Range
Sepilok Jungle Resort
A top choice for families with a large swimming pool and delicious onsite restaurant. Sepilok Jungle Resort is close to the Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre.
$$$ High-End
Sepilok Forest Edge Resort
Situated on the edge of the jungle, the property is surrounded by nature. You can choose between a private room or a bed in a shared dorm plus there is a plunge pool and restaurant.
Spacing
Top Things To Do In Sepilok
Top Pick: Rainforest Discovery Centre
A bridge between human civilisation and the dense Bornean jungle, home to some of the last wild orangutans left on planet earth, the Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC) Sepilok is a true gem and a must visit on your trip to Borneo.
Best Experience: Orangutan Sanctuary
On the edge of the Sabah rainforest reserve in Sepilok, you can find the Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. In our eyes, an ethical centre that helps reintroduce Orangutans to the jungle.
Most Educational : Sun Bear Conservation Centre
In the middle of the Bornean Jungle lies a Conservation Centre for the world’s smallest and cutest bear, the Sun Bear.
Off The Beaten Track: Head to Tungog Eco Camp
Fancy an adventure? Head deep into the jungle and find on the banks of the Kinabatangan River the Tungog Eco Camp. Spend your days on the river looking for wildlife such as the proboscis monkey, trekking in the jungle and uncovering hidden caves.
Essential Items You Need For Borneo
Allowing you to fill up water whenever and wherever with peace of mind, plus you’re helping the environment
The week sprays will not work! Make sure to bring a high DEET percentage spray made for the tropics. We also use Mosquito Wipes.
Binoculars To Spot The Wonderful Wildlife
You’re most likely heading to Borneo for the wildlife. Don’t miss out on seeing these amazing animals up close and pack a good pair of binoculars!
Life while travelling will never be the same again! Charge multiple devices all at once in any country… game changer.
Top Tips For Travelling Borneo
If you’re visiting Borneo, here’s our top tips:
- Try Nasi Lemak – The national dish of Malaysia, Nasi Lemak is fresh grated coconut and steamed rice served on banana leaves.
- Book flights in advance – they can become expensive if you leave it last minute… Also don’t forget your Apple Airtags to track your bags.
- Don’t skip the Kinabatangan River – It may be pricey but this is where you’re going to see most of Borneo’s wildlife, including wild orangutans, proboscis monkeys and pygmy elephants.
- Dress for the jungle – Pack long sleeve, lightweight materials that cover you from mosquitos but will also keep you cool. Don’t forget your Raincoat as tropical downpours are frequent.
