This is an introduction to the areas our Birdlife & Wildlife of Borneo journey can take you to. For further detail about these areas and the birds, mammals and flora you can hope to see on this trip (such as bird lists) please Contact one of our Borneo experts who will be more than happy to provide more information.

Mount Kinabalu National Park is an area of incredible biodiversity. At its peak it rises to 4095m, but on this journey we focus on the forested slopes of the mountain where we can find 320 species of birds, giant pitcher plants, the Rafflesia flower and 30% of Borneo's orchids. The isolation of such a large mountain so far from the major mountain ranges has created a unique a fascinating high altitude 'island' environment.  56 strictly montane bird species are found here, 17 of which are endemic to Borneo. Species to look out for include the endemic Whiteheads Spiderhunter and Mountain Serpent Eagle.

The flooded and coastal lowland rainforest areas of the Kinabatangan River Delta are a stark ecological contrast to the Kinabalu National Park. The Kinabatangan is Sabah's longest river and one of the best places to spot Proboscis Monkeys, Gibbons, wild Orangutans and 7 other species of primate. Bornean Pygmy elephants are often seen gathering on the rivers banks and the birdlife is spectacular. Birdlife includes Hornbills, Lesser Fish Eagles, Crested Serpent Eagles and another endemic, the Bornean Bristlehead.

The Gomantong Caves region is an area renowned for its Cathedral like stone caverns, is the home of vast numbers of bats and cave swiftlets whose nests are sustainably harvested and in a unique manner each year. A riverine area not far from these caves has also become the focus of our pioneering wild Orangutan searches which have been achieving some excellent sightings. At sunset we return to the caves to witness thousands of bats emerging like a cloud to avoid the attentions of waiting raptors.

Danum Valley is an area of Sabah that has never been logged: a pristine primary rainforest still thick with huge fig trees and Dipterocarps which can reach 60 metres or more. Due to its pristine nature, Danum is the focus of much rainforest research and here we can venture into the canopy along one of the most dramatic canopy walkways in Borneo. This is a tremendous vantage point for birdwatching, whilst at ground level we have chances of seeing small deer, Civet Cats, and Slow Loris. Endemic bird species in Danum include the Black Throated Wren Babbler and Whiteheads Broadbill.

The Tabin Wildlife Reserve forms Sabah's largest protected area, with forest bubbling with mud volcanoes and potentially the home to some of Borneo's rarest creatures - the Sumatran Rhino, Orangutans, Leopard Cats and Clouded Leopards. This is where Orangutans from the Sepilok Centre are eventually released back into the wild. Birdlife includes the endemic Bulwers Pheasant, Blue Headed Pitta and spectacular Changeable Hawk Eagle. 

We visit the Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre at Sepilok before heading to the Kinabatangan.  Whilst this is a fairly busy spot, it provides an excellent opportunity to learn more about these Great Apes before heading into wilder Bornean envionrments.

Photos kindly provided by David Norman, Paul Lammiman, Martin Bobrow, Roly Pitts, David Slater, Charlotte Caffrey, Ralph Pannell and SMART.