7 Reasons to Visit Borneo with Llama Travel

Written by Nathalia

Borneo is one of the world’s great wildlife destinations, home to ancient rainforests, vast winding rivers and rare animals. Llama Travel’s Borneo holidays are carefully planned so you make the most of your time in Malaysian Borneo. Sepilok and the waters of the Kinabatangan River, offer the best opportunities to see orangutans up close, as well as other amazing jungle wildlife, including pygmy elephants, proboscis monkeys and hornbills. The lively streets of Kuching, Borneo’s most interesting city, provide a contrast to the wildlife, and you can even add a relaxing beach stay on Gaya Island after an unforgettable mix of wildlife and landscapes.

1. Small Groups

At Llama Travel, our group size on average is 11 people, with a maximum of 18, whether you’re exploring lively cities, taking wildlife cruises, or joining guided jungle walks. In Borneo, smaller groups mean quieter wildlife encounters, easier travel between places, and more time with your guide to learn about the rainforest, wildlife and local cultures.

2. Design Your Own Holiday

With Llama Travel, you can plan your Borneo holiday to suit your interests by choosing from a range of itineraries, extensions and optional excursions. Mix and match the areas you are most interested in visiting, including Sepilok, Kinabatangan River, Sukau, Kuching, Kota Kinabalu, and the tropical beaches of Gaya Island. Perhaps visit the incredible caves and bats of Mulu National Park, or stay in the comfort of Borneo Rainforest Lodge in the ancient primary rainforest of Danum Valley. Every holiday can be adjusted to your taste, so you make the most of your time in Malaysia.

Kota Kinabalu

3. Orangutans

All our Borneo itineraries include many chances to spot orangutans. Visit the Semenggoh Wildlife Centre and the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, where orangutans roam freely in a semi-wild environment, and you can watch feeding sessions and learn more about conservation efforts. For encounters in the wild, you have three days on the Kinabatangan River, where orangutans gather on the riverbank to feed and play, alongside proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants and a wide variety of birdlife. The Danum Valley extension, in the heart one of Borneo’s last untouched rainforests, gives another chance to spot orangutans in the wild.

Orangutans, Borneo

4. Three nights on Kinabatangan River

Our itineraries include stays in two lodges in different locations along the Kinabatangan River, with boat rides maximising your chance of spotting wildlife. Your stay at the Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort offers a more remote experience, with few other lodges nearby, while the Sukau Rainforest Lodge is one of Borneo’s most highly regarded lodges. Guided river cruises and night excursions increase the chances of seeing wildlife at different times of the day, and a visit to the Gomantong Cave offers a completely different wildlife experience.

Kinabatangan River

5. Explore Kuching

All our Borneo holidays begin in Kuching, the capital of Sarawak, a charming and attractive city with a fascinating history. The influence of the British, Chinese, Indians, and Malaysians, as well as the indigenous populations, are all visible, with lively markets, excellent food, colonial architecture and lovely riverside walkways. You can visit the nearby Annah Rais Longhouse to learn about the traditional cultures of the region, and there is also excellent wildlife viewing, with the Semenggoh Wildlife Centre allowing you to observe orangutans in the semi-wild, and you can take a mangrove cruise to look for Irrawaddy dolphins. Kuching is an excellent starting point for exploring Borneo’s wildlife and heritage, and should be a must on any visit to Borneo.

Semenggoh Wildlife Centre

6. Extend to:

a) Gaya Island

End your holiday with a beach stay on Gaya Island. Just a short boat ride from Kota Kinabalu, it is the perfect place to relax after your rainforest adventures. You can swim, snorkel or simply relax around the pool, enjoying the tranquillity of the island and its white sandy beaches. There are also forest trails, if you are still up for something more adventurous!

Aerial view of Gaya Island

b) Danum Valley

Danum Valley, one of Borneo’s last untouched rainforests, is home to orangutans, gibbons, and hornbills, and offers exceptional wildlife viewing. Wander the ancient forest and hear it come alive at dusk, whilst staying at Borneo Rainforest Lodge, one of the finest rainforest lodges in the world. The accommodation is first class and the food is excellent, meaning that you can experience a true jungle wilderness whilst staying in comfort.

Borneo Rainforest Lodge

c) Gaya Island

Mulu National Park shows a very different side of Borneo. Famous for its cave systems, the area is home to the evening bat exodus, when millions of free-tailed bats stream into the night sky, providing one of the world’s most impressive wildlife spectacles. You also explore dramatic cave formations and enjoy rainforest walks. Adding Mulu to your trip provides a striking contrast to the rest of Borneo and is a memorable way to extend your holiday.

Mulu National Park

7) Speak to an Expert

Our travel experts have experienced Borneo first-hand, so when you speak to us, you’re getting advice from people who’ve actually been there. With our knowledge and experience, we’ll help you create a holiday that’s planned perfectly for you, and filled with memories to last a lifetime.

Luca, Llama Travel Founder

Inspired by this, and want to experience the best of Borneo for yourself? Order a free brochure to find out more about our Borneo itineraries, or contact us to speak to one of our Travel Consultants today.

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