Malaysia ranks among the world’s 17 “megadiverse” nations, with Borneo standing out as their remarkable hub of biodiversity! The globe’s third largest island, bordered by a coral reef, shrouded in a 130-million-year-old rainforest, and brimming with endemic species, this destination is monumental in scope. While Malaysian Borneo is divided with two other nations (Indonesia and Brunei), Malaysia’s Sabah state, located at the island’s northern tip, boasts the most protected rainforest, the tallest mountain, a rich indigenous culture (38 groups constituting 59% of the population), and a solid tourism infrastructure to explore these wild marvels…making it the ideal choice for a trip to Borneo! We allocated 12 days for our travels in Sabah (though a month would have been easily justified) and are thrilled to share the highlights of Malaysian Borneo. Follow along in this blog as we journey with orangutans, dive into the legendary Sipadan, embark on a river safari akin to David Attenborough, and focus on the top activities to enjoy in Sabah, Malaysia.
A big thank you to Allianz Travel for supporting our content and keeping us safe on this adventure…travel insurance is essential for any journey to Borneo!
Sabah Travel Itinerary
Route & Timing:
Sepilok (1 day) > Sukau & Kinabatangan River (2 days) > Sipadan Scuba Diving Trip (3 Days if diving; skip if not) > Danum Valley Conservation Area (2 days) > Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park (2 Days) > Kinabalu Park (2 Days) > Transit Days (add 2 days buffer overall)
This 12-14 day Sabah travel itinerary commences in the northeast at Sepilok, progressing in a clockwise manner, culminating in the capital of Kota Kinabalu by the South China Sea. It presents a thrilling blend of Borneo’s rivers, rainforests, islands, mountains, indigenous culture, and urban areas. This blog encompasses all our favorite experiences (including those we missed), and if you scroll to the end of this post you can find all the logistical information.
Sepilok, Northeast Sabah
Located just outside the bustling city of Sandakan, the Sepilok area is ideal for an overnight stay due to this educational trifecta: Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center + Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre + Rainforest Discovery Centre…all conveniently located within walking distance.
Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
Since its establishment in 1964, the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre has been performing extraordinary work rehabilitating orphaned and injured orangutans within its 10,611-acre sanctuary. Within this vast rainforest reserve, 60-80 orangutans live autonomously in the wild, while around 25 orphaned orangutans receive care in the nurseries until they are ready for release. The prime times to visit Sepilok are at 10am or 3pm when food is provided for the orangutans still requiring assistance.
We trekked for 10 minutes along the forested boardwalk to reach the feeding platform. Four orangutans were gathered in a circle, sharing treats, stretching, and caring for a delightfully fidgety baby. Given that orangutans share 97% of our DNA, their familiar behaviors are strikingly apparent. Then arrived Malim, a 25-year-old flanged male weighing close to 200 pounds with a 7-foot wingspan, swinging in from the ropes. With notable cheeks, a prominent throat pouch, and flowing red hair, he exemplifies a dominant male, and we were indeed fortunate to witness him!
Tip: While the temptation to see these magnificent apes in their natural habitat is strong, should that not occur, you’ll be incredibly grateful for your visit and support of the rehabilitation center.
Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre
Just across from the Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre stands the world’s first sanctuary dedicated to the smallest bear. Their undeniable cuteness has led to numerous challenges for the sun bear, resulting in a shocking number of individuals being kept in captivity! Malaysian biologist and CNN Hero, Wong Siew Te, sought to end this practice through the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre’s rescue initiative, rehabilitation facility, and public awareness programs. We participated in a tour, discovering fun facts, such as sun bears being half the size of black bears, possessing 10-inch-long tongues, and getting their name from the sun-like golden patch of fur on their chest. We observed two bears pacing, still showing signs of distress from their past lives in captivity, but it was reassuring to know this rehab center exists, and we feel it’s worth a stop for a chance to see a bear in a tree enjoying a treat from a beehive, reminiscent of Winnie the Pooh!
Rainforest Discovery Centre
Moving on to our next lesson in Borneo biodiversity…The Rainforest Discovery Centre! Stroll along their impressive skywalk