The Wilds of Borneo: Orangutans & Beyond

A very important feature of our Borneo safari is the limited group size of just 12 travelers, as nature encounters are best experienced away from crowds within the intimate setting of a small group.

• Trip price includes: Accommodations, services of Nat Hab's professional Expedition Leader(s) and local guides, all meals from lunch on Day 1 through breakfast on final day, some gratuities, airport transfers on Day 1 and final day, private boat cruises at Bako National Park and Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary, all activities and entrance fees, all taxes, permits and service fees.

• Internal air cost includes: All flights within the itinerary (this will be listed separately on our invoicing).

Travel to and from the start and end point of your trip, alcoholic beverages, some gratuities, passport and visa fees (if any), optional activities, camera fees for lenses 500mm and larger and professional video camera fees paid to the parks, items of a personal nature (phone calls, laundry and internet, etc.), airline baggage fees, required medical evacuation insurance, optional travel protection insurance.

Moderate
Travelers must be able to tolerate heat and humidity while walking unassisted (without the use of walking aids) for a minimum of two miles over uneven ground at a steady pace, as well as participate in daily active excursions in extremely hot and humid rainforest conditions—the average temperature throughout our season is nearly 90°F and average humidity is approximately 90%. The itinerary involves a number of medium- to longer-length walks (typically 2-3 miles each) over a variety of terrain, including boardwalks and unpaved forest trails that can be rough, muddy, slippery and uneven with roots, with some steep inclines. If you wish to climb to the viewing platform at Gomantong Caves (optional), there are approximately 600 steps to navigate to the top. These walks can be quite taxing in the hot and humid climate and while this is the minimum consecutive distance, you must also be prepared for a daily cumulative total of up to five miles per day over the course of 4-6 hours. Shorter walks are available in some areas in place of more strenuous activities for those who choose. We also travel by vehicle and boat over variable terrain and water conditions that can sometimes be quite bumpy. Those with back problems or other health issues that could be exacerbated by such conditions should take this into consideration. We spend most of our time outdoors and travel days are typically quite long, often starting at sunrise and sometimes concluding with a night walk after dinner, although there is usually time for an afternoon "siesta" between activities. Our itinerary also includes multiple flights, which can be taxing, and internal flights may require travelers to climb up and down several sets of stairs. On custom or private departures with smaller groups, our ability to accommodate varying levels of physical abilities or interests is limited, since these trips are staffed with a single Expedition Leader who may be assisted, pending availability, by local guides.

Most of our guests travel to Borneo for encounters with the island’s wildlife. While the nature experiences here are indeed remarkable, there is a fundamental difference between a safari in the Bornean jungle and a typical safari in Africa. At times, guests lured to Borneo by tourist brochures promising “jungle safaris” can be disappointed to see fewer animals than they expected, or at least fewer than they might normally see in Africa. It is not that the surviving jungles are thinly populated with wildlife, but, similar to places like Costa Rica where the forest is thick with vegetation, the creatures have mastered the art of camouflage and deception and can be difficult to spot. At Nat Hab we design our itineraries to capitalize on the best conditions to spot orangutans and other wildlife. But various factors can affect potential sightings, including the occurrence of inclement weather. The secret to a successful Borneo nature adventure lies with the expertise of our Expedition Leaders and local guides, as well as knowing what to expect, and in understanding that the privilege of stepping into a wild and untouched natural realm is a reward in itself.

Please arrive in Kuching by 8 am on Day 1 in order to meet your group at 10 am for an orientation and lunch, which will be followed by afternoon guided activities. You are free to depart Kota Kinabalu at any time on the final day.

We can best serve you if our Natural Habitat Adventures Travel Desk makes your reservations, as we are intimately familiar with the special requirements of this program and can arrange the most efficient travel. Please call us at 800-543-8917. Note that while we offer you the best possible rates available to us on airfare and additional nights' accommodations, you may find special web rates or better fares online.