6 Thrilling River Cruises, Wildlife Sanctuaries & Diving Tours To Experience In Borneo
Explore magical Borneo through wild and wonderful adventures.
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Home to some of the world's richest wildlife habitats and marine ecosystems, the island offers plenty of ways to get up close with nature
Here are six thrilling experiences to add to your Borneo itinerary:
1. Kinabatangan River Wildlife Cruise, Sabah
One of the best ways to experience Borneo's wild side is by cruising along the Kinabatangan River, where dense rainforest lines the riverbanks and wildlife can often be spotted among the trees. Keep your eyes peeled for proboscis monkeys with their distinctive noses, colourful hornbills, and even Bornean pygmy elephants if you're lucky.
Guided river cruises let you explore this incredible ecosystem from the water, with some packages offering multiple trips at different times of the day for better chances of spotting wildlife.
Book the experience here: Traveloka
2. Klias Wetlands River Cruise, Sabah
As the sun sets over Sabah's Klias Wetlands, the mangroves become a natural hideout for wildlife, including proboscis monkeys that can sometimes be spotted resting among the branches. A boat ride through the winding waterways offers a chance to take in the peaceful surroundings while looking out for birds and other animals along the river.
Stay on the water until nightfall, when fireflies may begin twinkling among the trees like tiny fairy lights.
Book the experience here: Traveloka
3. Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, Sabah
Meeting an orangutan in its natural forest surroundings is an unforgettable wildlife experience, and the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre near Sandakan offers visitors a chance to learn about efforts to rehabilitate orphaned and rescued orangutans.
Watch these remarkable primates move through the forest canopy and learn how conservation teams help prepare them for life in the wild. Make a day of it by visiting the nearby Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, where you can learn about another of Borneo's threatened mammals.
Book the experience here: Traveloka | Agoda
4. Bako National Park Wildlife Tour, Sarawak
Sarawak's Bako National Park packs a surprising variety of landscapes into one destination, from dense rainforest and mangrove swamps to secluded beaches and dramatic sandstone formations.
Its network of walking trails takes visitors through different habitats, where you might spot proboscis monkeys, silvered langurs, monitor lizards, and bearded pigs along the way. Getting there is part of the adventure, too, with a boat ride from Kampung Bako taking you to the park's coastline.
Book the experience here: Traveloka
5. Sipadan Island Diving Trip, Sabah
Beneath Sipadan Island's turquoise waters lies an underwater world filled with coral reefs, swirling schools of fish, and sea turtles gliding through the currents. Located off Sabah's east coast, this celebrated diving destination is particularly known for its dramatic drop-offs, where the seabed plunges into deep blue waters and marine life gathers around the reef walls.
Diving trips are typically arranged through licensed operators based around Semporna and nearby islands, but access to Sipadan is regulated and permits are limited.
Book the experience here: Traveloka | Malaysia Airlines
6. Mabul Island Snorkelling And Diving Tour, Sabah
For another taste of Borneo's underwater wonders, head to Mabul Island off Sabah's southeastern coast, where clear waters and colourful marine habitats make it a popular base for diving and snorkelling.
Beneath the surface, divers can discover fascinating small marine creatures among the reefs, while snorkellers can enjoy exploring shallower waters without needing scuba certification. It's a good option for travellers who want to spend more time on the water, whether they're seasoned divers or simply keen to see more of Borneo's marine life.
Book the experience here: Traveloka
