Tailor-Made Luxury Wildlife Holidays by Journeysmiths
Discover Borneo’s Wildlife:
Encounters in the Rainforest
Abounding in endemic creatures, Borneo is a haven for wildlife lovers seeking immersive rainforest adventures and expert-guided safaris. Here, we suggest a dozen animals to look for in Southeast Asia’s ultimate biodiversity hotspot. Abounding in endemic creatures, Borneo is a haven for wildlife lovers seeking immersive rainforest adventures and expert-guided safaris. Here, we suggest a dozen animals to look for in Southeast Asia’s ultimate biodiversity hotspot.
Abounding in endemic creatures, Borneo is a haven for wildlife lovers seeking immersive rainforest adventures and expert-guided safaris. Here, we suggest a dozen animals to look for in Southeast Asia’s ultimate biodiversity hotspot. Abounding in endemic creatures, Borneo is a haven for wildlife lovers seeking immersive rainforest adventures and expert-guided safaris. Here, we suggest a dozen animals to look for in Southeast Asia’s ultimate biodiversity hotspot.
Borneo, Nature Most Extraordinary
Borneo’s wild heart beats with astonishing biodiversity. Home to over 220 mammal species, including 44 endemics, this ancient rainforest shelters the famed Borneo Big Five: orangutan, pygmy elephant, proboscis monkey, estuarine crocodile, and helmeted hornbill. But beyond these icons lie hidden gems: the Sunda pangolin, flying lemur, and barking deer, as well as over 420 bird species, 394 fish, and countless extraordinary insects.
From misty montane forests to mangrove swamps and peatlands, Borneo’s varied habitats nurture life found nowhere else on Earth. Guided by expert naturalists, you’ll uncover nocturnal wonders and elusive creatures while learning about vital conservation efforts that protect this fragile ecosystem.
Prepare to be enchanted by nature’s masterpiece—wild Borneo awaits.
From misty montane forests to mangrove swamps and peatlands, Borneo’s varied habitats nurture life found nowhere else on Earth. Guided by expert naturalists, you’ll uncover nocturnal wonders and elusive creatures while learning about vital conservation efforts that protect this fragile ecosystem.
Prepare to be enchanted by nature’s masterpiece—wild Borneo awaits.
From The Team
Julia Morgan
Head of Product
“Naure lovers will find that every day in Borneo unfolds into an incredible discovery. Our tailored trips are designed to suit all interests and ages, making them perfect for everyone from solo travellers to couples and families. Kids love the canopy walks and river safaris, while adults appreciate the expert guides and seamless logistics. A trip to Borneo isn’t just a holiday, it’s a chance to connect with nature in one of the world’s last great wildernesses.”
Wildlife Beyond Limits
Lush, enormous and ancient Borneo is home to bizarre creatures that demonstrate the inventive flourishes of evolution. The lungless frog breathes through its skin, and several other species of frog can glide through the air. The ninja slug fires ‘love darts’ of hormones during courtship, and there’s a giant stick insect that stretches to over 13 inches, making it one of the world’s longest insects.
The home of these sensational animals is a profuse Eden made up of many equally extraordinary plants. Rafflesia has the world’s largest flower and a scent of rotting flesh. Carnivorous pitcher plants feed on insect prey supplemented by the droppings of tiny shrews. Among more than 1,700 orchid species is one of the world’s rarest and most expensive: Rothschild’s slipper orchid.
Borneo is a lesson to us all, whether we come to think by ourselves or perhaps with our family, that every species in the rainforest plays its role in the complex, irreplaceably important and fragile balance of the whole.
The home of these sensational animals is a profuse Eden made up of many equally extraordinary plants. Rafflesia has the world’s largest flower and a scent of rotting flesh. Carnivorous pitcher plants feed on insect prey supplemented by the droppings of tiny shrews. Among more than 1,700 orchid species is one of the world’s rarest and most expensive: Rothschild’s slipper orchid.
Borneo is a lesson to us all, whether we come to think by ourselves or perhaps with our family, that every species in the rainforest plays its role in the complex, irreplaceably important and fragile balance of the whole.
Family Adventures in Borneo
Kids are fascinated by rainforests; and for good reasons. Full of beasts of outrageous forms and habits, the rainforest seems to come directly from the fertile mind of a child. From towering trees wrapped by strangler figs to the tiniest delicate flower, there’s a plant to see at every scale with animals adapted entirely to them.
Expert guides in Borneo retain that youthful enthusiasm for nature and revel in sharing their passion with the next generation. With binoculars and hand lenses at the ready, they’ll find something fascinating every few paces and share vital stories about how knowledge of individual species fits into the wider context of conservation.
If you choose Borneo for a family rainforest holiday, it’ll be enriching, exciting, unforgettable and valuable in equal measure. Lessons in life don’t come much better.
Expert guides in Borneo retain that youthful enthusiasm for nature and revel in sharing their passion with the next generation. With binoculars and hand lenses at the ready, they’ll find something fascinating every few paces and share vital stories about how knowledge of individual species fits into the wider context of conservation.
If you choose Borneo for a family rainforest holiday, it’ll be enriching, exciting, unforgettable and valuable in equal measure. Lessons in life don’t come much better.
A Dozen Animal Wonders
To choose just a few animals in Borneo is challenging, but we’ve picked out a dozen species for starters. When you go looking for these ones, your expert local guide will show you many more, and educate you about the complex web of life that links them all.
- 1. Orangutans
- 2. Proboscis monkeys
- 3. Hornbills
- 4.Pygmy elephants
- 5. Sun bears
- 6. Estuarine Crocodiles
- 7.Clouded leopards
- 8.Slow loris
- 9. Binturong
- 10. Flying squirrels
- 11. Sunda pangolins
- 12. Civets
1. The Bornean Orangutan
One of the planet’s most intelligent and captivating primates, Bornean orangutans are found only in the lush rainforests of Borneo. As the world’s largest tree-dwelling mammals, they spend most of their lives high in the canopy, using their long, powerful arms to swing gracefully between branches. These quiet apes are known for their gentle nature, expressive faces, and remarkable tool use: traits that make encounters with them deeply moving.
Their habitat spans lowland dipterocarp forests, peat swamps, and montane jungles, where they forage for wild fruits like figs and durians, along with leaves and insects. Females raise their young for up to seven years, teaching them survival skills in the treetops.
Visiting Borneo offers a rare chance to witness these endangered apes in their natural environment, while supporting vital conservation efforts.
Their habitat spans lowland dipterocarp forests, peat swamps, and montane jungles, where they forage for wild fruits like figs and durians, along with leaves and insects. Females raise their young for up to seven years, teaching them survival skills in the treetops.
Visiting Borneo offers a rare chance to witness these endangered apes in their natural environment, while supporting vital conservation efforts.
Where to stay to see them:
The Danum Valley is the ideal habitat for orangutans, as you’ll discover if you stay at the Borneo Rainforest Lodge. You’ll have some sightings deep in the forest with experts, but there’s also a ‘resident’ orangutan in the vicinity of the lodge.
There’s also a resident orangutan near Sukau Rainforest Lodge, and an in-house expert who knows the habits and locations of nearby individuals. You may see them on the banks of the Kinagatangan River.
Other lodges where orangutans are a highlight include Utan Rainforest Lodge and Sepilok Forest Edge. The Sepilok rehabilitation centre is the place to learn about conservation and care of these amazing creatures.
The Danum Valley is the ideal habitat for orangutans, as you’ll discover if you stay at the Borneo Rainforest Lodge. You’ll have some sightings deep in the forest with experts, but there’s also a ‘resident’ orangutan in the vicinity of the lodge.
There’s also a resident orangutan near Sukau Rainforest Lodge, and an in-house expert who knows the habits and locations of nearby individuals. You may see them on the banks of the Kinagatangan River.
Other lodges where orangutans are a highlight include Utan Rainforest Lodge and Sepilok Forest Edge. The Sepilok rehabilitation centre is the place to learn about conservation and care of these amazing creatures.
Expert tips:
- Early morning (6–9 AM) and late afternoon (4–6 PM) are ideal times to view orangutans, when they’re most active feeding or moving through the canopy.
- Use quiet observation from a distance; never approach them, feed them, or mimic their calls.
- Binoculars are essential for spotting high-canopy dwellers. A camera with a telephoto lens is a good investment but never use a flash.
- Be silent, be patient, and seek them out with an expert guide who understands orangutan behaviour and conservation ethics.
2. Proboscis Monkeys
Known for their distinctive long noses and pot-bellied appearance, proboscis monkeys are endemic to the island of Borneo and are on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s endangered list.
They’re threatened due to habitat loss from logging and palm oil plantations, as well as hunting. Their limited range and shrinking habitat make sightings increasingly rare, adding urgency to conservation efforts across Borneo.
The typical habitat of proboscis monkeys are coastal mangrove forests, riverine areas, and lowland dipterocarp rainforests where they never stray far from slow-moving water. Highly arboreal and excellent swimmers, they often leap from trees into rivers and make excellent headway using their webbed feet.
Socially, they live in groups led by a dominant male, and their daily routines revolve around foraging and resting near riverbanks.
They’re threatened due to habitat loss from logging and palm oil plantations, as well as hunting. Their limited range and shrinking habitat make sightings increasingly rare, adding urgency to conservation efforts across Borneo.
The typical habitat of proboscis monkeys are coastal mangrove forests, riverine areas, and lowland dipterocarp rainforests where they never stray far from slow-moving water. Highly arboreal and excellent swimmers, they often leap from trees into rivers and make excellent headway using their webbed feet.
Socially, they live in groups led by a dominant male, and their daily routines revolve around foraging and resting near riverbanks.
Where to stay to see them:
Look for them in mangrove forests, riverbanks, and lowland swamps. Top spots include Bako National Park on the banks of the Kinabatangan River. This wildlife-rich area is home to both Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort and Sukau Rainforest Lodge, where in-house ecologists lead trips along the river. They even know the places where the monkeys are likely to swim. You can also take a river excursion from Utan Rainforest Lodge for sightings of proboscis monkeys.
Look for them in mangrove forests, riverbanks, and lowland swamps. Top spots include Bako National Park on the banks of the Kinabatangan River. This wildlife-rich area is home to both Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort and Sukau Rainforest Lodge, where in-house ecologists lead trips along the river. They even know the places where the monkeys are likely to swim. You can also take a river excursion from Utan Rainforest Lodge for sightings of proboscis monkeys.
Expert tips:
- Go early or at dusk: Proboscis monkeys are most active during the early morning and late afternoon.
- Keep noise to a minimum, avoid sudden movements, and never try to touch or feed the monkeys.
- They’re easier to spot in the dry season because the relative scarcity of food makes them range more widely.
3. Hornbills
In the thick forests of Borneo, eight species of hornbill glide, each a living echo of myth and memory. Most revered are the critically endangered helmeted and rare rhinoceros hornbills, their dramatic profiles matched by a thunderous cry stirring the forest like a drumbeat.
To the Dayak people, these birds are not merely creatures; they’re sacred messengers between worlds and symbols of good fortune. Their calls ripple through the canopy, believed to carry guidance from ancestors and blessings from unseen realms.
Legends whisper that hornbills were once human, transformed to watch over their kin from above. Their mighty beaks and fearless flight embody strength and valour, inspiring warriors and storytellers alike. As guardians, they watch over the maintenance of balance and harmony on which their fellow species rely.
To the Dayak people, these birds are not merely creatures; they’re sacred messengers between worlds and symbols of good fortune. Their calls ripple through the canopy, believed to carry guidance from ancestors and blessings from unseen realms.
Legends whisper that hornbills were once human, transformed to watch over their kin from above. Their mighty beaks and fearless flight embody strength and valour, inspiring warriors and storytellers alike. As guardians, they watch over the maintenance of balance and harmony on which their fellow species rely.
Where to stay to see them:
The Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort has a resident pair of rhinoceros hornbills. This species is one of the ‘Borneo Big Five’. Sukau Rainforest Lodge also sits in an area with particularly rich sightings, as does Utan Rainforest Lodge.
Hornbills can be seen from many lodges in Borneo, but to give you the best chance of seeing them, we can pair you up with an ornithologist expert. As birdwatchers know, chance favours the prepared eye, so it’s always best to be with someone who knows the local terrain and the habits of the birds.
The Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort has a resident pair of rhinoceros hornbills. This species is one of the ‘Borneo Big Five’. Sukau Rainforest Lodge also sits in an area with particularly rich sightings, as does Utan Rainforest Lodge.
Hornbills can be seen from many lodges in Borneo, but to give you the best chance of seeing them, we can pair you up with an ornithologist expert. As birdwatchers know, chance favours the prepared eye, so it’s always best to be with someone who knows the local terrain and the habits of the birds.
Expert tips:
- As with other animals, their best seen early in the morning or in late afternoon. The still air of the dawn is a particularly good time.
- Focus your binoculars on fruit trees. They love figs.
- The dry season (March to October) offers clearer skies and better visibility than other times of the year.
- Hornbills nest in tree cavities sealed with mud and fruit pulp. Guides often know where active nests are, greatly increasing your chances of seeing them up close.
4. Pygmy Elephants
Borneo’s pygmy elephants are the smallest subspecies of Asian elephant and are particularly found in Sabah. At about 2 metres in height, these gentle diminutive giants are known for their docile nature, large ears, long tails, and rounded bellies. Unlike their mainland cousins, they are remarkably passive, leading some to believe they descend from a once-domesticated herd.
Pygmy elephants are highly social, moving in small family groups led by matriarchs, and following ancient migratory paths through dense rainforest. Calves often cling to their mothers’ tails when navigating muddy terrain. As they move, they feed on grasses, fruits, and leaves, using their dexterous trunks to forage.
Habitat loss from logging and agriculture threatens their survival, fragmenting their corridors and increasing human-elephant conflict. Only around 1,500 remain in the wild.
Pygmy elephants are highly social, moving in small family groups led by matriarchs, and following ancient migratory paths through dense rainforest. Calves often cling to their mothers’ tails when navigating muddy terrain. As they move, they feed on grasses, fruits, and leaves, using their dexterous trunks to forage.
Habitat loss from logging and agriculture threatens their survival, fragmenting their corridors and increasing human-elephant conflict. Only around 1,500 remain in the wild.
Where to stay to see them:
Most of Borneo’s pygmy elephants are found in Sabah, particularly along the Kinabatangan River, Danum Valley, and Tabin Wildlife Reserve. This means that if you stay at Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort, Sukau Rainforest Lodge, or Utan Rainforest Lodge, you’ll have a good chance of seeing them on the banks of the river.
Also, their routes and territory around Borneo Rainforest Lodge in the Danum Valley are well known to the expert guides based there.
Most of Borneo’s pygmy elephants are found in Sabah, particularly along the Kinabatangan River, Danum Valley, and Tabin Wildlife Reserve. This means that if you stay at Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort, Sukau Rainforest Lodge, or Utan Rainforest Lodge, you’ll have a good chance of seeing them on the banks of the river.
Also, their routes and territory around Borneo Rainforest Lodge in the Danum Valley are well known to the expert guides based there.
Expert tips:
- Late afternoon is the best time for seeing them on the banks of the Kinabatangan River. That’s when they come to drink.
- Be patient. Sometimes it can take a couple of days to find a family of elephants. If they were bigger, they’d be easier to find.
- Your guide will be looking for signs like fresh dung, broken branches, and muddy footprints near water sources are clues that elephants have recently passed.
5. Sun Bears
Sun bears, the world’s smallest bear species, inhabit the tropical rainforests of Borneo, where dense canopy and warm climate suit their arboreal lifestyle. These elusive creatures are mostly nocturnal and solitary, spending daylight hours resting in trees and emerging at night to forage. Their small size and night-time activity makes them particularly hard to spot in the wild.
Their diet is highly varied, ranging from fruits like figs to insects, small vertebrates, and honey, which they extract using their long, agile tongues. Sun bears are excellent climbers, aided by strong curved claws and bare-soled paws.
They play a vital ecological role by dispersing seeds and controlling insect populations. Sadly, habitat loss from logging and palm oil plantations, along with poaching and the illegal pet trade, has made them even more rare in the wild than they once were.
Their diet is highly varied, ranging from fruits like figs to insects, small vertebrates, and honey, which they extract using their long, agile tongues. Sun bears are excellent climbers, aided by strong curved claws and bare-soled paws.
They play a vital ecological role by dispersing seeds and controlling insect populations. Sadly, habitat loss from logging and palm oil plantations, along with poaching and the illegal pet trade, has made them even more rare in the wild than they once were.
Where to stay to see them:
It takes a great deal of patience to find sun bears, and it helps greatly to be in the right place. Your best chances of being successful come in the Tabin Wildlife Reserve or the Danum Valley, which means staying in the Borneo Rainforest Lodge.
If you stay at Sepilok Forest Edge Lodge, sun bear encounters are guaranteed at the Sepilok Sun Bear Conservation Centre. We can arrange a private talk and behind-the-scenes tour with Dr Wong, the renowned conservationist and inspirational founder of the sanctuary. Your visit will directly contribute to his continued preservation of this species.
It takes a great deal of patience to find sun bears, and it helps greatly to be in the right place. Your best chances of being successful come in the Tabin Wildlife Reserve or the Danum Valley, which means staying in the Borneo Rainforest Lodge.
If you stay at Sepilok Forest Edge Lodge, sun bear encounters are guaranteed at the Sepilok Sun Bear Conservation Centre. We can arrange a private talk and behind-the-scenes tour with Dr Wong, the renowned conservationist and inspirational founder of the sanctuary. Your visit will directly contribute to his continued preservation of this species.
Expert tips:
- As sun bears are nocturnal, your best chance of seeing them is at the crack of dawn or at dusk.
- Look up! Sun bears are excellent climbers, so they’ll be high in the trees.
- Their distinctive chest markings are perhaps the easiest thing to look for with your binoculars.
- The more remote, the better. This endangered species is extremely rare in forests that are disturbed by humans.
6. Estuarine Crocodile
Estuarine crocodiles, also known as saltwater crocodiles, are the world’s largest living reptiles and are the apex predators in Borneo’s wetlands. They inhabit brackish estuaries, tidal rivers, mangrove swamps, and coastal lagoons, often lurking near river mouths and muddy banks.
These formidable reptiles can grow over 6 metres long and weigh more than 1,000 kilogrammes. Their diet is diverse, ranging from fish, birds, and crustaceans to monkeys, wild pigs, and even water buffalo. Nocturnal and stealthy, they ambush prey with explosive force, dragging it underwater to drown.
Estuarine crocodiles are solitary and territorial, with males patrolling large stretches of water. Though understandably feared for their power, they play a vital ecological role in maintaining balance within Borneo’s aquatic ecosystems. Now this is understood, they are protected from hunting and their numbers are increasing.
These formidable reptiles can grow over 6 metres long and weigh more than 1,000 kilogrammes. Their diet is diverse, ranging from fish, birds, and crustaceans to monkeys, wild pigs, and even water buffalo. Nocturnal and stealthy, they ambush prey with explosive force, dragging it underwater to drown.
Estuarine crocodiles are solitary and territorial, with males patrolling large stretches of water. Though understandably feared for their power, they play a vital ecological role in maintaining balance within Borneo’s aquatic ecosystems. Now this is understood, they are protected from hunting and their numbers are increasing.
Where to stay to see them:
You’ll find them on the muddy banks of the Kinagatangan River, so the places to stay for crocodile sightings are the Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort or the Sukau Rainforest Lodge.
From either of these, boat trips along the river will be into the territory of crocodiles, and night excursions are thrilling. The eyes of the crocodiles shine out in the beam of a torch.
You’ll find them on the muddy banks of the Kinagatangan River, so the places to stay for crocodile sightings are the Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort or the Sukau Rainforest Lodge.
From either of these, boat trips along the river will be into the territory of crocodiles, and night excursions are thrilling. The eyes of the crocodiles shine out in the beam of a torch.
Expert tips:
- Scan muddy shores and sandbanks. Look for basking crocs resembling logs in the late afternoon sun.
- Go with an experienced guide: Local boatmen and wildlife experts know habits and hotspots, and will keep you safe while maximizing your chances of sightings
- Watch for telltale signs: Ripple patterns, floating eyes, or sudden bird silence can indicate a crocodile’s presence nearby.
7. Clouded Leopards
Clouded leopards are elusive, tree-dwelling predators native to Borneo’s dense lowland rainforests, never being found above an altitude of 1500 metres. With cloud-like markings and long tails for balance, they are superb climbers. They’re capable of descending trees headfirst and leaping between branches.
These solitary, nocturnal cats spend much of their time in the canopy, resting by day and hunting at night. Their diet includes small mammals, birds, reptiles, and occasionally monkeys. Armed with the longest canine teeth relative to body size of any wild cat, they ambush prey with stealth and precision.
As the top terrestrial predator in Borneo, they need enormous, undisturbed territories to secure enough food. This makes them vulnerable to habitat loss and fragmentation, making conservation efforts vital to their survival.
These solitary, nocturnal cats spend much of their time in the canopy, resting by day and hunting at night. Their diet includes small mammals, birds, reptiles, and occasionally monkeys. Armed with the longest canine teeth relative to body size of any wild cat, they ambush prey with stealth and precision.
As the top terrestrial predator in Borneo, they need enormous, undisturbed territories to secure enough food. This makes them vulnerable to habitat loss and fragmentation, making conservation efforts vital to their survival.
Where to stay to see them:
Clouded leopards are incredibly difficult to find in the wild, but one stronghold is the Danum Valley Conservation Area, the location of the Borneo Rainforest Lodge. You could spend months here and not see one in the flesh, but the resident ecologists will show you plenty of camera trap footage of them hunting at night. Seeing a clouded leopard is one of the world’s rarest wildlife experiences.
Clouded leopards are incredibly difficult to find in the wild, but one stronghold is the Danum Valley Conservation Area, the location of the Borneo Rainforest Lodge. You could spend months here and not see one in the flesh, but the resident ecologists will show you plenty of camera trap footage of them hunting at night. Seeing a clouded leopard is one of the world’s rarest wildlife experiences.
Expert tips:
- Focus on nocturnal safaris. There’s almost no chance of seeing clouded leopards at dusk or dawn because they truly only operate at night.
- Use red-filtered lights because white lights scare off animals, including the clouded leopard.
- Concentrate on remote areas and go with a knowledgeable guide who is alert to subtle signs like scratches on trees, scent marks and prey movement.
8. The Slow Loris
The Borneo slow loris is a nocturnal primate found in the dense rainforests of central and southern Borneo, particularly in the Kalimantan region. With its large, forward-facing eyes and slow, deliberate movements, it navigates the canopy in search of food. This arboreal species feeds on insects, tree gum, nectar, and fruit, using a long tongue and strong grip to forage silently at night. If a slow loris communicates with others of its species, it uses ultrasonic vocalisations.
Uniquely among primates, it possesses a toxic bite, produced by mixing saliva with secretions from glands near its elbows. This is a defence against predators. Solitary and territorial, the slow loris sleeps curled in tree hollows or dense foliage by day. Adults are only about 25 centimetres in length, so they’re hard to spot.
Habitat loss and illegal wildlife trade threaten its survival, making conservation efforts increasingly urgent.
Uniquely among primates, it possesses a toxic bite, produced by mixing saliva with secretions from glands near its elbows. This is a defence against predators. Solitary and territorial, the slow loris sleeps curled in tree hollows or dense foliage by day. Adults are only about 25 centimetres in length, so they’re hard to spot.
Habitat loss and illegal wildlife trade threaten its survival, making conservation efforts increasingly urgent.
Where to stay to see them:
Undisturbed forests like the Danum Valley Conservation Area are the best places to find a slow loris. Guests at the Borneo Rainforest Lodge regularly report exciting encounters on night drives, spotting their distinctive eyes in the headlight beams of their vehicles. They’re also regularly sighted at Utan Rainforest Lodge.
Undisturbed forests like the Danum Valley Conservation Area are the best places to find a slow loris. Guests at the Borneo Rainforest Lodge regularly report exciting encounters on night drives, spotting their distinctive eyes in the headlight beams of their vehicles. They’re also regularly sighted at Utan Rainforest Lodge.
Expert tips:
- You’ll only see a slow loris out and about if you are on a night excursion.
- A local guide will know the regular feeding sites, so going with them will maximise your chances.
- The denser the forest, the better. Lorises prefer lush vegetation that we find it difficult to get through.
9. Binturongs
Binturongs, also known as bearcats, are elusive, tree-dwelling mammals found in Borneo’s dense tropical rainforests. They are arboreal and mostly nocturnal, spending their nights foraging and days resting in the canopy. One quirky trait of binturongs is that they smell like buttered popcorn, thanks to a gland near their tail.
Though classified as carnivores, binturongs are actually omnivorous, feeding on fruits (especially figs), small mammals, birds, insects, and eggs. Their long, prehensile tails help them grip branches, making them excellent climbers.
Binturongs play a vital ecological role by dispersing seeds through their droppings. Sadly, habitat loss and hunting for the pet and traditional medicine trade threaten their survival. They are currently listed as vulnerable by the IUCN.
Though classified as carnivores, binturongs are actually omnivorous, feeding on fruits (especially figs), small mammals, birds, insects, and eggs. Their long, prehensile tails help them grip branches, making them excellent climbers.
Binturongs play a vital ecological role by dispersing seeds through their droppings. Sadly, habitat loss and hunting for the pet and traditional medicine trade threaten their survival. They are currently listed as vulnerable by the IUCN.
Where to stay to see them:
While the highest density of binturongs is in the remote and inaccessible Deramakot Forest Reserve, the Danum Valley Forest Reserve also has a resident population. That means if you stay at the Borneo Rainforest Lodge, you stand a chance of seeing one on a night safari.
While the highest density of binturongs is in the remote and inaccessible Deramakot Forest Reserve, the Danum Valley Forest Reserve also has a resident population. That means if you stay at the Borneo Rainforest Lodge, you stand a chance of seeing one on a night safari.
Expert tips:
- Join a guided night walk because binturongs are strictly nocturnal.
- Look up into fruiting trees: Figs are a favourite food. Scan the canopy for rustling leaves or glowing eyes.
- Follow the smell of popcorn! Binturongs mark their territory with their musky secretion.
10. Flying squirrels
Borneo is home to a dazzling array of gliding mammals, including 14 species of flying squirrels and the Sunda flying lemur (colugo). There are more gliding mammal species on the island of Borneo than anywhere else on the planet.
Flying squirrels, like the red giant and black flying squirrel, inhabit dense tropical forests and emerge at dusk to perform acrobatic glides of over 100 meters between trees. They feed on fruits, leaves, bark, and insects, using their bushy tails to steer mid-air. The Sunda flying lemur, though not a true lemur or squirrel, glides using a large membrane stretching from neck to tail. It’s strictly herbivorous, consuming young leaves, shoots, and flowers.
Almost all the gliders are nocturnal, solitary, and vital to forest ecology by dispersing seeds and pollinating plants. Their camouflage and silent movement make sightings rare and magical.
Flying squirrels, like the red giant and black flying squirrel, inhabit dense tropical forests and emerge at dusk to perform acrobatic glides of over 100 meters between trees. They feed on fruits, leaves, bark, and insects, using their bushy tails to steer mid-air. The Sunda flying lemur, though not a true lemur or squirrel, glides using a large membrane stretching from neck to tail. It’s strictly herbivorous, consuming young leaves, shoots, and flowers.
Almost all the gliders are nocturnal, solitary, and vital to forest ecology by dispersing seeds and pollinating plants. Their camouflage and silent movement make sightings rare and magical.
Where to stay to see them:
Gliding mammals can be found all over Borneo, but because they are camouflaged and nocturnal, it is rare to see them. With an expert guide’s trained eye, you may be helped to find one clinging to a tree trunk during the day. A good place to find several species of flying squirrel is the Danum Valley Conservation Area, the location of the Borneo Rainforest Lodge. The Sepilok Rainforest Discovery Centre near Sepilok Forest Edge has a canopy walkway where launch spots are highlighted.
Gliding mammals can be found all over Borneo, but because they are camouflaged and nocturnal, it is rare to see them. With an expert guide’s trained eye, you may be helped to find one clinging to a tree trunk during the day. A good place to find several species of flying squirrel is the Danum Valley Conservation Area, the location of the Borneo Rainforest Lodge. The Sepilok Rainforest Discovery Centre near Sepilok Forest Edge has a canopy walkway where launch spots are highlighted.
Expert tips:
- As the light fades, you may catch sight of an early riser’s glide through the canopy. That means being out in the trees from 6pm.
- Get high in the canopy on a walkway. Then look for the highest trees, which is where squirrels launch from.
- Watch for movement, don’t listen for sounds. These gliders are completely silent.
11. Sunda Pangolins
These shy, nocturnal mammals of Southeast Asia live in forested habitats and plantations, often sleeping in tree hollows or burrows during the day. Solitary as adults, they’re insectivores, feasting primarily on ants and termites by using their powerful claws and long sticky tongues to extract prey from nests.
Fascinatingly, they lack teeth entirely and rely on small stones in their stomachs to grind food. Their prehensile tails help them climb trees in search of ant colonies. That tail is also used by mother pangolins to carry their young, an endearing behaviour that lasts for many months.
Covered in protective keratin scales, they curl into a ball when threatened; a defence that sadly makes them easy targets for poachers. Critically endangered due to illegal wildlife trade, Sunda pangolins are among the most trafficked mammals on Earth because their scales are wrongly believed to have medicinal qualities.
Fascinatingly, they lack teeth entirely and rely on small stones in their stomachs to grind food. Their prehensile tails help them climb trees in search of ant colonies. That tail is also used by mother pangolins to carry their young, an endearing behaviour that lasts for many months.
Covered in protective keratin scales, they curl into a ball when threatened; a defence that sadly makes them easy targets for poachers. Critically endangered due to illegal wildlife trade, Sunda pangolins are among the most trafficked mammals on Earth because their scales are wrongly believed to have medicinal qualities.
Where to stay to see them:
The Sepilok Rainforest Discovery Centre near Sepilok Forest Edge Lodge is a base for pangolin research. Sightings are often made during nocturnal walks. They’re also seen in the Danum Valley on nocturnal walks with resident experts at the Borneo Rainforest Lodge.
Any habitat that suits orangutans and hornbills, such as that of the Virgin Jungle Reserve of Utan Rainforest Lodge, will also contain Sunda pangolins.
The Sepilok Rainforest Discovery Centre near Sepilok Forest Edge Lodge is a base for pangolin research. Sightings are often made during nocturnal walks. They’re also seen in the Danum Valley on nocturnal walks with resident experts at the Borneo Rainforest Lodge.
Any habitat that suits orangutans and hornbills, such as that of the Virgin Jungle Reserve of Utan Rainforest Lodge, will also contain Sunda pangolins.
Expert tips:
- Consult the experts. They’ll often have a network of camera traps that will show if pangolins live in the area. Some pangolins also have radio tags, helping researchers to study their habits and find them.
- Be very, very quiet. They’re generally silent, but you may hear rustling and some sniffing sounds.
- Concentrate on termite mounds. Given that termites are a major source of pangolin food, waiting patiently (at night) by termite mounds is a good idea.
12. Civets
Borneo is home to several civet species. Some, like the Malayan civet, are highly adaptable and are coping well with habitat loss by living in secondary forest and near villages. Their diverse omnivorous diet, which includes fruit, insects, small vertebrates and even carrion, means that several civet species can often coexist within one area.
Largely nocturnal and solitary, they tend to be ground-dwelling but can climb trees when needed. They play an important role in seed dispersal and one type of ingested and excreted seed – coffee beans – are collected to produce kopi luwak coffee. Another commercial role that civets once played was in the perfumery business because of their prized musky secretion.
The rarer species of civet include the semi-aquatic otter civet and Hose’s civet, both of which are highly specialised and threatened by habitat loss. Hose’s civet, for example, is a highland dweller and is one of the least-observed mammals in the world.
Largely nocturnal and solitary, they tend to be ground-dwelling but can climb trees when needed. They play an important role in seed dispersal and one type of ingested and excreted seed – coffee beans – are collected to produce kopi luwak coffee. Another commercial role that civets once played was in the perfumery business because of their prized musky secretion.
The rarer species of civet include the semi-aquatic otter civet and Hose’s civet, both of which are highly specialised and threatened by habitat loss. Hose’s civet, for example, is a highland dweller and is one of the least-observed mammals in the world.
Where to stay to see them:
Various civet species, particularly the adaptable and inventive Malayan civet, can be seen in most environments around Borneo. If you stay at the Utan Rainforest Lodge, the surrounding forests also host three types of palm civet.
If you want to see the fascinating web-footed otter civet, you’ll need to be near somewhere like the Kinabatangan River, which means staying in the Sukau Rainforest Lodge or the Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort.
Various civet species, particularly the adaptable and inventive Malayan civet, can be seen in most environments around Borneo. If you stay at the Utan Rainforest Lodge, the surrounding forests also host three types of palm civet.
If you want to see the fascinating web-footed otter civet, you’ll need to be near somewhere like the Kinabatangan River, which means staying in the Sukau Rainforest Lodge or the Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort.
Expert tips:
- Go on a nocturnal adventure with a knowledgeable guide. There are several civet species, you’ll be relying on them to tell you whether you’ve seen one of the rarer ones.
- Concentrate on fig trees. Civets can’t help but be attracted to their favourite fruit.
- As with other nocturnal animals, use a red-filtered torch and look for their eyes in the beam.
Journeysmiths: Rainforests & Comfort
What can you expect from a trip to Borneo arranged by Journeysmiths?
- Expertise spanning more than 35 years. We’ve had more than three decades crafting wildlife journeys, so we know how to design holidays that go well beyond standard tours.
- Private local guides. We build relationships in the field to ensure we can draw on local experts who live and breathe the rainforest. In Borneo, we can pair you up with a guide who shares your passion; be it birds, plants, photography, orangutans, or general ecology and conservation.
- Tailored itineraries. No two Journeysmiths holidays are the same. We don’t have standardised trips that we make our clients take, so you’ll find that every detail is designed around your pace, abilities and interests. From secluded lodges to private river safaris, the details are bespoke.
- Top wildlife Locations. The fascinating species in Borneo each have their habits and habitats, and we put you right in the places where you’re most likely to see them. You’re likely to have several centres to your itinerary, and transfers between them will be seamless yet adventurous.
- Partnerships with positive impact. We prioritise working with lodges that share our values and collaborate with local communities and conservationists. A positive, long-term legacy for both people and ecosystems are vital.
- 24/7 support while you travel. From the moment you set off to when you return home, our dedicated team is on hand. Whether you need last-minute adjustments, local recommendations, or simply reassurance, we’re always just a call away.
- An instinct for families. We cater to all travellers, from individuals to couples to families. When kids are involved, we know how to blend experiences and logistics into a trip that will fulfil the dreams of parents and young explorers alike.
You May Also Like
Borneo: Beyond the Jungle Icons
Explore Borneo beyond the orangutans with private guides, immersive conservation experiences, and rare endemic wildlife. Discover pristine rainforests, helicopter perspectives, and remote lodges during an unforgettable and tailored luxury journey in Sabah.
A Luxury Wildlife Safari in Borneo
Experience Borneo’s wild beauty on a journey through rainforest lodges and island retreats. Spot orangutans, pygmy elephants, and proboscis monkeys as you explore Sepilok, the Kinabatangan River, and Danum Valley. Travel by boat, road, and helicopter for seamless access to remote habitats, ending with barefoot luxury on Gaya Island. This multi-stop adventure combines unforgettable wildlife encounters with exceptional comfort: perfect for families and adventurous travellers seeking something truly special.
Utan Rainforest Lodge
A lodge in an exceptional location that blends lowland rainforest with the mangroves and rivers of coastal Sabah, Utan Rainforest Lodge is blessed with an enormous range of Borneo’s most interesting animals, including orangutans, sun bears, pygmy elephants and the helmeted hornbill.
Bungaraya Island Resort
Meaning ’hibiscus flower’ in Malay, Bungaraya is as perfectly beautiful as its natural namesake. From its gorgeous infinity pool perched above crystal-clear tropical waters, to its luxurious longhouse-style villas, supreme relaxation is assured. There are also plenty of natural adventures to be had on Gaya Island, so there’s something for everyone.
Borneo Rainforest Lodge
Looking much as it did in the Cretaceous geological era, the forest that surrounds luxurious Borneo Rainforest Lodge contains a staggering diversity of rare and fascinating species.
Sukau Rainforest Lodge
Ideal for families, couples and nature lovers, this luxury yet sustainable lodge transforms your Borneo safari into an unforgettable adventure. With award-winning eco-luxe villas and immersive wildlife encounters in its pristine surroundings, Sukau Rainforest Lodge is a blend of Bornean perfection.
Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort
Set within a coastal forest habitat of global importance, this eco-lodge offers opportunities to see a large array of Borneo’s most famous wildlife, including pygmy elephants, hornbills, and proboscis monkeys. The journey to get to it is a safari adventure in itself.
Sepilok Nature Resort
Close to both the orangutan rehabilitation centre and the sun bear sanctuary, Sepilok Nature Resort is ideally placed for close-up and informative wildlife adventures. Set amid flourishing a forest, it certainly fits the bill of a jungle lodge.