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malaysia - borneo
Kinabatangan River & danum Valley, sabah
Sabah, in the Malaysian part of Borneo, is a world-renowned biodiversity hotspot. The region is famous for the ‘Borneo Big Five’ – Orangutans, Bornean pygmy elephants, Proboscis monkeys, Hornbills and Saltwater crocodiles. Key wildlife viewing spots include the Kinabatangan River, which flows through Sabah, the Danum Valley – an untouched, 130-million-year-old primary rainforest – and the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre near Sandakan. In April 2026, after a brief stopover in Malaysia’s capital, Kuala Lumpur, I spent two weeks travelling through Sabah on Borneo.
Bornean Orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus), mother with child, Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, Sabah, Borneo
Asian Water Monitor (Varanus salvator), Kinabatangan River, Eastern Sabah, Borneo
Red Leaf Monkey (Presbytis rubicunda), near Danum Valley Field Centre (DVSC), Danum Valley, Sabah, Borneo
malaysia Gallery
The two-week tour of Borneo began in Kota Kinabalu. From there, our group travelled to Kundasang in Kinabalu National Park to enjoy the magnificent views of the majestic Mount Kinabalu. The next stops included the Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary and the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre near Sandakan, the Kinabatangan River, the Tabin Wildlife Reserve and the Danum Valley.
tour info
This tour in April 2026 was organised by Diamir, Germany and led by the local tour guide Ambrose Majiun. Local tour operator was Rustic Travel. The four-day stay in the Danum Valley was organised especially for me.
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Exploring Danum Valley’s pristine rainforest on foot.