Countries · Asia · 2026

Wildlife in Malaysia (Borneo): animals, parks and best time to go

Updated September 8, 2026

Rivier door regenwoud op Borneo
Photo: Polina Koroleva via Unsplash

In short

May to September is dry with fruiting trees that draw animals to the river. The formula is 2 days of Sepilok plus 3 days on the Kinabatangan in a lodge with its own boats. Morning cruises at 6 am and afternoon cruises at 4 pm give the most sightings.

About wildlife in Malaysia (Borneo)

Sabah on Borneo is the most accessible place in the world for orangutans, with Sepilok as the rehab centre and the Kinabatangan as the wild river. Nowhere else do you see proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants and orangutans in one day. Malaysia combines this with good roads, decent hospitals and excellent food.

Which animals, in which months

Orangutan

Best months May, June, July, August, September · sighting chance medium

Sea turtle

Best months · sighting chance high

Best parks in Malaysia (Borneo)

Sepilok

For: Orangutan

Rehabilitation centre with feeding sessions for semi-wild animals

Kinabatangan river

For: Orangutan

Spotting wild animals from small boats, 10 primate species

Danum Valley

For: Orangutan

Pristine rainforest for the experienced traveller

Sample itinerary Malaysia (Borneo)

  1. Day 1 to 3: acclimatise in Kuala Lumpur and fly on to Sandakan.
  2. Day 4 to 5: Sepilok rehab, feeding sessions at 10 am and 3 pm, plus proboscis monkeys at Labuk Bay.
  3. Day 6 to 8: Kinabatangan river lodge, 2 cruises a day (lodge about 120 euros per night full board).
  4. Day 9 to 12: Kota Kinabalu, islands and Mount Kinabalu park as a finale.
  5. Total indication: 2,500 to 4,000 euros per person including intercontinental flight.

Trip types: River cruise · Rehabilitation centre · Jungle lodge · 2,500 to 4,000 euros per person for 12 days

Visa

Free visa on arrival for 90 days for most Western passports.

Check the current travel advisory

Safety

Sabah is stable and set up for tourists. Check the travel advisory for the east-coast islands before you go.

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Frequently asked questions

Do I see wild or semi-wild orangutans?

Both if you combine. Sepilok shows semi-wild animals at feeding sessions; the Kinabatangan shows truly wild ones that are never fed.

How do I get to Sandakan?

Via Kuala Lumpur on a domestic flight of about 2.5 hours (AirAsia, Malaysia Airlines, 50 to 120 euros one way).

Is Borneo safe?

West and north Sabah are safe and touristy. The east-coast islands carry a kidnapping risk; check the current advisory and stay on the mainland.

What is the best time?

May to September. October to February is wetter with muddy trails, but the lodges run all year.

Can I continue to other parts of Malaysia?

Yes. Kuching in Sarawak has Bako park with proboscis monkeys; Kuala Lumpur and Penang add city and food.

Last updated: September 8, 2026. All sighting chances, months and prices are indications based on public sources, not travel advice and no guarantee. Always check your government’s current travel advisory before departure.