Know Before You Go

The dry season of March through October is the best time to visit Borneo because there is less rain, which makes for better wildlife viewing. Nat Hab schedules departures during this time to maximize our chances of encountering orangutans and other animals in the rainforest. The animals typically seek shelter in thick vegetation during the wetter months of November through February.

The dry season, when we run our trips, lasts from March to October, while the wettest months are generally between November and February due to the occurrence of the Northeast Monsoon. Even though we are traveling during the dry season, we are in a rainforest and there is always a chance of rain. Expect the weather to be hot and humid, with average temperatures of 85–90°F in the summer months. The shoulder months of March and September are generally a bit cooler, with temperatures between 80°F and 85°F.

We operate our trips during the dry season, which runs from March through October. This is a more favorable season for wildlife viewing and exploration and is the best time to see orangutans in the wild. Please note there is always a chance of rain in the rainforest, even during the dry season. During the wet season, one can expect strong winds, choppy waters and heavy rains—the months of January and December see the highest levels of rainfall.

Wild orangutans can only be found on the Southeast Asian islands of Borneo and Sumatra. The majority of wild orangutans are concentrated in Borneo’s national parks and nature reserves, such as Danum Valley and Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary. There are also wildlife sanctuaries for orangutans rescued from illegal captivity and orphaned babies, which nurture them for release back into the wild.

We may encounter an array of endemic wildlife in the rainforests of Borneo. In addition to orangutans, keep an eye out for proboscis monkeys, long-tailed macaques, gibbons, silvered leaf monkeys and hundreds of tropical bird species in the trees. In lush mangroves, we’ll search for smooth-coated otters, Bornean bearded pigs and river crocodiles, and in forest reserves we’ll look for pygmy elephants, clouded leopards and monitor lizards. The Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Center is home to Malayan sun bears, the world’s smallest bear species.

The wildlife sanctuaries we visit provide intimate encounters with the animals of Borneo. We will come face to face with orangutans and will get an up-close look at sun bears and proboscis monkeys at their respective conservation centers. Unlike other Borneo tours, we will also have the opportunity to seek out wild orangutans in remote nature reserves, and we believe the excitement of seeing these primates in their natural habitat adds greatly to our experience.

Borneo summers are hot and humid, so we recommend bringing lightweight, quick-drying clothes, in addition to a breathable, waterproof rain jacket or poncho, a swimsuit, sturdy hiking shoes and waterproof sport sandals. For further details of what to bring, peruse our helpful packing list and check out Nat Hab’s online Gear Store for some of the key items recommended for your adventure.

Meals include a mix of Western and Bornean fare. Bornean cuisine is a melting pot of Chinese, Malaysian, Indian and indigenous ingredients, spices and flavors. Staples include rice, noodles, meats, local vegetables, tropical fruit and fresh seafood such as grilled fish and barbecued prawns. With prior notice, most dietary needs can be accommodated.

The national currency in Malaysia is the Malaysian Ringgit (MYR). To ensure the best value for your money, we recommend exchanging your currency in your hometown if possible, but you can also exchange currency in the airport or at various banks in Kuching. Click here to check the current exchange rate for USD to MYR. Credit cards are accepted at larger stores and restaurants, but we recommend having enough cash to pay for gratuities and other incidental purchases.

While Wi-Fi may be available to guests at certain accommodations, keep in mind service may be slow. There is cell phone service at some of the lodges and parks, but it will be limited or nonexistent in the more remote areas we’ll visit. With the focus of our trips on immersive nature and wildlife experiences, Nat Hab encourages minimizing the use of electronics, so we kindly ask that guests refrain from using technology during group activities.

Borneo's climate can be quite tough for youngsters, as it is hot and humid throughout, and the longer walks can prove difficult for children. If you’re looking for a trip designed specifically for children, teens and families, check out our collection of Family Adventures.

Yes! Families or friend groups can reserve entire departures on a private basis. Please call our office at 800-543-8917 to get details on group size and pricing.

Guests are responsible for booking flights from their home city to Borneo. We recommend booking through Natural Habitat Adventures’ Travel Desk, as our Air Travel Specialists are intimately familiar with the requirements of our trips and can arrange the most efficient and cost-effective travel. Please check the Getting There & Getting Home section on the Dates, Prices & Info page for details on required arrival and departure times for this adventure.

Nat Hab is happy to reserve a hotel room for you at our group accommodation before your Borneo tour begins, but please note that pre-nights are subject to availability at the time of booking. Please speak with our Travel Desk if you’re interested in booking extra nights.