Luxury Borneo Vacations 2024/2025
Borneo’s emerald rainforests and rugged mountains are some of the most diverse in the world, with an incredible array of plants and wildlife; so much so that Sir David Attenborough has described the island as one of the planet’s “richest treasure-houses”.
The island of Borneo is shared between Indonesia, the tiny Nation of Brunei, and Malaysia. The Malaysian part of the island is divided into the two states of Sabah and Sarawak. Currently, Scott Dunn only offer itineraries to Malaysian Borneo.
No trip to Borneo is complete without an adventure into the rainforest. Stay in one of the remote lodges and set off for treks along undulating paths and across suspension bridges hidden amongst the tree canopies, with the hopes of encountering some of the island's amazing wildlife. The flora and fauna can also be admired from a number of boat trips along winding rivers through the rainforest. Explore ancient caves tucked away in the country's national parks, and spend some time with one of Borneo's indigenous tribes in their communal longhouse.
It is estimated that Borneo is home to 222 mammal species, 420 bird species, 100 amphibian species and 394 fish species, many of which are endemic, meaning this is the only place in the world that they can be found. While the most famous residents of Borneo may be the orangutans and proboscis monkeys, there are also a number of other primate species, including the slow loris, as well as sun bears, pygmy elephants and flying squirrels to name but a few.
The plant life is also astounding, with trees that can reach up to 60 meters high, and more than 50 carnivorous plant species. If you are lucky, you may see the Rafflesia arnoldii, which produces the largest flowers in the world but only blooms for a few days, or one of the island’s 3,000 species of orchid; the highest number on the planet.
As well as awe-inspiring wildlife, Borneo is culturally rich. While the practice of head-hunting is no more, there are still indigenous tribes living in longhouse communities, where it is possible to learn about, or even witness, ceremonies and traditions that have been passed down through the generations.
To top it all off, after spending time in the rainforest, visitors can enjoy some well-earned relaxation time on one of Borneo’s sandy beaches or coral reef islands. However, the adventure does not need to stop here, and the island’s wildlife is by no means restricted to the rainforest. Just off the coast, there are beautiful coral reefs, which can be explored on snorkeling or diving trips. These areas are teeming with tropical fish, and sometimes even turtles.
Where to go in Borneo
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1 - 10 of 10 Hotels
Abai Jungle Lodge
Kinabatangan River, Borneo, Malaysia
Abai Jungle Lodge is located on the lush banks of the Kinabatangan River in Borneo. Built on stilts, and only reachable by boat, this simple but cozy lodge provides a fantastic base for spotting the wealth of wildlife that can be found in the area.
Adventure
Borneo Rainforest Lodge
Danum Valley, Borneo, Malaysia
Borneo Rainforest Lodge, located in Sabah, is one of the most luxurious of the lodges found in Borneo. This rather special lodge offers an off the beaten track wildlife experience in the heart of the Danum Valley, surrounded by primary rainforest.
Adventure Wildlife
Bunga Raya Island Resort
Islands and Beaches, Borneo, Malaysia
Set on a picturesque island off the coast of Sabah in Borneo, Bunga Raya is a stunning and secluded island hideaway. Framed by a crescent of white sand beach in a tranquil bay, and backed by centuries-old virgin rainforest, Bunga Raya is rather special.
Eco/ethical tourism Beach Diving Spa & health
Gaya Island Resort
Islands and Beaches, Borneo, Malaysia
Gaya Island Resort is a luxurious retreat just off the coast of Kota Kinabulu in Borneo. Backed by lush green forest, and facing sandy shores and cerulean-blue sea, offering beautiful views towards Mt Kinabalu, this is an idyllic place to unwind.
Adventure Beach
Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge
Kinabatangan River, Borneo, Malaysia
Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge is a laid back property set beside Sabah’s longest river. This eco-friendly lodge provides a simple but comfortable base for adventures along the river and into the rainforest, with some of Borneo's best wildlife-spotting.
MY Nature Resort
Sandakan and Sepilok, Borneo, Malaysia
Basic but comfortable, MY Nature Resort is perfectly located for visiting the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center; often a highlight of any Borneo itinerary. The rainforest setting also provides great opportunities for wildlife spotting.
Adventure Couples Off the beaten track Wildlife
Sepilok Nature Lodge
Sandakan and Sepilok, Borneo, Malaysia
Sepilok Nature Resort is a simple property in Sabah, Borneo, within walking distance of the famous Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center. Only 30 minutes from Sandakan Airport, the resort is in a great location to start off any Borneo itinerary.
Adventure Wildlife
Shangri-La's Rasa Ria, Kota Kinabalu
Kota Kinabalu, Borneo, Malaysia
The Shangri-La Rasa Ria is a luxurious resort located on a sandy beach on the coast of Sabah, Borneo. With a plethora of facilities and activities, including a Kids Club and golf course, this is a great option for both families and couples.
Adventure Wildlife Beach Eco/ethical tourism
Sukau Rainforest Lodge
Kinabatangan River, Borneo, Malaysia
Sukau Rainforest Lodge occupies a prime spot on the banks of the Kinabatangan River in Borneo. A National Geographic Unique Lodge, with excellent eco credentials, this is a fantastic base for wildlife spotting and exploring the surrounding area.
Adventure Eco/ethical tourism Wildlife
Tabin Wildlife Resort
Danum Valley and Tabin, Borneo, Malaysia
Tabin Wildlife Resort is tucked away in the rainforest in Sabah, Borneo. Home to a plethora of wildlife species, it is a paradise for nature lovers. The resort offers a variety of activities, from game drives to hiking through the rainforest.
Wildlife Adventure
1 - 10 of 10 Hotels
1 - 3 of 3 Tour Ideas
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Epic Malaysia and Borneo
Gaya Island, Kinabatangan River, Kuala Lumpur & Langkawi
We’ve set the bar high with this incredible two-week adventure to Borneo and Malaysia. Get ready for wildlife encounters in lush emerald jungles and tropical marine underworlds, dine at world-class restaurants and enjoy romantic moments under the moonlight on a deserted beach. This is a unique opportunity to discover new things and relax with the...
Beach Couples Off the beaten track
$5,200 pp
nights
Ultimate Borneo
Kuala Lumpur, Sandakan, Kinabatangan River & Gaya Island
A journey through the heart of Malaysian Borneo showcasing the very best this diverse country has to offer. Discover metropolitan Kuala Lumpur before exploring the dense Borneo Rainforest. See pygmy elephants and orangutans in the pristine Kinabatangan Wetlands area before enjoying some respite on one of Sabah's beautiful outer islands, Gaya...
Adventure Off the beaten track Wildlife Diving
$5,900 pp
nights
Family Fun in Malaysia and Borneo
Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan, Kinabatangan River, Kuala Lumpur & Langkawi
Ideal suited for families with older children this enticing itinerary will see you uncover the very best of what Borneo has to offer. From exhilarating water sports off Sabah’s coastline to peaceful river cruises along the Kinabatangan River in search of orangutans and proboscis monkeys. The whole family will enjoy exploring our top picks for...
Beach Wildlife Adventure Off the beaten track
$8,200 pp
1 - 3 of 3 Tour Ideas
Why Scott Dunn for Borneo Vacations?
Unique to You
- We listen to your travel goals and craft unique trips that are personalized to you.
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- We’ve curated an elevated collection of accommodation, experiences, and guides.
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Luxury in Every Sense
- We deliver a sense of luxury that matters most to you.
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