Borneo
May 3 to 17, 2024
Primates of the Ancient Forest
Borneo is one of the last wild frontiers, where towering trees, dense jungle, and meandering rivers are home to some of the planet’s most elusive and fascinating creatures. On this journey, travelers were transported deep into the island’s heart, exploring a world where orangutans swing from the treetops, pygmy elephants bathe along the riverbanks, and the calls of gibbons echo through the ancient rainforest. From the moment they arrived, participants were immersed in Borneo’s rich biodiversity, embarking on river safaris, jungle treks, and canopy walks, witnessing the raw beauty and incredible wildlife of this tropical paradise.
Highlights
- Observed wild orangutans along with those undergoing rehabilitation, all within their natural habitat at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
- Explored the Kinabatangan River on wildlife cruises, spotting proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants, and rare bird species
- Witnessed the dramatic bat exodus from the Gomantong Caves, a breathtaking spectacle of over a million bats taking flight
- Discovered Borneo’s untouched rainforest in Danum Valley, home to orangutans, clouded leopards, and pristine jungle
“Great guides, amazing places, and maximum time in the field have always resulted in fantastic experiences. Our travel philosophy is ‘Do it once and do it right.’ Cheesemans’ trips fit the bill perfectly. The guides are always knowledgeable, and they are intent on providing wonderful wildlife experiences while respecting the wildlife and the natural environment. This trip was no exception.” -Michelle Berens
May 3 to 17, 2024
Home to one of the oldest rainforests on Earth, Borneo offers travelers a chance to immerse themselves in pristine ecosystems teeming with rare wildlife. From towering treetops to the lush riverbanks, this 15-day journey led by expert guide Charlie Ryan gave participants a firsthand look at the island’s iconic species, including orangutans, pygmy elephants, and gibbons.
May 3-4: Journey to Borneo
Travelers departed their home countries, making their way to Sandakan, Sabah, the gateway to the wildlife-rich jungles of Borneo. After a long journey, they arrived in the ancient rainforest of Southeast Asia, ready for an adventure like no other.
May 5: Arrival in Sandakan and Welcome to Sepilok
Upon arrival in Sandakan, participants were transferred to the tranquil Sepilok Nature Resort, nestled in the Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve. After settling in, they gathered for a warm welcome dinner with trip leader Charlie Ryan, who introduced the group to Borneo’s incredible biodiversity. After dinner, some chose to embark on an optional night walk, where they had their first encounters with nocturnal wildlife like giant red flying squirrels and Malay civets.
“Patrick and Charlie were both awesome. It was clear they were well respected by our guides from the lodges as well. Our lodge guides were also always friendly and helpful.” -Michelle Berens
May 6: Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
The group began their journey into the Sepilok Forest Reserve, where they explored the canopy walkways high above the forest floor. This was the perfect vantage point to spot birds such as Asian fairy bluebirds and black-and-red broadbills. A highlight of the day was visiting the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, where participants observed rescued orangutans as they fed and interacted in their natural habitat. The afternoon and evening were filled with jungle treks, where more wildlife sightings included the elusive western tarsier and red leaf monkeys.
May 7-9: Kinabatangan River and Wildlife Sanctuary
The adventure continued with a transfer to the Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary, home to Borneo’s most diverse ecosystems. Travelers embarked on river cruises along the Kinabatangan River, one of the best places to spot rare wildlife. Dawn and dusk cruises offered the chance to see proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants, and hornbills in their natural settings. On land, jungle treks through the sanctuary yielded sightings of Bornean gibbons, silvered langurs, and even a slow loris during an evening walk. A visit to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre was a unique opportunity to learn about the world’s smallest bear species.
Another unforgettable moment was the afternoon visit to the Gomantong Caves, where travelers witnessed the dramatic wrinkle-lipped freetail bat exodus—millions of bats swirling into the evening sky as they left the cave to feed.
“Been on many trips with this ecotour business, and they always exceed expectations.” -Glenn Ciegler
May 10-11: Tabin Wildlife Reserve
Traveling deeper into Borneo’s wilderness, the group arrived at the Tabin Wildlife Reserve, known for its high biodiversity. Exploring this vast area by 4×4 vehicles, participants encountered wild banteng (Bornean cattle), and enjoyed morning treks to the mud volcano, where many animals come to bathe in the nutrient-rich mud. With 220 species of birds recorded here, this was a birder’s paradise. Night drives revealed elusive nocturnal animals, including marbled cats and leopard cats.
A special experience awaited the group with a lecture from the executive director of the Borneo Rhino Alliance, who shared insights into the efforts to save the critically endangered Sumatran rhinoceros.
May 12-14: Danum Valley Conservation Area
The journey continued to the breathtaking Danum Valley, a pristine area of rainforest spanning 400 square miles. Known as one of the richest areas for wildlife on the island, participants spent their days exploring the jungle trails and canopy walkways. The group marveled at the incredible birdlife, including species like the Blue-headed Pitta and Scarlet-rumped Trogon. There were also unforgettable sightings of orangutans, Bornean pygmy elephants, and the endemic maroon langur.
Evenings in Danum were spent on night walks, where the forest came alive with creatures like clouded leopards and colugo gliders. The adventurous members of the group also hiked to a nearby waterfall, soaking in the tranquility of this remote wilderness.
May 15: Kota Kinabalu
On the final morning in Danum, travelers trekked the forest one last time in search of wildlife before flying to Kota Kinabalu. After settling in at the Hyatt Centric, the group gathered for a celebratory dinner, reminiscing about the wildlife wonders they had experienced over the last two weeks.
May 16: Departure or Extension to Mount Kinabalu
Some participants opted to continue their adventure with the Mount Kinabalu extension, a journey through the tropical mountain forests of Kinabalu National Park, while others prepared for their return flights home, filled with memories of Borneo’s magical forests and fascinating wildlife.
May 17: Arrival Home
With Borneo in their hearts, travelers arrived home with stories to share and a newfound appreciation for the wild beauty of one of the world’s oldest rainforests.
Mount Kinabalu Extension:
May 16–19, 2024
A Birdwatcher’s Dream
The Mount Kinabalu extension provided a stunning conclusion to the Borneo May 2024 adventure, offering participants an incredible opportunity to explore one of Southeast Asia’s most biodiverse regions. Nestled in the heart of Kinabalu National Park, this 3-day extension treated travelers to breathtaking mountain views, rich rainforests, and an abundance of bird species. With the guidance of expert leader Charlie Ryan, the group encountered some of Borneo’s rarest endemic birds while hiking through a variety of lush habitats. Each day unfolded new surprises, creating a memorable experience for birdwatchers and nature lovers alike.
Highlights
- Kinabalu National Park Exploration: The group enjoyed sightings of dozens of species out of the total possible 326 bird species, including 18 endemics, within this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Diverse Habitats: Participants trekked through rainforests and alpine scrub, encountering over 5,000 plant species and a wealth of wildlife along the way.
- Expert Leadership: Charlie Ryan’s local knowledge of Borneo’s ecology enriched the group’s experience, with up-close encounters with some of the island’s rarest bird species.
May 16–17: Scenic Drive and Birding
On the morning of May 16, the group departed for Kinabalu National Park, enjoying a scenic drive to the foothills of Mount Kinabalu. Upon arrival, participants settled into hillside bungalows and embarked on their first birding excursion. They quickly began spotting notable species, including the Mountain Blackbird and Bornean Treepie, against the backdrop of the towering mountain.
The following day, the group explored the park’s extensive trails, walking through various ecosystems that ranged from dense tropical forests to cooler alpine zones. A highlight was spotting Whitehead’s trio—the Trogon, Spiderhunter, and Broadbill—each a rare endemic found only in Borneo. The park’s rich biodiversity, combined with Charlie Ryan’s expert guidance, ensured that everyone left with fantastic birding memories.
May 18: Last Birding Morning and Departure
On their final morning, participants ventured out early for a last birdwatching session in Kinabalu National Park. They were greeted by mist-shrouded trails and the songs of Bornean endemics, creating a tranquil and fitting end to the extension. After a final lunch, the group made their way back to Kota Kinabalu for their return flights, reflecting on the unforgettable wildlife and scenic beauty of Mount Kinabalu.
Want to Explore Borneo’s Wilds for Yourself?
Inspired by the incredible wildlife of Borneo? Don’t miss the chance to join our next adventure: Borneo: Primates of the Ancient Forest, running from May 3 to 17, 2025. From orangutans to pygmy elephants, this trip offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore one of the most biodiverse regions on Earth.
Learn more and book your spot here before it fills up!
Join the Adventure:
Book Now for 2025
BrazilAugust 5 - 22, 2023
The Pantanal Chronicles: A Recap of Our 2023 Adventure & Looking Ahead to 2025
Dive into the heart of Brazil with us as we recount an unforgettable journey through the Pantanal, the world’s largest tropical wetland. This natural wonder served as the backdrop for an trip filled with wildlife marvels and unparalleled experiences. As we cherish these memories, we’re thrilled to announce our next adventure: “Brazil: Pantanal’s Big Five,” slated for August 9 to 26, 2025. Join us as we explore the enchanting landscapes and encounter Brazil’s iconic “Big Five.”
Unforgettable Highlights
- River Safaris & Night Excursions: Our journey through the Pantanal was marked by thrilling river safaris along the Cuiabá River, offering close encounters with the elusive jaguar and vibrant birdlife. Night excursions revealed the nocturnal wonders of the wetlands, from ocelots to tapirs under the starlit sky.
- Expert Guidance: Guided by Diogo, a renowned naturalist, our trip was enriched with in-depth insights into the Pantanal’s ecosystem. Diogo’s expertise and passion for conservation brought the wilderness to life, making every encounter more meaningful.
- Wildlife Conservation Workshops: Emphasizing our commitment to the environment, the trip featured workshops on wildlife conservation. These sessions highlighted the importance of preserving the Pantanal’s biodiversity, engaging travelers in the global effort to protect these critical habitats.
Nancy Frank: Encounters of a Lifetime
Nancy Frank’s 2023 Pantanal trip was a series of awe-inspiring wildlife encounters, guided by the incomparable expertise of Diogo. Witnessing the “Big Five” of Brazil in their natural habitat, Nancy’s journey was a testament to the vibrant life that thrives in the Pantanal. Her reflections underscore the invaluable role of conservation efforts discussed by Diogo, enhancing the trip’s impact beyond mere observation.
“The Pantanal is an amazing area! We were able to view all of the big 5–jaguar, ocelot, tapir, giant anteater, giant otter—many of them multiple times. We saw other wonderful animals and hundreds of beautiful birds. Diogo, our guide, was the best guide I’ve ever had on a trip!” -Nancy Frank
David Hoar: Insights and Wildlife Encounters
David Hoar’s Pantanal experience was a testament to the seamless organization of Cheesemans’ trips. He praised the trip’s structure and the remarkable knowledge of their guide, Diogo. David’s fascination with the “Big Five” was evident, with the jaguars and striking birds like Jabirus and Seriemas leaving an indelible mark on him.
“Learning how the whole process of introducing jaguars to people has evolved over time to become a reliable way of showing guests these amazing creatures. There is hope that other species will also develop tolerance and draw guests into their world in a meaningful way.” -David Hoar
Noreen Rudd: In the Realm of Jaguars
Noreen Rudd’s Pantanal trip was a wildlife enthusiast’s dream come true. Her experience, immersed in the natural habitat of jaguars, was profound and well-facilitated, showcasing the importance of skilled guidance in wildlife tours. Diogo’s expertise shone, particularly in his adept management of group dynamics, enhancing Noreen’s adventure and underscoring the worth of the journey from Canada. The pinnacle of her trip was the peaceful time spent with jaguars, a cherished encounter that resonated deeply with her passion for wildlife photography.
“A guide sets the tone for a trip such as this and Diogo is a very special guide. I wanted to see Jaguars in their natural habitat and he managed that very well.” -Noreen Rudd
Grace Chen: Pantanal’s Wildlife Embrace
Grace Chen’s Pantanal experience with Cheesemans’ was nothing short of extraordinary, painting her journey with strokes of vibrant wildlife encounters and educational richness. She praises the trip as one of the best, highlighting the abundant and colorful birds and the skilled guidance of Diogo, who she regards as exceptionally knowledgeable and adept at wildlife spotting. A treasured memory from her adventure was the entrancing sight of jaguars, offering a privileged look into their world. Her commendation of the accommodations at Caiman and the personalized service emphasizes the quality of the experience that awaits future travelers in our 2025 trip.
“The trips are educational. We spent the maximum time in the field and the guides know how to anticipate where the animals will be. Also the guide knows how to position the vehicles for optimum viewing.” -Grace Chen
Join Us in 2025
As we look back on the success of our 2023 Pantanal trip, we extend an invitation to you for our 2025 adventure. Set to explore the vibrant ecosystems and encounter the “Big Five” of Brazil, this journey promises to be an extraordinary trip into the wild heart of Brazil. Embark with Cheesemans’ Ecology Safaris on a journey that transcends the ordinary, where each moment is a step closer to nature’s profound beauty and mystery.
Reserve your spot for “Brazil: Pantanal’s Big Five” in August 2025 and be part of a story that continues to unfold. Together, let’s create memories that will inspire for a lifetime.