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check in

14 Jul,26

check out

19 Jul,26

4 Seats Left

Location

Sandakan

Duration

6D/5N

₹ 285,000₹ 320,000

Book Now

₹285,000₹ 320,000

Book Now

Overview

6 days and 5 nights of immersive wildlife and bird photography in the rainforests of Sabah, Borneo - one of Southeast Asia’s most biodiverse ecosystems and a dream destination for rainforest photography. From canopy walks above dense tropical forest to private river safaris along the Kinabatangan River, this expedition is designed specifically for serious wildlife photographers seeking primates, hornbills, proboscis monkeys, orangutans, reptiles, bats, and rare rainforest birds in their natural habitat. With dedicated boat time, guided night walks, and repeated sessions at key wildlife hotspots, this Borneo photography tour offers exceptional opportunities for behavioral, low-light, and habitat-based storytelling.

DCP Experts

DCP Safety

Entry fees

Images Review

Meals

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About The Tour

This Borneo Wildlife Photography Expedition focuses on three iconic regions of Sabah - Sepilok Rainforest, Kinabatangan River, and Gomantong Caves. The journey begins in Sandakan, where elevated canopy walkways provide a rare upper-level perspective of the rainforest - ideal for photographing hornbills, canopy birds, butterflies, and textured jungle landscapes.

A key highlight is the Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, where photographers have opportunities to document orangutans in a semi-wild environment, capturing intimate behavioural moments while learning about conservation efforts. The expedition then shifts to the wildlife-rich Kinabatangan River - one of the best places in Borneo to photograph proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants, hornbills, kingfishers, crocodiles, and a diverse range of primates and birds. With a private boat at disposal for multiple sessions, photographers can work patiently with changing light conditions and dynamic wildlife movement.

The final highlight is Gomantong Cave, a vast limestone cavern home to millions of bats and swiftlets. This location offers dramatic natural formations, swirling bat exodus scenes, and unique cave-light photography. Led by a senior DCP wildlife photography mentor along with expert local naturalists, this tour emphasizes fieldcraft, rainforest exposure management, behaviour photography, and storytelling within challenging tropical environments.

Target Species

Orangutan, Proboscis Monkey, Bornean Pygmy Elephant, Rhinoceros Hornbill, Helmeted Hornbill, Kingfishers, Crocodiles, Slow Loris, Civets, Swiftlets, Bats, Tropical Amphibians, Rainforest Insects

Quick Information

Route:

Sandakan – Sepilok – Kinabatangan River – Gomantong Cave – Sandakan

Start Point:

Sandakan Airport (SDK), Sabah, Malaysia

Duration:

5 nights 6 days

End Point:

Sandakan Airport (SDK), Sabah, Malaysia

Inclusions

  • Immersive wildlife photography in the rainforests of Sabah, Borneo.
  • Guided canopy walks with eye-level access to tropical birds and forest layers.
  • Night walks and night boat safaris for rare nocturnal wildlife encounters.
  • Close-range photography at the Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre.
  • Private boat access on the Kinabatangan River for flexible, uninterrupted shooting.
  • Expert local naturalists assisting with tracking, behaviour, and positioning.
  • Dramatic exploration of Gomantong Caves with bats and swiftlets in motion.
  • Outstanding opportunities for action, low-light, and behavioural photography.
  • Comfortable lodge stays deep within rainforest and river ecosystems.
  • A photography-first itinerary designed for serious wildlife shooters.

Experts

How To Reach

Participants must fly into Sandakan Airport (SDK), Sabah, Malaysia. International travellers typically route via: Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia Airlines / AirAsia) / Singapore / Bangkok. Indian passport holders may require a Malaysia visa depending on prevailing regulations.

Not applicable

Not applicable

Getting Ready

Things to carry:

  • DSLR or mirrorless camera
  • Telephoto lens (400mm–600mm recommended)
  • Mid-range zoom lens for habitat shots
  • Macro lens with flash & diffuser
  • Tripod or monopod (optional)
  • Rain protection for camera gear
  • Light breathable clothing for humid rainforest
  • Insect repellent and sunscreen
  • Headlamp for night photography

Expect humid conditions and occasional rain.

Itinerary

Upon arrival at Sandakan Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your guide and transferred to your rainforest lodge in Sepilok. After check-in and a short orientation session, we begin the expedition with a guided Rainforest Canopy Walk. This elevated walkway offers a rare eye-level perspective of the tropical rainforest canopy — a prime vantage point for photographing hornbills, canopy birds, butterflies, and layered rainforest textures. The panoramic jungle views provide excellent opportunities for environmental compositions and wide-angle storytelling.

As darkness descends, we head out for a guided nocturnal walk along forest trails. The rainforest transforms at night, revealing a different cast of characters — slow lorises, civets, tree frogs, insects, and other night-active species. This session introduces participants to low-light photography techniques and working responsibly with artificial illumination.

Return to the lodge for dinner and a restful overnight stay in the heart of the Sepilok rainforest.

Meals: Lunch and Dinner

Overnight stay: Rainforest Lodge, Sepilok

After an early breakfast, visit the Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre for the scheduled feeding session. This provides exceptional opportunities to photograph orangutans in a semi-wild setting as they swing through the canopy, interact with juveniles, and display natural behaviours. Alongside photography, learn about ongoing conservation efforts protecting this endangered species. 

Following lunch, depart by road for the Kinabatangan region. The scenic journey passes through Borneo’s lush landscapes and forest corridors. Upon arrival at your riverside lodge, settle in and prepare for the next phase of the expedition. As the day cools, photograph the sunset over the Kinabatangan River from the lodge deck — a perfect setting for silhouettes, reflections, and atmospheric low-light imagery.

Overnight stay along the Kinabatangan River.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Overnight stay: Riverside Lodge, Kinabatangan

Today is dedicated entirely to wildlife photography along the Kinabatangan River, with a private boat at your disposal. Navigate the intricate network of waterways and forest-lined tributaries in search of proboscis monkeys, macaques, hornbills, kingfishers, crocodiles, and possibly pygmy elephants. The soft morning light and mist over the river create dramatic conditions for action and behavioural photography. Work on framing, river reflections, and capturing wildlife within layered rainforest backdrops.

After lunch and a short rest, continue exploration by boat or photograph from elevated vantage points at the lodge. In the evening, embark on a guided night boat excursion. As nocturnal wildlife emerges, practice low-light techniques while photographing owls, reptiles, and other rainforest species under expert guidance.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Overnight stay: Riverside Lodge

Another full day of immersive river-based wildlife photography. With dedicated boat flexibility, focus on behavioural moments, bird-in-flight sequences, primate interactions, and environmental portraits within rainforest habitat. The ever-changing light across the river allows experimentation with backlighting, silhouettes, and reflections. Macro opportunities may arise along riverbanks, offering close-up perspectives of insects and flora.

Evening at leisure provides time for image review, constructive feedback, and optional night photography from the lodge surroundings.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Overnight stay: Riverside Lodge

After breakfast, drive to the impressive Gomantong Cave complex. This vast limestone cavern houses millions of bats and swiftlets, creating extraordinary photographic possibilities. Capture dramatic limestone formations, shafts of light filtering into the cave, and swirling bat activity during peak movement. Following the cave exploration, enjoy lunch before returning to Sandakan. En route, remain alert for wildlife sightings and spontaneous photo opportunities. Evening at leisure to relax or explore the town at your own pace.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Overnight stay: Sandakan

Depending on flight timings, enjoy an optional final canopy session or revisit the Orangutan centre for one last opportunity to photograph rainforest life in soft morning light.

Transfer to Sandakan Airport for your onward journey, concluding your Borneo wildlife photography expedition with a rich and diverse rainforest portfolio.

Meals: Breakfast

Field Learnings

  • Rainforest exposure control and high ISO management
  • Bird-in-flight techniques in dense canopy
  • Boat-based stabilization and framing
  • Low-light and nocturnal wildlife photography
  • Behavioural storytelling in primates
  • Working in humid tropical environments

Package Cost

USD 3,200 per person (Ex–Sandakan | Twin Sharing)

INR equivalent to be paid as per exchange rate on the date of transaction (for Indian participants).

Cost Includes

  • 5 nights accommodation on twin-sharing basis
  • All meals as mentioned in the itinerary
  • All land transfers and transportation in air-conditioned vehicles
  • Private boat safaris in Kinabatangan River
  • Licensed English-speaking local naturalist
  • Guided rainforest canopy walks
  • Night jungle walks and night boat safaris
  • Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre visit
  • Gomantong Cave excursion
  • Tourism Tax payable to Govt
  • All entrance fees and permits as per itinerary
  • Photographic guidance by DCP Wildlife Photography Mentor

Cost Does Not Include

  • International and domestic airfare
  • Visa charges (if applicable)
  • Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
  • Camera / video fees where applicable
  • Personal expenses such as laundry, beverages, tips, and minibar
  • Early check-in or late check-out
  • Any optional activity not mentioned in inclusions

Map

Sandakan

Policies

Cancellation policy

  • All cancellations before 30 days of the event date - 80% credit
  • All cancellations between 20 - 30 days of the event date - 50% credit
  • All cancellations within 20 days of the event date - No credit possible

FAQ's

Yes. This tour is specifically designed for wildlife photographers seeking immersive rainforest experience.

Moderate walking on forest trails and boat transfers. No strenuous trekking required.

Yes. Dedicated boat sessions allow flexible wildlife photography timing.

Yes. Both night walks and night boat safaris are included.

Borneo (Sabah) – Bird & Wildlife Photography Expedition, July 2026

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