Reviews

A perfect individual tour with them. Our tours guides (Rama Rana Terbang,..) and drivers (Joe)during the stay were very friendly, helpful and open to our wishes. On the jungle trips, they (Lee, Yunus) spotted everything and learned us a lot of things about environment, history and other interesting facts about Borneo.
Thank you. Christian A.

A perfect individual tour with them. Our tours guides (Rama Rana Terbang,..) and drivers (Joe)during the stay were very friendly, helpful and open to our wishes. On the jungle trips, they (Lee, Yunus) spotted everything and learned us a lot of things about environment, history and other interesting facts about Borneo.
Thank you. Christian A.

We took a 3-day tour, and the experience was great. The Sukau area is well maintained with less disruption to the wildlife, so we had the chance to met quite some animals during the afternoon, morning cruises, and one extra night cruise, like probosics monkeys, silver langur, crocodiles, lizards, hornbills, and even one elephant. Our guide Mr.Lau, and together with the cruise captains, they are very professional and patient, trying best to give us more sights. So it's highly recommended for nature lovers.

We took a 3-day tour, and the experience was great. The Sukau area is well maintained with less disruption to the wildlife, so we had the chance to met quite some animals during the afternoon, morning cruises, and one extra night cruise, like probosics monkeys, silver langur, crocodiles, lizards, hornbills, and even one elephant. Our guide Mr.Lau, and together with the cruise captains, they are very professional and patient, trying best to give us more sights. So it's highly recommended for nature lovers.

Out of 16 days we had 5-6 days holidays correct like it was sold to us. The rest were a horror trip. We were send after 2 nights in a top lodge Sukau to another lodge Utan which you can consider basic, regarding accommodation, food and guide quality (very bad English, not knowledgeable).
But the worse was, nearly no treks were possible (we were doing all the time the same secure route, on trek on feed and on truck), they had a problem with an aggressiv young elephant bull since 2 month, this elephant had killed a village habitant !!! and even the guide were scared to death. It was very scary and we did not discover much. The 3 nights staying were very boring as Utan lodge has only basic accommodation and no service like massage, fitness, laundry or a nice pool etc.
6 nights of recovery were planned at Kapalai resort we paid 6 and checked out after 2 (price nearly 500 euros/day). Full horror 91 villas with x persons plus so called day guest all swimming, snorkeling, jumping in not more than 50 sqm of water with life vest, kayaking in a sort of a bath tube also in a space of 100 sqm in the middle of the villas. It was Like a Comic.
No service, no laundry, no massage, no SPA, no bar only 3 meals per day repetitive lousy quality. You eat on plastic tableware in an enormous restaurant, very noisy. But this is the only restaurant (exaggeration: more a cantina of 3rd class factory).
The so called villas needs urgently some reforming, you are not aloud to enter the water beneath you for a swim or a walk (they say danger: sting rays I have seen not one). When You walk on small Sand Trip (150m) you are facing lot of rubbish plastic bottles, old shoes etc. On the sea between the villas are swimming plastic bottles. The sand bar serves beer, wine in bottles not per glass or soft drinks, no cocktails. At night in this huge restaurant they have karaoke for everyone take it or take it no other place to go.
This was sold to us as a luxury resort, no value for money. Either this agent does not know his job or what????
The hotel at Sadakan at 10 pm you want a beer they tell you take a GRAB to 7 eleven and buy a beer, never heard of vending machines?? Breakfast and food just horrible. Service orientation zero. All this we told Borneo Eco Tours but obviously they did not care because at the end they brought us to this 3rd class resort!! I am sure there must be better agent around, to be better than this should be easy!

Out of 16 days we had 5-6 days holidays correct like it was sold to us. The rest were a horror trip. We were send after 2 nights in a top lodge Sukau to another lodge Utan which you can consider basic, regarding accommodation, food and guide quality (very bad English, not knowledgeable).
But the worse was, nearly no treks were possible (we were doing all the time the same secure route, on trek on feed and on truck), they had a problem with an aggressiv young elephant bull since 2 month, this elephant had killed a village habitant !!! and even the guide were scared to death. It was very scary and we did not discover much. The 3 nights staying were very boring as Utan lodge has only basic accommodation and no service like massage, fitness, laundry or a nice pool etc.
6 nights of recovery were planned at Kapalai resort we paid 6 and checked out after 2 (price nearly 500 euros/day). Full horror 91 villas with x persons plus so called day guest all swimming, snorkeling, jumping in not more than 50 sqm of water with life vest, kayaking in a sort of a bath tube also in a space of 100 sqm in the middle of the villas. It was Like a Comic.
No service, no laundry, no massage, no SPA, no bar only 3 meals per day repetitive lousy quality. You eat on plastic tableware in an enormous restaurant, very noisy. But this is the only restaurant (exaggeration: more a cantina of 3rd class factory).
The so called villas needs urgently some reforming, you are not aloud to enter the water beneath you for a swim or a walk (they say danger: sting rays I have seen not one). When You walk on small Sand Trip (150m) you are facing lot of rubbish plastic bottles, old shoes etc. On the sea between the villas are swimming plastic bottles. The sand bar serves beer, wine in bottles not per glass or soft drinks, no cocktails. At night in this huge restaurant they have karaoke for everyone take it or take it no other place to go.
This was sold to us as a luxury resort, no value for money. Either this agent does not know his job or what????
The hotel at Sadakan at 10 pm you want a beer they tell you take a GRAB to 7 eleven and buy a beer, never heard of vending machines?? Breakfast and food just horrible. Service orientation zero. All this we told Borneo Eco Tours but obviously they did not care because at the end they brought us to this 3rd class resort!! I am sure there must be better agent around, to be better than this should be easy!

From Oviera's efficient emailing to the slick transfers getting us to the lodges, this company was a delight to travel with. I struggled to organise Kinebetangan and Tabin visits independently so went with Borneo E T and it was a fabulous, smooth and well organised tour. What we really liked was the way a lot was packed into each day for example 6am boat trip at Sukau river lodge or nightfall at Utan having already done 3 activities in the day. Super company.

From Oviera's efficient emailing to the slick transfers getting us to the lodges, this company was a delight to travel with. I struggled to organise Kinebetangan and Tabin visits independently so went with Borneo E T and it was a fabulous, smooth and well organised tour. What we really liked was the way a lot was packed into each day for example 6am boat trip at Sukau river lodge or nightfall at Utan having already done 3 activities in the day. Super company.

Amazing experience, surrounded by awesome environment. Very kind staff, it's definitely the place you should choose if you want to do this tour.

Amazing experience, surrounded by awesome environment. Very kind staff, it's definitely the place you should choose if you want to do this tour.

From concept and planning to boarding the flight back home, the entire experience delivered by Borneo Eco Tours was unforgettable! We met amazing people, saw fantastic creatures and their enviroments and truly had the most incredible time.
Furthermore, when asked if they could help me propose to my girlfriend, they went above and beyond to make the entire trip truly amazing.

The tours were an intimate size, managed by incredible and experienced tour guides who were super keen to help you see and experience the most available. (Shout out to Jumaidi, Mincho, Amisjan and Jean, who delivered such incredible tours but also helped to deliver the proposal)

The lodges and staff were beyond hospitable, the accomodation and food was exceptional and the design and architecture of the lodges themself were quite inspiring! Another shout out to some amazing staff at the River Lodge = Maisarah, Siti Aniesah, Noraini, Maslinda, Nazatul and Kurino Noah who helped complete the proposal plans, prepared and decorated the room, dinner table to top off an incredible evening.

None of the trip would be possible and I must save the biggest thankyou to our Tour Consultant and Coordinator Extraordinaire, Clareassah Ambu, who helped put together the entire trip and when asked if she could assist in organising the proposal, leapt at the opportunity with incredible enthusiasm and effort.

I honestly have nothing bad to say about the entire tour, from river to rainforest, start to finish, the entire trip was unforgettable and put together by passionate and extraordinary people and we cannot wait to get back to Borneo!

From concept and planning to boarding the flight back home, the entire experience delivered by Borneo Eco Tours was unforgettable! We met amazing people, saw fantastic creatures and their enviroments and truly had the most incredible time.
Furthermore, when asked if they could help me propose to my girlfriend, they went above and beyond to make the entire trip truly amazing.

The tours were an intimate size, managed by incredible and experienced tour guides who were super keen to help you see and experience the most available. (Shout out to Jumaidi, Mincho, Amisjan and Jean, who delivered such incredible tours but also helped to deliver the proposal)

The lodges and staff were beyond hospitable, the accomodation and food was exceptional and the design and architecture of the lodges themself were quite inspiring! Another shout out to some amazing staff at the River Lodge = Maisarah, Siti Aniesah, Noraini, Maslinda, Nazatul and Kurino Noah who helped complete the proposal plans, prepared and decorated the room, dinner table to top off an incredible evening.

None of the trip would be possible and I must save the biggest thankyou to our Tour Consultant and Coordinator Extraordinaire, Clareassah Ambu, who helped put together the entire trip and when asked if she could assist in organising the proposal, leapt at the opportunity with incredible enthusiasm and effort.

I honestly have nothing bad to say about the entire tour, from river to rainforest, start to finish, the entire trip was unforgettable and put together by passionate and extraordinary people and we cannot wait to get back to Borneo!

Everything was really perfect.
First the organisation from home: when we had a question to our trip, we always got answers.
And on place it was absolutely great. We have no critic. The people, the location, the lodge, the food and most important: the experience. It was just wonderfull!

Everything was really perfect.
First the organisation from home: when we had a question to our trip, we always got answers.
And on place it was absolutely great. We have no critic. The people, the location, the lodge, the food and most important: the experience. It was just wonderfull!

I want to say this was an incredible trip which Borneo Eco Tours should be fully praised. Our trip started with a visit to Seligan Island to see the beautiful green turtles lay their eggs. As this is part of conservation project we were able also to release previously hatched turtles back into the sea: incredible! From Selignan island Borneo eco tours organised our transfer to Borneo Rainforest lodge which sits on the Kinabatangan river where we went on a number of boat trips to see a wide variety of wildlife including: Pygmy elephants, proboscis monkey, orangutans and the rhinoceros hornbill. Again with excellent organisation we left the rainforest lodge for the Danum valley where we had opportunities to snorkel, trek in the rainforest, and hike. The entire trip was simply magical. Thank you Borneo Eco Tours !

I want to say this was an incredible trip which Borneo Eco Tours should be fully praised. Our trip started with a visit to Seligan Island to see the beautiful green turtles lay their eggs. As this is part of conservation project we were able also to release previously hatched turtles back into the sea: incredible! From Selignan island Borneo eco tours organised our transfer to Borneo Rainforest lodge which sits on the Kinabatangan river where we went on a number of boat trips to see a wide variety of wildlife including: Pygmy elephants, proboscis monkey, orangutans and the rhinoceros hornbill. Again with excellent organisation we left the rainforest lodge for the Danum valley where we had opportunities to snorkel, trek in the rainforest, and hike. The entire trip was simply magical. Thank you Borneo Eco Tours !

As a serious hobby photographer, my husband spent countless hours researching tour operators in Borneo. Our goal was to photograph the Borneo Big 5 with a reputable provider that could also deliver comfortable accommodations, reliable transportation, and excellent service. We were two adults and a 10-year-old traveling from the United States via Kuala Lumpur to Sandakan, the gateway to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and the Kinabatangan River.

Throughout our research, Borneo Eco Tours consistently stood out. Although the positive reviews seemed almost too good to be true, we ultimately decided to take a chance—and I am so glad I did. From start to finish, Borneo Eco Tours exceeded our already high expectations. When we return to Borneo, we will look no further.

1) Outstanding Service from Audrey P.

I would first like to recognize Audrey Patrick, the consultant who assisted us throughout the entire booking process. Although we never met in person or spoke by phone, Audrey made us feel genuinely cared for from the beginning. She answered every question promptly, honestly, and thoroughly, and was extremely flexible in helping us balance our schedule and budget.

Audrey truly went above and beyond when my husband asked whether she could arrange a candle on a small cake or dessert so we could celebrate my milestone birthday during our stay at Sukau Rainforest Lodge. Not only was a cake arranged, but a large group of staff surprised me by singing Happy Birthday. Even more impressively, Audrey had thoughtfully organized a special gift for me entirely on her own initiative. It was an unforgettable moment that I will cherish forever. Audrey deserves tremendous credit for turning a wonderful trip into a lifelong memory.

2) Sepilok Nature Lodge and Surrounding Attractions

Our 4-night/5-day itinerary in late June 2026 included two nights at Sepilok Nature Lodge and two nights in a Borneo Villa at Sukau Rainforest Lodge.

On our arrival day, we were picked up at Sandakan Airport, visited the Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary, and then transferred to Sepilok Nature Lodge. In our opinion, Labuk Bay is an absolute must-visit destination. The proboscis monkeys were abundant, easy to photograph, and perfectly lit during the afternoon feeding session.

The following day, we independently explored the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, both conveniently located about a 10-minute walk from the lodge. We came away with fantastic memories and some excellent photographs.

I also participated in a night walk at the Rainforest Discovery Centre, which proved worthwhile. Highlights included photographing a green tree viper consuming a gecko at close range, along with sightings of frogs and flying foxes. Unfortunately, we did not see any tarsiers. The centre is approximately a 30-minute walk from the lodge.

Sepilok Nature Lodge itself was beautiful, spacious, exceptionally clean, and equipped with excellent air conditioning. Bottled water was replenished daily, and the on-site restaurant served excellent breakfasts and dinners—a welcome convenience given the limited dining options nearby.

3) Transportation and Guides

Every transportation arrangement was excellent. Whether traveling in a Toyota Hiace around Sandakan and Sepilok or in the coach between Sandakan and Sukau, the vehicles were clean, modern, spacious, and air-conditioned. Just as importantly, every driver and guide was professional, knowledgeable, friendly, and safety-conscious.

4) Sukau Rainforest Lodge and Kinabatangan River

On the morning of Day 3, our guide accompanied us to the Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre before our transfer to Sukau Rainforest Lodge. We were fortunate to photograph a mother orangutan with her infant and a juvenile, although we did not encounter an adult male.

For photographers, we found the morning session to be superior to the afternoon session due to increased activity and more favorable lighting, even though it was busier.

After lunch and a comfortable two-hour coach ride, we boarded a boat for a brief transfer to the spectacular Sukau Rainforest Lodge. We spent two nights in a Borneo Villa and immediately wished we had booked a third.

Everything about the lodge was exceptional: the accommodations, staff, food, and overall atmosphere. Our villa featured a king bed, an additional bed for our daughter, excellent air conditioning, ample charging outlets for electronics, a spacious bathroom, and a refrigerator stocked with complimentary bottled water, soft drinks, and canned caffeinated beverages.

The buffet meals were excellent, with a wide variety of high-quality choices at every sitting.

5) Wildlife Encounters and Photography

The river cruises were a major highlight. During our morning and afternoon excursions, we saw numerous pygmy elephants at close range along the Kinabatangan River, along with hornbills, crocodiles, proboscis monkeys, macaques, and two orangutans. The orangutans were particularly challenging to photograph because of the dense vegetation; the 80-400mm lens on a full-frame camera proved invaluable for my husband.

One aspect we particularly appreciated was the guides' understanding of photography. They provided practical advice on lens selection depending on the activity, whether visiting the orangutan centre, sun bear centre, rainforest discovery centre, or river cruises.

The boats were also ideal for photographers. We had only six guests plus a guide on our boat, meaning no more than two people per row. In contrast, we observed several competing operators using larger, more crowded boats. The smaller group size made a significant difference to both comfort and photography opportunities.

Another thoughtful touch was the food service around excursions. Before early morning cruises, guests were offered coffee, tea, pastries, fruit, and toast. Upon returning, a full breakfast buffet was served. Similar refreshments were available before afternoon departures, ensuring no one ever went hungry.

6) Final Thoughts

After two nights at Sukau Rainforest Lodge, we returned comfortably to Sandakan Airport with ample time to check in for our afternoon flight back to Kuala Lumpur.

In summary, there were no surprises—only positive ones. Every aspect of the trip was exceptionally well organized and professionally executed. Transportation was modern and comfortable, accommodations were first-class, guides were knowledgeable and friendly, and the food was plentiful and consistently excellent.

Most importantly, every staff member we encountered was genuinely kind, welcoming, and committed to ensuring guests had an outstanding experience. We ate and drank freely throughout the trip and experienced no health issues whatsoever.

If six stars were an option, Borneo Eco Tours would earn them. We cannot recommend them highly enough. If you are considering a wildlife adventure in Sabah, look no further—you will be in excellent hands with Borneo Eco Tours.

As a serious hobby photographer, my husband spent countless hours researching tour operators in Borneo. Our goal was to photograph the Borneo Big 5 with a reputable provider that could also deliver comfortable accommodations, reliable transportation, and excellent service. We were two adults and a 10-year-old traveling from the United States via Kuala Lumpur to Sandakan, the gateway to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and the Kinabatangan River.

Throughout our research, Borneo Eco Tours consistently stood out. Although the positive reviews seemed almost too good to be true, we ultimately decided to take a chance—and I am so glad I did. From start to finish, Borneo Eco Tours exceeded our already high expectations. When we return to Borneo, we will look no further.

1) Outstanding Service from Audrey P.

I would first like to recognize Audrey Patrick, the consultant who assisted us throughout the entire booking process. Although we never met in person or spoke by phone, Audrey made us feel genuinely cared for from the beginning. She answered every question promptly, honestly, and thoroughly, and was extremely flexible in helping us balance our schedule and budget.

Audrey truly went above and beyond when my husband asked whether she could arrange a candle on a small cake or dessert so we could celebrate my milestone birthday during our stay at Sukau Rainforest Lodge. Not only was a cake arranged, but a large group of staff surprised me by singing Happy Birthday. Even more impressively, Audrey had thoughtfully organized a special gift for me entirely on her own initiative. It was an unforgettable moment that I will cherish forever. Audrey deserves tremendous credit for turning a wonderful trip into a lifelong memory.

2) Sepilok Nature Lodge and Surrounding Attractions

Our 4-night/5-day itinerary in late June 2026 included two nights at Sepilok Nature Lodge and two nights in a Borneo Villa at Sukau Rainforest Lodge.

On our arrival day, we were picked up at Sandakan Airport, visited the Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary, and then transferred to Sepilok Nature Lodge. In our opinion, Labuk Bay is an absolute must-visit destination. The proboscis monkeys were abundant, easy to photograph, and perfectly lit during the afternoon feeding session.

The following day, we independently explored the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, both conveniently located about a 10-minute walk from the lodge. We came away with fantastic memories and some excellent photographs.

I also participated in a night walk at the Rainforest Discovery Centre, which proved worthwhile. Highlights included photographing a green tree viper consuming a gecko at close range, along with sightings of frogs and flying foxes. Unfortunately, we did not see any tarsiers. The centre is approximately a 30-minute walk from the lodge.

Sepilok Nature Lodge itself was beautiful, spacious, exceptionally clean, and equipped with excellent air conditioning. Bottled water was replenished daily, and the on-site restaurant served excellent breakfasts and dinners—a welcome convenience given the limited dining options nearby.

3) Transportation and Guides

Every transportation arrangement was excellent. Whether traveling in a Toyota Hiace around Sandakan and Sepilok or in the coach between Sandakan and Sukau, the vehicles were clean, modern, spacious, and air-conditioned. Just as importantly, every driver and guide was professional, knowledgeable, friendly, and safety-conscious.

4) Sukau Rainforest Lodge and Kinabatangan River

On the morning of Day 3, our guide accompanied us to the Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre before our transfer to Sukau Rainforest Lodge. We were fortunate to photograph a mother orangutan with her infant and a juvenile, although we did not encounter an adult male.

For photographers, we found the morning session to be superior to the afternoon session due to increased activity and more favorable lighting, even though it was busier.

After lunch and a comfortable two-hour coach ride, we boarded a boat for a brief transfer to the spectacular Sukau Rainforest Lodge. We spent two nights in a Borneo Villa and immediately wished we had booked a third.

Everything about the lodge was exceptional: the accommodations, staff, food, and overall atmosphere. Our villa featured a king bed, an additional bed for our daughter, excellent air conditioning, ample charging outlets for electronics, a spacious bathroom, and a refrigerator stocked with complimentary bottled water, soft drinks, and canned caffeinated beverages.

The buffet meals were excellent, with a wide variety of high-quality choices at every sitting.

5) Wildlife Encounters and Photography

The river cruises were a major highlight. During our morning and afternoon excursions, we saw numerous pygmy elephants at close range along the Kinabatangan River, along with hornbills, crocodiles, proboscis monkeys, macaques, and two orangutans. The orangutans were particularly challenging to photograph because of the dense vegetation; the 80-400mm lens on a full-frame camera proved invaluable for my husband.

One aspect we particularly appreciated was the guides' understanding of photography. They provided practical advice on lens selection depending on the activity, whether visiting the orangutan centre, sun bear centre, rainforest discovery centre, or river cruises.

The boats were also ideal for photographers. We had only six guests plus a guide on our boat, meaning no more than two people per row. In contrast, we observed several competing operators using larger, more crowded boats. The smaller group size made a significant difference to both comfort and photography opportunities.

Another thoughtful touch was the food service around excursions. Before early morning cruises, guests were offered coffee, tea, pastries, fruit, and toast. Upon returning, a full breakfast buffet was served. Similar refreshments were available before afternoon departures, ensuring no one ever went hungry.

6) Final Thoughts

After two nights at Sukau Rainforest Lodge, we returned comfortably to Sandakan Airport with ample time to check in for our afternoon flight back to Kuala Lumpur.

In summary, there were no surprises—only positive ones. Every aspect of the trip was exceptionally well organized and professionally executed. Transportation was modern and comfortable, accommodations were first-class, guides were knowledgeable and friendly, and the food was plentiful and consistently excellent.

Most importantly, every staff member we encountered was genuinely kind, welcoming, and committed to ensuring guests had an outstanding experience. We ate and drank freely throughout the trip and experienced no health issues whatsoever.

If six stars were an option, Borneo Eco Tours would earn them. We cannot recommend them highly enough. If you are considering a wildlife adventure in Sabah, look no further—you will be in excellent hands with Borneo Eco Tours.