Reviews

This tour company was so impressive and I had the best honeymoon ever! We got incredibly lucky with wildlife sightings and the weather, which I feel would make a huge difference. From pickup to drop off the guides we’re always aware of our itinerary and kept us informed the entire time. They would brief us in the morning so we always knew what to expect from the day.

Our guide Kazee was so brilliant and his local knowledge impeccable. We did have another guide after two nights who wasn’t as knowledgeable and his English nowhere near as good as Kazees. All the guides we met however were so kind and friendly.

We booked the 3N/4 day tour and I wish we stayed longer!
We went on every boat ride and experience they offered :)
We got the big 5 and saw something different every trip :)

I was impressed when we found elephants and all the tour boats were there that everyone stayed a distance away and was quiet. However at one point the elephant group were on opposite sides of the river and clearly trying to cross but there were about 24 tour boats going up and down. It wasn’t until the elephant entered the water that the boats stopped and parted for them however they were way too close which was sad to me. Our guide seemed concerned but the other companies didn’t so I don’t think the other companies are as educated on wildlife welfare so please do your research!

I also heard that during the night tour they shone torches in all the animals eyes. :(

It is a good thing that tourism increases to Borneo as it increases revenue for Sabah and results in the government investing more in protecting the forests. However the pressure from tourism on the wildlife will need to be monitored.

Other things to note:
Sandakan and the Kinabantang river are Secondary Forests
The Sukau Rainforest Resort has very expensive drinks so take your own.
There is lots and lots of buffet food for breakfast lunch and dinner but no snacks to purchase (not that you will need them)
Go to the orangutan talk
Take two cans of mossie repelant and long loose clothing
Go on the boardwalk tour
DM me on insta for some tips @ecokhay

This tour company was so impressive and I had the best honeymoon ever! We got incredibly lucky with wildlife sightings and the weather, which I feel would make a huge difference. From pickup to drop off the guides we’re always aware of our itinerary and kept us informed the entire time. They would brief us in the morning so we always knew what to expect from the day.

Our guide Kazee was so brilliant and his local knowledge impeccable. We did have another guide after two nights who wasn’t as knowledgeable and his English nowhere near as good as Kazees. All the guides we met however were so kind and friendly.

We booked the 3N/4 day tour and I wish we stayed longer!
We went on every boat ride and experience they offered :)
We got the big 5 and saw something different every trip :)

I was impressed when we found elephants and all the tour boats were there that everyone stayed a distance away and was quiet. However at one point the elephant group were on opposite sides of the river and clearly trying to cross but there were about 24 tour boats going up and down. It wasn’t until the elephant entered the water that the boats stopped and parted for them however they were way too close which was sad to me. Our guide seemed concerned but the other companies didn’t so I don’t think the other companies are as educated on wildlife welfare so please do your research!

I also heard that during the night tour they shone torches in all the animals eyes. :(

It is a good thing that tourism increases to Borneo as it increases revenue for Sabah and results in the government investing more in protecting the forests. However the pressure from tourism on the wildlife will need to be monitored.

Other things to note:
Sandakan and the Kinabantang river are Secondary Forests
The Sukau Rainforest Resort has very expensive drinks so take your own.
There is lots and lots of buffet food for breakfast lunch and dinner but no snacks to purchase (not that you will need them)
Go to the orangutan talk
Take two cans of mossie repelant and long loose clothing
Go on the boardwalk tour
DM me on insta for some tips @ecokhay

Borneo Ecotours have made our trip in Sabah, Borneo, an absolute pleasure. There scheduled arrangements were always on time, spot on, to our liking, and very enjoyable. The suggested and arranged accommodations were all excellent.
Big thanX to Maxwell and everyone that helped us.

Borneo Ecotours have made our trip in Sabah, Borneo, an absolute pleasure. There scheduled arrangements were always on time, spot on, to our liking, and very enjoyable. The suggested and arranged accommodations were all excellent.
Big thanX to Maxwell and everyone that helped us.

Borneo EcoTours went above and beyond. I don't normally give social media feedback but Borneo Eco-Tour's consistent exceptional service is worth recognising. At every turn, they were exceptional - organising the trip up front, excellent communication, safe comfortable driving, flexible customer focused approach, great nature spotting, clean, 5 star accommodation and incredible food. Made the trip very comfortable and easy. We went birdwatching, climbed Mt Kinabalu, visited Sepilok, Sukua River Lodge, Borneo Rainforest Lodge and finished with Gaya Island Resort. Borneo Eco Tours provided all the transfers and were always early and faultless. An amazing holiday… Roydo, Jason, Alex, Alyssa, Chiew and the other tour guides and drivers were also exceptional! We saw many wild Orangutans, Gibbons, Proboscis Monkeys, Elephants, Otters, Civets and over 150 species of spectacular birds. Would love to go back and when we do, we'll be using Borneo Eco-Tours.

Borneo EcoTours went above and beyond. I don't normally give social media feedback but Borneo Eco-Tour's consistent exceptional service is worth recognising. At every turn, they were exceptional - organising the trip up front, excellent communication, safe comfortable driving, flexible customer focused approach, great nature spotting, clean, 5 star accommodation and incredible food. Made the trip very comfortable and easy. We went birdwatching, climbed Mt Kinabalu, visited Sepilok, Sukua River Lodge, Borneo Rainforest Lodge and finished with Gaya Island Resort. Borneo Eco Tours provided all the transfers and were always early and faultless. An amazing holiday… Roydo, Jason, Alex, Alyssa, Chiew and the other tour guides and drivers were also exceptional! We saw many wild Orangutans, Gibbons, Proboscis Monkeys, Elephants, Otters, Civets and over 150 species of spectacular birds. Would love to go back and when we do, we'll be using Borneo Eco-Tours.

The whole trip was truly amazing. We had a wonderful, charming, knowledgeable guide « Yaya ». An eagle-eyed expert. He didn’t miss any opportunity for even the shortest glimpse of the wonders of the wild. From turtle laying and hatching at Selingan to the river flora and fauna of the Kinabatangan via the Sepilok orangutan and sun bear reserves. Marvellous.

The whole trip was truly amazing. We had a wonderful, charming, knowledgeable guide « Yaya ». An eagle-eyed expert. He didn’t miss any opportunity for even the shortest glimpse of the wonders of the wild. From turtle laying and hatching at Selingan to the river flora and fauna of the Kinabatangan via the Sepilok orangutan and sun bear reserves. Marvellous.

Just returned from a Borneo Big 10 trip to Sabah, staying at Sukau Rainforest Lodge and Borneo Rainforest Lodge.
Borneo Eco Tours were impressive - well organised, responsive and punctual, with great guides, drivers and vehicles. Everything ran smoothly and safely.
They know their stuff and are a serious outfit you can depend on.
Claressah was brilliant before and during the trip: thank you for your fantastic help in preparing the itinerary. and dealing with our queries. We were always well-informed and looked-after.

Just returned from a Borneo Big 10 trip to Sabah, staying at Sukau Rainforest Lodge and Borneo Rainforest Lodge.
Borneo Eco Tours were impressive - well organised, responsive and punctual, with great guides, drivers and vehicles. Everything ran smoothly and safely.
They know their stuff and are a serious outfit you can depend on.
Claressah was brilliant before and during the trip: thank you for your fantastic help in preparing the itinerary. and dealing with our queries. We were always well-informed and looked-after.

The agent who booked us at Borneo Eco tours was really responsive and answered all questions promptly. They were on time in their pick ups and departures for each tour, and overall the service was very professional. We stayed in the villa which was spacious and we slept while being able to hear the jungle sounds. The villas also were equipped with air conditioning which really helped as it was very hot otherwise. Bathroom was also large and spacious. We also enjoyed relaxing in the surrounding environment and were able to see monkeys and beautiful birds during the day. If you are lucky, you may be able to find pigmy elephants along the river. Overall I will definitely recommend and thank the staff for always being so smiley and cheerful.

The agent who booked us at Borneo Eco tours was really responsive and answered all questions promptly. They were on time in their pick ups and departures for each tour, and overall the service was very professional. We stayed in the villa which was spacious and we slept while being able to hear the jungle sounds. The villas also were equipped with air conditioning which really helped as it was very hot otherwise. Bathroom was also large and spacious. We also enjoyed relaxing in the surrounding environment and were able to see monkeys and beautiful birds during the day. If you are lucky, you may be able to find pigmy elephants along the river. Overall I will definitely recommend and thank the staff for always being so smiley and cheerful.

I very rarely write reviews, however my husband and myself have just returned from a trip that should be shared. We are both fit seniors, experienced travelers with an adventurous spirit. First trip to Borneo, and I contacted several travel agencies before deciding on Borneo Eco Tours. Our agent (Brendon) impressed me with his enthusiasm and willingness to answer all my questions. We corresponded through WhatsApp and he promptly responded (allowing for the time difference). Communication is very important to me when traveling, and his English was outstanding. Now for the trip itself. We flew into Kota Kinabalu airport ( from a few days in Singapore) and were transferred to a lovely resort (close by) called Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort. Jaw dropping sunsets here. We had chosen a private tour as opposed to a group, with shared transport. I'm very glad that our experience was just my husband and myself, with an experienced guide at all locations. Would highly recommend this, if affordable. Next day flew to Sandakan. We stayed 2 nights at Sepilok Nature Resort. This is within walking distance of Orangutan Rehabilitation Center and Bornean Sun Bear Conversation Center. A must, if in Borneo! Get there early to avoid crowds. Then transferred by boat to Sukau Rainforest Lodge. All activities were on the Kinabatangan River aboard a boat. No trekking. Beautiful, well kept lodge with buffet meals and comfortable rooms. Highly recommend this lodge for cleanliness and location. We had the same amazing guide for the first two lodges. His name is Lau. Good birding, animals sightings and saw the pigmy elephants. Traveled by car next to Tabin Wildlife Reserve. Our cabin with a river view. This area is right against the palm groves, which now account for about 23% of Sabah, sadly. However, we had amazing night drives watching the animals cross the road from jungle to palms. Another guide (Alister) who spoke great English and many years of experience in the area. Saw the Bornean Gibbons here among many others animals. Lots of monkeys everywhere! Our last lodge was Borneo Rainforest Lodge. We had a deluxe river view and this lodge is as close to luxery as probably possible in Borneo. Again buffet style meals with more selections to meet every need and even an ice cream bar. This lodge is very popular and books over a year out, but if possible, a must experience. It's located in the Danum Valley and in a real primary forest jungle. Orangutans, monkeys, birds, and smaller creepers including leeches. Yes, take your leech socks! Lots of trekking here. Our fantastic guide (AK) was like an encyclopedia when it comes to history of the area, names and origins of anything that moves in that jungle, and full of stories about tribal customs, etc. I asked him if we had just been lucky to get such wonderful guides at each of our stops, and he said that there are over 100 agencies that send clients to Borneo, but Borneo Eco Tours has a close relationship with these lodges and their clients are well taken care of. It was not luck, we chose the right agency. Also, our drivers were always on time and helpful with luggage, and we found it is really a team effort to meet our needs. We fully support ecotourism, exploration and support of the wildlife. This immersive itinerary and hospitality of all the staff we encountered, was the best of Sabah in Borneo. This review is lengthy, but I could have gone on forever about this unbelievable experience. Enjoy what this earth has to offer and safe travels!

I very rarely write reviews, however my husband and myself have just returned from a trip that should be shared. We are both fit seniors, experienced travelers with an adventurous spirit. First trip to Borneo, and I contacted several travel agencies before deciding on Borneo Eco Tours. Our agent (Brendon) impressed me with his enthusiasm and willingness to answer all my questions. We corresponded through WhatsApp and he promptly responded (allowing for the time difference). Communication is very important to me when traveling, and his English was outstanding. Now for the trip itself. We flew into Kota Kinabalu airport ( from a few days in Singapore) and were transferred to a lovely resort (close by) called Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort. Jaw dropping sunsets here. We had chosen a private tour as opposed to a group, with shared transport. I'm very glad that our experience was just my husband and myself, with an experienced guide at all locations. Would highly recommend this, if affordable. Next day flew to Sandakan. We stayed 2 nights at Sepilok Nature Resort. This is within walking distance of Orangutan Rehabilitation Center and Bornean Sun Bear Conversation Center. A must, if in Borneo! Get there early to avoid crowds. Then transferred by boat to Sukau Rainforest Lodge. All activities were on the Kinabatangan River aboard a boat. No trekking. Beautiful, well kept lodge with buffet meals and comfortable rooms. Highly recommend this lodge for cleanliness and location. We had the same amazing guide for the first two lodges. His name is Lau. Good birding, animals sightings and saw the pigmy elephants. Traveled by car next to Tabin Wildlife Reserve. Our cabin with a river view. This area is right against the palm groves, which now account for about 23% of Sabah, sadly. However, we had amazing night drives watching the animals cross the road from jungle to palms. Another guide (Alister) who spoke great English and many years of experience in the area. Saw the Bornean Gibbons here among many others animals. Lots of monkeys everywhere! Our last lodge was Borneo Rainforest Lodge. We had a deluxe river view and this lodge is as close to luxery as probably possible in Borneo. Again buffet style meals with more selections to meet every need and even an ice cream bar. This lodge is very popular and books over a year out, but if possible, a must experience. It's located in the Danum Valley and in a real primary forest jungle. Orangutans, monkeys, birds, and smaller creepers including leeches. Yes, take your leech socks! Lots of trekking here. Our fantastic guide (AK) was like an encyclopedia when it comes to history of the area, names and origins of anything that moves in that jungle, and full of stories about tribal customs, etc. I asked him if we had just been lucky to get such wonderful guides at each of our stops, and he said that there are over 100 agencies that send clients to Borneo, but Borneo Eco Tours has a close relationship with these lodges and their clients are well taken care of. It was not luck, we chose the right agency. Also, our drivers were always on time and helpful with luggage, and we found it is really a team effort to meet our needs. We fully support ecotourism, exploration and support of the wildlife. This immersive itinerary and hospitality of all the staff we encountered, was the best of Sabah in Borneo. This review is lengthy, but I could have gone on forever about this unbelievable experience. Enjoy what this earth has to offer and safe travels!

Brandon at Borneo Eco Tours was wonderful to work with. He answered all my crazy questions in a very professional and timely manner. Our experience at Sukau was incredible, and we made memories we will cherish the rest of our lives. Everything was very well planned out and went off without a hitch. I would strongly recommend Borneo Eco Tours if planning a trip to Borneo. The people, the accommodations, the animals, all just so magical.

Brandon at Borneo Eco Tours was wonderful to work with. He answered all my crazy questions in a very professional and timely manner. Our experience at Sukau was incredible, and we made memories we will cherish the rest of our lives. Everything was very well planned out and went off without a hitch. I would strongly recommend Borneo Eco Tours if planning a trip to Borneo. The people, the accommodations, the animals, all just so magical.

The Team at Borneo Eco tours did an outstanding job with all facets of organizing and carrying out our trip. Muhammad Hanif was our contact there and did an excellent job outlining the trip. Everything went smoothly from easily making payments via credit card on their secure site, to arriving in Sandakan and having our guide (Vincent Y) for the city tour meet us right on time at our hotel and offer an excellent and entertaining morning. And that was before we headed out to Sukau.

Vincent P had everything organized for our 2.5 hour boat ride to the lodge, stopping along the way to view various things in the jungle. The rooms at Sukau were excellent, the food was very good and plentiful and the morning and afternoon boat safaris were great. We had many excellent sightings on every trip out. The drivers did an excellent job of navigating and spotting and we had many great photo opportunities. And finally, our return trip and back to the airport went off without a hitch. We were met at the dock in Sandakan where our stored luggage was waiting for us in the van and off we went to lunch and then the airport for our return to KL.

The simple things that keep tourists happy on tours like this are good food and smiling, happy, knowledgeable guides. The food service was a big undertaking at Sukau with some fairly large tour groups coming through each day. The kitchen staff did an outstanding job keeping everyone fed and satisfied. All of the staff from dining room to housekeeping to guides and drivers were always happy, smiling and helpful.

Highly recommended.

The Team at Borneo Eco tours did an outstanding job with all facets of organizing and carrying out our trip. Muhammad Hanif was our contact there and did an excellent job outlining the trip. Everything went smoothly from easily making payments via credit card on their secure site, to arriving in Sandakan and having our guide (Vincent Y) for the city tour meet us right on time at our hotel and offer an excellent and entertaining morning. And that was before we headed out to Sukau.

Vincent P had everything organized for our 2.5 hour boat ride to the lodge, stopping along the way to view various things in the jungle. The rooms at Sukau were excellent, the food was very good and plentiful and the morning and afternoon boat safaris were great. We had many excellent sightings on every trip out. The drivers did an excellent job of navigating and spotting and we had many great photo opportunities. And finally, our return trip and back to the airport went off without a hitch. We were met at the dock in Sandakan where our stored luggage was waiting for us in the van and off we went to lunch and then the airport for our return to KL.

The simple things that keep tourists happy on tours like this are good food and smiling, happy, knowledgeable guides. The food service was a big undertaking at Sukau with some fairly large tour groups coming through each day. The kitchen staff did an outstanding job keeping everyone fed and satisfied. All of the staff from dining room to housekeeping to guides and drivers were always happy, smiling and helpful.

Highly recommended.