Amazing Experience 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.