Trip Report: Borneo's Best: Orangutans & Rainforest Wildlife - August 2025

There are photography trips that are good, and then there are trips that change the way you see the world. Hosting our second Backcountry Journeys Borneo Wildlife Photography Adventure was exactly that. For twelve incredible days, our group explored lush rainforests, cruised winding rivers, and captured unforgettable moments with some of the most endangered and unique species on the planet.

This was a trip about connection with nature, with each other, learning new tips with photography and with the animals that make Borneo such a magical place.

Semenggoh Wildlife Centre – Our First Orangutans

Our adventure began at Semenggoh Wildlife Centre, where we were introduced to one of Borneo’s most iconic residents: the orangutan. There’s nothing quite like the first time you see one of these great apes swing out of the forest and onto the feeding platform. The forest went still, cameras ready, and then a massive female and her tween child appeared, slowly making their way toward us. He paused to look directly at our group before disappearing back into the forest a moment that had everyone excited and shooting like crazy.
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In addition to the orangutans, Semenggoh rewarded us with a variety of bird sightings. The Rhinoceros Hornbill, with its massive casque, flew overhead. The forest was alive with calls of the Greater Racket-tailed Drongo and the brilliant flashes of Asian Fairy-bluebirds. For a first day, it was hard to imagine things getting any better but we were excited to see more wild orangutans in a more natural environment.

Bako National Park – Proboscis Monkey Paradise

From there, we traveled by boat to Bako National Park, where the rainforest meets dramatic coastal cliffs. This was proboscis monkey country, and they did not disappoint we saw them throughout the entire visit, lounging in the treetops, leaping between branches, and even coming quite close for portrait opportunities. Their expressive faces and long, comical noses had everyone smiling as we lined up shot after shot.
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Bako’s biodiversity was on full display, from very up close and personal bearded pigs snuffling through the camp area to brilliantly colored Stork-billed Kingfishers perched near the mangroves. The landscape itself became part of the story, with twisted mangroves, sandy beaches, and towering dipterocarp trees providing endless opportunities for wide-angle and habitat shots.

Labuk Bay – Close Encounters

At Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary, we had some of our closest interactions with wildlife yet. During scheduled feedings, the proboscis monkeys arrived from the forest in large numbers, their bellies swaying as they trotted across the platforms. Silvered leaf monkeys watched from the trees, and a Bushy-crested Hornbill made a brief but dramatic appearance, giving everyone a chance to practice capturing birds in flight. It was harsh light at first but we timed it perfectly because the sun went behind clouds and the light became perfect shortly after. 

Rainforest Discovery Centre & Sepilok

Moving deeper into Sabah, we visited the Rainforest Discovery Centre, home to one of the best canopy walkways in Borneo. Here, we photographed Scarlet-rumped Trogons, Black-and-yellow Broadbills, and even caught sight of a soaring Wallace’s Hawk-Eagle. The elevated vantage point allowed for creative perspectives of hornbills flying at eye level — a rare treat.
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At Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary, we had more chances to photograph rehabilitated orangutans as they returned to the platforms for feeding. Each individual had a different personality some shy and quiet, others bold and curious making for a diverse set of images. We watched a mother play with her baby for awhile, watching their every human like move it was clear that they are closer related to us than we sometimes think. You could see how much love that mother orangutan had for her baby. It was a beautiful moment not just for the cameras but for us to witness with our own eyes. At one point during my personal time in Borneo I came across a large male orangutan that had an interesting hand gesture… one of the many reasons why it’s easy to see how closely related we are after all.

Kinabatangan River – Life on the Water

One of the highlights of the trip was staying at Abai Jungle Lodge along the Kinabatangan River. From here, we set out on multiple river cruises and were rewarded with incredible wildlife encounters. Proboscis monkeys lined the riverbanks, vibrant Bornean vipers in the trees, mothers nursing their babies as the dominant males watched from nearby branches. White-crowned hornbills flew overhead, while kingfishers zipped past our boats like flying jewels.
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As night fell, the river transformed. We witnessed fireflies illuminating the mangroves, creating a scene that felt almost otherworldly. This was also where we saw one of the most memorable spectacles of the trip: as bats emerged from a nearby cave, raptors dive-bombed them midair, creating a breathtaking moment of predator-prey drama.

Bornean Sun Bears

We also had the privilege of visiting the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre. These small but powerful bears were a delight to photograph as they tore open logs with impressive strength. Each bear had its own story of rescue and rehabilitation, reminding us of the importance of conservation efforts across Borneo.

Danum Valley – Into the Heart of the Rainforest

Our final stop was the world-famous Danum Valley, where we stayed at the Borneo Rainforest Lodge. Here, the jungle felt primeval giant trees, swirling mists, and the sound of gibbons calling at dawn. We went on beautiful hikes and photographed from the 300-meter canopy walkway, and went on night drives in search of nocturnal wildlife.
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And then came perhaps the most personal moment of the trip: as I stood near a cave entrance, a sub-adult male orangutan emerged from the shadows and began walking directly toward me. For a few moments, it was just the two of us the sounds of the jungle, the click of the shutter, and the humbling realization of just how close we were to one of our closest relatives in the wild.

Why Borneo Should Be Next on Your List

Hosting this trip reminded me why Borneo is such a special place for photographers. The combination of primate encounters, rare birdlife, and stunning rainforest landscapes creates a portfolio that’s as diverse as it is rewarding.
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If you’ve ever dreamed of photographing orangutans in the wild, capturing proboscis monkeys mid-leap, or witnessing dramatic predator-prey interactions as bats fill the evening sky, this trip delivers. The small group format allows for a personal experience, and our expert guides make sure every guest leaves with memory cards full of images and stories to match.

Join Us on the Next Backcountry Journeys Borneo Adventure

This inaugural trip was an overwhelming success, and I can’t wait to do it again. Join us on our next Backcountry Journeys Borneo Wildlife Photography Adventure, where we’ll explore rainforests, rivers, and sanctuaries to capture the rare and the remarkable.
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Borneo is a place that stays with you long after you leave and your photographs will tell a story that words alone can’t capture.