2020 Wilderness Travel Catalog of Adventures

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Wildlife Adventures in Borneo ORANGUTANS, PYGMY ELEPHANTS, AND THE KINABATANGAN RIVER

Orangutans, pygmy elephants, proboscis monkeys, sun bears—Borneo’s extraordinary wildlife is just as fascinating as its tropical ecosystems. At Sepilok Forest Reserve, we walk among free-roaming orangutans and learn about the rehabilitation of orphaned orangutans and endangered sun bears. From our eco-lodge on the jungle-draped Kinabatangan River, we set out by boat at dawn and dusk in search of orangutans and pygmy elephants along the jungled banks. In the lowland forests of Tabin, we’ll look for flying squirrels, Asian palm civets, Malayan civets, and pig-tailed macaques. The stunning Danum Valley brings us an incredible diversity of unique animals in its towering treetop canopies, and night walks give us a chance to spot elusive nocturnal species, from wide-eyed tarsier to bioluminescent fungi!

JULIEN GARCIA

Ten primate species inhabit the Kinabatangan area, most of them endemic to Borneo. In Tabin Wildlife Reserve, we meet with local scientists and a member of the Borneo Rhino Alliance to learn about conservation efforts for the endangered Sumatran rhino. Days 7-11 Danum Valley Conservation Area The remote Danum Valley is one of the world’s most pristine rainforests, internationally recognized for its off-the-charts biodiversity. Rare mammal species here include the Sumatran rhino, clouded leopard, mousedeer, gibbon, and maroon-leaf langur. We set out on early morning canopy walks, watching the sun paint its colors over the jungle, hike to an ancient burial site, and enjoy night drives in search of flying squirrels and mammals on the hunt. Depart on Day 11 via Kota Kinabulu.

Days 1-2 Kota Kinabalu / Sepilok Forest Reserve From Kota Kinabalu, we head to Sepilok Forest Reserve, where we’ll watch the morning feeding of the orangutans at the feeding platform. Found in the wild only on Borneo and the Indonesian island of Sumatra, the orangutan is fighting a battle for survival as its habitat shrinks. We walk among the orangutan in the reserve, cross a treetop canopy in time to watch sunset, and have a private visit to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, a sanctuary for the world’s smallest bears. Days 3-6 Kinabatangan Wetlands / Tabin Wildlife Reserve Winding down the Kinabatangan River by boat at dawn and dusk, we look for baby-faced pygmy elephants and tree-dwelling creatures along the banks.

HIGHLIGHTS • Walk among the free-roaming orangutans at Sepilok • Explore on dawn and dusk rides on the wildlife-rich Kinabatangan River • Meet with conservationists in Tabin Wildlife Reserve • Experience the Danum Valley’s world-famous primary rainforest • Enjoy remote lodges with great access to wildlife DETAILS • 11-day trip begins and ends in Kota Kinabalu • 8 nights lodges, 2 nights hotel • All meals included

From well-placed nature lodges with great access to wildlife, experience the phenomenal biodiversity of Borneo’s rainforests. PHOTO: SUZI ESZTERHAS

DATES Apr 20-30, 2020 Sep 28-Oct 8 Apr 19-29, 2021

TRIP COST $7595 (11-15 members) $7995 (6-10 members) Single supplement: $1450 Internal airfare: $175 (subject to change) 1 2 + 3 4 5 6 Easy nature walks and light hikes in a hot and humid climate, river excursions by speedboat and longboat TRIP LEVEL

QUESTIONS? 1.800.368.2794 OR EMAIL PACIFIC@WILDERNESSTRAVEL.COM 104