JAPAN
Borneo.
The Last Wild
Rain Forest
An expedition through ancient jungles in search of orangutans, sun bears, pygmy elephants, and Borneo’s most elusive wildlife.
Duration
14 Days
Location
Malaysian Borneo
Wildlife
Orangutans, Sun Bears
& Borneo’s Rarest Wildlife
Group Size
12 Guests
Maximum
What to Expect Physically
The Daily Experience
This journey is designed for travelers comfortable with active days spent fully immersed in the rainforest. Most days involve regular walking, wildlife excursions, river travel, and extended time outdoors as we search for Borneo’s most extraordinary wildlife.
Time on Your Feet
Guests should expect several hours of movement throughout the day, with most walks ranging from short exploratory outings to longer wildlife-focused excursions depending on conditions and sightings. While distances are rarely extreme, days are often physically engaging from start to finish.
Terrain & Conditions
Travel takes place across natural rainforest terrain including uneven jungle trails, elevated wooden boardwalks, muddy pathways, and unpaved forest routes. Movement is typically slow and deliberate, allowing time for wildlife observation, photography, and interpretation from our guides.
The Environmental Challenge
Borneo’s tropical climate can be demanding. High humidity, consistent heat, and sudden rain showers are part of the daily experience, requiring travelers to remain comfortable in warm conditions for extended periods while embracing the unpredictability of true wilderness travel.
Who This Journey Is Best For
This expedition is best suited for travelers with good mobility, steady footing, and a desire to fully experience wild places as they truly are. Flexibility, patience, and a willingness to embrace challenging conditions are part of what makes encounters in Borneo so rewarding.
Climate & Field Conditions
The Tropical Environment
Borneo sits directly within the equatorial rainforest belt, meaning warm temperatures, dense humidity, and lush jungle conditions are part of daily life throughout the expedition. Daytime temperatures typically range between the mid to upper 80s°F, creating consistently warm field conditions year-round.
Heat & Humidity
This is a true tropical environment. Humidity levels often remain extremely high, and the combination of heat and moisture can feel physically draining, particularly during extended wildlife excursions or slower periods spent searching the forest for orangutans and other elusive species.
Rainforest Weather Patterns
Rain can occur during any season and sudden tropical downpours are always possible. Even on dry days, moisture remains ever-present in the air, creating the rich conditions that sustain one of the most biologically diverse ecosystems on Earth.
What To Pack For
Travelers should come prepared for consistently warm conditions, high humidity, occasional rain, and long periods outdoors. Lightweight technical clothing, breathable fabrics, and a willingness to embrace the raw realities of true rainforest exploration are essential to fully enjoying the experience.
WORLD UNTOUCHED EXCLUSIVES
Access Few
Travelers Ever Experience.
In Borneo, access is measured in river miles, old-growth rainforest, conservation frontlines, and the most experienced expedition team anywhere in Sabah. This is not standard wildlife tourism. It is rare access to one of the last truly wild places left on Earth.
See The 14-Day Expedition ↓
Private Sun Bear
Conservation Access
Rare private access at the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, including a private visit and conversation with founder Dr. Wong. This is not simply a wildlife stop — it is an intimate look inside the conservation work protecting the world’s smallest bear.
Silent River
Safaris
Travel by private boat through the Kinabatangan River, moving silently through one of Southeast Asia’s richest wildlife corridors while searching for wild orangutans, pygmy elephants, crocodiles, hornbills, and elusive riverbank wildlife.
Private Night Drives
in Tabin
After dark, the rainforest transforms completely. Through private night drives and guided nocturnal walks, we search for flying squirrels, civets, owls, frogs, sleeping birds, and the hidden ecosystem most travelers never witness.
Private Access to
Ancient Danum Valley
Danum Valley remains one of Southeast Asia’s last intact primary rainforests. Through privileged lodge access deep inside this protected ecosystem, we spend days immersed within ancient jungle landscapes few outsiders will ever experience.
Sunrise Before the
Rainforest Wakes
Long before daylight reaches the jungle floor, we climb above the canopy and watch morning light spill across endless rainforest as the sounds of Borneo begin to awaken beneath us.
Wild
Orangutans
Observe Borneo’s iconic great apes in truly wild habitat.
Sun Bear
Conservation
Private access alongside those protecting the world’s rarest bear.
Ancient
Rainforest
Explore million-year-old jungle ecosystems.
Kinabatangan
River
Cruise one of Asia’s richest wildlife corridors.
Nocturnal
Borneo
The rainforest reveals its hidden world after dark.
But to move through the rainforest with access only true local expertise can unlock.
Why We Design Journeys Differently
Extraordinary Places
Deserve Extraordinary Intent.
World Untouched was built around a simple belief: extraordinary destinations should never be experienced through rushed itineraries, oversized groups, or surface-level tourism.
Every expedition we build is intentionally designed from the ground up — balancing wildlife, culture, pacing, access, and deeper understanding.
We spend years refining every journey we offer. Every lodge, local partner, route, seasonal timing, and experience exists for a reason.
Our itineraries are not assembled from tourism checklists. They are carefully constructed to create something increasingly rare in modern travel:
Not simply to see remarkable places.
But to understand why they matter enough to protect.
EXPEDITION DOSSIER
14 Days.
Wild Borneo.
Exclusive Access.
From private sun bear conservation access and orangutans in the forest to Kinabatangan river safaris, Tabin night drives, and the ancient rainforest of Danum Valley — this expedition moves through Borneo with rare local access, expert naturalists, and deep time in the wild.
Arrive in Sandakan & Transfer to Sepilok
Begin in Sabah’s rainforest gateway with a quiet arrival, lodge check-in, and welcome dinner.
The Arrival: Be met on arrival in Sandakan and transfer to Sepilok, where the rainforest immediately begins to surround the journey.
The Reset: Settle into your lodge, slow down from international travel, and begin adjusting to the rhythm, heat, and soundscape of Borneo.
The Welcome: Gather for dinner with your guide and World Untouched team as we frame the days ahead: sun bears, orangutans, rivers, night forest, and deep rainforest immersion.
Private Sun Bear Access & Sepilok Orangutans
A rare conservation-focused day with private Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre access, orangutans, canopy walkways, and night forest.
The Exclusive Access: Begin with a private experience at the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, including rare insight into the rescue and rehabilitation work protecting the world’s smallest bear.
The Orangutans: Continue to Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre to observe orangutans moving through forest and feeding platforms while learning the larger conservation story behind this work.
The Canopy & Night Forest: Later, explore the Rainforest Discovery Centre, its canopy walkway, trails, birdlife, and evening forest as Borneo’s nocturnal world begins to stir.
Into the Kinabatangan River Corridor
Travel by boat into one of Southeast Asia’s richest wildlife corridors and begin river-based searching.
The Transition: After a relaxed morning, travel to Sandakan Jetty and begin the river journey toward Sukau Rainforest Lodge.
The River Arrival: As the boat moves deeper into the Kinabatangan system, the landscape shifts into mangrove, riverbank forest, and wildlife-rich corridors.
The First Safari: In the late afternoon, set out by boat to search for proboscis monkeys, hornbills, crocodiles, macaques, orangutans, and the unpredictable life of the river edge.
Kinabatangan River Safaris
Morning and afternoon wildlife cruises through oxbow lakes, river channels, and forest-lined waterways.
The Morning River: Rise early for a cruise toward Kelenanap Oxbow Lake, when birdlife, primates, and river wildlife are often most active.
The Forest Walk: Return for breakfast, then explore the lodge’s Hornbill Boardwalk with a naturalist for a closer look at the smaller details of the rainforest.
The Afternoon Search: Later, head back onto the river as the heat softens and wildlife begins moving again along the banks.
Silent River Safari & Gomantong Cave
Search the Menanggol River by quiet motor before entering one of Borneo’s most dramatic cave ecosystems.
The Silent River: Begin with an early cruise along the Menanggol River by silent electric motor, allowing the forest edge to reveal itself with minimal disturbance.
The Cave Forest: Travel toward Gomantong Cave, an ecologically important site for swifts, bats, raptors, and surrounding forest wildlife.
The Evening Spectacle: Watch as millions of bats pour from the cave while birds of prey circle above — a raw, ancient rainforest drama unfolding in real time.
Kinabatangan to Tabin Wildlife Reserve
Move from river corridor to rainforest reserve, mud volcano, mineral lick, and first Tabin night safari.
The Transfer: Depart the Kinabatangan by boat and continue overland through Lahad Datu toward Tabin Wildlife Reserve.
The Mud Volcano: After settling into the lodge, trek the Elephant Trail to Lipad Mud Volcano, a mineral-rich salt lick that attracts wildlife and leaves behind tracks, signs, and stories.
The Night Safari: After dinner, head into the darkness by vehicle to search for nocturnal wildlife under Tabin’s clear tropical sky.
Birdlife, Waterfalls & Night Forest
Track Tabin’s birdlife, walk to Lipad Waterfall, and return after dark for nocturnal forest searching.
The Birding Morning: Begin with an early bird walk in one of Borneo’s richest birding regions, home to hundreds of species.
The Forest Trail: Visit the birdwatching tower, trek toward Lipad Waterfall, and stop at the Tabin Giant Tree — a reminder of the scale and age of this rainforest.
The Night Walk: After dusk, return to the forest on foot to look for frogs, sleeping birds, insects, and the hidden life that only appears after dark.
Deep Field Time in Tabin
A full day of rainforest walks, wildlife tracking, private guiding, and a final nocturnal safari.
The Slow Search: Spend the day exploring forest trails near the lodge, moving at the pace of wildlife rather than a rigid sightseeing schedule.
The Field Focus: Your guides read tracks, movement, sound, and weather — the quiet details that often determine what the rainforest reveals.
The Final Tabin Night: After dinner, another night safari gives us one more chance for civets, owls, leopard cats, flying squirrels, and other elusive nocturnal species.
Into Ancient Danum Valley
Enter one of Borneo’s greatest rainforest strongholds and settle into deep wilderness at Borneo Rainforest Lodge.
The Transition: Travel from Tabin toward Danum Valley, watching the landscape shift from regenerating forest into ancient primary rainforest.
The Arrival: Check into Borneo Rainforest Lodge and meet your guide for an introduction to the trails, river, canopy, and wildlife possibilities surrounding the lodge.
The Night Safari: After dinner, begin exploring Danum’s nocturnal world — where the forest transforms into something entirely different after dark.
Gibbons, Coffin Cliff & Danum Trails
Wake to gibbons, trek to the viewpoint and ancient burial site, then return to the river and night forest.
The Rainforest Morning: Wake to the calls of Borneo gibbons before setting out with your guide into the forest.
The High View: Trek to Coffin Cliff, a viewpoint and burial site that reveals both the ecological and cultural depth of Danum Valley.
The Afternoon & Night: Cool off at a natural pool, explore additional trails or the river corridor, then return after dark for another guided night walk.
Before the Rainforest Wakes
Travel before dawn to watch sunrise lift over the Danum canopy from the GAW Tower.
The Dawn Departure: Leave in darkness for the GAW Tower, timing the morning for one of Danum Valley’s most cinematic experiences.
The Canopy Sunrise: Watch mist part across the rainforest canopy as first light reveals one of Southeast Asia’s great wilderness landscapes.
The Flexible Afternoon: Return for breakfast, then choose between waterfall trails, guided river walks, balcony time, or simply listening to the forest from the lodge deck.
Final Full Day in Danum Valley
One more day of guided rainforest exploration, wildlife searching, and deep time in ancient Borneo.
The Open Day: This day is intentionally flexible, shaped by wildlife movement, weather, trail conditions, and group energy.
The Forest Advantage: With another full day in Danum, we increase our chances for primates, hornbills, reptiles, nocturnal life, and the quiet surprises that come only with time.
The WU Pace: No rushed checklist. No shallow pass-through. Just one of Earth’s oldest rainforests, experienced with patience and expert local guidance.
Danum Valley to Kota Kinabalu
Leave the rainforest, fly to Kota Kinabalu, and gather for a final celebratory dinner.
The Departure: After an early breakfast, depart Danum Valley and transfer to Lahad Datu for the flight to Kota Kinabalu.
The Coastal Return: Arrive in Kota Kinabalu and settle into your final hotel, where city, sea, and mountain energy replace the density of the forest.
The Farewell: Gather for a final dinner with your guide and fellow travelers — a last chance to process everything Borneo revealed.
Farewell Borneo
A smooth transfer to Kota Kinabalu International Airport and the journey home.
The Morning: Enjoy a final breakfast before your transfer to Kota Kinabalu International Airport.
The Takeaway: The expedition ends, but the memory of Borneo’s rivers, night sounds, old-growth forest, orangutans, sun bears, and rainforest stillness travels with you.
DATES & PRICING
Wild Borneo.
Rare Access.
Limited Space.
This 14-day expedition moves through Sabah’s most important wildlife regions — from private sun bear conservation access and Sepilok orangutans to Kinabatangan river safaris, Tabin night drives, and the ancient rainforest of Danum Valley.
2027 Departures
• Sept 16 – Sept 29 (Waitlist Only)
• Oct 02 – Oct 15
• Oct 18 – Oct 31
2028 Departures
• Sept 16 – Sept 29
• Oct 02 – Oct 15
• Oct 18 – Oct 31
Limited to 12 Guests Per Departure
Small group. Rare access. Designed for travelers who want to experience Borneo with a deeper connection, private conservation access, and more time in the field.
BORNEO: LAST WILD RAINFORESTS
14-Day Borneo Wildlife Expedition
Main Package
Based on dual occupancy
Includes accommodations, exclusive electric boats, guiding, meals, ground transportation, park fees, and expedition logistics.
Required Internal Air Package: $275 per person, added at booking. Includes the domestic flight from Lahad Datu to Kota Kinabalu.
Single Supplement
Private room where available
For travelers requesting single occupancy throughout the expedition.
Inclusions & Exclusions
See exactly what is covered — and what remains your responsibility before departure.
Booking Policy
Reservations are secured with deposit. Due to limited lodge space, private guiding arrangements, and small-group access, this departure is expected to fill well in advance.
What’s Included
✅ Included
Conservation Contribution: Five percent of every base expedition booking is reinvested directly into the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, supporting the frontline conservation work protecting one of Earth’s most misunderstood and endangered bear species.
Accommodations: Accommodations are included throughout the expedition, including Sepilok Forest Edge Resort, Sukau Rainforest Lodge, Tabin Wildlife Resort, Borneo Rainforest Lodge, and Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu.
Meals: Meals are included as listed in the itinerary, beginning with dinner on Day 1 and ending with breakfast on Day 14.
Field Access: Scheduled activities, entrance fees, and non-professional camera fees are included throughout Sepilok, Kinabatangan, Tabin, and Danum Valley.
Conservation Access: Includes early private access to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre with a private talk by the founder.
Local Team: Includes private local guiding throughout the program, plus World Untouched trip leadership.
Transfers: Connecting land transfers are included in air-conditioned vehicles, based on partial private arrangements.
Kinabatangan Experience: Includes boat transfers to and from Sukau Rainforest Lodge, shared river cruises, Gomantong Cave entrance and camera fees, and one night cruise.
Tabin Experience: Includes Tabin conservation fee, private guided activities, and two private night drives.
Danum Valley Experience: Includes scheduled transfers to and from Borneo Rainforest Lodge, guided activities, and the GAW sunrise experience.
Welcome Pack: Includes one pair of leech socks per person, one reusable water bottle per person
Tourism Tax: Malaysia Tourism Tax is included.
❌ Not Included
Required Internal Air Package: The Lahad Datu to Kota Kinabalu domestic flight is not included in the base price and is added separately at booking for $275 per person.
Mainline Flights: International flights to and from Malaysia are not included.
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is not included and is strongly recommended.
Visa Fees: Visa fees, if applicable, are not included.
Gratuities: Tips or gratuities for local guides, expedition staff, and trip leaders are not included.
Personal Items: Personal expenses such as souvenirs, laundry, phone calls, snacks outside group meals, and incidental purchases are not included.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Where Wilderness Meets Comfort.
From award-winning rainforest lodges and riverfront wildlife sanctuaries to one of Asia’s most legendary jungle properties, every stay has been selected to maximize comfort, immersion, and extraordinary access to the wild heart of Borneo.
SEPILOK
Sepilok Forest Edge Resort
Tucked beside one of Borneo’s most important wildlife conservation regions, Sepilok Forest Edge Resort offers a peaceful forested retreat just minutes from both the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre. The perfect introduction to Sabah’s wild frontier.
KINABATANGAN RIVER
Sukau Rainforest Lodge
Widely regarded as one of the finest wildlife lodges anywhere in Malaysian Borneo, Sukau Rainforest Lodge sits directly on the legendary Kinabatangan River — one of Southeast Asia’s richest wildlife corridors. Orangutans, pygmy elephants, hornbills, crocodiles, and proboscis monkeys are often encountered directly from the lodge itself.
DANUM VALLEY
Borneo Rainforest Lodge
Deep inside Danum Valley Conservation Area sits what many consider the finest rainforest lodge in all of Southeast Asia. Surrounded by one of Earth’s oldest intact primary rainforests, Borneo Rainforest Lodge offers four unforgettable nights immersed in ancient jungle, world-class wildlife viewing, exceptional comfort, and access few travelers will ever experience.
TABIN RESERVE
Tabin Wildlife Resort
Far from the polished comforts of city hotels, Tabin Wildlife Resort exists for one purpose: immersion in wild Borneo. Positioned deep inside Tabin Wildlife Reserve, this expedition-style lodge places us directly inside one of Sabah’s most important protected ecosystems, where night drives and rainforest encounters continue long after sunset.
KOTA KINABALU
Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu
After nearly two weeks deep in the rainforest, the journey ends with a final night of modern comfort in Kota Kinabalu. Overlooking the South China Sea, Hyatt Centric offers the perfect place to gather, exhale, and reflect before the expedition comes to a close.
Every property throughout this expedition has been deliberately chosen not simply for comfort — but because each one represents one of the best gateways into Borneo’s most extraordinary wildlife landscapes.
What Past Travelers Say
Trusted by Travelers Who Seek
Extraordinary Experiences
Our expeditions are built around access, depth, and experiences most travelers never encounter. Here is what guests have shared after joining us in the field
“Every day on this journey was a new and wonderful experience... I returned home healthier, happier, and already dreaming of the next trip. Would I go again? In a heartbeat.””
Bev H.
International Travel News
“Japan felt completely different with World Untouched — quieter, more thoughtful, and far more personal than anything we could have planned ourselves.”
Laura
California
“The night walk through Koyasan was one of the most powerful travel moments I’ve ever had. It felt sacred without being staged.”
Michael
New York
“The pacing was what made it extraordinary. We saw the iconic places, but never felt rushed through them.”
Rebecca
Washington
Japan Is At Its Best
When It Is Experienced Slowly.
Spring departures are intentionally limited and timed around cherry blossom season, private cultural access, and the quieter rhythms that make this journey possible.
See Available Dates →2027 and 2028 departures now open.
FAQ
Your Questions, Answered.
Planning an expedition to Japan is a big decision. Here are answers to the most common questions from our guests.
01How Physically Demanding Is This Expedition?
The Daily Activity: Most days involve walking a few miles at a comfortable pace while exploring temples, gardens, historic districts, and natural areas.
The Terrain: Expect stairs, uneven stone pathways, train stations, and occasional elevation gain — particularly in places like Koyasan and the snow monkey park.
If you are comfortable being active throughout the day and spending extended time on your feet, you will do perfectly well.
02What If The Cherry Blossoms Bloom Early or Late?
Nature Sets The Schedule: Cherry blossom season shifts slightly each year depending on winter temperatures and seasonal conditions.
Our Strategic Timing: We design departures around historical peak bloom windows based on decades of flowering data.
Built In Flexibility: That said, we travel to different elevations and latitudes to ensure our best chance of hitting the timing right in at least one part of the journey.
03Why Travel Japan With World Untouched?
Beyond Standard Tourism: This is not a typical Japan itinerary built around crowded tourist checklists.
Rare Access: From private cultural experiences to carefully selected accommodations, much of this journey is built around experiences most travelers never access.
Our Philosophy: We design every expedition to create genuine connection with culture, wildlife, landscape, and the communities that make these places extraordinary.
04Do I Need A Visa To Visit Japan?
United States: U.S. citizens currently do not need a visa for tourist stays under 90 days.
Canada, Australia & Europe: Travelers from Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, and most European countries also receive visa-free entry for short-term tourism.
Final Responsibility: Entry requirements can change, so we always recommend verifying current requirements before departure.
05How Do We Travel Around Japan?
Private Transfers: Much of the journey is handled through private transportation, allowing flexibility and comfort throughout the expedition.
The Bullet Train Experience: While your luggage will often travel separately through private transfer services, we intentionally use Japan’s famous Shinkansen bullet trains for the experience and because it is the most convenient and efficient way to move through parts of the country.
Seamless Logistics: We handle the complicated coordination so the transitions feel effortless for you.
06What Kind Of Accommodations Can I Expect?
Thoughtfully Curated: Every accommodation is chosen for comfort, authenticity, and how it deepens your connection to Japan.
The Variety: Throughout the journey we stay in historic ryokans, mountain onsen retreats, boutique Kyoto properties, and carefully selected premium hotels.
Part Of The Experience: On this expedition, where you stay becomes part of the adventure itself.
07Can Dietary Restrictions Be Accommodated?
Advance Notice Matters: Japan can be more challenging than other destinations when it comes to highly specific dietary restrictions.
Common Requests: Vegetarian, gluten-sensitive, and many allergy-related requests can often be supported with advance notice.
Open Communication: The earlier we know your needs, the better we can coordinate with our local partners.
08What Should I Pack For This Journey?
Travel Light: Japan rewards lighter luggage, especially while moving between destinations throughout the trip.
The Essentials: Comfortable walking shoes, layered clothing, a light rain shell, and casual evening attire are highly recommended.
Preparation Support: After booking, we provide a detailed packing guide built specifically for this itinerary.
09Will I Have Wi-Fi or Cell Service?
Excellent Connectivity: Cities like Osaka, Kyoto, and Tokyo offer excellent Wi-Fi and reliable cell service.
Remote Areas: Mountain regions such as Koyasan or areas near Jigokudani may occasionally have weaker service.
Disconnect A Little: Part of the beauty of this journey is occasionally stepping away from constant connectivity.
10Can I Join This Trip As A Solo Traveler?
Absolutely: Many of our guests join expeditions independently.
Private Option: A single supplement is available for travelers wanting guaranteed private accommodations throughout the journey.
The Group Dynamic: Small group travel often creates strong friendships quickly, and solo travelers regularly become some of the most connected members of the group.
11What Weather Should I Expect?
Spring Variability: Japan in spring offers beautiful weather, though temperatures can vary significantly depending on region.
The Range: Expect mild days in Kyoto and Tokyo, cooler mountain temperatures in Nagano and Koyasan, and occasional spring rain.
Layering Is Key: We recommend preparing for both warm afternoons and chilly mornings throughout the expedition.
12Is Japan Safe For Travelers?
Extremely Safe: Japan consistently ranks among the safest travel destinations in the world.
Exceptional Infrastructure: Public transportation, cleanliness, healthcare access, and overall public safety standards are exceptionally high.
Full Support: Throughout the expedition, both your World Untouched leader and local Japanese guide handle every major logistical detail.
13Is This Trip Good For Photography?
An Extraordinary Destination: Japan offers one of the most visually diverse travel experiences anywhere in the world.
The Subjects: Cherry blossoms, snow monkeys, temples, bamboo forests, geisha districts, Mount Fuji, street photography, and incredible culinary experiences.
All Skill Levels Welcome: Whether you shoot casually on a phone or travel with professional camera gear, Japan rewards curiosity behind the lens.
START YOUR JOURNEY
Let’s plan
something
extraordinary.
Every unforgettable expedition begins with a conversation. Whether you’re ready to join of our journeys or simply exploring possibilities, we’d love to hear what’s calling you to the wild.