Borneo Ecotourism: Discovering the Borneo Big 5 and Sustainable Travel

I just got back from an unforgettable trip to Borneo, Malaysia, and one of the most meaningful parts was experiencing Borneo ecotourism firsthand. If you love wildlife and want to travel responsibly, Borneo is the perfect, often underrated, destination. The island is home to some incredible animals, including the Borneo Big 5: orangutans, pygmy elephants, proboscis monkeys, crocodiles, and rhinoceros hornbills. Seeing these amazing creatures in the wild and knowing my visit was contributing to preserving their habitats, made the whole experience even more special, and it’s all thanks to the efforts of Borneo ecotourism.

Welcome to Borneo!

These animals not only represent the incredible biodiversity of Borneo but also serve as a reminder of why Borneo ecotourism is so critical. From spotting a mother orangutan and her baby swinging through the trees to hearing the trumpeting of pygmy elephants, every animal encounter was a reminder of how important it is to protect this region. Seeing these animals in their natural habitat was a once-in-a-lifetime experience I’ll never forget.

Eco-Friendly Lodging

During my stay, I chose eco-friendly lodges committed to sustainability and conservation, central to the values of Borneo ecotourism. One of my favorite places was Sukau Rainforest Lodge, which is situated along the Kinabatangan River. This lodge has made sustainability a priority, from harvesting rainwater to embracing open-air designs and using solar energy to heat water to name a few of their efforts. The lodge also offers riverboat cruises where we spotted monkeys, various bird species, and if you’re lucky, early morning sightings of elephants and crocodiles. Knowing that staying there directly supported Borneo ecotourism efforts and helped protect these fragile ecosystems made it even more rewarding.

Conservation Travel

Another impactful moment of the trip was participating in a tree-planting initiative, an effort of Borneo ecotourism’s conservation strategy. It might seem inconsequential to plant trees in such a lush environment, but these efforts are essential to restoring the rainforest. By planting these native trees, we helped create a sustainable habitat for animals like orangutans and proboscis monkeys, ensuring they have the resources they need to thrive. Taking part in this project made me feel like I was contributing directly to the future of Borneo’s wildlife. It’s a small action with a big impact, and a great way to support Borneo ecotourism.

Final Thoughts

This trip was even more meaningful because I knew my travel was making a positive difference. Borneo ecotourism focuses on protecting endangered species and preserving the island’s stunning natural beauty for generations to come. Whether I was learning about conservation efforts or simply staying in ecolodges, it felt good to know my visit was helping to keep Borneo wild and beautiful.

Picture of Jillian Brown

Jillian Brown

I’m a newcomer to the travel industry and joined Morris Murdock in 2022. I’ve had the experience to explore the United States and have loved being able to visit many of Americas beautiful National Parks. I hope to one day climb Mount Kilimanjaro and explore New Zealand.

I’m thrilled to assist you in planning your upcoming tours with us and getting you geared up for an exciting adventure with us.

Contact Me

Additional Posts by Jillian