Birds in every color of the rainbow, mysterious snakes, giant cicadas, pygmy elephants, sun bears, monkeys and the elusive clouded leopard. The photographs from this nature journey to Borneo look as if they came straight out of National Geographic. Its extraordinary biodiversity makes this destination a truly unparalleled natural paradise. STARLING takes you there to experience it all from the front row. Nocturnal safaris and jungle walks, boat trips through the mangroves or immersive explorations in the sultry tropical rainforest: we turn it into an unforgettable nature adventure! Are your bags already packed?

STARLING is proud to present this exceptional photography and nature journey to Borneo. We explore the unique flora and fauna of the Bornean jungle. Colorful birds and remarkable mammals take center stage, but the plants, amphibians and insects are equally fascinating. Be sure to bring your binoculars and macro lens. Deep within a remote rainforest region of Borneo, we set out in search of the clouded leopard, an exciting quest that is guaranteed to be unforgettable.

Majestic Mount Kinabalu

Our first destination is Mount Kinabalu. This iconic mountain not only offers pleasantly cool temperatures, but also gives us the chance to encounter a number of spectacular bird species. The famous whitehead’s trio (whitehead’s broadbill, whitehead’s spiderhunter and whitehead’s trogon) will hopefully be among them. We search for these and many other species of the cloud forest. At night, we embark on our first careful spotlighting session, where we will encounter our first mammals.

Into the mists of the tropical rainforest

During the second part of this nature journey to Borneo, we explore the stunning tropical forest of Deramakot. This nature reserve, covering more than 55,000 hectares, is an absolute biodiversity hotspot. It is also one of the most important habitats for five globally threatened mammals: the orangutan, Bornean pygmy elephant, banteng, proboscis monkey and the clouded leopard. It is here that we search for this elusive cat, guided by experienced local experts.

Wildlife in the spotlight

To increase our chances, we head out on dedicated spotlight excursions. During these outings, powerful lamps briefly illuminate the hidden world of nocturnal wildlife. The spotlight drives last around three hours, usually ending just before midnight. Without exception, they yield an abundance of remarkable sightings.

Regular highlights during these excursions include the civet cat, leopard cat, western tarsier and flying squirrel. We also frequently encounter the remarkable Bornean colugo, Bornean pygmy elephant, sambar deer and island palm civet. Other fascinating mammals such as moonrat, long tailed porcupine, large flying fox, Bornean yellow muntjac and diademed roundleaf bat are all possible.

An Overnight Stop in Sepilok

Sepilok is the perfect place to unwind during this nature journey. A well known destination among nature lovers, it offers an authentic Borneo atmosphere. A beautiful canopy walk high through the rainforest and walks along the forest trails in the morning and evening lead to remarkable sightings. Eagles, flying squirrels, orangutans, hornbills, snakes and pittas all cross our path.

The Kinabatangan River Valley

After Sepilok, we travel to the Kinabatangan River, the prime location for spotting proboscis monkeys. From the comfort of a boat, we search for these remarkable animals while also keeping an eye out for langurs and macaques. During evening spotlight excursions, we encounter fascinating owl species such as the barred eagle owl, large frogmouth, buffy fish owl and oriental bay owl. And of course, the presence of saltwater crocodiles does not go unnoticed.

Morning excursions along the Kinabatangan focus primarily on birdlife. We look out for species such as storm’s stork, black and red broadbills, grey headed fish eagle and various kingfishers. We also visit the Gomantong Caves to witness millions of bats emerging at dusk. For more than half an hour, a continuous stream of wrinkle lipped bats pours out of the forest, while birds of prey attempt, sometimes successfully, to hunt them. A truly spectacular natural experience!

World Class in Danum Valley

After Kinabatangan, we cannot miss a true classic: the world renowned Danum Valley. This area consists of pristine primary lowland tropical rainforest, home to an exceptionally rich diversity of flora and fauna. Since 1998, it has been designated as a forest reserve and protected national heritage site.

Among its inhabitants are the leopard cat, Malayan civet, bearded pig, Prevost’s squirrel, diademed roundleaf bat and the uniquewesterntarsier. In the canopy and skies above, we look out for wren babblers, trogons, crested jays, short toed coucal, Bornean bristlehead and rufous piculet. A nocturnal walk offers insight into the amphibians and spiders that inhabit this rainforest valley, including the spectacular file eared tree frog, Wagler’s pit viper and the impressive tarantula.