Wildlife in Malaysia

When preparing for my trip to Malaysia, I was listing all the animals I could encounter when suddenly I read about the Borneo Big 5. Here’s an overview of the Borneo Big 5: what animals they are and if I have spotted them.

1) Rhinoceros hornbill

This large, black bird always flies over the river in pairs. They have a colorful red and yellow bill with a “banana-shaped” casque on top of the bill. The long white tail has a broad, black band near the center. They have a loud, barking-like call.

Fun Fact: A hornbill named Zazu is the king‘s adviser and one of the characters in The Lion King.

2) Bornean Crocodile

We’ve seen two big Bornean Crocodiles and two baby crocs in the river.

3) Orangutan

Orangutans spend most of their time in trees. They are the most solitary of the great apes: social bonds occur primarily between mothers and offspring. They can live over 30 years. We were in our villa when our guide came knocking, telling us that an orangutan was spotted on the boardwalk. We ran towards the spot and admired the Orangutan for an hour before he disappeared in the jungle. He was swinging from the branches like a gymnast, eating his leafs and wasn’t bothered by us. At one point he was 2 metres from us! A memory I’m cherishing for life! Bucketlist-item crossed off!

Orangutan in a tree in Sandakan, Kota Kinabatangan river (Borneo, Malaysia).

4) Bornean Pygmy Elephant

At the end of our afternoon safari, we were able to spot a herd of pygmy elephants, which are quite rare to spot because they usually hide away from the banks of the river. We only saw them for a couple of minutes before they disappeared.

Bornean Pygmy Elephant in Sandakan, Kota Kinabatangan river (Borneo, Malaysia).

5) Proboscis monkeys

The proboscis monkey or long-nosed monkey is a monkey with an unusually large nose, a reddish-brown skin color, and a long tail. These monkeys coexist with the Bornean orangutan. The proboscis monkey is an endangered species due to habitat loss and hunting in some areas. The monkey is seen as a delicacy, as well as its use in traditional Chinese medicine.

Proboscis monkeys (mother and baby) in a tree in Sandakan, Kota Kinabatangan river (Borneo, Malaysia).

Male Proboscis monkey in a tree in Sandakan, Kota Kinabatangan river (Borneo, Malaysia).

So this is the big 5 you can see in Borneo, and I can check that off! I hope you can too!

Want to know what other wildlife you can spot in Borneo? See for yourself below!

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FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions Borneo

🕒 What is the best time to visit Borneo?

The best time to visit Borneo is during the dry season from March to October, offering ideal conditions for wildlife spotting, trekking, and beach activities. July to October is the peak for seeing orangutans and pygmy elephants while June to September is best for Turtle sightings.

👚What to wear when visiting Borneo?

Pack lightweight, breathable and quick-drying synthetic clothing to battle the heat and humidity. Pack long sleeves and trousers for bug protection.

💲Is Borneo budget-friendly?

Borneo is budget-friednly for food and local transport. However Borneo is expensive for wildlife tours, wildlife lodges, diving and flight tickets. It’s not as cheap as Vietnam.

🧳 What to pack for Borneo?

Use my ultimate packing list to make packing for Borneo easy!

🛟Is Borneo a safe country to visit?

Borneo is a safe country to explore and wander. The locals are friendly and helpful. Please always take care of your belongings and beware of pick-pockets.

🛌 Where to stay in Borneo?

We stayed in the Sukau Rainforest Lodge for 4 nights in September. This eco lodge was amazing and hosted the best safari tours!