Welcome to a journey where every click captures the essence of Borneo’s breathtaking landscapes, vibrant wildlife, and diverse cultures. Join us in 2024 for an immersive photography tour that goes beyond the ordinary, offering you a chance to frame the extraordinary.
Join us on this amazing photography journey, where Art Wolfe’s expertise will ignite your passion for photography and deepen your connection to the enchanting landscapes of Borneo. Whether you’re an aspiring photographer or a seasoned professional, this workshop promises to elevate your skills and inspire a new perspective on the art of photography.
Reserve your spot today for an unforgettable journey into the heart of Borneo, where every capture tells a story, and every story is a masterpiece.
Led by Art Wolfe
Assisted by Gavriel Jecan
Limited to 10 participants
Transportation and Accommodation
Meals, lodging, and transportation specified on the itinerary are included. You will be responsible for your flight to and from Borneo.
Itinerary
Shooting schedules have the ability to be altered to effectively cater to the photographic desires of the group, as well as to adapt to changeable weather conditions.
Day 1 April 15, 2024 Arrival at Kota Kinbalu International Airport – Transfer to Shangri La Tanjung Aru Resort
Private transfer to your hotel in Kota Kinbalu.
Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort lies outside the city, with sweeping views of the bay and easy access to a collection of idyllic islands.
The hotel’s 492 rooms and suites all have private balconies and reflect Borneo’s rich heritage in sophisticated luxury.
Lounge on the white sand beaches with the sound of the ocean, enjoy the outdoor pools or head to the spa for the ultimate in relaxation. Alternatively, for a little adventure, explore the jungle paradise of Kinabalu National Park. The hotel also operates a private jetty, with boat trips to the crystal blue waters of the surrounding islands in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park.
This evening there will be a welcome dinner with Art Wolfe, Gavriel Jecan. (D)
Day 2 April 16 Danum Valley Experience Tour (4D/3N): Day One
Kota Kinabalu International Airport to Lahad Datu Airport
Private transfer to Borneo Rainforest Lodge
From Lahad Datu, depart for a private transfer by 4WD into the thick virgin rainforest area of Danum Valley – one of the world’s most complex ecosystems. Around 30km of this 85km journey is on sealed roads, and the last two hours are along a gravel road – so expect a bumpy but interesting ride!
On arrival at Borneo Rainforest Lodge, check in during the late afternoon and take the option to relax or a walk along the trails and the 130-metre-tall, 300-metre-long canopy walk, high up in the 130-million-year-old rainforest which is literally humming with jungle sounds.
After dinner, board one of the open-top 4WD vehicles for an exhilarating night spotlighting tour. Accompanied by a local guide who shines a light into the jungle looking for nocturnal animals, spot a range of nocturnal animals that inhabit the reserve, from samba deer to civet cats, leopards, and a stunning array of insects and frogs.
This award-winning luxury lodge nestled deep in the Danum Valley’s pristine lowland rainforest setting is a truly wondrous wildlife experience undertaken in fine comfort.
Thirty-one wooden chalets sit beside the Danum River and right in the heart of Orang-utan and Asian Elephant territory. Each come with private veranda as your own lookout point, en suite bathrooms, hot water and fan.
Due to its impressive location, Borneo Rainforest Lodge offers exceptional wildlife activities and the small number of guests here make these more personal too. Explore the pristine flora and fauna on guided treks, trails and safari drives.
The lodge, which is a two hour drive from Lahad Datu, carries out important conservation projects alongside a green policy to help protect its incredible surrounds. (B, L, D)
Day 3 April 17 Danum Valley Experience Tour (4D/3N): Day Two
Wake up to the jungle’s cacophony of sounds ranging from birds to primates, such as the gibbons. Taking a packed breakfast, travel to a 200-year-old Kadazandusun Burial Site, known as “Coffin Cliff”, along the 2.6km Viewpoint Trail. At the end of the trail, be rewarded with spectacular views over an ocean-like million-year-old jungle – a truly spectacular sight.
The return journey includes a trip to the waterfalls! Return to the resort for lunch. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure; however, there is a range of optional activities available, such as private trekking, tubing on the Danum River and specialised guided tours. There is also a series of tracks leading around the Canopy Walk which you are free to discover at will. This evening, venture into the jungle on foot with a local guide. Quietly entering the jungle reveals a stunning array of wildlife, not to mention the variety and size of the many insects that flourish in the evening hours. (B, L, D)
Day 4 April 18 Danum Valley Experience Tour (4D/3N): Day Three
This morning at 9am you’ll enjoy another morning of trekking one of the local trails, chosen depending on recent wildlife sightings. Return to the lodge for lunch before enjoying an afternoon of relaxation or heading out in search of more wildlife. Enjoy dinner at the lodge followed by an optional night drive or night walk in search of nocturnal animals. (B, L, D)
Day 5 April 19 Danum Valley Experience Tour (4D/3N): Day Four
Have breakfast and spend the morning at leisure. After lunch you’ll check out and continue your onward journey.
Private transfer from Lahad Datu to Sukau and our lodging at the Sukau Rainforest Lodge
Sukau Rainforest Lodge: Resting on the banks of the Kinabatangan River, bounded by tropical rainforest and linked by raised walkways, this blissful haven of local hardwood was designed around eco-tourism principles and is sustainable to its core.
This ecolodge encompasses 20 twin-bedrooms with wooden features, printed materials and soft colour schemes. Natural light floods through various windows and ceiling fans are solar-powered. Private decks allow guests to soak up the surrounding wilderness scenes throughout their stay, perching on one of the chairs and spotting Borneo’s endangered creatures, such as wild orangutans and pygmy elephants.
When guests aren’t venturing on trips down the river in an electric motorboat, they can unwind in the lounge or library, cool down in the outdoor plunge pool or stroll along the Attenborough Boardwalk. Eager explorers can get closer to nature with guided walks, and learn more about the wildlife with nightly lectures.
Dinner by candlelight can be enjoyed on the deck of the Melapi Restaurant, which has an international menu, whereas breakfast is served in the dining room. To stay refreshed in the heat, sipping a cocktail on a lounger is advised during the day or in the softly-lit Gecko Bar, post-dinner.
Resting on the banks of the Kinabatangan River, bounded by tropical rainforest and linked by raised walkways, this blissful haven of local hardwood was designed around eco-tourism principles and is sustainable to its core.
This ecolodge encompasses 20 twin-bedrooms with wooden features, printed materials and soft colour schemes. Natural light floods through various windows and ceiling fans are solar-powered. Private decks allow guests to soak up the surrounding wilderness scenes throughout their stay, perching on one of the chairs and spotting Borneo’s endangered creatures, such as wild orangutans and pygmy elephants.
When guests aren’t venturing on trips down the river in an electric motorboat, they can unwind in the lounge or library, cool down in the outdoor plunge pool or stroll along the Attenborough Boardwalk. Eager explorers can get closer to nature with guided walks, and learn more about the wildlife with nightly lectures.
Dinner by candlelight can be enjoyed on the deck of the Melapi Restaurant, which has an international menu, whereas breakfast is served in the dining room. To stay refreshed in the heat, sipping a cocktail on a lounger is advised during the day or in the softly-lit Gecko Bar, post-dinner.
Spend the afternoon on a river expedition in search of wildlife. In a smaller open-topped river boat, there’s a chance of spot wild orangutans, pygmy elephants, proboscis monkeys and other wildlife. If the weather is good, you may be able to see and photograph fireflies at a very challenging low-light condition after the sun sets.
(B, L, D)
Day 6 April 20 Kelenanap Oxbow Lake cruise
Following an early morning start, you will begin a wonderful experience cruising by boat up the scenic and wildlife-rich waters of the Kinabatangan River towards Kelenanap Oxbow Lake. The early start is particularly advantageous for spotting wildlife and hearing and seeing the rainforest come to life as the sun rises and the day begins.
The Kinabatangan River is famous for being the second longest river in Malaysia, winding 560km from the mountains in southwest Sabah and eventually flowing out into the Sulu Sea. The lower Kinabatangan River is a protected area, featuring oxbow lakes and mangrove swamps which are rich with wildlife. (B, L, D)
Day 7 April 21- Hornbill Boardwalk at Sukau Rainforest Lodge
During this experience, you will take to the Sukau Rainforest Lodge’s scenic Hornbill Boardwalk, as you embark on an opportunity to spot the native wildlife that can often been seen around the property. During your experience, you will be accompanied by the lodge’s in-house naturalist who will help you to spot the resident species, as well as educate you about them.
In addition to the eight species of hornbill you can spot during your time on the boardwalk, you’ll also have a chance to witness pygmy elephants which are often seen in the area, as well as bearded pigs which often pass through the lodge’s grounds. You may also see proboscis monkeys, Bornean gibbons and maybe even orangutans if you’re extra lucky.
Spend the afternoon on river expedition in search of wildlife. In a smaller open-topped river boat, there’s a chance of spot wild orangutans, pygmy elephants, proboscis monkeys and other wildlife. If the weather is good, you may be able to see and photograph fireflies at a very challenging low-light condition after the sun sets. (B, L, D)
Days 8 – 9 April 22-23 Private transfer to Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve
-By speedboat & private vehicle
Enjoy a private guided tour of the Sepilok Forest Reserve. Continued itinerary yet to be determined. (B, L, D)
Day 10 April 24 Private transfer to Sandakan airport
You will be collected and privately transferred to Sandakan airport.
-End of Tour-