BORNEO • MAY 12-20, 2027

It looked easy on social media. Pick some dates and then simply jungle trek with orange apes. Not exactly. Seasick quickly discovered how incredibly difficult it is to package, produce, and implement this newfound pipe dream. To start, there are literally only two locations where orangutans can be encountered in the wild: the island of Sumatra (Indonesia) and the island of Borneo (comprised of Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei). That’s incredulous considering that there are an estimated 900,000+ islands on this planet. Sumatra is a chaotic backpacker circuit of questionable ethics while the Malaysian state of Sabah on Borneo is widely considered the premier location for seeing orangutans in the wild, specifically for those who value accessibility, high-quality infrastructure, and diverse viewing options.

Easy choice. Sabah it is. Next consideration, within Sabah there are just two top tier orangutan regions: Danum Valley and the Kinabatangan River. Yes, there are other areas besides the aforementioned, but they feature rehabilitation centers not authentic wild encounters. Rehabs may intend to help the environment and save the world but, in this case, it’s about luring primates from the jungle to sit on man-made platforms while being fed by keepers. All while hordes of iPhone clad tourists jockey for position to capture the best image worthy of likes and shares. A self-inflicted eye gouge with a blunt fork would be much cheaper. Easier choice. Danum Valley and Kinabatangan River it is. And if that’s not enough, each respective conservation area has limited luxury accommodations. Actually, Danum Valley has one and Kinabatangan River has two.

No fret. Seasick is like UPS — both deliver.

Why Seasick? Let’s just say that the Danum Valley and Kinabatangan River makes the Amazon look like a manicured garden, offering a density of biodiversity so high it borders on ridiculous. This is not a petting zoo; it is a brutally authentic ecosystem where exclusivity is the only buffer between guests and the leech-filled reality of the jungle floor (Seasick may have just lost a couple of prospects after that statement). That’s why. True luxury in the wild is defined not by multiple-course meals and expensive massages, but by the complete absence of worry. Think “logistical invisibility”.

BORNEO

Borneo is a massive, fractured territory, carved up by political borders. Indonesia claims the sprawling southern bulk, leaving the northern section to Malaysia and the tiny sultanate of Brunei (the ruler dude with 7,000+ cars). It is an unforgiving landscape; a rugged interior and labyrinthine river systems have historically choked off industrial development. The resulting low population density is a stark anomaly compared to the neighboring island of Java, which packs sixteen times the people into one-fifth the space. The island exists in a state of constant friction between ecological value and raw economic extraction. It is simultaneously a global biodiversity hotspot anchored by ancient rainforests, climate-critical cave systems, and a global warehouse for timber, oil, and palm oil. This evolutionary wilderness is now largely confined to fortified reserves like Gunung Mulu and Tanjung Puting National Parks, sanctuaries that protect the world's largest concentration of orangutans from the relentless resource demands of the regional economy.

Countries: Indonesia (73%), Malaysia (26%), Brunei (1%) • Area: 288,870 sq mi • Population: 24,400,000 (2024) • Languages: 150+ indigenous • Religions: Islam (65%), Christianity (26%), Buddhism/Other (9%) • Rainforests: Oldest on Earth • Protected Areas: 85,000+ sq mi • Highest Elevation: 13,435' (Mount Kinabalu) • Endemic Species: Mammal (44), Bird (50+), Reptiles (100+), Amphibians (100+), Plants (5,000+)

MALAYSIA

Geographically speaking, Malaysia is a unique paradise. The country’s land mass is split by 400 miles of the South China Sea: the Malay Peninsula to the west and the island of Borneo to the east. It’s one of the planet’s 17 mega-diverse heavyweights, a rain-soaked landscape where ten feet of annual deluge (fancy word for rain) feeds a lethal (literally) trifecta of forest, river, and marine ecosystems. In the shadows of the oldest rainforests on Earth (which are ancient enough to have witnessed the extinction of dinosaurs), Malayan tigers, Indochinese leopards, pygmy elephants, and orangutans rule. From the prehistoric depths of Taman Negara to the shark-shared waters of its turtle-filled coasts, this isn't just a country; it’s a 130-million-year-old survival story. Often celebrated as the crossroads of Asia, it’s where ancient trade routes converged and where heritage continues to unfold in spice, rhythm, and vibrant hue. With two distinct landmasses, 100+ spoken languages (depending on who’s counting), and ecosystems that stretch from misty highlands to coral-fringed atolls, Malaysia doesn’t do monotony. Cultural diversity? Off the charts. Whether it’s religion, cuisine, textiles, festivals, or architecture, Malaysia is not just a melting pot, it’s a living mosaic.

Continent: Asia • Region: Southeast Asia • Capital: Kuala Lumpur • Oldest Settlement: Bujang Valley (c. 535 BC) • Independence: 1957 • Area: 127,725 sq mi • Population: 34,300,000 (2025) • Time: UTC+8 • Industries: Agriculture + Mining + Electronics Manufacturing • Currency: Malaysian Ringgit (USD 1 = 4.05 MYR) • Electricity: 230V • Official Language: Malay • Religion: Islam (63.5%) • Driving Side: Left

ORANGUTANS

Meet the original "Man of the Forest," the Bornean orangutan (Pongo pygmaeus), the world's largest tree-dwelling mammal and a uniquely solitary philosopher of the canopy. Sharing 97% of our DNA, these "Gardeners of the Forest" play a vital role in seed dispersal but remain notoriously difficult to spot, moving through impenetrable, deep jungles like silent ghosts. Evolution has equipped them with seven-foot arm spans and incredible flexibility, while mature males develop massive cheek "flanges" that amplify their calls across the rainforest. Despite their 200-pound stature, they have a quirky side, often fashioning leaf umbrellas to huddle under during tropical downpours. Bornean orangutans are distinct from their Sumatran cousins (and newly discovered Tapanuli cousins), characterized by broader faces, shorter beards, and darker coats. Three subspecies inhabit different regions of the island: the Northwest Bornean, the smaller Northeast Bornean found in Sabah and eastern Kalimantan; and the Central Bornean. Because of their critically endangered status and reclusive nature, witnessing one in the wild is a rare privilege—a statistical anomaly reserved for the few travelers willing to trek into the heart of their ancient habitat.

Ponder this: there are over 72,000 humans for every orangutan remaining in the wild. Damn.

Scientifically Described: Carl Linnaeus (1758) • Species: Bornean (≈100,000), Sumatran (≈14,000), Tapanuli (≈800) • Birth Interval: 7-9 yrs • Life Expectancy: 35-40 yrs • Classification: Critically Endangered

WEATHER AND CLIMATE

Weather is the single most influential factor for a successful Borneo wildlife expedition. And timing is everything. Avoiding the relentless monsoons is essential; during the wet season, rising river levels allow animals to disperse into the flooded interior, making sightings nearly impossible. To ensure the best experience, Seasick has identified the most favorable window for travel. April and May represent a rare climatic stability in Sabah, sitting perfectly between the retreating northeast monsoon and the peak heat of mid-year. This period offers clear canopy visibility, manageable trails, and a surge in animal activity as the forest prepares for the dry season.

APRIL + MAY AVERAGES

Danum Valley Conservation Area (Borneo Rainforest Lodge) – Mean: 81°F • High: 88°F • Low: 74°F • Sunshine Hours: 12.25 • Rainy Days: 9 • Precipitation: 4.2 in
In April and May Danum Valley enters an ecological prime, transitioning into the region's driest month. Mornings are typically defined by crisp, high-visibility blue skies, while brief afternoon showers serve only to scrub the humidity from the air. Crucially, this weather shift triggers "mast fruiting"—a biological dinner bell for the forest. As wild figs, durians, and other fruits ripen, elusive megafauna like orangutans and gibbons emerge from the impenetrable interior to feed in the lower canopy, creating a density of wildlife sightings virtually unmatched during the wetter months.

Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary (Sukau Rainforest Lodge) – Mean: 83°F • High: 90°F • Low: 77°F • Sunshine Hours: 12.25 • Rainy Days: 10 • Precipitation: 4.8 in
The Kinabatangan Sanctuary shakes off the heavy monsoon deluges in April (and into May) to provide reliable conditions for river safaris. The weather follows a predictable rhythm: hot n’ humid mid-days that give way to refreshing late-afternoon thunderstorms and clear the air just in time for evening cruises. As floodwaters recede, nature creates its own version of "rush hour," concentrating wildlife along the exposed riverbanks. This allows for premier primate viewing near the water’s edge without the heavy boat traffic typically seen during the July and August peak season.

ROUTE AND MODES OF TRANSPORT

• Round-trip international commercial flight: USA → Lahad Datu Airport (LDU). Duration varies. Not included in Seasick package
• 1→2: One-way land transfer (minivan + 4x4 truck): Lahad Datu Airport (LDU) or My Inn Hotel → Borneo Rainforest Lodge. 2hr 50min
• 2→3: One-way land transfer (4x4 truck + minivan): Borneo Rainforest Lodge → Lahad Datu. 2hr 50min
• 3→4: One-way land transfer (minivan + 4x4 truck): Lahad Datu → Sukua Rainforest Lodge. 2hr 10min
• 4→5 One-way water transfer (boat): Sukua Rainforest Lodge → Sandakan Airport (SDK) or Sabah Hotel. 2hr 30min

DANUM VALLEY CONSERVATION AREA

Danum Valley Conservation Area stands as the ultimate, defiant stronghold of primary rainforest, a biological fortress so aggressively pristine that it makes every other jungle on the planet look like a landscaping project. This is not a tourist trap; it is a hard-to-reach, untouched cathedral of biodiversity that has survived eons without a single chainsaw scarring its canopy, effectively operating as a time machine to a prehistoric Earth. Far removed from the reach of cell towers and civilization, this is the literal "middle of nowhere," a place of such elite, high-definition wilderness that it serves as the actual studio for the planet’s most legendary nature documentaries. To venture here is to abandon the safety of the modern world and plunge into a relentless, humid reality where humans are just spectators in a theatre that has been running perfectly without mankind since the dawn of time.

Established: 1980 • Land Area: 169 sq mi • Acres: 108,186 • Elevation: 495' - 3,585' • Wildlife Species: ≈340 bird + ≈124 mammal + ≈15,000 plant • Camps/Lodges: 2 • Human Residents: 0

BORNEO RAINFOREST LODGE

This is not your average eco-resort; this is the undisputed heavyweight champion of jungle luxury, a place that looks at the concept of "roughing it" and laughs in high-thread-count sheets. Borneo Rainforest Lodge is an audacious flex of architecture and comfort dropped smack into the middle of a prehistoric wilderness so old it remembers when T-Rex was chillin’ in the neighborhood. Getting here is a commitment (just the average bone-rattling journey into the heart of darkness), but the payoff is a level of exclusivity that makes the Maldives look crowded. Imagine a sanctuary where guests can soak in a private outdoor tub on their deck, sipping a cold drink while a wild orangutan casually judges from the tree branch three feet away. It’s a surreal collision of worlds where five-star service meets 100% humidity, where the air conditioning battles the equator and wins, and where the "wake-up call" is the haunting, surround-sound hoot of gibbons echoing through the mist. Rather than observing nature from behind glass, visitors walk along elevated canopy bridges that appear to float (sick). The location offers gourmet dining amidst the sounds of the jungle, presenting a stylish Jurassic Park fantasy that replaces fences with a luxury spa.

Built: 1994 • Chalets/Villas: 30 • Pool: In-room + River Jacuzzi • Spa: Yes • Fitness Center: Jungle treks • Dining: Merbau • Bars: 2 • Breakfast: Included • Lunch: Included • Dinner: Included • WiFi: Included

BORNEO RAINFOREST LODGE ACCOMMODATIONS

DELUXE CHALET
The 330 sq. ft. - 736 sq. ft. rooms are gracefully elevated above the verdant floor of the Danum Valley, this sun-drenched sanctuary of sustainable timber and expansive glass dissolves the boundaries between shelter and the wild, inviting the vibrant, living spirit of the ancient rainforest. Bed configurations: 1 King or 1 Queen + 1 Twin or 2 Queen.

PREMIUM DELUXE CHALET
The 1,047 sq. ft. rooms are gracefully elevated above the verdant floor of the Danum Valley, this sun-drenched sanctuary of sustainable timber and expansive glass dissolves the boundaries between shelter and the wild, inviting the vibrant, living spirit of the ancient rainforest. Bed configuration: 2 King.

PREMIUM VILLA SINGLE STOREY
The 1,108 sq. ft. rooms are gracefully elevated above the verdant floor of the Danum Valley, this sun-drenched sanctuary of sustainable timber and expansive glass dissolves the boundaries between shelter and the wild, inviting the vibrant, living spirit of the ancient rainforest. Bed configuration: 1 King.

KINABATANGAN WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

The Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary operates as a frantic, high-density corridor of survival, a twisting, muddy artery where the jungle is distilled down to its most potent, concentrated essence. Unlike the sprawling silence of deep primary forests, this is a raucous, exposed theater of biology where the wilderness has no choice but to reveal itself, shoving the planet's most secretive inhabitants—from pygmy elephants to wild orangutans—directly onto the riverbanks in a display of almost indecent accessibility. It dominates the global conversation not because of its vastness, but because of its compression; it is a chaotic, living bottleneck that effectively edits out the boredom of searching, delivering a relentless parade of megafauna that feels less like a standard safari and more like a backstage pass to evolution. To drift along this waterway is to witness a raw, unscripted collision of species, a place where the usual rules of engagement are suspended and the gap between the observer and the wild is completely obliterated by the sheer, undeniable volume of life fighting for space at the water’s edge.

Established: 2005 • Land Area: 108 sq mi • Acres: 64,247 • Elevation: Sea level - 328' • Wildlife Species: ≈315 bird + ≈127 mammal + ≈1,025 plant • Camps/Lodges: 12+ • Human Residents: 16,635

SUKAU RAINFOREST LODGE

Sukau Rainforest Lodge stands as the only premier outpost of civilization in a landscape defined by mud and menace, a National Geographic-endorsed bastion that refuses to apologize for bringing serious luxury to a swamp. Operating with defiant, almost military precision, the property serves as the exclusive launchpad for the discerning few who demand to witness the Kinabatangan’s biological riots without submitting to the indignity of a backpacker’s hostel. This is not a rustic retreat; it is a meticulously engineered bubble of comfort dropped into the heart of the jungle, where the architecture bows to the environment but the service level aggressively ignores the remoteness. To check in here is to secure the ultimate strategic advantage: a front-row seat to the planet’s most condensed wildlife spectacle, enjoyed from a sanctuary that manages to be ecologically invisible yet impossibly sophisticated, proving that guests don't have to suffer to see the wild, they simply have to know the right address.

Built: 1995 • Rooms/Villas: 40 • Pool: Outdoor • Spa: Yes • Fitness Center: Jungle treks • Dining: Melapi • Bars: 2 • Breakfast: Included • Lunch: Included • Dinner: Included • WiFi: Included

SUKAU RAINFOREST LODGE ACCOMMODATIONS

DELUXE ROOM
Constructed within a traditional longhouse layout, these 288 sq. ft. rooms utilize rich local timber and Bornean motifs to create a warm, integrated living space. Each room is gracefully elevated above the verdant floor of the wildlife sanctuary. Bed configurations: 1 Queen or 2 Twin.

BORNEO VILLA
The 346 sq. ft. villas serve as secluded, standalone retreats that emphasize a private and quiet, immersive connection with the surrounding jungle canopy through their elevated and detached design. Bed configurations: 1 Queen or 2 Twin.

SABAH HOTEL SANDAKAN

The Sabah Hotel Sandakan offers the distinct energy of a "Grand Dame" that was the height of luxury in the 1990s and has stubbornly refused to update her wardrobe since. It is widely considered the best option in town, though that is largely because the competition isn’t exactly stiff, and it serves primarily as a glorious, air-conditioned refuge for travelers desperate to wash off the jungle grime. The decor leans heavily into a faded colonial aesthetic where the carpets have seen better decades, and the mattresses are firm enough to correct a guest’s posture whether they want it or not. The pool is the genuine highlight: a sprawling oasis that is fantastic for a dip, provided swimmers don't mind occasionally sharing the water with a local monitor lizard that has wandered out of the rainforest to silently judge visitors’ swimming technique.

Built: 1991 • Rooms/Suites: 114 • Pool: Outdoor • Spa: Yes • Fitness Center: Yes • Dining: Plantation Cafe + Ming + Lobby Lounge • Bar: 2 • Breakfast: Included • WiFi: Included • Wedding Packages: Available

SABAH HOTEL SANDAKAN ACCOMMODATIONS

DELUXE
Offering a spacious layout defined by outdated wall-to-wall carpet (or laminate flooring if lucky), the 344 sq. ft. rooms provide a quiet, air-conditioned vantage point with sweeping views over the city of Sandakan (which, let’s be honest, isn’t exactly postcard-worthy). Bed configurations: 1 King or 2 Twin.

BORNEO POTENTIAL

SAMPLE ITINERARY

PACKAGE INCLUDES

¹Borneo Rainforest Lodge + Sukua Rainforest Lodge: soft drinks, juice, beer, wine, and spirits not included.

FLIGHTS + TRANSIT HOTELS

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Kerry Osborn
So Totally Travel • An Affiliate of Montecito Village Travel, a Virtuoso Agency
sototallykerry@gmail.com • 480.286.3541

LAHAD DATU HOTEL

My Inn Hotel
• Deluxe Twin (≈$45) - Deluxe King (≈$45)
• Reservations include breakfast 2 pax. Airport transfers in Seasick package

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

DEFINITIONS: “Company” is defined as Underwater Exposures, Inc. dba Seasick Productions, incorporated in terms of the laws of California, United States of America. "Company Affiliated Parties" is defined as the Company, its directors, members, partners, employees, agents, consultants, suppliers, and contractors. “Guest” is defined as any person or persons placing a booking (whether provisional or confirmed) with the Company and who contracts with the Company for any of the Services together with his/her spouse, dependents and companions. “Services” is defined as the provision of accommodation, transport, transfers, scuba diving and snorkeling activities, tours or any other activities or services provided by the Company and the procurement by the Company of the provision of accommodation, transport, transfers, scuba diving and snorkeling activities, tours or any other activities or services by any Third-Party Contractors.

GENERAL: Price based on double occupancy group rate. Single supplement, extensions, additional services, and all other items not listed in itinerary are not included. All prices subject to change without notice. A $4,000.00 deposit per person is required with each Guest reservation. Company reserves the right, without advance notice, to make changes or cancellations, in part or in whole, as circumstances dictate. Any deposit or payment made to Company or any representative of Company shows acceptance and acknowledgement of the terms and conditions as stated herein.

CHANGES TO RESERVATIONS: Any request by Guest to amend or change a booking once it has been confirmed, may be accommodated by Company subject to availability. If Company is able to assist, a reasonable administrative fee may be charged. Any such administrative fees shall be invoiced to the Guest and must be settled as per the standard terms applicable to the booking. If the invoice is not paid within such time, Company may construe such non-payment as an act of cancellation on the part of the Guest and the provisions of the cancellation clause shall apply. All reservations, confirmed bookings, and Company’s services are non-transferable.

CANCELLATIONS TO RESERVATIONS: Refund (less cancellation fee) may be issued if reservation is cancelled four months prior to departure date and if another Guest can fill the vacancy. All authorized refunds will be assessed a $4,000.00 cancellation fee. No refund or credit will be made for Services not utilized by Guest. No cancellations shall be accepted within 30 days of trip departure.

FORCE MAJEURE: “Force Majeure Event” is defined as any event which is beyond the control of the Company, including, but not limited to a national strike, act of war, armed conflict, insurrection, civil commotion, terrorism or the threat of terrorism; any act of God including but not limited to epidemic, pandemic, lightning, earthquake, flooding, fire, cyclone, hurricane, typhoon, tidal wave, storm, volcanic eruption and other unusual and extreme adverse weather or environmental conditions; any event which falls within any of these categories that is suffered by Third-Party Contractors of the Company, who are involved in the receipt or provision of the Services; and or any other cause or contingency beyond the control of the Company. The Company shall not be deemed to be in breach of any of its obligations to Guest due to any Force Majeure Event. If the Company is affected by a Force Majeure Event, it may in its sole and absolute discretion, amend or cancel any of the Services or the remainder thereof, or to make any alteration in route, accommodation, transportation or arrangement in the event of the Services or any part thereof being rendered impossible, illegal or inadvisable.

GUEST INSURANCE: If scuba diving is a Service used by Guest, Company requires Guest to possess a dive accident insurance policy prior to using any of Company’s Services. If scuba diving is not a Service used by Guest, Company requires Guest to possess an international accident and medical evacuation insurance policy prior to using any of Company’s Services. Information on dive accident insurance can be found at the Divers Alert Network’s website: www.diversalertnetwork.org. In addition, Company recommends trip insurance in the event a Guest must cancel the trip. Information on trip insurance can be found at the Divers Alert Network’s website: www.diversalertnetwork.org or the DiveAssure website: www.diveassure.com.

RESPONSIBILITY: Company acts only as agents for the Third-Party Contractors providing transportation, accommodations, diving and other Services. All tickets and vouchers issued constitute the sole contract between the Guest and Company. Company or its representatives shall not at any time be responsible in any way for loss, injury, or damage arising from any Force Majeure Event, act of government, theft, sickness, customs regulations, delay, cancellation error, or any cause beyond its control. Company or its representatives accepts no liability for the consequences of the personal activities of any Guest who is personally responsible for decisions concerning health, safety, fitness for diving and snorkeling, or any other circumstances beyond its control.