While Borneo is globally famous for its orangutans, the island’s staggering biodiversity offers so much more for wildlife enthusiasts. Home to one of the oldest rainforests on the planet, Borneo boasts around 222 species of mammals—44 of which are endemic—alongside 420 species of bird. With vast tracts of equatorial rainforest still remaining largely undiscovered, the island continues to harbor secrets waiting to be found.
We’ve highlighted five extraordinary animals that showcase Borneo’s unique wildlife, along with how guided tours can help you see them up close.
1. Sun Bear
You may not associate bears with Borneo, but hidden within its rainforests lives the sun bear: the smallest bear species on Earth. Unlike most other bears, sun bears spend much of their lives climbing the canopy in search of fruit, insects, and honey. Known for their high intelligence, a 2019 study highlighted their ability to skillfully mimic facial expressions with precision comparable to humans and gorillas.
How to see them: The Sepilok and the Sun Bear Centre is a featured stop on Wendy Wu’s Best of Borneo tour.
2. Rhinoceros Hornbill
Regarded as the ‘king of the worldly birds’ (or ‘Kenyalang’) by the Indigenous Iban people, the Rhinoceros hornbill is instantly recognizable by its distinctive horn-like casque, which amplifies its booming calls across the canopy. Their fascinating and unusual mating practice involves the female sealing herself inside a hollow tree, leaving only a narrow opening for the male to deliver food.
How to see them: Look out for these magnificent birds while drifting along the Kinabatangan River cruises.
3. Proboscis Monkey
Found exclusively on the island of Borneo, these distinctive monkeys frequently gather in riverside trees. Research suggests that the male’s enlarged nose serves a dual purpose: acting as an echo chamber to amplify calls while also intimidating rivals and attracting females.
How to see them: Explore Bako National Park with an expert guide on the Best of Borneo tour, trekking along streams and plateaus where these unique primates roam.
4. Borneo Pygmy Elephant
Isolated from other Asian elephant populations around 300,000 years ago, Borneo pygmy elephants evolved distinct physical traits, including a smaller stature, noticeably longer tails, and straighter tusks compared to their mainland relatives.
How to see them: Keep your eyes peeled during the Kinabatangan River cruise, where herds can occasionally be spotted feeding or bathing along the muddy riverbanks.
5. Slow Loris
With large eyes perfectly adapted for the dark, the slow loris is one of Borneo’s most fascinating nocturnal mammals. Despite its gentle appearance, it holds the title of the world’s only venomous primate, featuring poison glands located on the insides of its forelimbs.
How to see them: Early morning and evening guided walks at the Sepilok Nature Resort offer a chance to spot a slow loris alongside flying squirrels and rare birds.
From endemic mammals to unexpected rainforest residents, Borneo is a true haven for nature lovers looking to experience untouched wildlife wonders firsthand.