Dr Sarah's World Tours

Borneo is the third largest island in the world. It sits in the Sulu Sea in Southeast Asia. The island is divided into Malaysian Borneo in the north, and Indonesian Borneo in the south. We will be visiting the Malaysian state of Sabah, known for some of the most incredible and unique species in the world.

Both tours include are 10 days long. Both include similar experiences in Sepilok and Sandakan. Both include time at the Mighty Kinabatangan River. But The Wild Borneo Tour visits Tabin Wildlife Reserve and the Wildlife Wong Borneo Tour visits Danum Valley Conservation Area. These are both exceptional pristine natural areas with equivalent wildlife. The main difference is the accommodation.
Both tours include an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre with Dr Wong, the option to help make enrichments for the bears, and the chance to ask him additional questions over dinner. However, Dr Wong joins us for the entire week on the Wildlife Wong Borneo Tour.
The Wildlife Wong Borneo Tour includes an exclusive 3-month ‘My Bear’ adoption of one of the bears you will meet at the Centre. Dr Wong will personally presents you with your adoption certificate.

There are flights to Sandakan from Kuala Lumpur, (Peninsula Malaysia), or Kota Kinabalu in Sabah.

Yes, we can, as long as we know ahead what you need. We will also stop at a grocery store, and a fruit stall, so you can stock up on snacks for the trip.

It is recommended that you only drink treated or bottled water in Sabah. Our accommodation has filtered drinking water at no charge, or bottled water for sale. This means you CAN bring a water bladder to use on walks, but some people like to use sterilization tablets or devices as a precaution.

Yes, you can, but if you book flights with us, our team will be able to provide support if anything is canceled.

Both are great, but trying to use both at the same time can be a challenge, so you may have to make a choice. Our rainforest guide will have a spying scope which will help you get closer views. You can even take photos with your phone through the spying scope.

Yes, I suggest you bring Malaysian Ringgit cash for snacks, souvenirs and tips. Small notes are best. You can also use credit cards at most retail outlets, restaurants and accommodation.

Yes, your personalised itinerary (including your flights if you book with us) will be sent to you via U-Mapped. You will have access to this at any time.

Yes and Yes, if you want to have your own room, please let us know. There will be an extra single supplement.

A good general level of fitness is expected, but there are no arduous hikes included. When we walk, we might be out for a couple of hours, but we are moving slowly, looking for wildlife. If you have hiking poles, these are a good option.

The equator goes right through Indonesian Borneo, so the climate doesn’t change much during the year. It is generally wetter in February and March, but this is unpredictable. The temperatures close to the coast are 27-32 degrees centigrade, but expect it to be humid. I have chosen October/November for travel because it is slightly cooler than other times of the year, but the number of tourists is fewer.

Borneo is a tropical rainforest and leeches are expected. We will give you a pair of leech socks and show you how to use them. You will be surprised how few mosquitos we encounter. However, mosquitos in Borneo are disease carriers, so it is recommended that you bring heavy-duty repellant including DEET.

Please talk to your doctor about vaccinations and medications before you travel. Specifically ask them about malaria medication, hepatitis and cholera. For your own safety, you will be asked to give us details of any medical issues you have, and medications you are taking. Be aware that some malaria medication makes you more susceptible to the sun, so remember to bring sunscreen.

Yes, once you have confirmed your tour, I will send you a packing list suggestion.

Yes. Before we meet in person, you will be given the chance to meet each other online during a tour briefing. We will also create a Messenger group before we travel.

Tipping is not required but appreciated. We recommend you consider tipping your wildlife guide the equivalent of $US2-5 per person per day. You may also wish to tip the bus driver and boat captain, but it is not expected. Wong and I do not need to be tipped.

If you need to be reachable, then these are great options. You can buy a local SIM at the airport in KL or Sandakan. All our accommodation locations have wifi in the common areas, but not in the rooms.

I will bring Birds of Borneo by Wong Tsu Shi, and Phillipps’ Field Guide to the Mammals of Borneo by Quentin and Karen Phillipps. Bookshops are limited in Sabah, so perhaps consider buying other books ahead.

YES, I really recommend you read my book before you come. It will give you a better idea about what you are coming too, and also an insight into Dr Wong’s life. Books are available on most online platforms. If you bring your copy with you, Wong and I can sign it. But if you don’t have time to read ahead, books are available at the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre.