Almost sold out! Only one space left for a male sharing a room with another single male. 

We have created a second 8 day tour starting May 30th 2025 from Sandakan

https://ctlphototours.com/the-wilds-of-borneo-photographic-tour-8-day-2025-pP3SFA1.htmlhttp://

As with all our tours, this private wildlife tour is designed for photographers by photographers. Our senior guide not only is very knowledgeable with all things animals and birds but is also a very good photographer so really understands what we value. We take our time, going out at times when the animals are more likely to be active and resting when the animals rest. 

We visit in May when there should be an abundance of fruit and flowers, which should increase our chances of seeing a variety of animals. We are intentionally visiting some remote jungle areas in the hope of seeing wildlife in their natural habitat and then we will visit some rehabilitation centres where will see orangutan, sun bears and proboscis monkeys so one way or another you will see these wonderful creatures. 
We arrive on the Saturday to start our 13 days of photography refreshed on the Sunday morning. 

Our locations are chosen for the flora and fauna known to be there which increases our chances of seeing some extraordinary wildlife. Borneo is a diverse Island, made up of 3 countries, Indonesia, Brunei and our destination, the state of Sabah in Malaysia. Sabah has much to offer a photographer from the deep steamy jungles to the long winding waterways and from the mysterious caves to steamy jungles there are plentiful opportunities to get amazing photos. 

Sabah offers a varied amount of flora and fauna including the orangutan, proboscis monkey, hornbills,fireflies and over 5000 species of flowering plants found nowhere else in the world. 

We will begin in Kota Kinabalu where we will start by visiting a cultural village experience where locals in traditional dress bring alive tribal customs. After lunch we will drive South for our first private river cruise to see monkeys and birds along the river before we stop for dinner. After dark we return to our boat to explore the banks for masses of fireflies that light up the trees like fairy lights. Although it's very hard to photograph it is one of the most wonderful nature experiences you will ever have. 

Monday we take an early flight to Lahad Datu on the Eastern Coast where we will meet our driver and venture into the rain forest jungle to experience all that it has to offer. We will be staying within Tabin National Park for our first jungle adventure which are known for a huge variety of flora as well as insects, spiders, birds as well as the chance of the wild animals like orangutan, gibbon, macaque, otter and pygmy elephant.  Night drives or walks will give us the chance to see some of the nocturnal animals like the flying squirrels and the civet cat. Tabin National Park, is known as Sabah's greatest wildlife sanctuary. It was created in the year 1984, the 300000 acres reserve is the largest wildlife reserve in Malaysia. It has areas of mud 'volcanos' which ooze mineral salts that attract many different varieties of creatures to it, even sun bears are known to visit although we would be very luck if we saw one. We will stay in the heart of the jungle at a river resort.  We may see the 3 largest of Sabah’s mammals, the Borneo Pygmy Elephant, Sumatran Rhinoceros and Tembadau or Banten, which is like a wild buffalo. There are many mammals including otter,  nine species of primate, three species of cats all of which are on the protected wildlife list and more than 300 species bird. 

Our next destination is the Kinbanatang River which is the longest river in Sabah (560km) passes through many diverse habitats and eventually spreads out in to a huge fertile floodplain on which supports many animals, birds and water life. We will stay here for 3 nights so that we get the most of what the river has to offer. We will head out early each morning and late afternoon along the river to spot for macque and proboscis monkeys, gibbons and many other primates (including an orangutan if we are lucky), as well as crocodile, lizards and plentiful birdlife including hornbills and kingfisher. With luck we might see pygmy elephants coming down to for a drink or to bathe. The cruise back in the afternoon also provides a beautiful sunset along the river. There is an option to join a night walk when you can get up close with birds whilst they sleep and if you are fortunate see frogs and the tiny western Tarsier. The area was under threat from logging but now Sabah’s government have gazetted 27800 hectares creating the Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary. 
 As we head West we will stop in the car park of the Gomantong Cave which is a favourite haunt of wild orangutan. They are often spotted here quite close up and can be seen lazing in the canopies during the heat of the day along the edge of the car park! If you wish to visit the caves this is an optional extra as it is not for everyone. The cave itself is known for the swiftlets that create nests harvested for bird's nest soup. The caves main chamber is massive and with multiple openings which allows the light to filter through giving it a cathedral like atmosphere and great photo opportunities. However, the cave is also home to thousands of bats and insects which over the decades have produced mounds of guano so the smell is quite overpowering. As I said, it's not for everyone but if you wish to go at your own cost, then Anna-Mair and the guide will accompany you. 

We are adding a new wilderness location to this tour, Deramakot Forest Reserve. Although this area is managed by the Forestry Department and is partly logged, large areas of jungle have been set aside to protect the rich wildlife that calls this area home. Deramakot Forest Reserve has 75% of Sabah’s mammal species found within its 55,507 hectares of forest including iconic species such as orangutan, pygmy elephants, Banteng (wild cattle), proboscis monkeys and the animals high on most people's list, the clouded leopards.  Whilst we can never guarantee seeing any particular animal it is particularly good for sighting cats. All five species of Bornean cats – Sunda Clouded Leopard, Marbled Cat, Bornean Bay Cat, Flat Headed Cat and Leopard Cat – live within Deramakot. The 4WD night safaris are the highlight of the trip to Deramakot. On a typical night we might photograph deer, flying squirrels, native cats, pygmy elephants, slow loris, owls and other birdlife. During the day we might see apes, monkeys, elephants plus many birds. 

Our final photographic destination is Sepilok where we will have 3 nights. Day one will be a bit of rest day after our hectic jungle experiences, with time to enjoy the pool and the beautiful garden setting around our hotel with a late afternoon visit to the nearby the Rainforest Discovery Centre with it's tree top walk which will bring us close to some amazing birds. The main reason for coming here is the Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre that works with orphaned, injured and stolen apes. If we haven't seen any orangutan yet that we certainly see them here. Although many of the apes here have come through the rehabilitation process it's location backing onto jungle means that wild apes will visit occasionally. We will visit the centre at least twice seeing the nursery and feeding sessions so you will get some great photos here. Next door is the Sun Bear Conservation Centre which does an incredible job at with 43 rescued ex-captive sun bears. The facility has large forest enclosures providing a natural environment facilitating their rehabilitation back into the wild. Sun Bears are the world's smallest bears and are on the vulnerable list. We will also visit Labuk Bay for a close up experience with the proboscis monkey.

• Internal flight from Kota Kinabalu - Lahad Datu


• All internal transport and accommodation


• 13 days/12 nights in Borneo -12 days of photography


• Entry fees


• All meals on Tour


• Highly experienced local guides and drivers


• Small group size


• Photographic support from Anna-Mair Francis

What's not included:

• Flights to/from Sabah and your home City Arriving Kota Kinabalu departing Sandakan


• Camera tax (local tax on photographers charged at some location approx total RM150)


• Tourism tax in hotels (RM10 per room/per night

• Entry into Gomantong Cave (RM30 plus RM30 camera tax)

• Alcohol/soft drinks with meals


• Photographic equipment


• Laundry, gratuities, etc


• Excess baggage


• Travel Insurance (we require a copy of your insurance with your final payment)

As with all our small group tours, this shorter private wildlife tour is designed for photographers by photographers. Our senior guide not only is very knowledgeable with all things animals and birds but is also a very good photographer himself so really understands what we value. We take our time, going out at times when the animals are more likely to be active and resting when the animals rest. 

 

Our locations are chosen for the flora and fauna known to be there which increases our chances of seeing some extraordinary wildlife. Borneo is a diverse Island, made up of 3 countries, Indonesia, Brunei and our destination, the state of Sabah in Malaysia. Sabah has much to offer a photographer from the deep steamy jungles to long winding waterways and from the mysterious caves to fantastic culture so there are plentiful opportunities to get amazing photos. Sabah offers a varied amount of flora and fauna including the orangutan, proboscis monkey, hornbills, fireflies and over 5000 species of flowering plants found nowhere else in the world. We are visiting some jungle areas in the hope of seeing wildlife in their natural habitat but we start our tour by visiting the rehabilitation centres where we will see orangutans, sun bears and proboscis monkeys so one way or another you will see these wonderful creatures. 

 

Day 1: Friday 30th May (D)

We start early afternoon with a meet and greet of the flight from Kuala Lumpur at Sandakan Airport (arrives 13:25) or a hotel pickup if you have arrived earlier in the week.  We transfer to Sepilok to check in to our hotel before heading out to the nearby Rainforest Discovery Centre to photograph the vast array of birdlife and hopefully the flying squirrels.

 

Day 2: Saturday 31st May (BLD)

Today we will make two visits to the wonderful Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. We will be able to photograph many orangutans here although I expect we will see some in the wild as well. The centre rehabilitates injured and orphaned orangutan then slowly limits human interaction until they are independent and disappear into the surrounding jungle to live wild. Occasionally wild apes will come in from the jungle for a feed of bananas, which is very special to see. Our morning visit will be to the nursery and feeding platform to photograph these wonderful animals.  After lunch we will return when the area is quieter and then visit the nearby Sun Bear Conservation Centre. Sun Bears are the smallest of the bear family and are very vulnerable with very few left in the wild. There are more than 40 Sun Bears at the centre which have been orphaned or are ex-captive bears, some held to terrible conditions before coming to the centre. The centres aim is to rewild most of the bears but there are some who are resident at the centre as rewilding was not possible for them. We are very unlikely to see these in the wild so this will be our only opportunity to see these amazing creatures. 

 

Day 3: Sunday 1st June (BLD)

We will explore the beautiful tropical gardens around our hotel before departing for the Kinabatangan River our home for the next 2 nights. On route we will stop at the Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary to see and photograph these extraordinary monkeys. The Kinbanatang River, which is the longest river in Sabah (560km) passes through many diverse habitats and eventually spreads out in to a huge fertile floodplain that supports many animals, birds and water life. We will stay here for 2 nights so that we get the most of what the river has to offer. The area was under threat from logging historically but now Sabah’s government have gazetted 27800 hectares creating the Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary. David Attenborough who filmed the documentary ‘The Private Life of Plants’ here made the area famous. 

 

Day 4: Monday 2nd June (BLD)

We will head out early morning and late afternoon along the river to spot for macaque and proboscis monkeys, gibbons and many other primates including orangutan, as well as crocodile, lizards and plentiful birdlife including hornbills and kingfisher. In this area there have been many sightings of pygmy elephants coming down to the river for a drink or to bathe. The river cruise in the afternoon will provide a beautiful sunset along the river. There is an option to join a night walk (RM20) after dinner when you can get up close with birds whilst they sleep in the trees around the resort. We have also seen frogs, native cats and the tiny western Tarsier. 

 

Day 5: Tuesday 3rd June (BLD)

We depart the River and head towards the town of Lahud Datu. On the way we will stop at Gomantong Cave as this area is a favourite haunt of wild orangutan. They are often spotted here quite close up on the edges of the car park lazing in the canopies during the heat of the day. If you wish to visit the caves known for the swiftlets that create nests harvested for bird's nest soup then this is an optional extra as it is not for everyone. The caves main chamber is massive and with multiple openings which allows the light to filter through giving it a cathedral like atmosphere and great photo opportunities. However, the cave is also home to thousands of bats and cockroaches that over the decades have produced mounds of guano and the smell is quite overpowering. It is not recommended for people with weak lungs but if you wish to go in then Anna-Mair will accompany you. The cost per person is RM30 plus and additional RM30 camera fee. We will transfer vehicles in Lahud Datu for our onward journey to Tabin National Park our home for the next 2 nights. 

We will be staying within Tabin National Park for our last jungle adventure which are known for a huge variety of flora as well as insects, spiders, birds as well as the chance of the wild animals like orangutan, gibbon, macaque, otter and pygmy elephant.  Night drives or walks will give us the chance to see some of the nocturnal animals like the flying squirrels and the civet cat. Tabin National Park is known as Sabah's greatest wildlife sanctuary. It was created in the year 1984; the 300000 acres reserve is the largest wildlife reserve in Malaysia. It has areas of mud 'volcanos' which ooze mineral salts that attract many different varieties of creatures to it; even sun bears are known to visit although we would be very luck if we saw one. We will stay in the heart of the jungle at a river resort.  We may see the 3 largest of Sabah’s mammals, the Borneo Pygmy Elephant, Sumatran Rhinoceros and Tembadau or Banteng, which is like a wild buffalo. There are many mammals including otter, nine species of primate, three species of cats including the clouded leopards all of which are on the protected wildlife list and more than 300 species of bird.  We will head out after dinner for our first nocturnal safari. 

 

Day 6: Wednesday 4th June (BLD)

We are likely to be awoken by the gibbon dawn chorus in the surrounding jungle and will head out after breakfast to one of the many trails through the Jungle looking for animals and birds that are out looking for a feed. This area is very lush and has areas where mineral salts come to the surface that is one of the reasons that there are so many animals that call Tabin home. The animals hide in the heat of the day so we will return to the resort for lunch and a rest before heading out again for another safari drive. 

 

Day 7: Thursday 5th June (BLD)
Our final full day of photography will start with an early morning walk looking for the gibbon in the area before we have breakfast. After breakfast we will head out again with the cameras in the area around the resort. We will depart Tabin to return to Lahad Datu to get our flight to Kota Kinabalu where we will head to the coast for a sunset shoot and our farewell dinner. 

 

Day 8: Thursday 5th June (B)

Breakfast at leisure before transfer to Kota Kinabalu International Airport for your onward flight to Kuala Lumpur

 

A deposit of $AU1000 will secure your place now ($AU 500 of the deposit is non refundable). 

 

Please note: This tour needs a minimum number of 3 people to book before departure is confirmed. Please do not book your flights until the tour has been confirmed. 

 

A non-photographer companion is welcome to join us although they need to be aware that this tour is all about photography and no alternative itinerary will be given for them. Having said that, the itinerary is of interest to any lover of nature. 

 If you are a single person who would like to share with another person of the same gender please book a twin share but if we are unable to match you with another person then the single supplement price will be applied. 

The full itinerary will be given nearer departure although some small changes may be applied. 

 

What's Included:

·       Airport transfers in Sandakan and Kota Kinabalu

 

·       Internal flight from Lahad Datu - Kota Kinabalu

 

·       All internal transport and accommodation

 

·       8 days/ 7 nights in Borneo -7 days of photography

 

·       Entry fees for all attractions unless stated as an option

 

·       All meals on Tour

 

·       Highly experienced local guides and drivers

 

·       Small group size

 

·       Photographic support from Anna-Mair Francis

What's not included:

·       Flights to/from Sabah and your home City Arriving Sandakan departing Kota Kinabalu

 

·       Camera tax (local tax on photographers charged at some location approx total RM150)

 

·       Tourism tax in hotels (RM10 per room/per night)

 

·       Entry into Gomantong Cave (RM30 plus RM30 camera tax)

 

·       Alcohol/soft drinks with meals

 

·       Photographic equipment

 

·       Laundry, gratuities, etc

 

·       Excess baggage (20kg limit on local flight)

 

·       Travel Insurance (we require a copy of your insurance with your final payment)

 

Join us on this amazing tour to the land of happiness with professional photographer Anna-Mair Francis.  Go to www.annamairfrancis.com/tours/Bhutan/ for more details or contact us on info@ctlphototours.com. 

The Kingdom of Bhutan is an extraordinary place known for the concept of Gross National Happiness. In the foothills of the Himalayans it is full of temples, fortresses, forests and has a unique culture. We have made the 2020 trip shorter in duration from previous years but the experience will be just as incredible. To make the most of the time we will be making an internal flight to Central Bhutan (hoping for clear skies the see the Himalayas from above) and then driving back through picturesque villages, valleys and over high mountain passes topped with temples and prayer flags. We will visit 2 traditional and colourful festivals which will give us the opportunity to mix with the locals in their beautiful national costumes. We will be expecting to photograph landscapes, people, cultural scenes, magnificent Dzongs, flora and fauna along the way. Our professional photographer will be on hand for technical and compositional support. For further information check out the draft itinerary. 

Please note the price is based on $US 7999 which is approximately $AUD11,600. This amount in AUD may vary up or down depending on the exchange rate. The correct rate will be determined for you on booking. Please contact us for clarification. 

Please note that the itinerary is subject to change:  http://www.annamairfrancis.com/bhutan-draft-itinerary-april-2020/

Costs: USD $7999# twin/double* room

*Single supplement addition of USD $800 applies

Includes:

• Flight to/from Bangkok to Bhutan**


• All internal transport including internal flight


• 11 full days in Bhutan


• Two Authentic cultural festivals


• Small group size


• All your meals on Tour


• Highly experienced Bhutanese guides and drivers


• Bhutan Visa


• Photographic support from internationally renowned photographer Anna-Mair Francis.

What’s not included:

• Flights to/from Bangkok to your home city


• Accommodation/ Evening meals in Bangkok


• Alcohol or soft drinks with meals


• Photographic equipment


• Laundry, gratuities, etc


• Horse ride up to Tiger’s Nest Monastery café  if required.


• Excess baggage


• Travel Insurance

**Please note that the main group will enter and exit Paro from/to Bangkok but if you are travelling from Europe then flights could be arranged to India, Nepal or Singapore. The main group however will be meeting in Bangkok. This may change the price so please enquire for clarification on alternative entry/exit points for Bhutan.

Payment schedule: Deposit of US $2000 to secure the booking (US $500 of which is non refundable). Please note that the trip is not locked in totally as far as the Bhutanese agency is concerned until the total balance is received. So the balance will need to be paid as soon as practical.

See our Terms and Conditions

# Price is based on cost of flights from Bangkok/Paro/Bangkok and internal flight from Paro/Bumthang. This price are subject to change until we pay in full with our Bhutanese Agent.

Ask about our multi tour discount.

Join us in 2025 on this amazing tour to the land of happiness with professional photographer Anna-Mair Francis. We will venture across the Country towards areas in the East which are rarely visited by Westerners. We will attend one (hopefully two) annual festivals in villages away from huge crowds where we will mix with locals and monks in their beautiful traditional dress to watch masked performers who enact historic dances about the fight between good and evil. We will visit a remote mountain town where women create complex silk  fabrics in their homes which sell worldwide. We will be expecting to photograph landscapes, people, cultural scenes, magnificent Dzongs, flora and fauna along the way. 

The Kingdom of Bhutan is an extraordinary place known for the concept of Gross National Happiness. In the foothills of the Himalayans it is full of temples, fortresses, forests and has a unique culture. Our professional photographer will be on hand for technical and compositional support. 

*Please note the price is based on 2024 prices and is based on $US 7995 which is approximately $AU 12,145. This amount in AUD may vary up or down depending on the exchange rate. The correct rate will be determined for you on booking. Please contact us for clarification. 

Please note that the itinerary is subject to change:

We will publish the full itinerary as soon as possible but our route will be via Thimphu, Panakha, Phobjikhu, Jakar Valley, Khoma, Trashigang, Haa Valley and Paro. 

Costs: USD $7995 (approx AUD $12145) per person twin/double* room 
 
*Single supplement addition of USD $700 (approx AUD $1065) applies

#Pay a $AUD2000 deposit (AUD $500 of which is non refundable) on this site to hold your place and we will instruct you how to pay the balance in US Dollars once we have reached minimum numbers. If we do not reach minimum numbers we will return your deposit in full. Please do not book flights until we confirm departure.  This price are subject to change until we pay in full with our Bhutanese Agent.

• All internal transport including internal flight

• 17 nights and 18 days in Bhutan


• One (hopefully two) authentic cultural festivals

• Visiting traditional weavers in Khoma

• Small group size


• All your accommodation and meals on Tour


• Highly experienced Bhutanese guides and drivers


• Photographic support from internationally renowned photographer Anna-Mair Francis.

What’s not included:

• Flights to/from Paro to your home city


• Alcohol or soft drinks with meals


• Photographic equipment


• Laundry, gratuities, etc


• Horse ride up to Tiger’s Nest Monastery café  if required.

• Entry to sites not on the itinerary 


• Excess baggage


• Travel Insurance

• Bhutan Visa

Please note that the main group will enter and exit Paro from/to Bangkok but if you are travelling from Europe then flights should be arranged via India or Singapore. 

Payment schedule: Deposit of AUD $2000 to secure the booking (AUD $500 of which is non refundable). Please note that the trip is not locked in totally as far as the Bhutanese agency is concerned until the total balance is received. So the balance will need to be paid as soon as practical. We need 4 people for the trip to go ahead, if we cancel the trip we will refund your full deposit to you. Please do not book flights until we confirm departure. 

See our Terms and Conditions

 This price are subject to change until we pay in full with our Bhutanese Agent.