MARCH 9-18  2026

Throughout the trip, Mattias Klum will be available for photography advice, tips, and assistance with photo editing and critique. Having spent many months in these rainforests, Mattias will also give lectures and talk about the challenges of photographing in such environments. Exact times for these activities will be scheduled based on the photography sessions and what happens during the boat tours and the rainforest walks.

ARRIVAL ONE, TWO OR THREE DAYS BEFORE THE TRIP
As all participants arrive one, two, or three days before the journey begins, rooms are booked at Sepilok Nature Lodge, where you will also stay for the first night of the actual trip. You will be met at the airport, outside the customs area, by a local representative holding a sign with your name, who will arrange your transfer to the hotel.

If you wish to experience some of Borneo’s nature and wildlife during the days before the journey officially begins, there is plenty to discover in the vicinity of the lodge, as outlined below.

Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
This centre rehabilitates orphaned and rescued orangutans with the goal of releasing them back into the wild. Staying at the lodge makes it easy to walk there — it is almost next to the hotel.

Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC)
Located right next to the orangutan centre, this facility focuses on the world’s smallest bear species — the sun bear. You may see the bears during feeding times, learn about their rescue and rehabilitation stories, and understand why conservation work is so important. It is a unique opportunity to see a species that is otherwise difficult to encounter, and it is also highly educational from a nature and conservation perspective.

Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC)
The RDC offers a long canopy walk high up among the treetops, with bridges and observation towers — a unique chance to experience the rainforest’s flora and fauna from above. There are also many walking trails through the rainforest, ranging from short strolls to longer hikes — ideal for those who wish to explore nature on foot. In the evening, there is an opportunity to join a guided night walk to discover nocturnal wildlife such as flying squirrels, tarsiers, frogs, and more — providing a completely different perspective on the jungle.

DAY 1, (March 9) – WELCOME DINNER
In the evening, a welcome drink will be served, and Mattias will share more about what to expect in the coming days from both wildlife and photography perspectives. We will then enjoy a welcome dinner together while getting to know each other. (D)

DAY 2, (March 10) – SEPILOK – KINABATANGAN
We will start the day with an early morning walk around the hotel, looking for birds and mammals. After breakfast, we will depart for the Kinabatangan River, the longest river in Sabah, renowned for its high concentration of primates in northern Borneo. The focus here will be photography from the boat during boat tours along the river. The lighting is ideal, and the wildlife is abundant. Commonly seen species include orangutans, proboscis monkeys, langurs, pygmy elephants, hornbills, macaques, and more. Upon arrival, we will check in at Hornbill Lodge. At dusk, we will take our first boat tour to look for wildlife. Dinner will be served back at the lodge, and for those who are up for it, we will take a night walk to look for nocturnal animals such as tarsiers, flying lemurs, civets, owls, flying squirrels, and other nocturnal creatures. (B, L, D)

DAY 3, (March 11) – KINABATANGAN
We begin the day with an early morning river tour. Coffee will be served at 5:30 AM before we board the boats to search for orangutans, langurs, proboscis monkeys, hornbills, and other animals in the beautiful morning light.  Breakfast will be served upon returning to the lodge. Afterward, we will work on photo editing, and Mattias will review your photos and provide feedback. In the afternoon, we will take another boat tour on the river to look for wildlife. Dinner will be served back at the lodge. Like the previous evening, we will take a night tour along the riverbanks to look for nocturnal animals. (B, L, D)

DAY 4, (March 12) – KINABATANGAN
This morning, we will once again explore the river in the early morning light, this time venturing into the smaller tributaries and waterways of the Kinabatangan River. After breakfast, we will go on a jungle trek along the forest trails near the lodge to search for small animals and snakes, providing a unique insight into the area’s incredible biodiversity. After lunch, we will take a short boat trip to the Gomantong Caves. We will spend the afternoon walking through the rainforest and visiting the bat caves, which are home to an estimated millions of bats. At dusk, we will witness the bat exodus as over a million bats leave the caves to search for food during the night. If the weather is clear, it’s a spectacular sight to photograph, with long “ropes” of tens of thousands of bats emerging at once, while birds of prey wait to hunt them in the air. There are also many other species to photograph around the caves, including orangutans and red leaf monkeys. Dinner will be followed by more photo editing. (B, L, D)

DAY 5, (March 13) – KINABATANGAN – TABIN
Early in the morning, we will leave the lodge for a short boat ride to Lepit Jetty, followed by a transfer to the town of Lahad Datu for a brief stop. We will then continue for another 1.5 hours to Tabin Wildlife Reserve, a nature reserve established in 1984 to protect Sabah’s dwindling wildlife and their habitats. The reserve occupies a large part of the peninsula forming the northern tip of Darvel Bay and is located 48 kilometers east of Lahad Datu. Tabin is Sabah’s largest wildlife reserve, covering 120 km², including 90 km² of primary untouched forest. All eight species of Borneo’s hornbills have been recorded here, and it’s likely you will see at least three – the white-crowned, bushy-crested, and wrinkled hornbills. Upon arrival at Tabin Wildlife Resort, we will settle into our rooms, followed by lunch. In the afternoon, we will visit the active Lipad Mud Volcano, which releases a salt mix that attracts animals to lick it. After dinner, we will embark on a night walk. Armed with flashlights and led by a nature guide, we will walk through the pitch-dark rainforest trails. There is a good chance of seeing nocturnal animals such as flying squirrels, civets, various frogs, snakes, bats, insects, and spiders. (B, L, D)

DAY 6, (March 14) – TABIN
Gibbons are often active during the early morning hours and can be heard before they are seen. We will therefore head out on a morning tour to capture these and other animals and birds. We will then hike through the lush rainforest to Lipad Waterfall, where you can take a dip in the natural pool and enjoy a refreshing shower under the waterfall. After lunch, there will be time to explore the surroundings near the lodge on your own, or you can try the Tabin Rainforest Foot Soak, a foot treatment using natural ingredients from the rainforest to soothe tired feet after a day of jungle trekking. In the evening, we will go on a night safari in four-wheel-drive jeeps with large spotlights to search for nocturnal animals. (B, L, D)

DAY 7, (March 15) – TABIN – DANUM VALLEY
Return to Lahad Datu overland after breakfast, where we will transfer to 4WDs for a 2.5-hour drive to Danum Valley and the award-winning Borneo Rainforest Lodge, located deep within the conservation area. This lodge was made famous by Mattias Klum through his National Geographic assignments, which resulted in iconic images, films, and a major feature in the magazine that highlighted the unique ecosystem and rich biodiversity of the area. Danum Valley is renowned for its rainforest and is a paradise for photographers. Over 500 species of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians can be found in the relatively untouched rainforest. Upon arrival, we will check in and enjoy lunch. After a short rest, Mattias and a local guide will introduce us to Danum Valley and the trails surrounding the lodge. There is an extensive network of trails in Danum Valley, offering excellent photography opportunities. Over the next three days, we will explore these trails in search of rare species such as pygmy elephants, clouded leopards, Bornean gibbons, and maroon langurs, and of course, orangutans. Birdlife is particularly diverse, with around 275 recorded species. After dinner, we will go on a night safari in jeeps to search for nocturnal animals. (B, L, D)

DAY 8, (March 16) – DANUM VALLEY
In the morning, we will hike to the lookout point and the burial site at Coffin Cliff. Here, in the natural pool, you will have the chance to take a refreshing dip before returning to the lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, we will explore more trails around the lodge, including a treetop canopy walk. After dinner, we will embark on a night walk along the trails near the lodge. (B, L, D)

DAY 9, (March 17) – DANUM VALLEY
We will rise early to capture the sunrise at the GAW Tower (right now the tower is closed for repair works. If it is still not open when we are there, we will do a safari day drive in its place). This observation tower offers a fantastic opportunity to experience and document the rainforest from above, with a panoramic view over the treetops in the morning mist, which provide stunning images. The rest of the morning will be spent working on photo editing. After lunch, we will take a walk along the Segama River, offering an unforgettable nature experience through one of the world’s most pristine and biologically rich rainforests. We will hike along narrow trails, often close to the river, giving a great vantage point for spotting everything from orangutans and gibbons to smaller mammals like sambar deer. The Segama River is also a perfect area for bird photography, where you might spot various species of hornbills, kingfishers, and other exotic birds that live in the treetops along the river. As this is our final evening together, we will enjoy a delicious farewell dinner. (B, L, D)

DAY 10, (March 18) – DANUM VALLEY – SANDAKAN
We will take one last morning walk around the lodge followed by breakfast. The reset of  morning for relaxation. Transfer to Sandakan at 12.00 after an early lunch where will have booked rooms at Sabah Hotel in Sandakan. Dinner on your own.

The next day, March 19, a transferbus will be waiting for all of you who deptarts at 13.50. Exakt time for the pick up will be advised on site.

If you have booked the extension the island, for relaxation with sunbathing, swimming, and snorkeling on a stunning coral reef the trip contunes. Exact time scedule will be presented on site.

FOLLOW-UP MEETING & PHOTO OF THE TRIP
Some weeks after returning home, Mattias will host a follow-up meeting where we review each other’s photos. Before that, you’ll be asked to submit your best images from the trip, and Mattias will select the “Photo of the Trip.” This photo will automatically advance to the finals of the “Photo of the Year 2026” competition and compete for great prizes.

SEPILOK NATURE LODGE****

TABIN WILDLIFE RESORT****