{"product_id":"borneo-nature-tour-16-30-october-2026-bookings-now-open","title":"BEST OF BORNEO NATURE TOUR, 16 - 30 October 2026 - $12,800.00","description":"\u003cp\u003e *Only a few places left!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBookings close by 30 August 2026\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJoin our exclusive 15-day small group nature tour to Sabah, Malaysian Borneo, with NatureArt Lab in 2026 with award-winning wildlife photographer and scientist Dr Damien Esquerre. Experience the wildlife immersion, nature photography and nature journalling trip of a lifetime - especially designed for bird and nature lovers!\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eInternationally renowned for its animal and plant attractions, Sabah is famous for its amazing birdlife. There are\u003cspan\u003e over 600 species with around 59 endemic bird species on Borneo. Sabah is one of Malaysia's wildlife hotspots, encompassing mountain ranges, lowland rainforest, swamps and coastline. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTarget mammals include pygmy elephants, clouded leopards, marbled cats, maroon langur, Sunbears, Orangutans, North Bornean gibbons, Proboscis monkeys, Stink badgers, Tarsier, Saltwater crocodiles and otters. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBirds are a highlight for this nature tour! There are\u003c\/span\u003e 10 species of giant hornbill, nine species of pitta (truly the jewels of the rainforest) and the amazing Bristlehead. Target species for our nature tour include the Bornean leafbird, Bulwer's Pheasant, Whitehead's Trogon, Barbets, Bulbuls, Whistlers, Kingfishers, Thick-billed Spider hunter and many more.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSabah’s unique vegetation features pitcher plants, sprays of ferns and colourful orchids sprouting from towering rainforest trees. Insect life is prolific and includes the spectacular Rajah Brooke’s Birdwing among hundreds of other butterfly species; the giant Moon Moth and thousands of fascinating beetles, praying mantids and katydids.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOur tour will focus on Sabah’s best bird and mammal viewing locations including: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSepilok,\u003c\/strong\u003e l\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eearn about crucial efforts to conserve orangutans, hear the inspirational story about rescuing sun bears from the edge of extinction, and visit the Rainforest Discovery Centre\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDeramakot Forest Reserve\u003c\/strong\u003e, home to 75% of Sabah's mammals including some of the most elusive and endangered species such as the Clouded Leopard and Bornean Pygmy Elephant\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eKinabatangan River \u003c\/strong\u003ecruises and walks to see mammals, hornbills and rare species including Storm's stork\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTabin Nature Resort,\u003c\/strong\u003e see and hear gibbons and many other mammals, cats, reptiles, birds and insects. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"\u003eMount Kinabalu World Heritage Park - \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"\u003evisit to \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"\u003eKota Kinabalu, and the UNESCO World Heritage Kinabalu Park and Botanic Gardens. Visit \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 1rem;\"\u003ethe Kota Kinabalu RAMSAR Wetlands, enjoy bird-watching at Trusmadi, see mountain bird species, orchids and other indigenous plants, and nocturnal walks for reptiles, frogs and insects. \u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(64, 64, 64);\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNature tour inclusions: \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #2b00ff;\"\u003e15 days of unsurpassed nature and science immersion experiences, including opportunities to sight rare and elusive wildlife\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\n\u003cspan style=\"color: #2b00ff;\"\u003e14 nights comfortable accommodation (couples\/twin share), including at:\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #2b00ff;\"\u003eSepilok Nature Resort with night walks, visits to conservation centres for orangutan and sunbears, and the world class Rainforest Discovery Centre\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #2b00ff;\"\u003eKinabatangan Wetlands Resort with riverboat birdwatching and wildlife trips both day and night\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #2b00ff;\"\u003eDeramakot Forest Reserve with 4WD wildlife safaris day and night\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #2b00ff;\"\u003eTabin Wildlife Resort with night safaris and forest walks \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #2b00ff;\"\u003eEntry fees to all locations including a world-class rainforest centre, and wildlife rehabilitation centres for sunbears and orangutans\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #2b00ff;\"\u003eAll in-country transport\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #2b00ff;\"\u003eAll meals, and drinking water\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #2b00ff;\"\u003eExpert local nature guides for all day walks, evening spotlight walks\/safaris and early morning bird walks\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #2b00ff;\"\u003ePhotography mentoring with award-winning photographer Dr Damien Esquerre. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: #2b00ff;\"\u003eEntomology expertise with Alan Landford\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNature journalling workshops with NatureArt Lab Director Julia Landford.\u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"\u003eOpportunities to contribute to wildlife conservation. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eExclusions:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAirfares are not included (international and internal fare from Lahad Datu - Kota Kinabalu); these can be arranged separately through your travel agent. \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTips for guides and drivers\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTour Details: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDates: 16 - 30 October (15 days\/14 nights); Total cost: $12,800.00 \u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA non-refundable deposit is due on booking by the end of August; Final payments will be arranged by invoice prior to departure. \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: bold;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOur advertised price is for twin share accommodation with two bookings; Book a single room (price on application).\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTravel with safety (certified Safety Management)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTravel insurance is required by all participants - see details below\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFitness levels: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMost trails are short walks, downhill trails and our pace is slow and considered as we are spotting for wildlife at all times. Most trails are not challenging though there is some uneven terrain in the forests. Moderate levels of fitness are recommended for our tours. We include boat travel for segments of the tour, and participants will be boarding from jetties. \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIntroducing our expert nature tour art and science team\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eJulia and Alan Landford: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTravel with NatureArt Lab Founder and Director Julia Landford and entomologist Alan Landford. Julia is an artist and nature journaller, and will be leading nature journalling activities during the tour. Julia and Alan are passionate nature lovers with substantial field experience. Together they have led many Australian expeditions over the past ten years to locations in Australia: Heron Island, Montague Island, Cape York and the Atherton Tablelands, Tasmania, Christmas Island and Cocos Keeling Islands; and internationally to Borneo, Costa Rica, The Galapagos Islands, Amazonian Ecuador and Peru. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDr Damien Esquerre: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoPlainText\"\u003eDr. Damien Esquerré is a professional wildlife photographer and evolutionary biologist, currently employed as a permanent academic staff (lecturer and researcher) at the University of Wollongong. He has 20 years of experience as a wildlife photographer (initially professionally trained by Chile’s top nature photographer), and has been teaching this course and an introduction for macro photography course for 8 years at NatureArt Lab, also joining as a wildlife photography instructor to tours in Borneo, Western Australia, Cape York, Costa Rica, Ecuador (Galapagos and Amazon) and Peru.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoPlainText\"\u003eDamien won a finalist award at the Australasian Nature Photographer of the Year in 2023 and in 2025. Damien's photographs have won multiple awards and have been published in number of books (including Damien’s authored book on the reptiles of Chile), magazines, calendars, websites and expos.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoPlainText\"\u003eHis main profession is a university biology researcher and lecturer, working to understand how biodiversity evolves, with a special interest in snakes, lizards and frogs and teaching evolution and ecology. The combination of Damien’s science, art and teaching experience means he knows how to make complex topics simple and accessible.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNature Tour Cancellation policy:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eParticipants are required to take out comprehensive travel insurance against injury, illness, emergency medical evacuation, loss and damage to personal belongings, not being able to travel on a confirmed date of departure or tour cancellation due to unforeseen circumstances.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAny cancellations after the deposit is paid will incur loss of the full deposit, which helps to cover our costs for design and management of the tour program and early supplier costs incurred. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor cancellations 120 to 60 days before departure 50% of the cost of the tour will be forfeited. If cancellation takes place 59 days or less before the start date 100% of the tour cost will be forfeited.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf NatureArt Lab has to cancel a nature tour due to undersubscription, you will receive a refund of all payments made for that tour.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePre-Departure Briefing:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNatureArt Lab will host an information session for participants prior to departure.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAny questions:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePlease contact us at info@natureartlab.com.au  \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eNatureArt Lab Awards\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2022, Telstra Best of Business Award Winner for Promoting Sustainability, ACT; and National Finalist Award\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2024, Telstra Best of Business Award Winner for Building Communities, ACT; and National Finalist Award\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2025, Telstra Best of Business Award Finalist for Promoting Sustainability, ACT; and Finalist for Accelerating Women, ACT\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2025, Awards Australia Semi-Finalist for Connecting Communities, NSW and ACT; and Semi-Finalist for Small Business Award NSW and ACT. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eImages: Dr Damien Esquerre; Julia and Alan Landford\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0020\/0117\/4591\/files\/Hornbill_480x480.jpg?v=1656727632\" alt=\"hornbill in flight - nature photography\"\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0020\/0117\/4591\/files\/borneo_pygmy_elephant_480x480.jpg?v=1656727678\" alt=\"pygmy elephant Sabah - wildlife photography\"\u003e\u003cimg height=\"228\" width=\"304\" alt=\"boating trip in Sabah for artists and nature photographers\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0020\/0117\/4591\/files\/IMG_6726_480x480.jpg?v=1656729293\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"orangutans in sabah - a wildlife photographer opportunity\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0020\/0117\/4591\/files\/orangutans_natural_habitat_480x480.jpg?v=1656729358\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"Rafflesia in Sabah - a nature journaler sketching opportunity\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0020\/0117\/4591\/files\/Raflessia_Julia_Landford_mobile_480x480.jpg?v=1656729417\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cimg src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0020\/0117\/4591\/files\/White_Heads_Broadbill_480x480.jpg?v=1656729473\" alt=\"birds of Sabah - bird photography experiences\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"NatureArt Lab","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42563997630527,"sku":null,"price":2712.5,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0020\/0117\/4591\/files\/Damien_Esquerre_8.jpg?v=1780143225","url":"https:\/\/natureartlab.com.au\/products\/borneo-nature-tour-16-30-october-2026-bookings-now-open","provider":"NatureArt Lab","version":"1.0","type":"link"}