Special Interest:
Rare Mammal Search
RARE
ENCOUNTERS
For travellers drawn to quiet forests, fleeting encounters, and the rare mammals that reveal themselves only to the patient observer.
Bornean
Clouded Leopard
(Neofelis diardi)
Borneo’s largest wild predator moves almost entirely unseen. Its cloud-like markings dissolve into forest shadow, allowing the cat to vanish even in open view. An agile climber with unusually long canine teeth, it moves confidently through the canopy and can descend trees headfirst by rotating its ankles, a rare ability among cats. Much of what we know about this elusive hunter comes from remote camera traps rather than direct observation.
Binturong
(Arctictis binturong)
Also known as the bearcat, the Binturong is neither bear nor cat, but one of the forest’s most distinctive residents. Slow-moving and largely nocturnal, it navigates the canopy with a fully prehensile tail, a rare trait among carnivores. Feeding heavily on figs, it plays an important role in maintaining forest health and regeneration. Unmistakably, the Binturong carries a natural scent reminiscent of buttered popcorn.
Marbled Cat
(Pardofelis marmorata)
Often described as a miniature clouded leopard, the Marbled Cat is among the least studied wild cats in the world. Perfectly adapted to life in the trees, it moves effortlessly along branches using its long tail for balance. Soft marbled markings blend seamlessly with moss-covered trunks, making it extraordinarily difficult to detect even in daylight. Researchers believe it may spend more time in the canopy than on the forest floor.
Leopard Cat
(Prionailurus bengalensis)
Widespread yet seldom observed, the Leopard Cat is a master of concealment. Perfectly adapted to life along forest edges, rivers, and plantations, it moves primarily under cover of darkness, hunting rodents, birds, and other small prey with quiet precision. Though surprisingly common in suitable habitat, its solitary and nocturnal habits mean most pass unnoticed. Remarkably, Leopard Cats are strong swimmers and occasionally hunt near water, taking fish or amphibians.
Slow Loris
(Nycticebus borneanus)
Moving deliberately through the canopy, the Slow Loris relies on patience rather than speed. Its powerful grip allows it to remain motionless for long periods, blending seamlessly among branches and vines. Almost entirely nocturnal, it emerges after dusk to feed on insects, tree gum, and nectar. Rarely noticed despite its presence, it often observes silently from the foliage above. Unusually among primates, the Slow Loris produces a venom used for defence.
Banteng
(Bos javanicus)
Powerful yet cautious, the Banteng moves quietly through Borneo’s forests and grassland clearings. Recognisable by its white stockings and sweeping horns, this wild cattle species prefers remote landscapes where disturbance is minimal. Once more widespread, encounters today are uncommon as populations persist mainly within protected forests. Typically grazing at dawn or dusk, the Banteng retreats quickly into cover when disturbed. Mature males darken dramatically with age, developing deep coats that contrast with their pale markings.
Horsefield’s Tarsier
(Cephalopachus bancanus borneanus)
Among Borneo’s smallest primates, the Horsefield’s Tarsier is built for life after dark. Its enormous eyes cannot move within their sockets, so it rotates its head to scan the forest with remarkable precision. Hunting insects and small vertebrates by sound alone, it launches between branches in astonishing leaps. Even where present, sightings are fleeting. Unlike most primates, the tarsier is entirely carnivorous.
Bornean Striped
Palm Civet
(Arctogalidia trivirgata)
Agile and almost ghostlike in the treetops, the Bornean Striped Palm Civet spends much of its life moving quietly through the canopy. Its bold striping breaks up its outline among shifting leaves and shadow. Primarily nocturnal, it feeds on fruits as readily as insects and small prey. By consuming fruit and dispersing seeds across the forest, this elusive civet plays a quiet but important role in regenerating rainforest ecosystems.
Otter Civet
(Cynogale bennettii)
One of Southeast Asia’s least understood mammals, the Otter Civet is so rarely encountered that many researchers know it only from camera-trap images. Adapted for life around water, it hunts frogs, fish, and crustaceans in swamp forests and slow-moving streams. Webbed feet and dense fur hint at its semi-aquatic lifestyle as it moves quietly through dense vegetation. Despite its name, the Otter Civet is not closely related to otters.
Bornean
Clouded Leopard
(Neofelis diardi)
Borneo’s largest wild predator moves almost entirely unseen. Its cloud-like markings dissolve into forest shadow, allowing the cat to vanish even in open view. An agile climber with unusually long canine teeth, it moves confidently through the canopy and can descend trees headfirst by rotating its ankles, a rare ability among cats. Much of what we know about this elusive hunter comes from remote camera traps rather than direct observation.
Binturong
(Arctictis binturong)
Also known as the bearcat, the Binturong is neither bear nor cat, but one of the forest’s most distinctive residents. Slow-moving and largely nocturnal, it navigates the canopy with a fully prehensile tail, a rare trait among carnivores, and feeds heavily on figs that help sustain forest regeneration. Remarkably, it carries a natural scent reminiscent of buttered popcorn.
Marbled Cat
(Pardofelis marmorata)
Often described as a miniature clouded leopard, the Marbled Cat is among the least studied wild cats in the world. Perfectly adapted to life in the trees, it moves effortlessly along branches using its long tail for balance. Soft marbled markings blend seamlessly with moss-covered trunks, making it extraordinarily difficult to detect even in daylight. Researchers believe it may spend more time in the canopy than on the forest floor.
Leopard Cat
(Prionailurus bengalensis)
Widespread yet seldom observed, the Leopard Cat is a master of concealment. Perfectly adapted to life along forest edges, rivers, and plantations, it moves primarily under cover of darkness, hunting rodents, birds, and other small prey with quiet precision. Though surprisingly common in suitable habitat, its solitary and nocturnal habits mean most pass unnoticed. Remarkably, Leopard Cats are strong swimmers and occasionally hunt near water, taking fish or amphibians.
Slow Loris
(Nycticebus borneanus)
Moving deliberately through the canopy, the Slow Loris relies on patience rather than speed. Its powerful grip allows it to remain motionless for long periods, blending seamlessly among branches and vines. Almost entirely nocturnal, it emerges after dusk to feed on insects, tree gum, and nectar. Rarely noticed despite its presence, it often observes silently from the foliage above. Unusually among primates, the Slow Loris produces a venom used for defence.
Banteng
(Bos javanicus)
Powerful yet cautious, the Banteng moves quietly through Borneo’s forests and grassland clearings. Recognisable by its white stockings and sweeping horns, this wild cattle species prefers remote landscapes where disturbance is minimal. Typically grazing at dawn or dusk, the Banteng retreats quickly into cover when disturbed. Mature males darken dramatically with age, developing deep coats that contrast with their pale markings.
Horsefield’s Tarsier
(Cephalopachus bancanus borneanus)
Among Borneo’s smallest primates, the Horsefield’s Tarsier is built for life after dark. Its enormous eyes cannot move within their sockets, so it rotates its head to scan the forest with remarkable precision. Hunting insects and small vertebrates by sound alone, it launches between branches in astonishing leaps. Even where present, sightings are fleeting. Unlike most primates, the tarsier is entirely carnivorous.
Bornean Striped Palm Civet
(Arctogalidia trivirgata)
Agile and almost ghostlike in the treetops, the Bornean Striped Palm Civet spends much of its life moving quietly through the canopy. Its bold striping breaks up its outline among shifting leaves and shadow. Primarily nocturnal, it feeds on fruits as readily as insects and small prey. By consuming fruit and dispersing seeds across the forest, this elusive civet plays a quiet but important role in regenerating rainforest ecosystems.
Otter Civet
(Cynogale bennettii)
One of Southeast Asia’s least understood mammals, the Otter Civet is so rarely encountered that many researchers know it only from camera-trap images. Adapted for life around water, it hunts frogs, fish, and crustaceans in swamp forests and slow-moving streams. Webbed feet and dense fur hint at its semi-aquatic lifestyle as it moves quietly through dense vegetation. Despite its name, the Otter Civet is not closely related to otters.
Moments That Stay With Us
“Finding a Sunda Pangolin so close to our facility changed the way I see the forest. Sharing that moment with guests made it even more powerful — watching their surprise and excitement was a reminder of how vulnerable wildlife can be, and why protecting it matters.”
– Dean Jais
“What began as a normal day on the trail turned into one of the rarest sightings of my life. Seeing a Bay Cat in Danum Valley was incredible, but watching our guests realise just how special that moment was made it even more meaningful.”
– Micherwin Bin Michael
“The first time I saw a Clouded Leopard, I could not even speak …all I could say was ‘picture’. The moment lasted only minutes, but sharing that encounter with my guests and seeing their awe made it truly unforgettable.”
– Patrick Pius
“My first rare sighting lasted only seconds, a tufted ground squirrel disappearing down the trail! Moments like that are easy to miss, but helping guests notice and appreciate even the briefest wildlife encounters is what makes guiding so rewarding.”
— Bedley Asun
“The forest erupted with sound when two alpha orangutans clashed above us. In that moment, standing there with our guests, you could feel the raw power of the rainforest; alive, unpredictable, and impossible to forget.”
— Mohd Akhmal Bin Aron
Moments That Stay With Us
Micherwen Bin Michael
“What began as a normal day on the trail turned into one of the rarest sightings of my life. Seeing a Bay Cat in Danum Valley reminded me that the forest rewards those who stay alert, patient, and fully present.”
Mohd Akhmal Bin Aron
“The forest erupted with sound when two alpha orangutans clashed above us. In that moment, you could feel the raw power of the rainforest, alive, unpredictable, and impossible to forget.”
Patrik Pius
“The first time I saw a Clouded Leopard, I could not even speak. All I could say was ‘picture’. It lasted only minutes, but sharing that moment with my guests made it unforgettable.”
Dean Jais
“Finding a Sunda Pangolin so close to our facility changed the way I see the forest. It was a reminder of how vulnerable wildlife can be, and why protecting it matters.”
Bedley Asun
“My first rare sighting lasted only a few seconds, a tufted ground squirrel disappearing down the trail. The moment passed quickly, but the feeling has stayed with me ever since.”
Micherwen Bin Michael
“What began as a normal day on the trail turned into one of the rarest sightings of my life. Seeing a Bay Cat in Danum Valley reminded me that the forest rewards those who stay alert, patient, and fully present.”
Mohd Akhmal Bin Aron
“The forest erupted with sound when two alpha orangutans clashed above us. In that moment, you could feel the raw power of the rainforest, alive, unpredictable, and impossible to forget.”
Patrik Pius
“The first time I saw a Clouded Leopard, I could not even speak. All I could say was ‘picture’. It lasted only minutes, but sharing that moment with my guests made it unforgettable.”
Dean Jais
“Finding a Sunda Pangolin so close to our facility changed the way I see the forest. It was a reminder of how vulnerable wildlife can be, and why protecting it matters.”
Bedley Asun
“My first rare sighting lasted only a few seconds, a tufted ground squirrel disappearing down the trail. The moment passed quickly, but the feeling has stayed with me ever since.”
Supporting Conservation
on the ground
The Sun Bear
Conservation Centre
Trips to Sabah directly support vital work, such as the efforts of Dr. Wong Siew Te and the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC) to rehabilitate and protect the sun bear. This is the world’s smallest bear species and a key indicator of rainforest health. The BSBCC’s work on sun bear conservation helps ensure their survival and the health of the broader ecosystem.
Plan Your Journey
Work with us to include these experiences in your adventure, or connect directly with our partners.