Sabah's endangered megaherbivore
The Bornean Elephant
Elephas maximus borneensis
Here is how they use Sabah's forests and how to plan a safari with a realistic chance of seeing them.
Species profile
The Bornean elephant
On 27 June 2024, the IUCN assessed the Bornean elephant as a distinct subspecies and classified it as Endangered. The assessment confirmed a population of roughly 1,000 wild individuals and only about 400 breeding adults.
They are smaller than mainland Asian elephants but adult males still reach 2.5 m at the shoulder. Their distinct features include a rounder face, relatively larger ears and a long tail.
Where to find them in Sabah
The Kinabatangan River offers the most accessible viewing but it is not the only place to find them. Deramakot Forest Reserve is an excellent alternative for dedicated wildlife watchers. In Danum Valley's unbroken primary forest, elephants are a bonus seen with luck.
Why they come and go
The sporadic nature of elephant sightings along the Kinabatangan is driven by their need for food and the region's hydrology. The peak season from March to October is the optimal period for viewing.
Protected wildlife reserves
Other destinations
Protected wildlife reserves
Kinabatangan River
The Kinabatangan floodplain holds the highest concentration of wildlife in Borneo. This is where you go to track orangutans and proboscis monkeys from a boat.
Tabin Wildlife Reserve
A 122,500-hectare lowland reserve bordered by oil palm, Tabin is Sabah’s premier destination for night drives. The sharp forest edge concentrates small cats and civets along the boundary roads.
The Journal
Field notes and travel craft from the forest: the dawn chorus, mast fruiting, the figs, and what became of the rhino.
Species profile
Plan your safari
Tell the team when you want to travel to arrange a Kinabatangan river itinerary focused on finding the Bornean elephant.