- ✓ Discover Borneo’s unique wildlife in the rainforest
- ✓ Relax on a tropical island
- ✓ Learn about the iconic Orangutan
Discover the Borneo state of Sabah on this two week adventure through wild rainforests, winding rivers and white-sand beaches. Spot orangutans in Sepilok, drift along the Kinabatangan River in search of wildlife and immerse yourself in the jungle in Tabin National Park. Finally, enjoy some R&R time on the tropical Gaya Island.
If you want to extend your holiday you could add on a city stopover in Kuala Lumpur or Singapore. Ask your Travel Specialist for more information.
Days 1 & 2 – Arrival in Sepilok
Your journey through Sabah starts in Sandakan. On arrival at the airport you’ll be met and transferred 30-minutes to your jungle hotel in Sepilok. You’ve got a couple of nights here to relax and acclimatise. The nearby Rainforest Discovery Centre is worth a visit. At this educational, conservation centre you’ll find canopy walkways and nature trails that offer an introduction to Borneo’s rainforest.
Day 3 – Sepilok Orangutan Centre & Kinabatangan River
Borneo is the land of orangutans, and the very best place to see them and learn all about them is at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. This inspirational centre rescues orphaned, injured, or ex-captive orangutans and teaches them vital skills – like climbing, nest-building and foraging – so they can eventually return to the wild. This morning you’ll visit Sepilok in a small group with a knowledgeable guide. Mid-morning is feeding time, and you’ll be able to see the iconic great apes come out of the jungle to eat as much fresh fruit and nuts as they want. You’ll also stop in at a Sunbear Sanctuary nearby, where you can see these unique, endangered bears.
After your visit to Sepilok you’ll climb into a boat and journey along the Kinabatangan River – Sabah’s longest river. No other spot in Borneo features such a wide variety of wild animals: monkeys, monitor lizards, crocodiles, sunbears, hundreds of species of tropical birds, and if you’re lucky you may even see wild pygmy elephants! Your base for the next two nights is a charming, wooden lodge on the banks of the river. You’ll have some time to relax before your first wildlife cruise in the late afternoon, where you’ll watch the animals come to life as the sun goes down. In the evening you’ll have dinner back at your lodge, and fall asleep to the sounds of the jungle.
Day 4 - Wildlife spotting on the Kinabatangan River
You’ll probably wake up when the gibbon monkeys and hornbills do…they’ll make sure of that! It’ll be an early start anyway as you set out on your first cruise of the day – heading to a nearby lake as the animals begin to wake up around its shores. After breakfast back at the lodge, you can choose to relax for a while on the porch or head out on a nature walk to some nearby caves. As the sun begins to set, the final jungle cruise of your trip will head out, and you can take one more chance at spotting the unique Borneo wildlife. You’ll return to the lodge for another night in this unique setting.
Day 5 – Travel to Tabin Wildlife Reserve
Today you’ll depart the river and head into the jungle. Your driver will transfer you to Lahad Datu, where you’ll swap to a 4×4 for the 2 hour drive along uneven, gravelly roads into Tabin Wildlife Reserve where you’ll spend the next two nights. Tabin is a vast area of protected rainforest that’s home to pygmy elephants, orangutans, over 300 species of bird and even clouded leopards. The jungle bungalows here are equipped with air conditioning and hot running water, and once you’ve checked in, you can sit back on your balcony and soak up your jungle surrounds. After a bite to eat you’ll head into the forest on a jeep safari with an experienced guide. You’ll make a stop to walk to a mud volcano, a natural salt lick where wildlife often gathers for their daily dose of minerals. They say that the volcano’s mud is great for your skin – try a free facial if you wish! After the walk, you’ll return to the jeep and head back to your resort for a cool shower and dinner. Later, set out again for a guided night walk to experience the forest after dark – with fireflies lighting the path and your guide pointing out hidden nocturnal creatures.
Day 6 – Trekking in Tabin
This morning you’ll wake up to the sound of monkeys and birds, and if you’re up early you can join a morning hike in search of the most colourful species of birds flying around the park. After breakfast you’ll head out again on a trek through the forest. Soon you’ll hear the sound of rushing water, leading you to a hidden jungle waterfall that’s perfect for a refreshing dip. The jeep will be waiting to return you to the lodge in time for lunch. In the afternoon, you can unwind with the Tabin Rainforest Foot Soak, made with a natural blend of herbs to ease tired muscles after your trek. As evening falls, head out on a dusk drive to spot the forest’s nocturnal wildlife coming to life.
Day 7 – Fly to Kota Kinabalu
After breakfast you’ll follow the gravel roads back to Lahad Datu in time for your domestic flight to Kota Kinabalu. This bustling coastal city sits at the foot of the immense Mount Kinabalu. It’s a relatively modern city with many western influences and a whole host of delicious local food to try. On arrival, you’ll be transferred to your central hotel close to the restaurants and colourful markets. Stroll down to the waterfront for dinner with a view as the sun sets across the bay.
Day 8 – Explore Kinabalu National Park
Today you’ll explore Kinabalu National Park – Malaysia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to Mount Kinabalu, Southeast Asia’s highest peak. The park is a haven for nature and outdoor lovers. Over 5,000 plant species can be found here and it’s a birdwatcher’s paradise, with colourful hornbills and mountain species you won’t see elsewhere. You’ll brave the heights of the rainforest canopy walkway 100 feet above the forest floor, wander through the colourful butterfly garden and take a dip in one of the hot mineral springs.
Days 9 & 10 – Gaya Island getaway
Today you’ll travel to Pulau Gaya, a small tropical island just off the coast of Kota Kinabalu. Gaya is the largest of the islands in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. From the airport or your hotel, you’ll make your way to the port before hopping aboard a speedboat for the 15-minute crossing to Gaya Island. Despite being so close to the city, it feels a world away, with dense rainforest, secluded beaches, clear turquoise water and colourful coral reefs.
Your hotel sits right on the beach, tucked into the edge of the jungle. Spend the afternoon slowing down, book in hand, finding your favourite spot to enjoy the peace and quiet. As the day draws to a close, head down to the beach and watch the sunset with a cocktail in hand. It’s a wonderfully relaxing way to finish your time in Borneo.
Day 11 – Depart Borneo
Enjoy a final dip in the sea before taking the boat back to the mainland. A driver wil be waiting to whisk you to Kota Kinabalu airport in time for your homebound flight. If two nights on the beach is not long enough, then just ask your Travel Specialist to add a night or two (or more!) to your travel plan.
If you have more time, you could always extend your holiday with a city stopover in Kuala Lumpur. Check out our Twin Towers & Chopsticks bite-sized trip for more information.
Accommodation
