Sabah, Borneo with the Family: Sun, Sand and Orangutans
Itinerary
This itinerary has been put together based on the best weather for the summer school holidays. This trip can be easily combined with a two night stopover in Kuala Lumpur or Singapore. If you have time you could also visit the neighbouring Borneo state of Sarawak. Your Travel Specialist can offer suggestions,
Days 1 & 2 – Arrival in Sepilok
After a long flight, your family is sure to want to take it easy. You’ll be spending a couple of days at a comfortable resort surrounded by nature, in Sepilok. You can acclimatise, or if you’re feeling active you can walk through the gardens and check out the flora and fauna. The kids are sure to be entranced by the sounds and sights of the surrounding jungle.
Day 3 – Orangutans, river cruise & jungle lodge
Take the kids into Borneo’s wilderness. After breakfast you’ll visit the world famous Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, which is home to orangutans who have been orphaned by deforestation and poachers, and are now preparing for independent life in the wild.
Then together with a local guide you’ll leave the mainland and take a boat trip deep into the jungle on Borneo’s longest river, the Kinabatangan. Keep your eyes peeled for colourful birds and wildlife as you go. Your destination, and your base for the next 2 nights is a jungle lodge located deep in the forest. Later this afternoon you’ll watch the animals come to life as the sun goes down on a wildlife cruise. In the evening you’ll head back to your lodge for dinner and fall asleep to the sounds of the jungle.
These experiences are suitable for children of all ages
Day 4 – Wildlife spotting along the Kinabatangan
This morning you’ll be woken by the sounds of monkeys shrieking in the distance and birds flying overhead. You’ll have an early start as you set out on your first boat trip of the day where you’ll watch monkeys, lizards, crocodiles and (hopefully) elephants awaken along the waterfront. After your early morning cruise, you’ll sail back to the lodge for breakfast. The afternoon is free for you to relax at the lodge or take a walk around the area, before taking another boat trip later in the day to watch even more wildlife as the sun sets.
Day 5 – To the untamed jungle of Tabin
Today, you’ll be transferred from your riverside lodge to Lahad Datu, where you’ll continue your journey along gravelly jungle roads by 4×4. Your destination is the remote rainforest reserve of Tabin National Park, which is known for its rich biodiversity and bubbling mud volcanoes. You’ll be staying in a wooden bungalow, complete with air-con and hot water. All your food and tours are included, and the restaurant has a good choice of food for the whole family.
Once you’ve freshened up and had a bite to eat, it’s time to explore this vast jungle as you head out with a guide on a jeep safari. Lurking in the forest are monkeys, elephants, birds, orangutans and bats amongst others. Keep your camera handy! After dinner, grab your torches for a night walk. Your guide will point out all the different creatures in the moonlight, and you’ll be able to see the glow of the fireflies too.
Day 6 – Wildlife & waterfalls
This morning, you’ll be greeted with the sounds of the jungle, and if you can manage to get the kids out of bed early, then you’ve got time for a pre-breakfast walk. After a filling breakfast, you’ll head back out with your guide, and it’s a good idea to put your swimming stuff on under your clothes.
As you trek through the jungle, you’ll start to hear the sounds of flowing water and before you know it you’ll find yourself at a waterfall. Jump in with the kids, have a splash about and cool yourself down before walking back to the jeep. You’re sure to have built up a huge appetite by this point, and luckily lunch will be waiting for you back at the resort. The rest of the day is free to spend as you wish.
This trip is most suitable for children aged 10 years+, as there is a fair amount of trekking involved.
Days 7 – 9 – Beach time
After your Tabin adventure, you’ll be driven back to Lahad Datu in time for your short flight to Kota Kinabalu. On arrival you’ll be met and transferred to a comfortable beach resort. The next few days are all about quality family time at the beach where you’ll spend 3 nights doing as much or as little as you like. You’ll stay in our ‘In Style’ resort on the outskirts of Kota Kinabalu where the beach goes on for miles, the calm sea offers a refreshing dip and the whole family is catered for with plenty of restaurants and a host of activities to keep kids entertained.
Would you like to stay on a tropical island? We can switch your beach time to 3 nights on Gaya Island, which is a short boat ride from Kota Kinabalu. You’ll stay in a small scale hotel, with a smaller beach, but the snorkelling is amazing! Ask your travel specialist for more information.
Day 10 – Depart Kota Kinabalu
Today you’ll be transferred from the beach to Kota Kinabalu airport in time for your flight home. If three nights on the beach is not enough, let your travel specialist know and we can extend your stay.
Accommodation
