Experience the best of Borneo with our carefully curated itinerary that promises unique and unforgettable adventures. Begin your journey with a luxurious stay at Shangri-La Tanjung Aru, a stunning 5-star resort offering breathtaking views of Mount Kinabalu and the South China Sea.
Your adventure kicks off with a scenic drive to Kiulu Countryside, where you'll cycle through picturesque villages, cross hanging bridges, and visit a Native Dusun House for a taste of local life. Next, explore an ancient hillside village at Mount Kinabalu, stay at the award-winning Kinabalu Pine Resort and enjoy guided walks, pineapple factory tours, and visits to the Poring Hot Spring and Canopy Walkway.
Immerse yourself in the lush Sepilok Rainforest at the Borneo Sepilok Rainforest Resort, where you'll witness orangutan feedings and learn about sun bear conservation. A city tour of Sandakan follows, before a scenic river cruise along the Kinabatangan River, offering incredible wildlife spotting opportunities.
Stay at the Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort, exploring forest trails and boardwalks, and enjoy wildlife expeditions, sunrise cruises, and interactions with local fishing communities. End your journey at the luxurious Gaya Island Resort, nestled within a natural conservation area, featuring spacious villas, a pristine beach, and eco-friendly practices.
Book this extraordinary Borneo adventure and discover the island's diverse wildlife, rich culture, and stunning landscapes, all while enjoying comfortable and eco-friendly accommodations.
Arrive Kota Kinabalu. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure.
Free day at leisure. (B)
The tour begins with a morning pickup from your hotel lobby for a 1.15-hour drive to Kiulu Countryside. Leaving the city's hustle and bustle behind, you'll pass through small villages with quaint huts and street markets selling local produce. Upon arrival, you'll attend a safety briefing before being assigned your bicycles.
Enjoy a leisurely ride through village terrains, featuring a mix of gravel roads and hilly slopes, and cross up to four hanging bridges along the way. The first stop is at a Native Dusun House in Tombung Village, where your friendly host will offer light refreshments. While there, you'll visit surrounding farms to experience rubber tapping and learn about the process. The journey continues through more villages and markets, ending at the riverside of Kiulu River, where lunch is served. After lunch, relax, cool off, and refresh in the clear flowing river before your transfer back to the hotel. (B,L)
A two-hour drive from Kota Kinabalu takes you to a secluded village nestled on the hillside of Mount Kinabalu. This ancient village has upheld worship of the Mountain God for centuries. Upon arrival, our hospitable host will lead you on a village walk, providing insights into local traditions. Experience authentic, simple village cuisine inside a villager’s home. Later, visit a pineapple factory that supports local employment initiatives. In the late afternoon, take a guided tour of the pineapple farm and explore the village outskirts in search of local herbs. (B,L)
Explore the Botanical Garden and admire stunning views of Mount Kinabalu. Take a relaxed walk through the garden, home to over 500 species of flora. Enjoy lunch before unwinding at the soothing Poring Hot Spring. Experience the thrilling 30-metre Canopy Walkway amidst the rainforest canopy. Please note, that weekends and public holidays may be busy at Poring Hot Spring. Additional charges apply for the Japanese bathtub experience. (B,L)
Meet our representative in the lobby of your accommodation for your transfer to Sepilok. Upon arrival, check-in to your accommodation and spend the rest of the day at leisure. (B)
Travel approximately 30 minutes to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. Observe the feeding of orphaned and injured orangutans and learn about their rehabilitation through a documentary. Explore the Borneon Sun Bear Conservation Centre to understand conservation efforts for sun bears. Afterwards, have lunch at a local restaurant before going on a city tour of Sandakan. Discover the vibrant Central Market, the unique Sim-Sim Water Village, and visit the serene Puh Jih Syh Buddhist Temple. (B,L)
At noon, board the boat for a picturesque 1.5-hour cruise to Abai, passing by the historic World War II sandstone cliffs of Berhala Island and charming mangrove-lined villages along Sabah’s Kinabatangan River. Marvel at the diverse vegetation and wildlife, including macaques, wild orangutans, proboscis monkeys, and mudskippers.
Upon arrival at 1:30 PM, check in and enjoy lunch followed by a briefing on the day's activities. At 4:30pm, indulge in afternoon refreshments before embarking on a smaller boat for a wildlife expedition. Capture stunning photos of orangutans, pygmy elephants, and more until dusk. Return for dinner and, weather permitting, capture the mesmerising sight of fireflies. Conclude your day with a night stroll along boardwalks, offering glimpses of nocturnal animals. (B,L,D)
Begin your full day of river exploration with a serene sunrise cruise to Danau Pitas, an ox-bow lake renowned for its abundant wildlife and bird species. Enjoy a scenic breakfast amidst the natural beauty of the lake. Cruise further to Kampung Abai, a local fishing village where you can interact with the Orang Sungai and observe their daily life.
Return to the resort for a hearty lunch, followed by leisure time until an afternoon cruise exploring mangroves, village landscapes, and diverse wildlife. If weather allows, witness enchanting firefly colonies at night. Conclude your day with a delightful dinner followed by a night river safari. (B,L,D)
Explore Kinabatangan's extensive wetlands aboard an open-top boat, enjoying cruises in the early morning and late afternoon. Observe proboscis monkeys, hornbills, kingfishers, egrets, macaques, and a diverse array of Borneo's snakes. Keep watch for elephants and orangutans. After dinner, embark on guided nocturnal walks to witness the active wildlife after dark. (B,L,D)
After breakfast, explore the lodge's nature boardwalk equipped with binoculars, offering opportunities to spot wild orangutans, silver leaf monkeys, and a diverse array of birdlife. Check out at 9:00am and embark on a scenic cruise back to Sandakan, enjoying coastal views of fishing villages and capturing photos of Sandakan town from the seafront. Transfer to Sandakan Airport for your flight to Kota Kinabalu.
Upon arrival at the airport, enjoy a convenient and hassle-free transfer to Jesselton Jetty, where you will be transported to your hotel for check-in. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, relaxing and enjoying your surroundings. (B)
Gaya Island Resort provides numerous nature-focused experiences ideal for eco-conscious travellers looking to explore the island's natural beauty.
Why not start your day with a guided nature walk led by knowledgeable guides through the lush rainforest surrounding the resort? These walks highlight Borneo's diverse flora and fauna, offering opportunities to observe native wildlife such as proboscis monkeys, hornbills, and tropical bird species. Wildlife enthusiasts and photographers will find plenty to discover in this paradise of biodiversity. (B)
Please note that this activity is offered by Gaya Island Resort and additional charges may apply.
For those interested in marine life, the resort organises snorkelling and diving trips to explore the vibrant coral reefs and marine ecosystems of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. The clear waters surrounding the island are teeming with colourful fish and other marine creatures, providing unforgettable underwater experiences. (B)
Please note that this activity is offered by Gaya Island Resort and additional charges may apply.
To further connect with nature, participate in guided kayaking tours through the mangrove forests surrounding Pulau Gaya. These tours not only offer a chance to observe mangrove wildlife up close but also provide insights into the importance of mangrove ecosystems in coastal protection and biodiversity conservation. (B)
Please note that this activity is offered by Gaya Island Resort and additional charges may apply.
Today is your last full day at the resort, why not unwind with holistic treatments at the Spa Village, where therapies are inspired by traditional Bornean healing practices and use natural ingredients sourced from the rainforest. The spa's tranquil setting amidst nature enhances the rejuvenating experience. (B)
Please note that this activity is offered by Gaya Island Resort and additional charges may apply.
After breakfast, check-out of the resort and transfer to the airport for your flight back to the UK. (B)
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