Day 1
Kota Kinabalu
Welcome to Malaysian Borneo! Your adventure starts in the capital of Sabah, Kota Kinabalu. The city is perfectly positioned between the jungle and South China Sea and is full of ancient architecture. There will be a 5pm welcome meeting, but if you arrive early, get out and explore Kota Kinabalu. Wander the picturesque streets, visit the Sabah State Museum or nearby Mari Mari Cultural Village.
Day 2
Kinabalu National Park
Spend the day at Mount Kinabalu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site named after Borneo’s highest mountain. The park covers over 760 square kilometres and boasts over 4,500 different types of plants, over 326 bird species and over 100 types of mammals. Take a guided walk around the lower trails, which will take you through lush jungle teeming with wildlife.Look out for exotic birds such as Serpent Eagles, as well as monkeys, snakes and all manner of colourful insects. You’ll also get to explore the stunning Botanical Gardens, which showcase diverse native flora and fauna.
Later you'll head to Poring Hot Springs for a canopy walk among some of the reserve’s scenic nature trails. if time allows you can take a soak in the famous, mineral-rich thermal pools, which are thought to have healing powers.
Breakfast included.
Day 3
Kinabatangan Eco Camp
Set off on an epic jungle adventure, travelling five hours by private bus to Batu Puteh. This rustic village lies on the banks of the mighty Kinabatangan River, where you’ll be hosted by KOPEL, a local community conservation organisation. KOPEL runs reforestation projects by planting trees and helps local villagers, farmers and fishermen make a sustainable living from the forest. Their work has helped restore over 1,000 hectares of forest, increasing wildlife in the area.
You’ll learn all about forest conservation and take a 20-minute boat trip into the jungle to your accommodation near Oxbow Lake. Look out for macaques, crocodiles and distinctive, long-nosed Proboscis Monkeys along the way. After settling into camp, you’ll take a sunset boat trip and an hour-long night walk through the jungle. A guide will point out nocturnal animals and all types of insects along the way.
Note that you’ll leave your main luggage at the KOPEL office and take an overnight bag to camp. Don’t forget a torch, rain jacket and insect repellent. Jungle huts have basic facilities with cold water and no electricity, mosquito nets are provided. It’s all part of the adventure!
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 4
Kinabatangan Eco Camp
Head up river this morning to a the local village to immerse yourself in the life of the locals. At lunch time, you’ll enjoy a cooking lesson from your local hosts and sample some delicious authentic dishes before returning to the KOPEL base. Remember to wear conservative clothing when you visit the village, covering your knees and shoulders.
This afternoon you'll have some free time before further oportunities for more wildlife spotting on your boat ride back to camp. After dinner soak up the sights and sounds of the nocturnal jungle on an exciting guided night walk.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 5
Sandakan
After breakfast, you will take a private minivan transfer to Sandakan, stopping en-route at the wonderous Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary where you’ll get a rare chance to watch these unique animals feeding and playing in the forest. It’s estimated that 300 of the long-nosed monkeys, who are only found in Borneo, live in the reserve.
Sandakan was once the capital of British North Borneo, offering a traditional Cantonese influence in the local cuisine, Chinese temples and lively harbour-side market. This evening you have some free time to explore Sandakan further.
Breakfast included.
Day 6
Sepilok Orangutan Reserve
Today you’ll visit the star attraction, Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, which rescues orphaned and domesticated orangutans. Rather than just keep the animals in a sanctuary, the centre attempts to teach them the life skills they need to be introduced back into the wild. You’ll get the chance to watch these incredible, human-like creatures feed at viewing platforms throughout the day and watch a short film about the centre’s vital work.
You also have the option of visiting the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Center for an additional cost. This relatively new organisation provides sanctuary for rescued Sun Bears, the smallest species of bear in the world.
Breakfast included.
Day 7
Turtle Island
Board a speedboat today and head to the Turtle Island Marine Park where you'll get the day at leisure. You may get the opportunity to watch the green turtles lay their eggs, or the unforgettable moment that the protected hatchlings scatter under the darkness to the ocean. You'll spend this evening in chalet accomodation on the island.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 8
Sandakan / Kota Kinabalu
Wave goodbye to your island experience and head back to the mainland. Before heading to the airport for your flight to Kota Kinabalu, you'll have the opportunity to visit the historic Sandakan War Memorial along the way. Enjoy some free time at your hotel for the remainder of the day.
Breakfast and lunch included.
Day 9
Kota Kinabalu
After breakfast, you’re free to depart the accommodation at any time and there are no activities planned. Take a transfer back to the city to explore or head straight to the airport for your journey home.
Breakfast included.
