Borneo's Jungles & Orangutans

Tour Itinerary

• Day 1 • UK to Sandakan

  Depart on your scheduled, overnight flight to Borneo.

• Day 2 • Sandakan

  Upon meeting your guide, you’ll be taken to the War Memorial Park, which stands on a site that was once a Japanese POW camp. The park features a number of memorials and plaques that commemorate the thousands of Allied soldiers who were captured and forced to march in gruelling conditions through the jungles of Borneo. Discover the house of author Agnes Keith, now a quaint museum displaying remnants of the Japanese occupation, followed by high tea at the English Tea House, before heading to your hotel for the evening.

• Day 3 • Sandakan

  This morning meet Borneo's most famous residents at the Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, where these endangered creatures are rescued and returned to the ancient lowland forest. Wander across wooden walkways to observe these cerebral primates glide between trees. Visit the Sun Bear Conservation Centre to meet the world's smallest bears, before reaching the Rainforest Discovery Centre; exhibiting native flora and fauna, its highlight is undoubtedly a spectacular 80ft canopy walkway allowing a unique perspective of Borneo's diverse avian inhabitants.

• Day 4 • Sandakan - Sukau

  After breakfast, you will visit Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary. Labuk Bay mangrove forest covers about 400 acres and offers a safe haven for indigenous wildlife. After visiting the sanctuary begin your journey to Sukau. After lunch, you will embark upon a relaxing late afternoon motorboat cruise to witness the drooped nose proboscis monkeys you enjoy leaping from great heights into the Main River with an amusing belly flop. After dinner, join a night cruise to experience the fascinating nocturnal wildlife of the river.

• Day 5 • Sukau

  Awake to the atmospheric melody of the surrounding jungle for a motorboat journey along Malaysia's second longest river and centrepiece for Bornean wildlife, the Kinabatangan. Spot prehistoric monitor lizards, wandering pygmy elephants and leopard-like civet cats before returning to the cabins for breakfast. After breakfast, proceed to Gomantong Caves and explore the iconic Simud Hitam cave, renowned for its edible bird's nests. Travel through one of the region's largest caverns before heading back to Bilit for a village walk, offering an opportunity to experience local life and culture. In the evening, enjoy a boat cruise along the Kinabatangan River for another chance to observe Borneo's remarkable biodiversity.

• Day 6 • Sukau - Kota Kinabalu

  Travel back to Sandakan and visit the spectacular Puu Jih Shih Temple, a Buddhist place of worship with a striking Oriental design. Situated within the town's mountainous surroundings, it boasts stunning panoramic views of Sandakan bay; illuminated by an explosion of red and gold, the temple's magnificent collection of opulent Buddha statues are surrounded by towering pillars and ornate Chinese dragons. After lunch fly to Kota Kinabalu, a bustling city whose Chinese, Kadazan and Malaysian influences are displayed through its architecture and tasted in its night markets.

• Day 7 • Kota Kinabalu

  Begin your day with an early departure and Journey through the scenic Crocker Range to Kinabalu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site dominated by the majestic Mount Kinabalu. Enjoy a guided nature walk amongst rare orchids, endemic flora, and the remarkable Nepenthes rajah pitcher plant before continuing to the Kundasang War Memorial. Later, visit Poring Hot Springs and take a rainforest trek to the picturesque Kipungit Waterfall. Complete the day with visits to the Butterfly Farm and vibrant Kundasang Market before returning to Kota Kinabalu.

• Day 8 • Kota Kinabalu

  Experience the rich cultural heritage of Sabah with a visit to the Mari Mari Cultural Village, where the traditions of Borneo's indigenous tribes are brought to life. Discover traditional bamboo cooking, watch blowpipe-making demonstrations, sample local delicacies and learn about the customs of the region's diverse ethnic communities, including the Murut people, once renowned as Borneo's last headhunting tribe. After lunch, discover the vibrant city of Kota Kinabalu, beginning with a stop at the stunning Kota Kinabalu City Mosque renowned as one of Malaysia's most beautiful architectural landmarks. Continue with a photo stop at Tun Mustapha Tower, one of Kota Kinabalu’s iconic landmarks city. The remainder of the day is at leisure, giving you the opportunity to explore the local night markets and sample an array of authentic street food and local flavours at your own pace. For those wishing to enhance their experience an optional sunset dinner cruise is available (payable locally) . Glide along Kota Kinabalu's picturesque waterfront, passing offshore islands as the sun sets over the South China Sea, while enjoying a dinner on board.

• Day 9 • Kota Kinabalu - UK

  Transfer to Kota Kinabalu International Airport for your flight back to the UK.

• Day 10 • Arrive in the UK

  Your flight lands back in the UK today.