The Best of Borneo - Orangutans and Rainforests

Tour Itinerary

• Day 1 • UK - Kota Kinabalu

  Today, you’ll join your fellow travellers for your flight to Kota Kinabalu via Kuala Lumpur. You’ll arrive on day 2 where your tour exploring the very best of Borneo begins.

• Day 2 • Kota Kinabalu

  On arrival this morning we'll transfer to our hotel. Kota Kinabalu is the capital of Sabah, one of two Malaysian states on the exotic island of Borneo and our base for the next two nights. Tonight, you and your fellow travellers will enjoy a sumptuous Malaysian welcome dinner at a local restaurant. Here you'll be able to try the iconic Kadaza-Dusun cuisine and unique Malaysian foods. After dinner enjoy a lively cultural performance of Sabah dancers.

• Day 3 • Kota Kinabalu

  Today we’ll explore the beautiful countryside of Kiulu. We’ll enter a local village via a hanging bridge and take a scenic walk along the trails in this area away from the crowds of the city. We’ll take a break at Native Dusun House in Tombung Village where you’ll be welcomed to the house, and a light refreshment will be served. We’ll visit the farm to learn about the process of rubber tapping and afterwards, we’ll learn about local life as some stories are shared with us and you’ll have the opportunity to try some local delicacies too. Crossing another bridge, our driver will take us to a riverside café where lunch is served. There is a little time to relax or perhaps taking a cool dip in the river. In the late afternoon, you could chose to join an optional excursion walk. Depart for Masjid Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu, also known as the Floating Mosque, to admire its beautiful exterior and the reflection of the mosque on the surrounding pond. We then drive back to the city and stop at Signal Hill to enjoy the gorgeous skyline view from the observation deck. This is followed by an exciting canopy walk overlooking the city from the hill, ending at the Atkinson Clock Tower, one of the city's remaining heritage landmarks. The tour concludes at the Kota Kinabalu Waterfront, why not step into one of the restaurants and savour a delicious dinner?

• Day 4 • Kota Kinabalu - Sepilok

  Today we’re travelling west with a short flight to Sandakan, where on arrival we travel on to our hotel. This evening our wildlife experiences truly begin with an evening jungle walk. Follow your guide into a seemingly secret natural world which comes alive with the sounds of frogs, insects and exotic birds. Keep your eyes peeled for a variety of distinct species - we love that there is the chance to see slow lorises and tarsiers in their natural habitat.

• Day 5 • Sandakan/Sepilok - Abai

  After breakfast this morning, we’ll visit Sepilok Orang-Utan Rehabilitation Centre where orphaned and injured Orang-Utan are brought to be rehabilitated with the aim of returning them to the wild. Sepilok, is a primary lowland forest and a fine showcase of Borneo’s remaining rainforest. Witness the feeding of the Orang-Utan from a platform in the forest. We also visit the Sun Bear Conservation Centre, a shelter for the World’s smallest bear. Named for the distinctive sun-shaped markings on their chest, these tree-dwelling bears spend most of their time lounging in the canopies of the trees. After lunch, we'll transfer to the jetty in Sandakan, from where we'll cruise up to the Lower Kinabatangan River Sanctuary. This wonderful journey takes us on the Sulu Sea and through magnificent mangrove forests. On arrival in Abai, we'll check in at the Kinabatangan Abai Jungle Lodge. Later this afternoon we’ll take a river cruise to go in search of even more wildlife. Watch the sun slowly set whilst enjoying a cup of coffee, and at night fall, we’ll continue the cruise. Look out for small sparks of soft yellowish green light appearing in the air as fireflies create a natural light display.

• Day 6 • Abai

  This morning, wake up to the wonderful sounds of the rainforest. To get the best chance of spotting wildlife, we’ll have an early start and begin our explorations with a cruise on Pitas Oxbow Lake - look towards the shore where you might see pygmy elephants bathing in the water. We’ll head back to the hotel in time for breakfast. Back at the lodge perhaps take time to explore the boardwalk behind the lodge, you may be lucky and spot wild orangutan, silver leaf monkeys and many other types of wildlife. We will round off the day with a wildlife spotting cruise.

• Day 7 • Sukau

  We’ve left this morning free for you enjoy the lodge and its surroundings. Stilted paths, up to 800 metres long, stretch into the forest, and animals often venture quite close. After lunch, our search for wildlife continues as we cruise upriver to our next destination, Sukau, for a two night stay. Along the way we'll look out for primates, in particular orangutans, as well as pygmy elephants and exotic birds. Some of the world's most spectacular species are resident in Borneo including kingfishers, hornbills and broadbills to name a few. After checking in to our lodge, we'll take to the water again to enjoy more wonderful views and search for exotic wildlife.

• Day 8 • Sukau

  This morning we will head out in search of wildlife on a morning cruise, it’s another chance to spot some of the amazing creatures that call this area home. This afternoon has been left free for you - spend some time relaxing at the lodge or why not join our optional excursion to the Gomantong Cave to explore even more. Located in the Gomantong Forest Reserve, this incredible limestone structure rises from the surrounding rainforest. As we walk towards the cave, we may be lucky enough to see Orang-Utans and Leaf Monkeys. Inside, a unique ecosystem exists with thousands of bats roosting on the ceiling and swiftlets building nests and a variety of insects. This evening we enjoy our final wildlife cruise.

• Day 9 • Sukau - Sandakan

  Today we will travel by boat back towards Sandakan giving us more opportunity to spot the local wildlife. On arrival we have some free time to explore this buzzing little city with views over the Bay of Sandakan. Why not explore the Sandakan Heritage Trail which incorporates the Memorial Park, Agnes Keith House and St Michael’s and All Angels Church. If you’re feeling peckish, head to the waterfront where restaurants serve fresh seafood.

• Day 10 • Sandakan - Rasa Ria Nature Reserve

  Today, we’ll fly back to Kota Kinabalu where on arrival, we’ll journey out of the city and back into nature at the Rasa Ria Nature Reserve where the rainforest meets the sea. Our resort is set in the 64 acre forest reserve and with its own private beach. There are a range of experiences possible here, from nature walking at sunset or sunrise to bird-spotting guided hikes, cultural bicycle tours and horse-riding. If you’d prefer to take it easy, there is also a spa, pool and five different restaurants to enjoy.

• Day 11 • Rasa Ria Nature Reserve

  Today is all yours to relax and enjoy the resort’s facilities or explore one of the six walking trails. This evening we’ll come together for a farewell dinner soaking up the Malaysian hospitality and savouring the mouth-watering cuisine.

• Day 12 • Kota Kinabalu - UK

  After breakfast this morning, our adventure in Borneo ends as we transfer to the airport for our flight back to the UK.

• Day 13 • UK

  You'll arrive back in the UK today.