UNESCO Site
Visit Kinabalu Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a staggering 5000 species of plants, 326 types of resident and migratory birds as well as 100 species of mammals, amphibians and reptiles.
Trekking
Trek through the Danum Valley Conservation Area, one of the oldest rainforests in the world. Swim in the rock pools and get a bird's eye view of the forest from the canopied suspension bridge.
Unique Wildlife
Walk through the rainforest on wooden boardwalks to witness the feeding of the orangutans and visit the Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre to learn about the world’s smallest bear.
Tropical Paradise
Unwind in tropical paradise spending 3 nights at the Bungaraya Island Resort, a luxury getaway perched on the hillsides of Polish Bay on Gaya Island off the coast of Sabah.
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1 | Arrival Kota Kinabalu, approx. driving time 20 mins
Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel (approx 20 mins drive), check-in and rest of the day is free for leisure.
Overnight at Hyatt Centric Hotel or similar BB
Meal included: None
Day 2 | Kota Kinabalu
After breakfast, free time at own leisure.
Optional Excursion: Kinabalu National Park (World Heritage Site) Tour starts from 08:00 hours – 15:00 hours
The Kinabalu National Park, a UNSESCO World Heritage Site, boasts a staggering 5000 species of plants, 326 types of resident and migratory birds as well as 100 species of mammals, amphibians and reptiles. Depart the city on a 2-hour drive and stop over en-route at the Pekan Nabalu to take a panorama photo of the mountain or purchase inexpensive seasonal fruits and other local produce.
At the Kinabalu Park, follow your local Nature Guide on one of the many trails walks as you will learn more about the different vegetation zones and plants. Certainly, the biggest highlights here are the over 1200 orchid species as well as pitcher plants, many of which are endemic to Kinabalu. Visit the botanical garden for the chance to take a closer look at various, often medicinal plants.
Lunch at the National Park’s restaurant, is a cozy venue where a variety of Malaysian and Western classics are served. Return to the city in the afternoon.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 3 | Kota Kinabalu - Sandakan – Sepilok
07:00 Early morning check out. Transfer to the airport.
Recommended flight BKI– SDK (not included in package price) FY2602 BKI – SDK, 1000 / 1040 (Operated by Firefly)
10:40 hours Meet & greet by our local representative then transfer on to the Sepilok. Hidden amongst a veritable treasure of tropical trees and spectacular orchids in bloom, and within walking distance to the Orang Utan Conservation Centre.
Optional: Sandakan City Tour (3hrs)
11:00 Upon arrival, transfer to the Sandakan Memorial Park, which is adjacent to the site of the original Sandakan Prisoner of War (POW) Camp. The park commemorates the sacrifice and suffering endured by both Australian and British soldiers who were held by the Japanese as Prisoners of War between 1942 and 1945. Proceed onwards to Sandakan Town. During a city tour you will learn more about what was once known as Little Hong Kong. Passing by the William Pryer Monument and the Sandakan Liberation Monument. Visit the Heritage Museum (Muzium Warisan) and St. Michael's and All Angels Church, and close by is the Catholic St. Mary's Cathedral.
Optional: Visit the Rainforest Discovery Centre (1.5 hour)
18:00 evening walk to the Rainforest Discovery Centre. The RDC is home to the famous 620m long Rainforest Skywalk and the most educational nature park in Malaysia. At RDC, you will have the best experience of the rainforest! The Skywalk lets you discover life in the treetops. The looped trails provide many hiking possibilities. See rarely-seen flying squirrels, tarsiers, slow lorises and much more!
Overnight Sepilok Nature Lodge B&B.
Meal included: Breakfast
Day 4 | Sandakan – Kinabatangan Wetland Resort
09:00 Pick-up from the resort and transfer to Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre.
10:00 feeding of Orang Utan. At this centre, observe man’s closest relative “the Orang Utan” being rehabilitated to become wild in their natural habitat and experience a walk in the Tropical Lowland Dipterocarp Forest of Borneo. Visit the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, the centre that managed to improve the living condition of the rescued sun bear. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
Depart Sepilok Centre transfer to jetty in Sandakan for Schedule boat.
12:00 Boat departure from Sandakan Yacht Club Jetty to Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort in Abai, Kinabatangan. The 1.5 hours boat ride will take you across Sandakan Bay passing historical Berhala island. The prominent sandstone cliffs are a historical site during the World War II.
14:30 Arrive at KWR, check in at the long-house cabin and enjoy a cup of coffee and local banana fritters while you are briefed about the lodging and the activities. Free time at leisure.
16:30 Board a smaller boat for a cruise along Kinabatangan river in search of wildlife, and admire the stunning river landscape as the sun sets. If weather permits, continue to observe the fireflies shimmering as the sun sets before cruising back to resort.
19:00 Dinner will be served at the common hall. 20:30 After dinner, geared with your headlamp or torchlight, take a stroll along the boardwalk to look for interesting insects or other nocturnal wildlife.
Meal included: Breakfast at SNR. Lunch at a local restaurant. Dinner at Kinabatangan Wetland Resort.
Day 5 | Danau Pitas / Kampung Abai
06:30 Early morning cruise to nearby ox bow lake, Danau Pitas to observe more wildlife and birdlife. Enjoy a packed breakfast while admiring the natural surroundings.
09:00 Continue on to visit a local fishing village, Kampung Abai. Interact with the local Orang Sungai (River People) and observe their daily activities. Return to the lodge for rest and lunch.
14:00 Explore the resort grounds for interesting plants, insects and birds. 16:30 Set off for another river adventure cruise.
20:30 After dinner, we set off for a night cruise along small tributary rivers in search of nocturnal wildlife returning to the lodge at 21:30.
Meals Included: Breakfast at Kinabatangan Wetland Resort. Lunch at Kinabatangan Wetland Resort. Dinner at Kinabatangan Wetland Resort.
Day 6 | Abai – Sandakan - Lahad Datu – Danum Valley
Onboard 7:00 am boat from the Resort to Sukau Lapit Jetty. Upon arrival at jetty, transfer to Lahad Datu and proceed to the local office for registration. NB: All guests visiting Danum Valley are required to sign an indemnity waiver.
Overland transfer on gravel road for about 2hours 30 mins (with driver only) to the Danum Valley Conservation Area. Enjoy the changing landscapes of the regenerating forests to virgin rainforests of a million years old! This is one of the oldest rainforests in the world and the sheer magnificence of it will keep you in awe as you trek along its trails, swim in its rock pools and get a bird's eye view of the forest from the canopied suspension bridge. Check-in and prepare yourself for an introduction trek on the Nature Trail & Canopy Walkway after lunch. There will be a slide presentation at the Conference Room before going about with your activities.
In the evening, after dinner (if the weather permits), go on a night drive using electric buggy and try to spot some of the larger mammals of Borneo.
Stay 2 nights at Borneo Rainforest Lodge HB
Meals included: Breakfast at Kinabatangan Wetland Resort. Lunch at Borneo Rainforest Lodge. Dinner at Borneo Rainforest Lodge.
Day 7 | Danum Valley
Wake up to the calls of the Bornean gibbons and start your day with a trek to the View Point and ancient burial site – Coffin Cliff. Return to the lodge for lunch. Afternoon, optional activities (included in package): A guided jungle trekking or, if weather permits, water tubing session down Danum River or relax at leisure. Take a guided night walk with torchlight on the Nature Trail.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner at Borneo Rainforest Lodge.
Day 8 | Danum Valley/Lahad Datu/Kota Kinabalu/Jesselton Point/Gaya Island
Breakfast and lunch at the lodge and check out.
1230hrs – Scheduled transfer to Lahad Datu (with driver only).
Recommended flight – not included in tour package (Subject to change without notice): LDU-BKI MH3019 1615/1710 (operated by Maswing)
17:10 Meet and greet upon arrival and you will be transferred to Jesselton Terminal. Onboard a 15-minute boat ride to Bunga Raya Island Resort (chartered boat).
Check-in and the rest of the day is free. Unwind in tropical paradise at Bungaraya Island Resort, a luxury getaway perched on the hillsides of Polish Bay on Gaya Island off the coast of Sabah.
Stay 3 nights at Bunga Raya Island Resort BB
Meals Included: Breakfast and lunch at Borneo Rainforest Lodge
Day 9 | Gaya Island
Tucked amidst protected mangroves, sheltered coral reefs and curled around the pristine sandy coast of Malohom Bay rests Gaya Island Resort.
Set on an island within the protected Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, discover a sanctuary nestled in the hillside of an ancient rainforest with a stunning outline of Mount Kinabalu on the horizon.
This beachfront resort blends harmoniously with the natural environment featuring a collection of hillside villas with views that range from mangrove forests and the surrounding canopy to the outline of Mount Kinabalu. Villa interiors are contemporary and elegant, eco-luxury yet respectful of Sabahan elements.The resort is committed to ecologically-sustainable practices and therefore is a walking resort with minimal motorised vehicles.
Day at leisure. Free use of all non-motorised watercraft (kayaks, snorkelling, paddleboards, etc.)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 10 | Gaya Island
Day at leisure.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Day 11 | Gaya/Jesselton Point/Kota Kinabalu
11:00 Take a scheduled boat out to Jesselton Point. Then transfer to the airport.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Why we love it
Wildlife Encounters
Activities
Stunning Scenery
Bucket List Trip
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