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  • Proboscis monkey in tree, Borneo

Itinerary Summary

Duration
9 Days
Price
£5000
When
May - Oct
Destination
Borneo
Type
Tailor-Made
Duration Price When Destination Type
9 Days £5000 May - Oct Borneo Tailor-Made
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Borneo Orangutans and Beaches Family Safari

From swinging orangutans and honking proboscis monkeys, to sandy beaches and exploring the jungle; this safari is perfect for families with just the right mix of wildlife, relaxation and adrenaline.

Starting at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, this family safari gives you the chance to see orangutans as they are rehabilitated from the wild after poaching or deforestation. Moving on to the Kinabatangan River, there is a host of activities available to you in this wildlife-rich area of Borneo, from cycling to boat safaris in search of proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants and a variety of diverse birdlife. From here, you head off to Kota Kinabalu for some sublime relaxation on the white-sand beaches of the island's west coast.

 

What makes this trip extraordinary

  • Experiencing the feeding of orangutans up close at Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre.
  • Exploring the forests where orangutans live in the wild, as well as gibbons, proboscis monkeys & leaf monkeys, swinging through the trees of their natural habitat.
  • Going on river safaris along the wildlife oasis of the Kinabatangan River.
  • Snorkelling amongst the coral gardens & relax on stunning beaches in the Tunku Rahman Marine Park.

Embedded Video Overview

A 9-day safari exploring the rainforests and beaches of Borneo

from £5000 per person sharing, excluding international flights

Mosaic Gallery

Orangutan seen on Borneo vacation
Proboscis monkey, Borneo
Kinabatangan River, Borneo
Hornbill, Borneo

Day by day

Day by day

Day 1

Arrive Sepilok

On arrival at Sandakan airport, you will be met and transferred to Sepilok; a nature haven and perfect base to visit the nearby animal sanctuaries and rehabilitation centres. Check into your lodge and enjoy your surroundings. At dusk you will visit the canopy walk at the Rainforest Discovery Centre in time to catch the red giant flying squirrels emerge from their nests and glide between the trees. Return to the lodge for dinner.

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Day 2

Sepilok, Sun Bears & Labuk Bay

After breakfast you will visit the Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre in time for their morning feed. This sanctuary rehabilitates previously captive or orphaned orangutans (through deforestation, poaching, etc.) to their natural surroundings, ready for release when they are capable of supporting themselves in the wild. You then have a tour of the Sun Bear Conservation Centre to learn all about the project to save these adorable bears, whose population is rapidly diminishing.

B, L, D

Day 3

Sepilok - Sukau

Enjoy breakfast and have an easy morning at your lodge before you depart at 10:30am for your transfer to Sandakan Yacht Club Jetty. Here, take your shared boat transfer across the bay and into the mouth of the Kinabatangan River. Along the 1.5 hour journey, you will witness small local communities at the river's edge, as well as a variety of wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled for everything from crocodile, rhinoceros hornbill, primates and even pygmy elephants! On arrival at your riverside lodge, take the opportunity to enjoy lunch and relax after your exciting boat transfer. Late afternoon, enjoy a cruise to Menanggul River, a small tributary of the Kinabatangan which forms a narrow jungle corridor rich in wildlife. The tributaries in this area are great for primate sightings including proboscis monkeys, various macaques, leaf monkeys and orangutans. Enjoy dinner and an evening at your leisure.

Overnight: Sukau Rainforest Lodge (B, L, D)

Day 4

Kinabatangan River & Gomantong Caves

Rise early and head out on a shared morning river safari to explore a variety of fauna and flora along the banks of the Kinabatangan River. Species to be found include orangutans, proboscis monkeys, tree snakes, crocodiles, monitor lizards, macaques and much more. Herds of wild elephant may also be seen passing along the banks of the river. Return back to the lodge for lunch and some relaxation time before heading out in the late afternoon to the Gomantong Caves in the 3,924 hectare Gomantong Forest Reserve, where orangutans, mouse deer, wild boar and buffalo can sometimes be spotted. Up to 1 million bats of 64 differing species are thought to live in the caves. Observe the swiftlets take their last flights before nesting for the night and the bats fly out of the cave at sunset to head off into the night to forage. Return to the lodge for dinner, before heading out on another boat safari in the evening in search of nocturnal wildlife (optional activity at additional cost).

Overnight: Sukau Rainforest Lodge (B, L, D)

Day 5

Kinabatangan - Gaya Island

After your dalliance in the jungle, it is now time to retreat to paradise for some well-deserved relaxation surrounded by nature, on the beautiful Gaya Island. You will be transferred to Sandakan airport for your short flight to Kota Kinabalu. where you will be met and taken to Jesselton Point for your boat to the stunning Gaya Island (15-25 mins).

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Days 6-8

Gaya Island

Enjoy your time at Gaya Island by taking part in the myriad activities here, designed to help you reconnect with the natural world. Explore miles of forested trails and ancient eco-systems, practice making local handicrafts or try your hand at cooking. There are also activities such as yoga on the beach or guided meditation, or even deep-sea fishing, paddle-boarding or kayaking. Of course, you can also relax at the pool, make use of the spa or just float above the coral gardens with your mask and snorkel! (All additional activities at your own expense).

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Day 9

Gaya Island - Kota Kinabalu Airport

Today you will check out and take a scheduled boat (11.00 hrs) back to Jesselton jetty on the mainland. You will be met here and transferred to Kota Kinabalu Airport in time for your international flight. Late check out and unscheduled boat transfers are available at an extra cost if you want to make the most of your time on the beach before your flight.

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Mosaic Gallery

Orangutan, Borneo
Turtle, Borneo
Sunset, Borneo
Kinabatangan River, Borneo

TRIP DETAILS

This is a tailor-made wildlife safari and can be edited to suit your needs, wants and budget. We have selected the best places in Borneo’s Sabah region for spotting orangutans in the wild, as well as the other amazing wildlife found in Borneo. The properties we have selected ensure you are in the best place to experience the wildlife close up, in comfort.

Per Person Sharing: From £2,750 based on 2 adults and 2 children under 11

ABOUT TAILOR-MADE SAFARIS

A tailor-made safaris is one designed specifically for you, around your taste, budget, people travelling, interests and more. This itinerary is just an example and can be refined and changed to make it perfect for you

 

 

Suggested Safari Accommodation

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