
Abai Jungle Lodge
Abai Lodge is a remote lodge accessed by boat on the Kinabatangan River ideal for sightings of wild orangutans and elephants.
Duration | Price | When | Destination | Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
14 Days | £8370 | May - Oct | Borneo | Tailor-Made |
Spend your honeymoon exploring the fascinating destination of Borneo. Begin with venturing into the rainforests and along the river in search of proboscis monkeys, orangutans and pygmy elephants, before ending your journey relaxing on the white-sand beaches of Pulau Tiga.
This spectacular two-week journey through wildlife-rich Borneo including Sepilok, where you can see orangutans as they are re-habituated after deforestation or poaching, and the Kinabatangan River, a haven for wild orangutans, proboscis monkeys, mouse deer, wild boar and buffalo. You will then move on to the Danum Valley, a pristine example of Borneo's primary rainforest, where you can explore via the canopy walkway and viewpoint. Finally, head off to the paradise island of Pulau Tiga for some relaxation and water activities, from diving and snorkelling to relaxing on the powder-white sands.
Arrive at Kota Kinabalu International Airport, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel for your overnight stay. The rest of the day will be yours to explore at your own leisure.
Overnight: Shangri La Rasa Ria
The day is yours to enjoy as you wish. You might like to relax at the hotel pool after your long flight or you may decide to explore the city. If exploring the city, take a visit to Kota Kinabalu’s famous night market where local people sell everything from fresh fish to jewelled hijab brooches.
Overnight: Shangri La Rasa Ria (B, L, D)
After breakfast this morning transfer to the airport in time for your flight to Sandakan (50 minutes). 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.
Overnight: Sepilok Nature Resort (B, L, D)
After breakfast, visit the Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre in time for their morning feed (10:00). 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, the smallest and least known members of the species, whose population is rapidly diminishing.
Overnight: Sepilok Nature Resort (B, L, D)
Enjoy a relaxing morning before departing at 11:00am for your transfer to Sandakan Yacht Club Jetty for your boat transfer to the Kinabatangan River. Along the 80 minute you’ll cross Sandakan Bay passing the historical Berhala Island, fishing communities and a variety of wildlife. Enjoy lunch at your riverside lodge before a late afternoon sunset rifer safari in search of wildlife. Watch in awe as the foliage lights up like a Christmas tree – this is the largest gathering of fireflies in Malaysia! After dinner, take a walk along the boardwalk with your headlamp or torch and look for nocturnal wildlife.
Wake early for a morning cruise to Pitas Oxbow lake to observe wildlife. Enjoy a picnic breakfast in your boat while sitting in the calm waters of the oxbow lake, taking in the sound of wildlife all around you. Afterwards, visit Abai village to experience what riverside village life is like. This community set up their own tree planting incentive which successfully ran for over a decade. Enjoy lunch back at the lodge before taking your boat transfer further along Sabah’s longest river to your next riverside accommodation. Along the journey keep your eyes peeled as this stretch of the river is a favourite spot for pygmy elephants! In the late afternoon, enjoy a boat trip to Menanggul tributary, a small stretch of the Kinabatangan which forms a narrow jungle corridor rich in wildlife. Enjoy the river safari in an electric motor boat; this tributary is particularly good for primate spotting! Return to the lodge for dinner and have the remainder of the evening to relax at leisure.
Overnight: Sukau Rainforest Lodge (B, L, D)
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)
An early check out this morning as you are transferred by shared mini-van south to Lahad Datu, then on to the renowned Danum Valley. On arrival at your rainforest lodge (about 12 noon) you will have time to sit back, relax and enjoy your new surroundings. Danum Valley is one of the best remaining examples of how Borneo's forests used to be, with a thick tropical canopy and a variety of wildlife. In the afternoon (around 3pm) join one of the fascinating treks taking in the canopy walkway for a close up view of the rainforest. You may like to join the evening slideshow presentation, an informative insight into the local wildlife. Following dinner, there is a night drive in an open top vehicle in search of nocturnal creatures.
Overnight: Borneo Rainforest Lodge (B, L, D)
Set up to protect the area from logging, Danum encompasses 430 square kilometres of pristine rainforest and is home to a variety of endemic wildlife; including, orangutans, flying squirrels, clouded leopard, elephants, gibbons, and many birds,. With a towering canopy walkway and a beautiful viewpoint which looks out over the jungle canopy and the dramatic mountains, this conservation area is a definite must if you're in Borneo. Spend your days with one of the naturalist guides exploring the many nature trails and waterfalls, take a dip in the natural Jacuzzi pool or floating down the Danum River on tubes. In the evening, dine at the lodge, before embarking on an exciting night drive in search of nocturnal animals.
Overnight: Borneo Rainforest Lodge (B, L, D)
After your dalliance in the jungle, it is now time to retreat to paradise for some well-deserved relaxation surrounded by nature, on the spectacular Pulau Tiga. Wake up for your last early morning trek. After a transfer to Lahad Datu for your short flight to Kota Kinabalu (flight included), you will be met and driven 2.5 hours to Kuala Penyu jetty. You will then take the shared boat to the stunning Borneo Eagle Resort (about 30 minutes). The remainder of the day is at your leisure.
Enjoy your time at Borneo Eagle Resort by taking part in the myriad activities here, designed to help you reconnect with the natural world. Explore miles of forested trails and ancient ecosystems, practice making local handicrafts or try your hand at cooking. There are also activities such as yoga or guided meditation and a PADI Dive Centre. 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!
Today you will be transferred back to Kota Kinabalu by boat and private car to Kota Kinabalu airport to catch your onward flight home. Please note, check out is in the morning.
This is a tailor-made honeymoon safari and can be edited or restructured to suit you and your partner's needs, your time of travel, personal interests and budget. We have chosen the accommodation based on being in the right place at the right time to maximise your wildlife opportunities, as well as being excellent for couples to have their alone time. The safari finishes on the beautiful Pulau Tiga, a tropical island paradise that caters well for couples. This safari can just be for romantic couples and is not tied to honeymooners!
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
Abai Lodge is a remote lodge accessed by boat on the Kinabatangan River ideal for sightings of wild orangutans and elephants.
One of favourite lodges in Borneo, located within the pristine Danum Valley - a haven for wildlife.
Sepilok Nature Resort is set in lush tropical gardens, but don't be surprised to wake up to an orangutan lounging on your terrace.
Shangri La Rasa Ria offers the perfect stop over at the beginning or end of your journey. 5 star luxury with its own private beach.
An eco-lodge style longhouse Sukau Rainforest Lodge offers ensuite rooms and large decking to enjoy meals on. Comfortable lodging situated on the river.