Borneo Wildlife, Rivers and Beaches

Arrive Kota Kinabalu

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 Tanjung Aru (D)

Kota Kinabalu - Sepilok

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)

Sepilok, Sun Bears & Labuk Bay

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)

Sepilok - Kinabatangan River

This morning you will have a relaxed start to the day, departing at 10:30 for your transfer to the Sim Sim Jetty for your scheduled boat transfer to Abai Jungle Lodge. During the 80 minute journey along the Kinabatangan River, you will witness small local communities at the river's edge, as well as a variety of wildlife. After checking into your riverside accommodation, take some time to relax before taking a sunset river cruise to see the fireflies light up the foliage like a Christmas tree. This is the largest gathering of fireflies in all of Malaysia! After dinner, go on a guided night walk in search of nocturnal creatures.

Overnight: Abai Jungle Lodge (B, L, D)

Abai - Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge

Wake up to the calls of nature and take an early morning river trip to Pitas Lake to observe wildlife. On your way back to the lodge keep your eyes peeled for pygmy elephants. After breakfast, you have the opportunity to visit Abai Village to learn about what riverside community life is like. This village have also set up their own tree planting incentive. Enjoy lunch back at the lodge before you check out to Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge. In the late afternoon, enjoy a cruise to Menanggul River, a small tributary of the Kinabatangan which forms a narrow jungle corridor rich in wildlife.

Overnight: Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge (B, L, D)

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: Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge (B, L, D)

Kinabatangan - Danum Valley

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)

Danum Valley

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)

Danum Valley - Kota Kinabalu - 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. 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 taken to Jesselton Point for your boat to the stunning Gaya Island (about 15-25 mins). The remainder of the day is at your leisure.

Overnight: Bunga Raya (B)

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).

Overnight: Bunga Raya (B)

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.