BORNEO: EXPLORING SABAH

Arrive Kuala Lumpur at 07.15 hrs and connect to MH 2710 departing at 10.20 hrs arriving Sandakan at 13.10 hrs.

Group transfer to Sepilok and check in at the Sepilok Nature Lodge located close to the renowned Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, where two nights are spent. The tranquil lodge consists of separate wooden chalets set in verdant gardens with many species of orchids, overlooking a lake. Remainder of the afternoon at leisure. Welcome dinner at the lodge.

Optional early morning walk around the lodge. After breakfast, head to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, where captured bears are rehabilitated, for a private talk with the founder or a senior officer. This is followed by a visit to the nearby Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre to witness the morning feeding session. Before the creation of a reserve in the area, many young orang-utans were the victims of the illegal pet trade throughout Asia. They were either caught during logging or forest clearance or captured by poachers who slaughtered the adult apes to get at the youngsters.

Lunch at the lodge followed by some time at leisure. Optional night walk at the Rainforest Discovery Centre, within the famous Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve, to spot nocturnal species such as mouse deer, elusive civet cats, tarsiers, and various insects and birds. Dinner at the lodge.

Morning at leisure before transferring to Sandakan Jetty.

Lunch in Sandakan. Transfer by boat to the Sukau Rainforest Lodge (approx. 2½ hrs) along Sabah’s longest river, the Kinabatangan, observing the wildlife along the river from the coastal mangroves around Sandakan, through nipa[1]lined riverbanks, to the upper reaches of the river. Check in at the Sukau Rainforest Lodge, enclosed by tropical rainforest on the banks of the river, where three nights are spent. The eco-lodge has bright and comfortable villas with ceiling fans and facilities include open-air dining and a plunge pool. Afternoon river cruise in search of wildlife such as proboscis monkey, long tailed macaques and several species of birds. Return to the lodge for a candlelight dinner overlooking the riverbank.

Early morning cruise up the Kinabatangan to Kelenanap Oxbow Lake to view the surrounding forest come to life. Return for breakfast followed by a tour along the lodge’s Hornbill Boardwalk with an in-house naturalist to learn more about the Kinabatangan ecosystem.

Lunch at the lodge followed by a talk on orangutans. Sunset river cruise.

Dinner at the lodge.

Early morning river cruise along the Menanggol River using a silent electric motor to search for wildlife.

Riverside lunch. Afternoon excursion by road to the Gomantong Caves which are ecologically important for the swifts and bats that occupy this intricate cave system and economically important to local bird nest harvesters. Traverse deep into the forest along a trail in search of orangutans, which are often seen feeding nearby. Witness the exodus of over two million bats from the caves.

Return to the lodge for dinner.

Transfer by boat to Sukau Jetty and drive (approx. 3½ hrs) via Lahad Datu to the Tabin Wildlife Reserve. Check in at the Tabin Wildlife Resort, within the reserve on the bank of the Lipad River, where two nights are spent in spacious riverside bungalows, each with a private balcony. The surrounding area is home to a surprising variety of birds, insects, and small mammals. It is also known for its rich variety of jungle herbs, some endemic, used for generations by local people for the treatment of various ailments.

Lunch at the lodge, Afternoon trek from the Elephant Trail to the active Lipad Mud Volcano, which provides a mineral salt lick for wildlife. The adventurous can try the effects of the volcanic mud, said to be beneficial for the complexion.

Dinner at the lodge followed by a night safari in search of wildlife.

Depart before dawn by road to visit the BORA (Bornean Orangutan Rescue Alliance) planting site to learn about the conservation work they are doing with elephants, banteng and orangutans, in particular planting trees to enrich their habitat and food sources. Return to the lodge for breakfast. Drive into the reserve for a trek to the Lipad Waterfall through the lush green rainforest known for its rich diversity of plants and animals. Option to swim in the natural pool under the waterfall.

Lunch at the lodge. In the afternoon, experience the Tabin Rainforest Foot Soak made with a natural blend of herbs to relax tired muscles. Evening dusk drive to observe more nocturnal wildlife and birds coming out to forage for food.

Dinner at the lodge followed by a night walk along the resort trails in search of sleeping birds, frogs, and other nocturnal wildlife.

Transfer by road (approx. 3½ hrs) via Lahad Datu, to the Danum Valley, a 472km sq conservation area of pristine, mostly primary, lowland dipterocarp forest that is home to 300 species of birds, as well as many mammals and insects. The area boasts an amazing diversity of animal life including the highly endangered Sumatran rhino, Borneo pygmy elephant, sun bear, orang-utan and clouded leopard. Eight species of hornbills can also be found here. Check in at the Borneo Rainforest Lodge, an unrivalled eco-lodge, tucked within the conservation area beside the beautiful Danum River, where three nights are spent in a Deluxe Chalet with superb river or jungle views.

Lunch at the lodge. Introduction by your guide to the rainforest and the trails surrounding the lodge.

Evening cocktail before dinner at the lodge. Guided night safari to spot nocturnal creatures.

Wake up to the calls of Borneo gibbons. Morning guided trek to Kadazandusun viewpoint and burial site, ‘Coffin Cliff’, before taking a short break by a natural pool for a refreshing dip.

Lunch at the lodge. Optional afternoon activities such as guided jungle trekking, or, weather permitting, water tubing down the Danum River.

Dinner at the lodge followed by a night walk on the lodge’s nature trail.

Optional early morning walk before breakfast. Option to trek to the Fairy Falls and Serpent Falls.

Lunch at the lodge. Remainder of the day at leisure or a guided hike along the Segama River.

Dinner at the lodge.

This morning transfer to Lahad Datu Airport for a flight to Kota Kinabalu. Transfer to Jesselton Point Jetty and transfer by boat to Bunga Raya Island Resort where two nights are spent in a secluded wooden villa perched on stilts. Features include a 25-metre infinity swimming pool as well as a private, crescent-shaped beach and a restaurant serving a fusion of Malay, Chinese and Western cuisine.

Lunch at the hotel. Afternoon at leisure.

Dinner at the hotel.

Take the scheduled boat back to Jesselton Jetty on the mainland. Group transfer to Kota Kinabalu Airport.

Lunch under own arrangements. Suggested flight (not included) Malaysian Airlines MI 2645 departing at 18.00 hrs arriving Kuala Lumpur at 20.40 hrs.

Connect to flight MH 2 departing at 23.20 hrs.

Arrive London Heathrow at 05.30 hrs.