Classic Borneo

Suggested Itinerary

Overview

Borneo’s natural wonders are amongst some of the most unique and captivating anywhere on the planet. This incredible wildlife adventure takes you on a journey through some of its most iconic and mesmerising landscapes, where you can swim in turtle rich waters and watch orangutans feeding in the rainforest, before trekking through some of the most unspoiled and pristine wilderness in Malaysia.

The adventure begins in Sepilok, famous for its orangutan sanctuary, discover the incredible ...
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TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

Suggested Itinerary

This is a suggested itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes, or build a trip from scratch.

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Day 2 Sandakan – Sepilok: Arrival

Day 2 Sandakan – Sepilok: Arrival

On arrival in Sandakan, you will be met by your local guide and taken to the Sepilok Nature Resort. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax after your flight, or, you may wish to visit the Rainforest Discovery Centre.

Sepilok Nature Resort
Dinner

Day 2 Sepilok – Kinabatangan River: Orangutans & River Cruise

Day 2 Sepilok – Kinabatangan River: Orangutans & River Cruise

You visit the world’s largest orangutan rehabilitation centre at Sepilok this morning. At the centre, you can witness the orangutans being fed by the rangers. Stroll the jungle-flanked wooden walkways to the central platform; orangutans can sometimes be seen from these platforms, so you should have your cameras ready. From here you will then be driven to the Sandakan Jetty to board a shared boat cruise to the village of Abai, passing through a landscape alive with monitor lizards, serpent eagles and crocodiles. Upon arrival at your lodge, enjoy lunch before setting off for an afternoon river expedition in search of wildlife in an open-topped river boat. You might get the opportunity to photograph wild Orangutans, Pygmy elephants, Proboscis monkeys and other wildlife. If the weather is good, you should be able to see and photograph fireflies at a very challenging low-light condition. After dinner, you shall take a night stroll along the boardwalks on a lookout for nocturnal animals and interesting insects.

Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 Kinabatangan (Abai – Sukau): Safari & Nature Talk

Day 3 Kinabatangan (Abai – Sukau): Safari & Nature Talk

After breakfast there is a chance to explore the nature board walk around the lodge area. Check-out and transfer to Sukau by shared boat. Every year, monsoon rains flood Malaysian Borneo’s Kinabatangan River basin, filling jungle waterways and nourishing the habitats of some of the planet’s most unusual species: wild orangutans, pygmy elephants, and proboscis monkeys. This evening, meander along the Kinabatangan with your local guide to spot the nocturnal activity along the river. Returning to the resort, enjoy dinner before meeting the resort’s naturalist for an informative talk and presentation on the river.

Sukau Rainforest Lodge
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 Kinabatangan (Sukau): Ox-Bow Lake & Night Safari

Day 4 Kinabatangan (Sukau): Ox-Bow Lake & Night Safari

After an early wake up call, embark on a morning river cruise in search of waking wildlife and birds which are most active in the morning, on the way to the Danau Pitas Ox-Bow Lake. The area is known for its herd of Asian elephants. Continue to visit the local fishing village, Kampung Abai where you can interact with local Orang Sungai people and observe the daily activities in this tiny fishing village. Return to a full breakfast and then set off for another cruise up the Kinabatangan River to Menanggul River in search of wildlife. Return for a candle light dinner and slide show conducted by the naturalist guide. After dinner, enjoy a night safari cruise spotting nocturnal animals, crocodiles and birds.

Sukau Rainforest Lodge
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 Kinabatangan River – Tabin Wildlife Reserve : Mud Volcano

Day 5 Kinabatangan River – Tabin Wildlife Reserve : Mud Volcano

Head to Tabin Wildlife Reserve, an area of rainforest in amongst the palm oil plantations, and the largest wildlife reserve in Malaysia, here work goes on to protect the both the forest and the wildlife. Spend the next three days with one of the reserve’s experienced guides and this afternoon set out on a jungle trail which will bring you to a mud volcano, a popular drinking hole and salt lick for many animals. This evening a night safari will introduce you to some of the nocturnal species.

Tabin Wildlife Resort
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 Tabin Nature Reserve: Rainforest Waterfall

Day 6 Tabin Nature Reserve: Rainforest Waterfall

There are 300 species of bird at Tabin and an early morning bird walk will hopefully introduce you to some of them with their bright colours and distinct calls and songs. A trip to the birding tower will set you high up in the canopy of the rainforest and from here you can walk down to a lush river pool complete with jungle waterfall for a swim. Further relaxation awaits in the afternoon with a traditional herbal foot soak using medicinal plants from the jungle before a dusk drive to see nocturnal animals coming out. This evening a night walk may allow you to see wildlife such as the flying squirrels gliding from tree to tree.

Tabin Wildlife Resort
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 Tabin Nature Reserve: Rainforest Walks

Day 7 Tabin Nature Reserve: Rainforest Walks

Morning and afternoon jungle walks are included today, the reserve has populations of Bornean elephants and rhinoceros however these are seldom seen, there are however more frequent sightings of orangutans and proboscis monkeys, if you are lucky you may see one of these or a sun bear when out trekking. Each walk will teach you more about the natural environment and the habits of the creatures you see as well as the steps being taken by the reserve to protect the environment.

Tabin Wildlife Resort
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 Tabin Nature Reserve – Kota Kinabalu: To the Coast

Day 8 Tabin Nature Reserve – Kota Kinabalu: To the Coast

After breakfast, drive overland to Lahad Dadu for your flight to Kota Kinabalu. Upon arrival in Kota Kinabalu, or ‘KK’ as it is affectionately referred to, meet the local guide and driver and transfer along the coast to the Shangri-La Rasa Ria Resort, here 3km of white sand beach awaits you.

Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort And Spa
Breakfast, Lunch

Day 9 Kota Kinabalu: Beach Time

Day 9 Kota Kinabalu: Beach Time

The Rasa Ria features luxury accommodation and a whole host of activities, try kayaking or body boarding on the turquoise sea or perhaps head out on a horse ride along the beach. You might like to cycle to the local market or try a game of archery, there is also of course the option to just relax and enjoy the pool.

Shangri La Rasa Ria Resort and Spa
Breakfast

Day 11 Kota Kinabalu: Departure

Day 11 Kota Kinabalu: Departure

After a free morning in Kota Kinabalu you will transfer to the airport where your tour will end.

Breakfast

SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Hotel Rating

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.

GUIDELINE PRICE & WHAT'S INCLUDED

11 days from £3,995

MEALS

As specified in the itinerary, sampling some of the country's finest cuisine.

TRANSPORT

Private air-conditioned vehicles with experienced, dedicated drivers.

ENTRANCE FEES

Tours and admission fees, including tickets specified in the itinerary.

EXPERT TEAM

Licensed English-speaking guides and a support team available 24/7.

ACCOMMODATION

As specified in the itinerary, using some of our favourite local properties.

WILD MILES

This tour will earn you 0 Wild Miles

ACCOMMODATION

Ultra
The best of the best, the ultimate in luxury
Luxury
Outstanding service and facilities, giving you the 5* experience
Premium
Excellent standards offering a higher-end experience
Superior
Good quality service and overall comfort
Simple
No frills, basic accommodation, but often in the most exciting of places

Wild Miles Club

When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:

Blue More than 10,000 points 2.5% discount
Bronze More than 30,000 points 5% discount
Silver More than 45,000 points 7.5% discount
Gold More than 60,000 points 10% discount

This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.

Positive Impact of this Trip

Tree
Ten trees are planted per passenger on this trip
Community
Supports Wild Frontiers Foundation community projects
Wind Turbine
A contribution to renewable energy projects

WHEN TO GO

START PLANNING YOUR TRIP

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OTHER ITINERARIES IN BORNEO