Borneo In Style

Suggested Itinerary

Overview

A luxury journey with a difference, this incredible adventure takes you deep into the heart of Borneo’s wild country. Staying at some of the finest hotels, lodges and resorts that Sabah and Sarawak have to offer, you’ll journey from the stilted villages of Sandakan to the golden sands of Gaya Island, on an adventure that encapsulates the remarkable diversity of this stunning destination. After visiting the orangutans, sun bears and proboscis monkeys of Sepilok, you head next into ...

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TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

  • Enjoy the hospitality of some of Borneo’s finest properties, from jungle hideaways to a coral reef island
  • Meet with the founder of the Sun Bear Conservation Centre who will give you a private tour and insight into his work
  • Watch magical fireflies light up the river on a sunset cruise and go in search of the nocturnal animals
  • Learn about the region’s history with visits to ancient burial sites and local fishing communities
  • Learn about the great work being done at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
  • Trek through the 130-million-year-old rainforest of the Danum Valley and walk the 130-metre-tall canopy walk

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.

EXPAND ALL ITINERARY DAYS
COLLAPSE ALL ITINERARY DAYS

Day 1 SANDAKAN - SEPILOK

Day 1 SANDAKAN - SEPILOK

Upon arrival to Sandakan Airport, you will be transferred to the hotel to freshen up after your long journey. Late afternoon, take a private speedboat along the river, stopping at one of the stilted villages for a look around and a tea break in one of the villager’s homes for a unique cultural encounter. Continue on the cruise, keep an eye out for wild animals such as proboscis monkeys, otters and kingfishers. As sunset approaches, you may witness a magical display of fireflies from the surrounding jungle. Transfer to a local seafood restaurant back in Sandakan and enjoy a seafood dinner that the city is famous for before heading to Sepilok.

Sepilok Nature Resort
Dinner

Day 2 SEPILOK

Day 2 SEPILOK

After breakfast, visit the world’s largest orangutan rehabilitation centre at Sepilok. 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. Continue with a visit to the Sun Bear Conservation Centre for a morning with the founder Dr Wong, who will give you a private presentation on the Sun Bears before giving you a personal tour around the facility. Once this tour is completed, receive a transfer back to the hotel for an afternoon of leisure and relaxation.

Sepilok Nature Resort
Breakfast

Day 3 SEPILOK - KINABATANGAN (SUKAU)

Day 3 SEPILOK - KINABATANGAN (SUKAU)

You have the opportunity to visit the Labuk Bay Proboscis Sanctuary this morning for a feeding. You will then return to Sandakan, stopping at the Sandakan Memorial Park to understand the plight of Australian and British soldiers who were held as prisoners by the Japanese between 1942 and 1945. You will then be driven to the Sandakan Jetty with lunch en route before boarding a shared boat cruise to Sukau 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.

Sukau Rainforest Lodge
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 KINABATANGAN (SUKAU)

Day 4 KINABATANGAN (SUKAU)

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 (SUKAU) - LAHAD DATU - DANUM VALLEY

Day 5 KINABATANGAN (SUKAU) - LAHAD DATU - DANUM VALLEY

After breakfast, your guide will bring to the Gomantong Caves, the largest birds’ nests cave in Sabah, famous for its swiftlets and their edible nests used in ‘Birds Nest Soup’ and for being home to two million bats. Drive through the rainforest to Lahad Datu for lunch before continuing deep into the lush tropical lowlands of the Danum Valley. Walk the 130-metre-tall canopy walk through this 130-million-year-old rainforest. Following dinner, board a 4WD vehicle for a nocturnal wildlife tour in search of civets, insects and reptiles.

Borneo Rainforest Lodge
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6 DANUM VALLEY

Day 6 DANUM VALLEY

Taking a packed breakfast this morning, you will take the short hike out to an ancient Kadazan-Dusun burial site. On your return trip, take the opportunity to dip in the refreshing waterfall and jacuzzi pool. Returning to the hotel for lunch, this afternoon is at leisure, however there is a range of optional activities available, such as private trekking, tubing on the Danum River and specialised guided tours. After dinner, depart for a shared night walk in search of nocturnal creatures.

Borneo Rainforest Lodge
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 DANUM VALLEY - LAHAD DATU - KOTA KINABALU

Day 7 DANUM VALLEY - LAHAD DATU - KOTA KINABALU

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 be transferred to the hotel. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure to enjoy the comfort of the luxury seaside resort.

Hyatt Regency
Breakfast

Day 8 KOTA KINABALU - GAYA ISLAND

Day 8 KOTA KINABALU - GAYA ISLAND

A late check-out for you to spend the morning on a range of optional activities, from a walking tour of Kota Kinabalu’s history, food and markets, a local cooking class or lazing in the hotel. In the afternoon, transfer to Jesselton Pier for a private speed boat transfer to Gaya Island.

Bunga Raya Island Resort
Breakfast

Day 9 GAYA ISLAND

Day 9 GAYA ISLAND

Bunga Raya Island Resort is set on a coral reef island just off the coast of Borneo. A secluded island hideaway, the resort is tucked away on a tranquil and hidden bay framed by crescent shaped white sand beach on one side and the centuries old virgin jungle on the other. Spend your days relaxing on the beach or taking part in the resorts numerous activities. Included in your stay is use of the kayaks and paddle boards, as well as entrance fees to the Gayana Marine Resort.

Bunga Raya Island Resort
Breakfast

Day 10 GAYA ISLAND

Day 10 GAYA ISLAND

Another day to relax and explore at leisure.

Bunga Raya Island Resort
Breakfast

Day 11 GAYA ISLAND - KOTA KINABALU

Day 11 GAYA ISLAND - KOTA KINABALU

You will be transferred to Kota Kinabalu for your flight home.

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 £4,180

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

Our team of experts have a wealth of knowledge and experience to help you plan your adventure of a lifetime.

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OTHER ITINERARIES IN BORNEO