Borneo In Style
Suggested Itinerary
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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 ...
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 the mangrove forests of the Kinabatangan Sanctuary, travelling by boat into one of the world’s most biodiverse landscapes. It is then onto Danum Valley via the Gomantong Caves, famous for its nesting swiftlets and bats, to walk along the towering canopy walkways and admire the sounds and sights from the jacuzzi. The end of this fantastic journey then sees you enjoying the marine treasures surrounding Gaya Island in your own luxurious villa. Go kayaking, snorkelling or simply relax on the beach as you reflect on the fantastic wildlife sightings of your stylish adventure.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
DAY 10: GAYA ISLAND
DAY 10: GAYA ISLAND
Another day to relax and explore at leisure.
DAY 11: GAYA ISLAND - KOTA KINABALU
DAY 11: GAYA ISLAND - KOTA KINABALU
You will be transferred to Kota Kinabalu for your flight home.
SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION
Bunga Raya Island Resort, Gaya Island
Bunga Raya Island Resort is set on a coral reef island just off the coast of Borneo. A secluded island hideaway of 47 timbered villas, 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. Each private villa is rough hewn and hand-crafted by local tradesmen, terraced into the hillside reflecting the traditional simplicity of the Borneo architectural style, blending seamlessly with the comforts and needs of the most sophisticated and discerning luxury traveller. Private balconies offer jaw dropping vistas of the beach below and the South China Sea beyond. Villas range from simple timbered dwellings, steps from the beach, to opulent 3 bedroom, multi-level units with wrap around decks and indulgent private plunge pools. A dedicated hilltop spa, with exotic private spa pavilions, blends the very finest of Traditional Asian and Western treatments which capture restorative powers of indigenous plants and oils.
Hyatt Regency, Kota Kinabalu
Located at the heart of Kota Kinabalu the five star Hyatt Regency hotel is ideally situated for taking advantage of the shopping and entertainment that the town has to offer. There are views of the city and the South China Sea from the spacious elegantly decorated rooms. High tech amenities including internet access are available throughout the hotel and local art work and handicrafts in the decor complement the modern amenities. The hotel also serves local and international cuisine in a range of restaurants and bars.
Borneo Rainforest Lodge, Danum Valley
Set beside the waters of the Danum River, this wonderfully rustic and award winning lodge is capable of accommodating up to 60 people in 31 chalets. Each chalet comes with a private shower and balcony and the deluxe bungalows afford an extra 20% more space. Although the rooms do not provide A/C, they are equipped with high quality ceiling fans and the Premium Deluxe rooms also come with an effective climate control system to maintain a comfortable indoor humidity level within the room. The large central lodge area stands on columns of Borneo's famous hardwood and features a spacious veranda and dining area with a well-stocked bar, providing the perfect base from which to enjoy and absorb the beautiful surrounding jungle.
Sepilok Nature Resort, Sandakan
Within walking distance from the world-famous Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, deep in a forest of tropical orchids and towering trees, this charming resort combines modern comforts with traditional style. Its twin bedded chalets provide en suite bathrooms, air conditioning and lake or jungle views, whilst the surrounding gardens boast over 150 species of Asian orchid. The lovely wooden resort restaurant provides a fusion of local and western cuisines overlooking the rainforest canopies.
Sukau Rainforest Lodge, Kinabatangan (Sukau)
The lodge has previously been awarded status as a National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World, one of only 25 in the world, and the only one in Southeast Asia. It is the only lodge that uses electric motor on all river boats, and has a great range of facilities for such a remote area (it is the only lodge with a plunge pool and has relaxing and well designed communal areas). Aside from the excellent wildlife spotting the resort offers foot massage, nightly wildlife talks by the in-house expert, and has some lovely trails to explore from the lodge.
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
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.
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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.
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