Classic Borneo
Suggested Itinerary
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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 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah’s bustling capital, from where you ...
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 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah’s bustling capital, from where you fly to Sandakan to arrive in Sepilok, famous for its Orangutan sanctuary. Discover the incredible work carried out here to save one of mans closest relatives.
A speed boat then takes you on to the mangrove forests of the Kinabatangan Sanctuary, where you will take afternoon and morning boat rides in search of wildlife, visit the Orang Sungai people and delve into the impressive Gomantong Caves, before continuing into the protected landscapes of the Danum Valley to trek amongst the largest protected lowland forest in Sabah.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
- Learn about the great work being done at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
- Explore the Kinabatangan River by boat, searching for crocodiles, Pygmy elephants, and Proboscis monkeys
- Enjoy numerous night safaris and educational discussions with a local naturalist
- Visit a local fishing village of the Orang Sungai people and learn more about traditions in this remote river area
- Trek through the 130-million-year-old rainforest of the Danum Valley and walk the 130-metre-tall canopy walk
- Visit ancient burial sites and cool down in beautiful jungle waterfalls
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: ARRIVE KOTA KINABALU
DAY 1: ARRIVE KOTA KINABALU
Enjoy a free afternoon to enjoy the delights of Sabah's bustling capital. Wander through the Filipino market before you reach the lively waterfront strip for a sunset drink and a bite to eat. Take in the city of Kota Kinabalu as the sun sets and the waterfront comes alive at night.
DAY 2: KOTA KINABALU - SANDAKAN - SEPILOK
DAY 2: KOTA KINABALU - SANDAKAN - SEPILOK
You will be collected from the hotel and transferred to Kota Kinabalu Airport for your flight to Sandakan. On arrival in Sandakan, you will be met by your local guide and taken to the Sepilok Nature Resort.
DAY 3: SEPILOK - KINABATANGAN (ABAI)
DAY 3: SEPILOK - KINABATANGAN (ABAI)
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.
DAY 4: KINABATANGAN (ABAI - SUKAU)
DAY 4: KINABATANGAN (ABAI - SUKAU)
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.
DAY 5: KINABATANGAN (SUKAU)
DAY 5: 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 6: KINABATANGAN (SUKAU) - LAHAD DATU - DANUM VALLEY
DAY 6: 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 7: DANUM VALLEY
DAY 7: DANUM VALLEY
After breakfast you will take the short hike out to an ancient Kadazan-Dusun burial site, a 3-kilometre return journey that follows the 'Coffin Trail' and involves a 40-minute climb up to a stunning lookout point. Returning to the hotel for lunch, this afternoon then sees you heading out again, following the Segama Trail and East Trail in search of local wildlife. Day's end involves one more foray out from the lodge, departing after dinner to seek out some of the area's nocturnal creatures.
DAY 8: DANUM VALLEY
DAY 8: DANUM VALLEY
Following an early morning walk and breakfast, you then head out with a local guide to trek up to the Fairy Falls and the Serpent Falls. The afternoon is at leisure.
DAY 9: DANUM VALLEY - LAHAD DATU - KOTA KINABALU
DAY 9: 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 10: KOTA KINABALU
DAY 10: KOTA KINABALU
After a free morning in Kota Kinabalu you will transfer to the airport where your tour will end.
SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION
Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort And Spa, Kota Kinabalu
The Shangri-La Tanjung Resort and Spa is located on the sparkling shores of the South China Sea in spacious and extensive grounds. Its 492 luxurious rooms have views overlooking Mount Kinabalu and the ocean and offer contemporary luxury. The various sporting and leisure facilities include a private beach and spa with a variety of treatments. There is a selection of restaurants and bars many of which are highly regarded in the rest of Malaysia and serve international and local cuisine. Close to down town Kinabalu and not far from the Kinabalu National park the hotel is aimed at leisure travellers looking for a relaxing stay.
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.
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.
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.
Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort, Kinabatangan (Abai)
Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort is a gem located in Abai, a quieter area of the Lower Kinabatangan Floodplain, about an hour’s boat ride from Sandakan harbour. If you are looking for something exclusive and away from the main tourist hotspots of Sukau and Bilit, Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort is the place to go. The resort is surrounded by secondary forest reserves, and is located within beautiful nipah and mangrove vegetation. Apart from the river cruises, you can spend time relaxing and observing nature from your chalet, a myriad of birds and monkeys, such as silver leaf langurs, maroon langurs, hose langurs, and wild orangutan are regularly spotted within the area. Raised boardwalks are available for night walks and morning strolls. NB, Please be careful on the boardwalks as they can be slippery after rain.
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
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.
GUIDELINE PRICE & WHAT’S INCLUDED
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WILD MILES
ACCOMMODATION
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.
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