Borneo In Style
Suggested Itinerary
To view images fullscreen please turn device
Overview
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.
Day 1 Sandakan – Sepilok: Village Visit
Day 1 Sandakan – Sepilok: Village Visit
Upon arrival to Sandakan Airport, you will be transferred to the hotel to freshen up after your 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: Orangutans & Sun Bears
Day 2 Sepilok: Orangutans & Sun Bears
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): Monkeys & River Cruise
Day 3 Sepilok – Kinabatangan (Sukau): Monkeys & River Cruise
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): Wildlife Safari
Day 4 Kinabatangan (Sukau): Wildlife 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.
Day 5 Kinabatangan (Sukau) - Lahad Datu – Danum Valley: Gomantong Caves
Day 5 Kinabatangan (Sukau) - Lahad Datu – Danum Valley: Gomantong Caves
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: Jungle Hike & Waterfall Swim
Day 6 Danum Valley: Jungle Hike & Waterfall Swim
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 – Gaya Island: To the Coast
Day 7 Danum Valley – Gaya Island: To the Coast
After a leisurely breakfast, drive through the forest to Lahad Datu for your flight to Kota Kinabalu. Transfer to Jesselton Pier for a private speed boat transfer to Gaya Island and your island villa.
Day 8 Gaya Island: Island Activities
Day 8 Gaya Island: Island Activities
Gaya Island Resort is a luxury resort of individual villas stepped up the hillside, activities on offer include snorkelling, kayaking, nature walks or simply relaxing by the pool or on one of the two beaches.
Day 9 Gaya Island
Day 9 Gaya Island
Another day to relax and explore at leisure.
Day 10 Gaya Island – Kota Kinabalu: Departure
Day 10 Gaya Island – Kota Kinabalu: Departure
You will be transferred to Kota Kinabalu for your flight home.
SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION
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.
Gaya Island Resort, Gaya Island
Located on the small island of Pulau Gaya off the western coast of Sabah, this stunning resort is set on the beachfront, surrounded by rainforest and mangroves. Its 120 villas and two-bedroom suites, while spacious and elegantly furnished, retain their local character and blend into the surrounding environment. Fine regional cuisine and fresh sea food can be enjoyed at the restaurant overlooking the sea, while a swimming pool, a spa and a library are available for relaxation. The resort is accessible by boat from Kota Kinabalu.
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
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
MEALS
TRANSPORT
ENTRANCE FEES
EXPERT TEAM
ACCOMMODATION
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.
Positive Impact of this Trip
START PLANNING YOUR TRIP
Our team of experts have a wealth of knowledge and experience to help you plan your adventure of a lifetime.