Kota Kinabalu Turtle Island Sepilok Kinabatangan River Danum Valley

A perfect introduction to the magnificent wildlife of Borneo. Spend time exploring the unique flora and fauna of the Kinabalu National Park before flying to Sandakan to embark on an awe-inspiring wildlife adventure. Travel to Turtle Island to witness the endangered green and Hawksbill turtles laying their eggs before a visit to the world renowned Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation centre. Complete your tour of Borneo by combing time between the Kinabatangan River and remote Danum Valley for a chance to see native wildlife such as Proboscis Monkey’s, Orangutans, Elephants, Crocodiles and birds a plenty.

Itinerary Highlights

  • Visit UNESCO World Heritage listed wildlife haven Danum Valley
  • Take in river wildlife safaris in electric eco boats
  • See some of the worlds most endangered wildlife in its natural habitat
  • Witness Turtles laying their eggs on a remote Sabah beach

What’s included

  • Private tours for most included activities
  • Meet & greet airport service
  • Luxury or boutique accommodation at your chosen level
  • Expert guides in each destination

flexibility

This is an example itinerary. It is fully flexible; you can add or detract days and include hotels at your chosen budget. It departs daily.

11

Nights

Price Guide

$7495 pp

Our quotes are bespoke for your customised trip. The prices displayed are indicative only, read more

Day 1

Fly to Kota Kinabalu

plan line
Day 2

Full day excursion to Kinabalu National Park and Poring hot springs

Your driver guide will meet you this morning for your private full day excursion to Kinabalu National Park and the Poring hot springs. Spend the day exploring the national parks unique flora and fauna before heading to Poring where you will venture along the jungle trail and over the canopy walkway – a series of bridges built 40m above the ground. The birds eye view of the rainforest canopy is truly spectacular and will give you a true perspective of Borneo’s rainforest.

Day 3

Fly to Sandakan, transfer by boat to Turtle Island

This morning you will be met from your hotel and transferred to the airport for your domestic flight to Sandakan. You will be met on arrival and transferred by minibus to the jetty for your boat trip across to Turtle Island. After lunch you will have free time to relax by the beach and enjoy the superb snorkelling opportunities from the island. After dinner this evening you will head down to the beach with a local ranger to watch the turtles laying their eggs.

Day 4

Transfer by boat to Sandakan and on to Sepilok Orang-Utan Sanctuary

This morning you will head back to Sandakan where you will be transferred to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation centre to witness morning feeding time. The rest of the day is at leisure at the Sepilok Nature Resort, we recommend heading back to the Orangutan Sanctuary for the afternoon feeding session which is generally quieter than the morning.

Day 5-6

Transfer to Kinabatangan River + electric boat eco river safaris

Your private driver and guide will meet you this morning for your transfer by road and river to your accommodation on the Kinabatangan River. Day 6 spend the morning with your guide exploring the area in search of more wildlife and learning about the unique flora of the jungle at an Ox-Bow Lake where you can enjoy the early morning river ambience of the longest river in Sabah. You will have some time at leisure back at the lodge before setting off on another wildlife spotting cruise in the late afternoon.

Day 7-8

Explore the remote heart of Sabah, the Danum Valley

Today head deeper in to the heart of Sabah. You will witness how palm oil plantations have taken over much of the natural forests and jungles before heading in to the 438km sq undisturbed Danum Valley reserve. The reserve is home to a multitude of wildlife including wild orang-utans and gibbons, Sumatran Rhinoceros, Elephants, Clouded Leopards and bearded pigs. You can set your own agenda with your lodge guides as to how much you want to explore the area. All wildlife viewing, including nocturnal excursions is included as part of a small group (max 8 guests). Day 8 spend the day with your qualified lodge guide exploring the canopy walkways around the lodge, looking for native birds and mammals. Take a lite trek up an escarpment to discover the ancient burial coffins and a waterfall where you can enjoy a dip in refreshing rock pools.

You will be staying at the wonderful Borneo Rainforest Lodge.

Day 9-11

Fly to Kota Kinabalu and transfer by boat to stunning Gaya Island

You will be transferred to Lahad Datu airport this morning for your onward flight to Kota Kinabalu. On arrival transfer to the jetty for your boat journey across to your boutique resort on the spectacular Gaya Island. The next few days are at leisure for you to relax by the beach and to enjoy the superb resort facilities. The resort is home to a dive centre and they can also arrange great snorkelling trips.

Day 12

Fly To Next Destination

A note on price

The prices outlined above are a rough guide to give you an idea of costs and enable you to budget for your trip.

Guide prices are generally for private arrangements based on twin share, in well located, good quality accommodation (excluding international flights).

Please note costs are indicative and may vary due to a number of factors such as; travel date, hotel choice, room category, number of people travelling and prevailing exchange rates.

Price Guide From $7495+ per person

When to travel

jan feb mar apr may jun jul aug sep oct nov dec

Add on’s

There are a multitude of add on holiday options to this Borneo itinerary, for example you could spend time in the cosmopolitan city of Kuala Lumpur, devour arguably the best food in Asia in Penang or spend a few days relaxing at a luxury resort on Langkawi.

Malaysia is also easily accessed with Malaysia Airlines who have direct flights to KL or via the hubs of Singapore or Bangkok.

Want a quote on a trip like this?

Speak to one of our travel specialists and we’ll create your personalised itinerary just for you