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
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
janfebmaraprmayjunjulaugsepoctnovdec
Generally warm and humid with occasional rainfall. Some areas, especially in the east coast and Borneo regions, may experience heavy monsoon rains. Average Temperature: 23°C to 32°C Peninsula – Best Borneo - Poor
Similar to January, with warm and humid conditions prevailing. Rainfall is common, particularly in the east coast and Borneo regions. Average Temperature: 23°C to 32°C Peninsula – Best Borneo - Poor
Still warm and humid, but with a decrease in rainfall. Thunderstorms can occur in the afternoons or evenings, especially in coastal areas. Average Temperature: 23°C to 32°C Peninsula – Best Borneo - Poor
Generally hot and humid. Some areas may experience brief showers or thunderstorms, but overall, rainfall decreases compared to previous months. Average Temperature: 23°C to 33°C Peninsula – Good Borneo - Mixed
Hot and humid conditions persist. Rainfall continues to decrease, especially in the west coast regions. However, some isolated showers or thunderstorms may still occur. Average Temperature: 24°C to 33°C Peninsula – Best Borneo - Good
Hot and humid conditions with occasional showers or thunderstorms, particularly in the afternoon. The west coast regions experience less rainfall compared to the east coast. Average Temperature: 24°C to 33°C Peninsula – Mixed Borneo - Good
Similar to June, with hot and humid conditions. Showers and thunderstorms are common, especially in the afternoon or evening. Average Temperature: 24°C to 32°C Peninsula – Poor Borneo - Best
Hot and humid weather continues, with occasional showers or thunderstorms. The west coast regions generally receive less rainfall. Average Temperature: 24°C to 32°C Peninsula – Poor Borneo - Good
Hot and humid conditions persist, with the possibility of heavy rainfall and thunderstorms, particularly in the east coast, Borneo generally remains dry. Average Temperature: 24°C to 32°C Peninsula – Mixed Borneo - Good
Hot and humid weather with occasional showers or thunderstorms. Rainfall decreases towards the end of the month on the peninsula but increases on Borneo. Average Temperature: 23°C to 32°C Peninsula – Mixed Borneo - Mixed
Generally warm and humid with occasional rainfall. Throughout November rainfall continues to increase across Borneo with a strong chance of thunderstorms. There will however still be a number of dry days. Peninsula Malaysia generally has blue skies and little rain. Average Temperature: 23°C to 32°C Peninsula – Mixed Borneo - Mixed
Warm and humid conditions with occasional showers or thunderstorms in Borneo. The east coast and Borneo regions may experience heavier rainfall. Peninsula is in peak season and best weather. Average Temperature: 23°C to 32°C Peninsula – Good Borneo - Poor
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.
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