Discover the endangered orangutans of Borneo
Relax on one of Borneo's spectacular islands
City skyline, Melbourne, Australia
Take a memorable balloon flight over the Yarra Valley vineyards
Drive along the coastal Great Ocean Road
Head to the top of the tallest building in the world - the Burj Khalifa, Dubai
Take the tram from Melbourne's iconic Flinders Street station
Wander through the vibrant souks of old Dubai
Begin by exploring the jungles of Borneo on a private tour and meet the island's famous orangutans and unique wildlife. Next, fly to Melbourne - Australia's cultural capital. Spend some time exploring the city, then take a sunrise hot air balloon flight over the picturesque Yarra Valley wineries before a hearty breakfast and celebratory bubbles. Take a tour along the beautifully scenic Great Ocean Road; one of the best coastal drives in the world, which is home to the Twelve Apostles - 12 magnificent rock stacks dotted along the coast in Port Campbell National Park.
With one last stop, you'll head to Dubai to finish your holiday in style, with a stay in a luxury desert resort and plenty of time to unwind by the pool before flying back home.
You will depart the UK today from your chosen airport
On arrival into Borneo you'll be greeted and escorted by private transfer to your hotel, where you will check in for 2 nights at the luxurious Shangri-La's Tanjung Aru Resort.
Once you have had time to settle in and find your bearings, your driver and guide will meet you in your hotel lobby and take you on an afternoon tour focussing on traditional living in Borneo.
You’ll get to discover the unique architecture of tribal houses while at the cultural village, experience the traditional way of life, and spend the afternoon enjoying the serene jungle environment. To complete your Borneo experience, you will treated to a live presentation of music and dance, and tuck into a traditional cuisine unique to the Sabah region.
Today, you'll visit Kinabalu Park - nestled in one of the most biologically diverse areas on the planet and overlooked by Mt Kinabalu, the highest mountain in Malaysia. Wander through montane oak-chestnut forests before taking a dip in the hot springs in Poring.
Today after breakfast you will be picked up and taken to the airport to meet your flight to Sandakan. On the other side, you will be met at the airport and taken to Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre.
The Orang Utans are orphaned, usually from logging sites or illegal hunting, and are rehabilitated before being released into the wild. The rehabilitation centre is a must-see when visiting Borneo and very educational.
After lunch you will be taken by boat to Sukau village before taking a 2 hour river cruise to see the Proboscis monkeys as they settle down on the treetops along the Kinabatangan River.
Upon arrival at the lodge, you will be served dinner – and after such a busy and fascinating day an early night will surely follow!
Once you have had breakfast you will travel overland to Danum Valley via Lahad Datu. You will then have time to check in and take in your new surroundings.
In the afternoon you’ll be treated to an introduction to the forest through a fantastic nature trail, before continuing on to the Canopy Walkway. This really is something to remember, so bring your camera along!
Depending on the weather, you may be able to take part in a night drive where you will travel around in an open-air truck in search of nocturnal animals.
This morning you'll awaken to the calls of gibbons and hornbills. Take a trek to the Kadazandusun burial site before trekking to the view point to enjoy the spectacular view over Danum Valley and the lowland rainforest.
Enjoy a delicious lunch, after which you can relax on your sun deck whilst reading a book from the mini library and enjoying the river view. Or why not descend to the jacuzzi pool for a well deserved dip in the cool water.
After breakfast at your hotel, it is time to head to Lahad Datu Airport and fly to Kota Kinabalu. Upon your arrival you will be met and taken to Sutera Harbour Marina, where you will travel by boat to Gaya Island for your 2 night stay.
Breakfast at your leisure, before exploring the island of Pulau Gaya. You can snorkel over the teeming house reef, explore the jungle or relax on pristine beaches with stunning views of Mount Kinabalu and the South China Sea.
Enjoy breakfast and some lunch on the island, before your private transfer to the airport.
Make the most of the business class lounge before your overnight departure to Melbourne, Australia.
Upon arrival, your private transfer will whisk you off to the 5* Langham Hotel for the next 4 nights.
After breakfast, venture into the city where you will find a wide selection of museums and art galleries to explore. In the evening, why not ask your hotel to make a reservation for one of Melbourne’s best-rated restaurants, considered by critics to be the best in Australia.
After breakfast, you'll be collected from your hotel to begin a full day Great Ocean Road tour.
Heading southwest through Geelong, enjoy spectacular views of the Southern Ocean, spot koalas and other native birds in the wild along the Kennett River. Stop in the quaint town of Lorne for a short stop and coffee break before arriving in Apollo Bay where you will have some lunch (not included).
After lunch, you'll stop at the Otway National Park and take a walk through the cool rainforest gully, before heading on to Shipwreck Coast and the icons of the Twelve Apostles. The final stop is at Loch Ard Gorge, the site of a famous 19th Century Australian shipwreck - after this your tour will head back to Melbourne and you'll be dropped off at your hotel.
Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before spending your final day in Melbourne. Why not jump on the tram to the suburb of St Kilda, where cafe culture is prominent and the beach is inviting?
Check out after breakfast and collect your car which will be waiting for you at the Downtown depot.
Make your own way out of the city towards the Yarra Region - it's a leisurely hour's drive so sit back and enjoy the scenery. Why not explore magnificent parks and gardens around Olinda; view the artistic history in the Yarra Valley area or savour fine wines and excellent food in the gastronomic hub of Healesville?
Check in for 2 nights at the Chateau Yering Historic House Hotel.
You have a free day now for you to explore the region at your leisure.
After breakfast, head south east of Melbourne to the stunning Mornington Peninsula; home to breezy seaside villages, galleries, cafes and vineyards.
Check-in at the Tussie Mussie Vineyard Retreat for 2 nights.
Here you can spend a couple of days relaxing amidst gardens of fragrant herbs, luscious roses, vines, olives and manicured lawns. Visit the Peninsula Hot Springs, enjoy amazing food and delicious local wines at some award winning vineyards, and relax into a slower pace of life in the Victoria countryside!
Next, you'll make your way back to Melbourne Airport to drop off your car before departing on your flight to Dubai.
On arrival you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel, the One & Only Jumeirah for 3 nights.
Relax in the luxury of your hotel. After breakfast each day you have free time to spend as you wish. Squeeze in some shopping at one of the many malls, or if your stay includes a Friday, why not indulge in the famous Dubai brunches at any one of the deluxe hotels?
If you want to escape the glitz and glamour - head to Dubai Creek, where you can wander amongst small galleries and shops selling beautiful Middle Eastern art, pottery, ceramics and textiles. The low rise traditional buildings are lovely and cool, and there's a museum to dip into if it's culture you're seeking. Finish with a creek cruise and dinner in the evening (not included).
For your penultimate day, transfer to the desert resort of Bab Al Shams, situated amongst the dunes of Dubai and check in for the night (half board).
The resort is built in an atmospheric Arabic fort setting, based around a desert oasis. Inside the walls you'll find charming shaded courtyards, walkways and water features which provide cool shelter from the desert heat.
Optional activities include camel rides, Jeep drives in the desert, and other adventure activities including falconry, archery and horse riding.
After breakfast you will be taken by private transfer to the airport for your final flight back to the UK.
You will arrive home today to complete your holiday.
Borneo has year-round temperatures of between 27-32 degrees. Humidity is around 80% for most of the year, meaning it is hot and wet! Most areas of Borneo average around 220mm of rainfall a month with the heaviest rainfall generally occurring between November and April.
Melbourne has a reputation for its changeable weather, often having 'four seasons in a day', generally speaking the hottest time of year is between November and February with an average temperature around 25c, winter (June-Sept) can get cool with temperatures dropping to around 14c.
Dubai has a tropical desert climate with temperatures hitting above 40c in the summer (June to Sept) it is extremely hot and humid at this time. Between October & February is the nicest time to visit with temperatures ranging between 20c and 30c.
This itinerary is purely a suggestion, and can be tailor-made to your requirements, so please contact us with your dates and requests and we’ll put together a bespoke quotation for you.
18 nights in 5* or boutique accommodation, including:
Plus:
