Itinerary in brief:
- 2 nights Kota Kinabalu
- 1 night Sukau
- 2 nights Danum Valley
- 2 nights Gaya Island
- 4 nights Melbourne
- 2 nights Yarra Valley
- 2 nights Mornington Peninsula
- 3 nights Dubai
- 1 night Bab al Shams, desert stay
Day 1: Depart UK
You will depart the UK today from your chosen airport
Included: International flight
Day 2: Arrive in Kota Kinabalu, Borneo
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.
Included: Private arrival transfer, hotel & private guide
Day 3: Kinabalu Park
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.
Included: Hotel, breakfast & touring
Day 4: Kota Kinabalu to Sukau
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!
Included: Transfer, domestic flight, arrival transfer, hotel & touring
Day 5: Sukau to Danum Valley
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.
Included: Hotel, breakfast, lunch, dinner & domestic flight
Day 6: Danum Valley
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.
Included: Hotel, touring
Day 7: Sukai to Gaya Island
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.
Included: Hotel, breakfast, domestic flight, transfers & lunch
Day 8: Gaya Island Resort
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.
Included: Hotel & breakfast
Day 9: Borneo to Melbourne
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.
Included: Breakfast & flight
Day 10: Arrive in Melbourne
Upon arrival, your private transfer will whisk you off to the 5* Langham Hotel for the next 4 nights.
Included: Hotel & private transfer
Day 11: Melbourne
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.
Included: Hotel & breakfast
Day 12: Great Ocean Road Day Tour
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.
Included: Hotel, breakfast & Great Ocean Road tour (shared transport)
Day 13: Free time in Melbourne
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?
Included: Hotel & breakfast
Day 14: Drive to the Yarra Valley
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.
Included: Hotel & car hire
Day 15: Yarra Valley
You have a free day now for you to explore the region at your leisure.
Included: Hotel, transfer, balloon flight & breakfast
Day 16-17: Vineyard retreat, Mornington Peninsula
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!
Included: Hotel & car hire
Day 18: Fly to Dubai
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.
Included: Hotel, breakfast, car hire, flight & transfers
Day 19 & 20: Dubai
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).
Included: Hotel & breakfast
Day 21: Overnight in the desert
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.
Included: Hotel, breakfast, dinner & transfers
Day 22: Depart Dubai
After breakfast you will be taken by private transfer to the airport for your final flight back to the UK.
Included: Transfer
Day 23: Arrive UK
You will arrive home today to complete your holiday.
Included: International flight
