Duration(in days): 8
From: Kota Kinabalu
To: Kota Kinabalu
See more ideas for: Borneo
Experience the best of Borneo with this fabulous trip that will enthral you every step of the way! Experience traditional cultural visits in Kota Kinabalu and spend time with the Orangutans at the rehabilitation centre in Sepilok before heading to Gaya Island for a spot of relaxation, this week-long trip packs in the best the country has to offer, perfect for those short on time.
Once you land in Kota Kinabalu, you’ll be met by your private driver and taken to your hotel, where you will check in for your 2 night stay.
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.
After breakfast at your hotel, you’ll head off to Kinabalu Park, which is nominated by UNESCO as a World Heritage site and one of the most biologically diverse areas in the world. Mount Kinabalu is located here, which is the highest mountain in Malaysia, and towers majestically at 4095 metres.
From the Oak-Chestnut forest, you will proceed to the lowlands forest at Poring. Here you will get to cross a canopy walkway to view the epiphytes (a plant that grows upon another plant!) on the treetops.
If time permits, you will then be able to take a dip in the Hot Springs where the sulphuric content of the natural springs are said to have therapeutic value.
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.
Your day today will be spent exploring the jungle! Start with a trek to the Kadazandusun burial site, before continuing to the viewpoint for a simply stunning bird’s eye view of Danum Valley and the Borneo lowland rainforest.
After a morning of trekking, descend to the jacuzzi pool for a well-earned dip! From here there are a couple of optional activities – you can go water tubing along the Danum River, or trek along the Segama River.
Weather permitting, there is the option to go on a night walk around the lodge and search for nocturnal animals.
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.
This is your rest & relaxation day, left completely free for you to enjoy the hotel, its facilities, and the surrounding area. Take time to relax, pamper yourself, and truly unwind.
Sadly your time in Borneo has to come to an end today. A boat will take you back to Sutera Harbour Marina, and you will then be transferred by land to the airport to meet your onward flight.
If you wish to spend a few more night in Gaya Island, or like the idea of adding in a spot of diving and snorkelling, just get in touch and we can put together a bespoke itinerary just for you.
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.
All of our itineraries are tailor-made to give you an idea of just some of what is possible; this means we can adjust as necessary to completely suit your needs! Let your travel consultant know how long you plan to spend away, what you like to do, what properties you like to stay in and an idea of your budget and we will do the rest!
7 nights accommodation in 4/5* style accommodation
Accommodation in this category includes: