Your itinerary

DAY 1 KOTA KINABALU

Make your own way to Kota Kinabalu. Your Holiday Director will meet you at your hotel for your welcome meeting. Kota Kinabalu is the capital of Sabah, one of two Malaysian states on the exotic island of Borneo and our base for the next three nights. Tonight we gather with your fellow travelers to enjoy a sumptuous Malaysian welcome dinner at a local restaurant, where you’ll be able to try the iconic Kadaza-Dusun cuisine and try unique Malaysian foods. After dinner enjoy a lively cultural performance of Sabah dancers. (D)

HORIZON HOTEL, KOTA KINABALU (3 STAR)

DAY 2 KOTA KINABALU

Today you will be picked up from the hotel and driven into beautiful countryside in the region of Kiulu for a scenic walk. The walk takes you through lush Bornean countryside along rivers and paths before taking a break at Dusan House in Tombung Village, and let the friendly host welcome you while enjoying light refreshments. Visit their farm to experience rubber tapping and its process, as well as sharing life stories and local delicacies. The walk ends at the riverside where lunch is served, then relax or take a refreshing dip in the river.

Later you might choose to join our optional evening sunset cruise which will introduce you to the sights of Kota Kinabalu from a different perspective. As the sun sets, Kota Kinabalu’s coastline comes alive with dazzling city night lights. (B,L)

HORIZON HOTEL, KOTA KINABALU (3 STAR)

DAY 3 NORTH BORNEO

Today our adventure will begin as we head towards the north of Borneo where we will travel past vast oil palm and coconut plantations on our way to the village of Bavanggazo, where we’ll step inside a longhouse. Built on stilts, these buildings are home to several families of the indigenous Rungus tribes. The Rungus are mostly artisans who excel in woven basketry and intricate beadwork. This evening return back to Kota Kinabalu and if you wish visit the local night market. (B,L)

HORIZON HOTEL, KOTA KINABALU (3 STAR)

DAY 4 KINABALU NATIONAL PARK - RANAU

Kinabalu National Park is home to a huge variety of flora and fauna native to Borneo. We’ll explore on our included guided nature trek along one of the many trails, and also catch a glimpse of Mount Kinabalu, which is South East Asia’s highest peak. After a stop at Poring Hot Springs, where we can take a dip in the soothing waters, perhaps take a thrilling walk more than 40 meters up in the canopy of the Menggaris tree – the ‘King of the Forest’ – for fantastic views. (B,L,D)

KINABALU PINES RESORT, RANAU

DAY 5 RANAU - SANDAKAN

Enjoy scenic views of the Kundasang highlands as we travel by road to Sandakan. We’ll stop for lunch in a restaurant before we visit Sandakan Memorial Park. This was built in honour of the Prisoners of War who died in the Sandakan Death Marches during the Second World War. (B,L)

THE SABAH HOTEL, SANDAKAN (4 STAR)

DAY 6 SANDAKAN - ABAI

Borneo is one of two places in the world where the endangered orangutan still lives in the wild, and we’ll visit the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center to observe man’s closest relative and enjoy a walk in the tropical lowland forest. We’ll also head to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Center to see these endearing animals, also known as honey bears, whose numbers are dwindling due to deforestation and poaching.

After lunch, we’ll cruise up to the Lower Kinabatangan River Sanctuary. This wonderful journey takes us on the Sulu Sea and through magnificent mangrove forests. After arriving in Abai, we’ll head off on a river cruise to search for wildlife. We’ll watch the sunset and as it gets darker we’ll see fireflies twinkling in the night sky. After dinner, we take another cruise to discover the jungle at night with an expert nature guide. (B,L,D)

ABAI JUNGLE LODGE, ABAI

DAY 7 ABAI

Wake up to the wonderful sounds of the rainforest then cruise to the Pitas lake to observe wildlife. We’ll head back to the hotel for breakfast before we are invited to join a tree-planting project with the locals. A simple lunch will be arranged by the villagers at Abai village. Back at the lodge perhaps take time to explore the boardwalk behind the lodge, you may be lucky and spot wild orangutan, silver leaf monkeys and many other types of wildlife. We will round off the day with another cruise to see more wildlife. (B,L,D)

ABAI JUNGLE LODGE, ABAI

DAY 8 ABAI - SUKAU

During a free morning at the lodge, perhaps join some of your traveling companions and head off to explore your surroundings – stilted paths up to 800 meters long stretch into the forest, and animals often venture quite close. After lunch, our wildlife search continues as we cruise up river to our next destination, Sukau. Here we’ll look out for primates, in particular orangutans, as well as pygmy elephants and exotic birds – some of the world’s most spectacular species are resident in Borneo.

After checking in to our lodge, we’ll take to the water again to enjoy wonderful views and search for exotic wildlife. (B,L,D)

KINABATANGAN RIVERSIDE LODGE, SUKAU

DAY 9 SUKAU - SANDAKAN

Today we depart Sukau and make our way back to Sandakan. This rest of the day is at leisure before meeting with your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner. (B,D)

THE SABAH HOTEL, SANDAKAN (4 STAR)

DAY 10 SANDAKAN

Today it's time to say goodbye to your fellow travelers as your trip comes to an end. (B)

Optional Excursion

SUNSET DINNER CRUISE

FROM $219

Your unforgettable late afternoon on the North Borneo Cruise begins at Sutera Marina Jetty where you will become acquainted with the charms of Kota Kinabalu on a whole new level. Your evening unfolds along the sultry sun-tinged South China Sea. Panoramic ocean views, warmth of the setting sun and gentle sea breeze grace the upper-deck while a live band serenades the ethnic themed air-conditioned restaurant below with acoustic favourites. As the sun sets Kota Kinabalu’s coastline comes alive with dazzling city night lights. Limited spaces available - must be pre-booked in advance.

Please note: This tour requires a good degree of physical fitness and is not suitable for anyone with limited mobility. You will be required to board boats and walk in a variety of terrain. Most walks take place on paths and tracks, but some will be slightly more strenuous and may involve moderate slopes, tracks, hills and foot bridges, which may be rough underfoot at times. Sturdy shoes are essential. TOUR

HOTELS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE AND WILL BE CONFIRMED WITHIN YOUR FINAL DOCUMENTATION