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Borneo Adventure

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Malaysia 9 DAYS

THU 19 JUN - FRI 27 JUN 2025

From A$3,475 per person

Overview

Amazing Borneo! Wildlife galore, nature, jungle, beaches, islands, history, cuisine - there is so much to enjoy about this piece of paradise in South East Asia.

On this 9 day trip, we will explore the state of Sabah - from Sandakan in the east to Kota Kinabalu in the west and many places in between!

Glamping on Libaran Island - a turtle conservation zone

We take a ferry transfer across to Libaran Island (approx 40 minutes) and have time to explore this little island. Tonight's accommodation is in safari tents! Basic tents, but comfortable and with everything you need. After watching the sun go down, you'll have the chance in the evening to witness turtles coming across to shore to lay their eggs! And maybe even the chance to see baby turtles released from the hatchery. The turtle sanctuary is run by an NGO and managed by the local villagers on the island. Learn about turtle conservation from these locals who have witnessed first hand the positive affect their conservation efforts have had.

Visiting the Orangutan conservation centre in Sepilok

The Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre (SOURC) was established in 1964 to rehabilitate orphaned orangutans. It has since grown from having just an outdoor platform to having an Outdoor Nursery viewing area. The location within the Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve, is also suitable for trekking and birding. Ideally a place like this wouldn't exist! But with orangutans habitat being destroyed by illegal farming, and orangutans being poached and killed it will sadly remain a necessity for a little while longer.

Sun Bear conservation centre

Sun bears are the smallest bears in the world and are only found in Southeast Asia. These bears continue to be threatened by forest degradation, illegal hunting for bear parts and poaching to obtain young cubs for pet trade. The Sun Bear Conservation Centre was established to rescue and rehabilitate bears with approximately 40 sun bears being cared for at any one time.

Night walk at the Rainforest Discovery Centre

Experience the enchanting Rainforest Discovery Centre at night and witness the lively nocturnal creatures that come out after sunset. The expert guides will take you on a thrilling night walk through the trails, where you'll discover the diverse flora and fauna that thrive in the darkness. You will also have the chance to visit the Rainforest Discovery centre during the day - and experience the rainforest skywalk and a different environment completely!

Kinabangtan River Cruises - take three river trips during your stay

The 560km Sungai Kinabatangan is Sabah’s longest waterway and the second largest in Malaysia. This mighty river is an excellent place to see both wild orangutans and long-nosed, leaf-eating proboscis monkeys.

It's also home to langurs and an abundance of birdlife, including hornbills, crested serpent eagles and stork-billed kingfishers. If you’re very lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of a Bornean elephant, while the river itself is home to freshwater sharks and crocodiles.

The best way to experience the river and see the amazing wildlife is by boat, and during our stay by the Kingabangtan River, you will experience three boat cruises, at different times of day.

Explore Kinabalu National Park

Kinabalu National Park is home to Mt Kinabalu - 4095 m high! There are plenty of hiking trails to explore in this national park, and enjoy the altitude and cooler temperatures. The villages in this area are sometimes 2000 m above sea level.

Chill out by the beach at a resort with the chance to snorkel

Explore Kota Kinabalu or choose to chill out by the resort pool or by the beach! There is an option to take a snorkelling trip to a nearby island. This trip requires a minimum number and is an additional A$165 per person.

Learn about the culture and traditions of Borneo

Experience local life through the eyes of our guide, plus the local people you will meet along the trip. A visit to the Kiulu Village on Day 7 will also provide a great opportunity to learn about Bornean life and culture. Plus all the delicious local cuisine you will get to enjoy throughout the trip! Fresh fruit such as rambutans, and local delicacies such as seafood laksa and nasi lemak will be high on your list to try!

Itinerary

SHOWALL
Thu 19
Fri 20
Sat 21
Sun 22
Mon 23
Tue 24
Wed 25
Thu 26
Fri 27

Nothing scheduled for this day, click ALL to see everything

19 Jun 2025

Thu 19 Jun 2025

Day 1 - arrive into Sandakan, Sabah

Welcome to Sabah, Borneo! Today you fly into the second city, Sandakan to begin your adventure through Borneo. Try for a morning or midday flight arrival time (domestic flights are available from Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur will be the easiest place to transfer through)

In the afternoon, explore the city of Sandakan, visiting the Sandakan memorial and historic Agnes Keith house.

Agnes Keith House, is the restored home of an American writer best known for her accounts of life in Borneo during WW1. The Sandakan War Memorial, is built on the site of a Japanese Prisoners of War camp. Here you can learn about the tragic Sandakan Death Marches, when 2400 prisoners of war were forced to walk through the jungles of Borneo with only six survivors.

In the evening, join the group and your guide, for your welcome dinner and your first Malaysian meal.

Accommodation: Sabah Hotel or similar
Meals: Dinner

20 Jun 2025

Fri 20 Jun 2025

Day 2 - glamping on Libaran Island and turtle sanctuary

Today you will transfer to Libaran island and turtle hatchery. The boat transfer takes around 45 minutes, and you will be staying in safari tents on the island.

Walai Penyu Conservation Park combines community experiences with conservation values to make your stay an unforgettable one. Beach frontage and a limit of 15 people staying per night. Watch the sun set and witness the releasing of baby sea turtles in the evening. Walai Penyu simply means home for the Sea Turtles.

Turtle spotting isn't guaranteed but it's a wonderful experience!

Accommodation: Safari tent - WPCP Libraran Island

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

21 Jun 2025

Sat 21 Jun 2025

Day 3 - Sepilok - orangutans, rainforest and sun bears

Today you'll take the boat transfer back to the main island, and then continue on to the township of Sepilok. It's a busy day of wildlife and nature!

Here is where you'll visit the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. The sanctuary was established to help reintroduce these wonderful creatures back into the wild after a life of domestication or being orphaned. From the viewing platform, watch and photograph the orangutans as they swing into view. Observe young orangutans as they learn how to climb in the nursery.

Today you will also visit the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Center. Here, rescued sun bears, many of whom have endured years of mistreatment, are given a second chance at life. Learn about the rehabilitation process and how they are reintroduced back into the wild.

The Rainforest Discovery Centre is also in Sepilok. Here you can roam the treetop walkways while you learn more about the flora and birdlife of Borneo. You will visit the centre in the afternoon and also for a special night walk - where you will have the chance to see species only prevalent in the dark hours.

Accommodation: Nature Lodge (or similar)

Meals: Breakfast

22 Jun 2025

Sun 22 Jun 2025

Day 4 - Kinabatabangan - river cruise

Today will travel on to Kinabatabangan. Journey by private bus into the rainforest to Bilit – a small village on the banks of the Kinabatangan River – and then take a short boat ride to the comfortable jungle lodge where you’ll spend the night. Located on the riverbanks, the lodge is a brilliant place to spot wildlife. For an even better place, you will head out on an afternoon boat ride and look out for macaques, orangutan, proboscis monkeys and pygmy elephants.

Accommodation: Proboscis Lodge Bukit Melapi or similar

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

23 Jun 2025

Mon 23 Jun 2025

Day 5 - Kinabatangan - morning and afternoon river cruises

Embark on another boat safari early this morning – different species come out at different times, so keep your eyes peeled! Then, in the afternoon, head back on the boat for another river excursion.

Accommodation: Proboscis Lodge Bukit Melapi or similar

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

24 Jun 2025

Tue 24 Jun 2025

Day 6 - Kinabalu National Park

It's a long drive today (approx 5 hours) which gives you a chance to see some of the countryside in Sabah. You will arrive at a lodge in the grounds of Kinabalu Park.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Kinabalu Pine Resort

25 Jun 2025

Wed 25 Jun 2025

Day 7 - local village and then Kota Kinabalu

In the morning you will have the chance to visit Kiulu Village. Learn about the traditions and cultures of the local people and enjoy a meal prepared by the village. Our visit here supports the organisation - MUKEST. which oversees community development in the village.

After your visit, continue travelling towards the largest city in Sabah, Kota Kinabalu.

Accommodation is at a resort by the beach, so as well as exploring the town there will be time to relax and sit by the pool!

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Accommodation: Nexus Resort & Spa Karambunai

26 Jun 2025

Thu 26 Jun 2025

Day 8 - Kota Kinabalu - free time to explore, snorkel or relax

Optional

Price : Snorkelling trip A$165 pp

Today is a free day for you to enjoy in and around Kota Kinabalu. Our resort is situated on the beach, so you might like to take a snorkelling trip to a nearby island, or enjoy some beach or pool time. Alternatively you can travel into Kota Kinabalu (30-40 minutes) and spend some time visiting the city. Sabah State Museum, the Kota Kinabalu city Mosque or the Wetland Centre - might all be options for a city explore.

In the evening, the group gather for the final night together and a farewell dinner.

Snorkelling trip - optional (requires a minimum number) A$165 per person

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Accommodation: Nexus Resort & Spa Karambunai

27 Jun 2025

Fri 27 Jun 2025

Day 9 -departure day

No activities are planned for today - after breakfast, you can enjoy the resort before checking out for your flight onwards.

Your airport transfer is provided.

You have the option to extend your stay in Kota Kinabalu or to add on additional nights in Kuala Lumpur on your way home - contact me to organise this.