WalkthroughThe island of Borneo evokes wonderful images of rainforests, exotic wildlife, and of course its most famous inhabitant – the orangutan. This small-group tour is a fantastic choice for wildlife enthusiasts, where experiences include a visit to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, a trip into Kinabalu National Park and a two-night stay within the nature-rich Sukau Rainforest.
Offer Highlights
- Visit an Orangutan Nursery
- Stay in the heart of the rainforest
- Spot wildlife from the water
Itinerary
Day 1: UK to Kota Kinabalu
Depart from the UK on your overnight flight to Kota Kinabalu.
Day 2: Kota Kinabalu
On arrival, meet your local guide and transfer to your hotel where you’ll be staying for the next four nights. A gorgeous retreat set in tropical grounds, the Shangri-La Rasa Ria is a haven of relaxation with a vast white-sand beach and delightful pool. Following your long flight, the remainder of the day is free for you to spend at leisure. In the evening, the welcome dinner will be at the D’Place Restaurant for a taste of traditional Kadazan cuisine.
Stay: Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria Resort & Spa (or similar)
Meals: Dinner
Day 3: Kota Kinabalu
After breakfast, transfer to the jetty where you’ll take a short ferry ride over to one of Kota Kinabalu’s nearby islands. Discover mangrove swamps and some of the best lowland rainforest in the area as you embark on a guided trek. As you take in your exotic surroundings, your guide will explain all about the unique flora and fauna you’re passing. After the walk, enjoy a barbecue lunch and spend the next few hours exploring the island at leisure. If you’re feeling adventurous, grab a snorkel and head out for underwater exploration, or stay put on the sand for some relaxing downtime. Later this afternoon, head back by boat to the mainland where you’ll transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day will be at leisure.
Stay: Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria Resort & Spa (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4: Kota Kinabalu
Today you’ll discover the spectacular biodiversity of Kinabalu National Park. The first UNESCO World Heritage site in Malaysia, the park is home to almost 100 different wildlife species, more than 5000 plant varieties and the dominating summit of Mount Kinabalu. Depart the hotel and take a scenic two-hour drive towards the national park, on the way stopping at a market where you’ll have some time to explore the local wares. Notice the air temperature cool slightly as you arrive at Kinabalu Park, and stretch your legs with a guided nature walk through the flora-rich Botanical Garden – if the weather is good, you may get a clear view of Mount Kinabalu. Have lunch at a local restaurant before leaving the park for the Poring Hot Springs – a popular area named for the giant bamboo species that surround them. Enjoy a short canopy walk through the jungle before returning to your hotel later this evening.
Stay: Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria Resort & Spa (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5: Kota Kinabalu
After breakfast, depart the city for a morning in the Mari Mari Cultural Village. Secluded in the countryside, this remote village operates as a living museum that aims to preserve Borneo’s ethnic cultures and age-old traditions. Learn all about the indigenous tribes of Sabah and visit demonstration huts to see ancient practices brought to life. Learn how to make blowpipes and start fires with bamboo, and try a selection of Sabah’s traditional delicacies. Join the villagers for a buffet lunch before returning to your hotel this afternoon. The rest of the day will be at your leisure; from t’ ai chi (extra cost), yoga and aquatic exercises, the resort features lots of activities you can get stuck into, or you can relax beside the infinity pool.
Stay: Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria Resort & Spa (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 6: Kota Kinabalu to Sukau
Early this morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to the colonial city of Sandakan. A tour highlight, this morning you’ll spend some time at the world-famous Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. Walkthrough the rainforest towards the free-roaming area feeding platform, where you’ll have the chance to watch the orangutans during their morning feed. See the baby orangutans play in the centre’s outdoor nursery ahead of a visit to the nearby Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre. Sometimes known as the ‘honey bear’ for their love of honeycomb, Malayan sun bears are the smallest bears in the world and can only be found in Southeast Asia. After lunch, take a scenic two-hour boat ride along the Kinabatangan River; home to one of the most exceptional wildlife concentrations in Borneo. Arrive at your next hotel, the award-winning Sukau Rainforest Lodge which sits right on the river’s edge, before heading back out for a late afternoon river cruise. As night falls, sit down for a special candlelit dinner overlooking the beautiful riverbank.
Stay: Sukau Rainforest Lodge (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Sukau
Before breakfast at the lodge, you’ll join an early morning river cruise towards the spectacular Oxbow Lake. Here you can become engrossed in nature as you pass local birds and lush emerald forestry. Return to the lodge and accompany the in-house naturalist on tour along the Hornbill Boardwalk. Have lunch and learn all about the conservation efforts for the orangutans before heading back out to the river for your second-afternoon cruise. The river’s surroundings are hugely important to Borneo’s fantastic eco-system; with more than 200 bird species it’s a birdwatcher’s paradise, and the wildlife nearby is superb. As you glide along the river, look out for probosci's monkeys and Bornean gibbons, as well as smaller pygmy elephants and Bornean bearded pigs.
Stay: Sukau Rainforest Lodge (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Sukau to Kota Kinabalu
After breakfast, check out and return to Sandakan by boat. You’ll have some time for lunch before you continue towards the Rainforest Discovery Centre, which aims to educate visitors all about Borneo’s wildlife. Head to the canopy walkway to see the rainforest from above and explore the beautiful botanical garden to discover the incredible variants of Borneo’s tropical plants. Leave the centre and continue towards Sandakan Memorial Park; a sobering dedication to all of the prisoners of war who died here in World War Two. Return to the airport for your flight back to Kota Kinabalu, where on arrival you’ll transfer to your hotel.
Stay: Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria Resort & Spa (or similar)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 9: Kota Kinabalu
Spend today at leisure before your transfer to the airport for your overnight return flight to the UK.
Meals: Breakfast
What's included
- Return flights from London Heathrow
- Quality accommodation
- Insightful local tour leaders
- Hand-picked itineraries
- Flexible arrival times
- Small groups
- Porterage and guide tips
- Meals where most convenient (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
- Based on 2 adults sharing
When Can I go
This offer is based on departing on 19th April 2021. For alternative dates or airports, please speak to your Personal Travel Consultant.
Terms and conditions
Subject to terms and conditions and availability. Prices subject to change, correct at time of publishing.
