Wild Borneo

Day 2 Kota Kinabalu

On arrival this morning we'll transfer to our hotel. 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 travellers 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.

Meals included: D

Day 3 Kota Kinabalu

Today you will visit the beautiful countryside of Kiulu. Entering a local village via a hanging bridge, we will have a scenic walk along the trails in this countryside area away from the crowds of the city. We will take a break at Native Dusun House in Tombung Village where the friendly host will welcome you to the house, and a light refreshment will be served. Visit the farm to experience rubber tapping and its process, and afterwards share life stories and local delicacies. Crossing another bridge the driver will transfer you to a riverside café. The trip ends and lunch is served before relaxing or having a cool dip in the river. We return this afternoon, where you have the opportunity to join our optional evening sunset by boat excursion. Which will introduce you to the sights of Koto Kinabalu from a different perspective. As the sun sets, Kota Kinabalu's coastline comes alive with dazzling city lights. Meals included: B,L

Day 4 North Borneo

Today our adventure will begin as we head towards the north of Borneo, we will travel past vast oil palm and coconut plantations on our way. Once we arrive we will learn a little of the traditional Rungus menu which is based on pickling, poaching and preserving local food, and sit down to enjoy lunch. Afterwards we take a stroll towards the very tip of Borneo, where we have chance to enjoy the beach and take some photos of the incredible scenery. This evening return back to Kota Kinabalu and if you wish visit the local night market.

Meals included: B,L

Day 5 Kinabalu National Park - Ranau

Kinabalu National Park is home to a huge variety of flora and fauna native to Borneo, including several hundred species that are found only in the park itself. 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 metres up in the canopy of the Menggaris tree – the 'King of the Forest' – for fantastic views.

Meals included: B,L,D

Day 6 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.

Meals included: B,L

Day 7 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 Centre 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 Centre to see these endearing animals, also known as honey bears, whose numbers are dwindling due to deforestation and poaching.
After lunch, we'll transfer to the jetty in Sandakan, from where we'll cruise up to the Lower Kinabatangan River Sanctuary. This wonderful journey takes us on the Sulu Sea and through magnificent mangrove forests. On arrival in Abai, we'll check in at the Kinabatangan Abai Jungle Lodge where later this afternoon we'll head off on a river cruise to search for wildlife. Watch the sunset whilst enjoying a cup of coffee and at night fall, continue the cruise to witness beautiful fireflies.

Meals included: B,L,D

Day 8 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.
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.
Meals included: B,L,D

Day 9 Abai - Sukau

During a free morning at the lodge, perhaps join some of your travelling companions and head off to explore your surroundings; stilted paths up to 800 metres 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, for an overnight stay. 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.

Meals included: B,L,D

Day 10 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 travellers for a farewell dinner.

Meals included: B,D

Day 11 Sandakan - UK

Spend time at leisure before leaving Sandakan to catch our return flight home.

Meals included: B

Day 12 UK

You'll arrive back in the UK today.

Additional Information

Please note - Due to the incredible natural surroundings of Borneo, the hotels we have selected are basic and remote. However, the hotels we have picked are optimised for the itinerary. On the evening of day 6 in Sandakan, all guests will need to pack a small backpack with essential items for the next 4 days. Your main piece of luggage will be kept in the hotel luggage store in Sandakan. This is due to large luggage not being allowed on the boat from Sandakan to Abai In 2025 we will not be offering the optional excursion 'Sunset Dinner Cruise'.