Borneo Ultimate Nature, Wildlife &Island Escape

Duration: 14 Nights - 15 Days

Price: TBA

Country: Malaysia

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Description

This 14-night Borneo journey is designed for four adults and weaves together Sabah and Sarawak’s most extraordinary natural and coastal landscapes. Across two weeks you will explore ancient rainforests, encounter orangutans and other iconic wildlife, cruise jungle rivers, and discover Indigenous cultures and heritage towns. Stays in luxury rainforest lodges, boutique mountain retreats, and 5-star beachfront and island resorts provide comfort and character without rushing the pace. The itinerary balances guided adventures with generous free time, creating animmersive yet relaxing exploration of Malaysian Borneo’s rainforests, rivers, and islands.

Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival in Kota Kinabalu (Sabah)
Arrive in Kota Kinabalu where a private representative will welcome you at the airport and assist with your luggage. You will be transferred incomfort to your 5-star beachfront resort, giving you your first glimpse of Sabah’s coastal scenery. The rest of the day is at leisure to unwind after your journey, enjoy sea views, and explore the resort’s pools, bars, and restaurants. Take time to adjust to the tropical climate, stroll alongthe beach, or simply relax on your balcony as the sun sets over the South China Sea.

Day 2 – Kota Kinabalu Highlights
Begin your exploration of Kota Kinabalu with a relaxed city highlights tour designed to ease you into Borneo’s rhythm. Visit the striking floating mosque, enjoy panoramic views from Signal Hill, and browse local markets where you can sample snacks and see daily life unfold. The afternoon is left free so you can rest at the resort or continue wandering at your own pace. In the evening, enjoy an optional seaside sunset dinner, the perfect way to toast your first full day in Sabah with fresh seafood and ocean views.

Day 3 – Kota Kinabalu → Kinabalu National Park
Today you leave the coast and drive into the cool, misty foothills of Kinabalu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With your guide,explore botanical trails and mountain viewpoints while learning about the region’s rich bio diversity, including orchids, pitcher plants, and countless endemic species. Continue on to Poring Hot Springs, where elevated canopy walkways reveal a different perspective of the rainforest. You may choose to soak in the hot spring pools or simply enjoy the tranquil mountain atmosphere before settling into your boutique mountain lodge for the night.

Day 4 – Kinabalu → Sepilok (Sanctuary Region)
After breakfast, transfer back to the airport for a short flight to Sandakan on Sabah’s eastern coast. On arrival you will visit the renowned Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre to witness feeding time and observe rescued orangutans as they move freely between forest and platforms. Just next door, explore the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre to learn about efforts to protect the world’s smallest bear. Later, travel to your boutique rainforest lodge in the Sepilok sanctuary region, where an evening surrounded by jungle sounds sets the tone for the wildlife adventures ahead.

Day 5 – Sepilok / Sandakan Wildlife
Immerse yourself in the lush lowland rainforest around Sepilok with a flexible day focused on slow nature appreciation. Spend the morning atthe Rainforest Discovery Centre, wandering canopy walkways and birdwatching trails in search of hornbills, kingfishers, and other tropicalspecies. The afternoon offers options such as visiting Sandakan Memorial Park or the historic Agnes Keith House for insight into the region’swartime and colonial-era history. With plenty of time for photography, gentle walks, or simply enjoying the serenity of your lodge, this daybalances exploration with relaxation.

Day 6 – Sepilok → Kinabatangan River (Wildlife Safari)
Depart Sepilok and travel overland to the Kinabatangan River, famed as one of Borneo’s richest wildlife corridors. Arrive at your riversidenature lodge in time for lunch and a short rest before your first afternoon river safari. As you cruise along the jungle-lined banks, look forproboscis monkeys, macaques, hornbills, crocodiles, and, in certain seasons, wild pygmy elephants. An optional evening nature walk may revealnocturnal creatures and the sounds of the forest after dark, rounding out a thrilling introduction to life along the Kinabatangan.

Day 7 – Kinabatangan River Safaris
Enjoy a full day dedicated to discovering Kinabatangan’s extraordinary biodiversity through a series of guided excursions. Begin with a sunriseriver cruise when wildlife is most active, scanning the treetops and riverbanks for monkeys, birds, and other early risers. Later, join a guidedjungle walk with a naturalist to learn about forest ecology, animal tracks, and medicinal plants. In the afternoon, another boat safari takes you toquiet oxbow lakes and side channels where wildlife often gathers. After dark, an optional night walk may reveal owls, insects, and othernocturnal species, making this one of the most immersive wildlife days of your journey.

Day 8 – Kinabatangan → Danum Valley (Luxury Rainforest)
Leave the Kinabatangan floodplains and journey to the legendary Danum Valley, one of the last remaining tracts of primary rainforest inBorneo. Upon arrival, check into your luxury rainforest lodge set deep within the jungle canopy, where elevated walkways and open decksoverlook pristine foliage. In the evening, attend a wildlife briefing by in-house naturalists to understand the region’s conservation importanceand the species you may encounter. Depending on the lodge schedule, you may also have the option to join a guided night safari drive in searchof nocturnal animals such as civets, owls, and flying squirrels.

Day 9 – Danum Valley Experience
Spend a full day exploring Danum Valley in the company of expert guides who will help you uncover the secrets of this ancient ecosystem. Walkalong canopy walkways high above the forest floor, trek jungle trails to hidden viewpoints and waterfalls, and cool off with swims in clear junglepools. Throughout the day, keep watch for orangutans, gibbons, hornbills, deer, and other wildlife that thrive in this protected environment. Inthe evening, you may join a lecture or night hike, gaining deeper insight into rainforest ecology and the ongoing efforts to preserve Danum forfuture generations.

Day 10 – Danum Valley → Kota Kinabalu → Gaya Island
Today you depart the deep interior of Sabah, returning by road to Lahad Datu Airport for your flight back to Kota Kinabalu. On arrival, transferto the marina and board a scheduled boat across the bay to Gaya Island, part of Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. The journey shifts fromrainforest to reef as you arrive at your 5-star island resort and check into a spacious villa nestled between jungle and sea. The remainder of theday is free to relax, enjoy the pool and beach, or sip a drink while listening to the sounds of the ocean.

Day 11 – Gaya Island Marine Day
Immerse yourself in the tropical marine world surrounding Gaya Island with a full day at leisure for water-based activities. Snorkel above colourful coral gardens teeming with reef fish, or paddle a kayak through calm bays and mangrove-fringed coastlines. The resort can arrangeoptional scuba diving excursions or marine conservation programs for those who want a deeper understanding of the park’s ecosystems. Alternatively, simply relax on pristine beaches, enjoy poolside cocktails, or join a sunset cruise to watch the sky glow over the islands and Kota Kinabalu in the distance.

Day 12 – Gaya Island Free Day
Enjoy a completely unstructured day on Gaya Island to relax and tailor the experience to your own pace. Linger over a long breakfast, book aspa treatment, or join a guided nature walk through the island’s lush interior if you wish to stretch your legs. The beach and pool await for those who simply want to sunbathe, swim, and read with the sound of waves in the background. As evening falls, you may opt for a private dining experience under the stars or a quiet drink listening to the nocturnal sounds of the island forest.

Day 13 – Gaya Island → Kuching (Sarawak)
Bid farewell to Sabah’s islands as you take a boat transfer back to Kota Kinabalu and connect with your flight to Kuching in neighbouring Sarawak. Upon arrival, a private transfer will take you to your boutique 5-star riverfront hotel, ideally located for exploring the city on foot. Theevening is free to stroll the atmospheric waterfront promenade, sample local dishes at nearby restaurants, or wander into historic Chinatown’sshop houses and cafés. This gentle introduction to Kuching sets the scene for the cultural and wildlife experiences to come.

Day 14 – Sarawak Culture, Orangutans & Riverfront
In the morning, travel to Semenggoh Wildlife Centre, where semi-wild orangutans roam the surrounding forest and may emerge at feeding times, offering close yet respectful viewing opportunities. Afterward, continue your discovery of Sarawak’s culture with a visit to the Sarawak Cultural Village or a heritage walking tour through old Kuching’s historic streets. Learn about the traditions, architecture, and stories of theregion’s diverse Indigenous communities. The evening is free to shop for handicrafts, linger in riverside cafés, or enjoy dinner overlooking the illuminated riverfront skyline.

Day 15 – Departure
After a final breakfast in Kuching, enjoy some free time depending on your flight schedule—perhaps a last walk along the riverfront or a quick visit to a nearby café. At the appropriate time, a private transfer will collect you from your hotel and take you to Kuching International Airport. Your guide or driver will assist with luggage and check-in formalities as needed. Depart Borneo with lasting memories of rainforests, wild life encounters, island sunsets, and the warm hospitality of Sabah and Sarawak.

Includes

Return  Flights

14 nights of carefully curated accommodation in 5-star hotels, boutique lodges, and luxury rainforest retreats, chosen forcomfort, character, and location. 
All private airport transfers are provided throughout, 
Domestic flights between Kota Kinabalu,Sandakan, Lahad Datu, and Kuching as specified. 
You will enjoy all river safaris, canopy walks, guided treks, and wildlife tours listed in theitinerary, 
Visits to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
Sun Bear Conservation Centre
Kinabatangan River cruises. 
Danum Valley guided experiences, non-motorised Gaya Island marine activities
Daily breakfasts, and selected lunches and dinners atwilderness lodges are also covered, 
English-speaking naturalist guides, 
All park fees, conservation permits, 
24/7 ground supportincluded.

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