Borneo Discovery Adventure

Upon arrival to Sandakan Airport, you will be met and transferred on a shared basis to the resort for a three night stay inclusive of breakfast.

Accommodation: Sepilok Nature Resort, Run of House Room, Sandakan – 2 nights

This morning you will be picked up from the resort and transferred to Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre.  Proceed to watch a video show about the plight of the Orang Utans and the rehabilitation efforts ongoing at the Centre.  Walk ten minutes through the rainforest on wooden boardwalks to witness the feeding of the orang utans at 1000hrs then continue to the newly completed enclosed nursery area for young orang utans.  Thereafter visit the Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre to learn about conservation of the world’s smallest bear.  (B)

Note on Camera Use at Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre:

Any camera with zoom lens from 100 to 400mm, video camera or other video recording equipment for personal use is chargeable at RM10.00 per unit.  Any camera (fixed-lens - 400mm and above) or any film-making equipment is chargeable at RM1,000.00 per unit.  Mode of payment is cash only.

After lunch at the Sepilok Café (lunch at own expense), return to the resort.  Remainder of the day at own leisure. (B, L)

This morning you will be picked up from the resort to commence a 3-hour Sandakan Heritage Tour.  Begin the tour with a visit to one of the major town markets; there you will see the locals trading a wide array of food items such as fish, snacks, fruits, and other consumer products.  Next, visit the Puu Jih Shih Buddhist Temple which is located on the hilltop and offers a breathtaking panoramic view of Sandakan Bay.  Then, proceed to visit the St. Michael's and All Angels Church for a brief history of one the oldest buildings in Sandakan.

The next stop will be the historical Agnes Keith House, formerly home to the famous American author who penned the book ‘Land below the Wind’.  Afterwards, explore Sim Sim Water Village, a unique floating village with houses built on stilts. 

Finally, the tour also includes a visit to the Sandakan War Memorial; created to commemorate the World War II events that took place in Sandakan and North Borneo.

After lunch, proceed to Labuk Bay Proboscis Sanctuary.  Walk to witness the feeding of the elusive Proboscis Monkeys at the sanctuary. Transfer to the resort.  Remainder of the day at own leisure. (B, L)

Pick up from the resort and proceed for an overland journey to Poring, east of Kinabalu Park HQ.  Upon arrival, you'll be briefed by the local guide to walk amidst tropical lowland rainforests leading up to the treetop canopy walkways.  Visit the Kipungit Waterfall, stopping for a soak here OR in the rejuvenating hot sulphur public pools.  Thereafter, you will be transferred to Sutera Sanctuary Lodges for an overnight stay inclusive of breakfast.

Note: Vehicle chartered for overland transfer.  Shared vehicle with other guests.

Please bring along your drinking water bottle, insect repellent, hat, walking shoes & raincoat. If you are planning to have a dip in the Hot Springs, please bring along your swimwear, towel and dry clothes. (B)

Accommodation: Sutera Sanctuary Lodges, Jungle Lodge, Poring (Kota Kinabalu) – 1 night

Situated 1,585 m above sea level, Kinabalu Park (WORLD HERITAGE SITE - UNESCO) offers accommodation on Mount Kinabalu, Malaysia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. It features a restaurant and bar. Free parking is provided.  Rooms are equipped with a TV, tea/coffee maker and ironing facilities.

Early this morning you will be collected from the lodge to continue 2 hours overland to the foothills of Mt. Kinabalu at 5000ft.  Visit the Kundasang War Memorial Park to learn about Sabah's WWII history and for great photos with the majestic Mount Kinabalu (if weather permits).  Thereafter, visit the Education Centre and Mountain Garden and if the weather permits, take a short stroll on one of the many nature trails.  Learn about the wonderful flora of Kinabalu Park as the local guide shares the many hidden delights you'll probably miss if you've come on your own.  Depart from Kinabalu Park and transfer to Kota Kinabalu for a three-night stay.

Notes: Sightings of Rafflesia blooming is seasonal. If the tour date coincides with Rafflesia blooming, clients may visit the private garden near Poring Hot Springs at own expense (approximately RM30 per person per entrance). (B, L)

Accommodation: Horizon Hotel, Superior City View Room, Kota Kinabalu – 3 nights

Boasting 4 dining options and an outdoor swimming pool, Horizon Hotel is located in Kota Kinabalu.  The property is a 5-minute walk to Gaya Street and offers elegant, air-conditioned guest rooms.  Free WiFi is accessible throughout and free parking is provided.

Overlooking the sea or the city, every room is fitted with a flat-screen satellite TV and a minibar.  The en suite bathroom includes a shower and free toiletries.  For your comfort, a hairdryer and ironing facilities are available.  Daily buffet breakfast is served at Deco Cafe & Grill, which also features a bar.  Malaysian specialties are offered at The Asian Restaurant, while you can grab pastries and coffee at Pastria.

This morning, you will be picked up from the hotel for the 3.5hrs Kota Kinabalu City Tour.  The tour includes a brief visit to Tanjung Lipat, which offers panoramic scenery of the Gaya Island, South China Sea, Tun Mustapha Tower and the Kampung Likas village.  Proceed to the Kota Kinabalu City Mosque, recognized as one of the most beautiful mosques in Malaysia.  Visit the Puh Toh Tze Buddhist temple.  Discover Sabah Museum's unique Heritage before returning to the hotel.  (B)

Note: Please remove shoes before entering mosque. Women need to wear a headscarf, long skirt and long-sleeved blouse when entering mosque.  You can rent a headscarf if you forget to bring one.

Due to access limitation, the visit to Signal Hill is only accessible by 8-seater van and not feasible for a group of 8 persons and above.

Today is at own leisure to explore Kota Kinabalu.

Kota Kinabalu is situated on the tropical island of Borneo.  A modern capital with warm hospitality that is hardly found in many places around the world.  Just around a corner there are long sandy beaches, paradise islands, virgin coral reefs, tropical rain forests; and the mighty Mount Kinabalu is only 90 minutes away. (B)

Optional tours may include:

• Night Market (incl. dinner): AU$75 Per Person
• Coral Island (incl. lunch): AU$100 Per Person
• Gaya Island Rainforest Walk (incl. lunch): AU$120 Per Person
• Mari Mari Cultural Village (incl. lunch): AU$80 Per Person
• Kiulu River Rafting (incl. lunch): AU$90 Per Person
• Padas Whitewater Spectacular (incl. lunch): AU$120 Per Person
• Quad Biking in Kiulu (incl. lunch): AU$110 Per Person
• Free 2-hour Walking Tour (Tue, Thur, Sat)

Please enquire for more information on these tours.

Today you will be picked up from the hotel and transferred to Kota Kinabalu Airport to meet the departure flight, to commence onward arrangements. (B)

Please note: The day by day descriptions are intended as an indicative guide only. Travel by nature is unpredictable. Weather patterns, road conditions, public holidays, travel restrictions and many other factors may necessitate itinerary changes that are ultimately for the client’s benefit. It is essential that clients are flexible in this regard.