BORNEO

Welcome to Malaysian Borneo, a land of diverse wonders and breathtaking landscapes. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure! Swipe to learn more!

Welcome to the wildlife paradise of North Borneo, a haven for diverse flora and fauna. As you arrive, our friendly guide will warmly greet you before embarking on a remarkable journey to the renowned Sepilok area. Begin your adventure in the embrace of nature at a cozy resort nestled among the trees.

Once you've settled in, take a leisurely stroll through the beautiful surroundings, keeping an eye out for fascinating wildlife encounters. Keep your senses keen for sightings of the elusive Borneo Black-banded squirrel, the graceful Flying Squirrel, and if you're fortunate, even the rare presence of wild orangutans. Immerse yourself in the natural wonders that surround you.

To kick off the trip, join us for an icebreaking welcome dinner at the resort's restaurant, where you can connect with fellow travelers and prepare for the exciting experiences that lie ahead. 

Rise and shine for your first full day in Borneo. Today is a free day so you can choose to sleep in to overcome your jet lag or get out there and explore with the rest of your travel crew! Take a walk around your cozy resort which is nestled in a semi-forest area. You never know what you'll see! You can also choose to venture to some sites within Sepillok - like the Orangutan and Sun Bear conservation Centre. The choice is yours! 

Embark on an adventure to the renowned Kinabatangan River, departing your accommodation around 13:00. Stretching over 350 miles from inner Borneo to the Sulu Sea, this biodiverse region stands as Southeast Asia's most remarkable area. While some parts of the region have shifted to palm oil plantations, conservation efforts are underway with support from the tourism industry to protect and sustain the wildlife and habitats along the riverbanks.

The Kinabatangan River offers a chance to spot a variety of fascinating creatures, including the iconic Pygmy Elephants, Orangutans, Hornbills, Proboscis Monkeys, and Estuarine Crocodiles. Although sightings of the "big five" are not guaranteed, it's common to observe proboscis monkeys, monitor lizards, and other primates during your journey along the river. After a scenic two-hour drive from Sepilok, our driver will take a break at the rural Kinabatangan riverside, setting the stage for your memorable exploration.

Start your day with a refreshing wake-up call in the misty rainforest at 6:00. Grab some snacks or a cup of coffee to energize yourself for an early morning cruise at Oxbow Lake. We will participate in a lake restoration programme with BEST Society. The lake is an ecologically important habitat that has a high conservation value. The aim of the project is to clean up the invasive species that threaten the lake’s health. The programme involves removing invasive weeds from the lake’s surface. Marvel at the serene beauty of nature for a few hours and then return to the lodge for a hearty breakfast. Next, join the in-house Orang Utan Talk session and learn about the fascinating secrets of these amazing creatures.

In the evening, embark on another two-hour river cruise for a chance to spot wildlife. End your day with a delicious dinner with the rest of your crew.

Begin your day with an early morning river cruise, embarking on a quest to spot wildlife in their natural habitat. After lunch, venture into the jungle surrounding the river area for a two-hour exploration where you can discover the diverse flora and fauna up close. Immerse yourself in the rich ecosystem, with opportunities to observe small creatures and appreciate the beauty of the plants. Later in the day, you'll participate in a meaningful tree planting project aimed at restoring the forest habitat and creating a corridor between palm oil plantations to support the natural environment.

In the evening, enjoy another two-hour river cruise as you soak in the peaceful ambiance. The river is one of the best places to spot wildlife due to the dense foliage of the jungle. Wind down the day with a group dinner.

Embark on a four-hour land journey through the scenic Borneo Inland area, reaching a tea plantation nestled in the highlands. After checking in, you can relax and take in the rural charm of the area and enjoy the stunning view of Borneo's tallest mountain from the lodge. This remote resort offers a refreshing change of weather compared to the lowlands, providing an excellent setting for outdoor activities or personal yoga sessions. Take this opportunity to relax and unwind amidst the peaceful surroundings, immersing yourself in the tranquility of the highland retreat. 

Depart your accommodation for a one-hour transfer to a rural village nestled in a picturesque valley. You'll receive a warm welcome from the friendly villagers, who will accompany us on a delightful village walk. During our visit, we'll have the opportunity to witness the last remaining coffee farm in North Borneo and gain insights into the coffee processing techniques used to create the flavorful coffee powder. Enjoy a unique local coffee experience during lunchtime, savoring the distinct flavors of the region.

In addition to the coffee farm, we'll also explore a pineapple farm and a honey farm, discovering the secrets behind this local produce. As we engage with the villagers, they will share their inspiring stories of resilience and survival in the face of a devastating earthquake that struck their community. Gain a deeper understanding of their experiences and witness their remarkable ability to cope with the aftermath. To conclude the day, a delectable dinner will be served by our gracious host, providing a taste of authentic local cuisine.

The Dusun village holds a significant historical past, marked by a tradition of head-hunting, where machetes were once used to sever the heads of their adversaries. While this practice was left behind with the arrival of British colonial rule, today you have the unique oppotunity to visit a machete maker's house and witness the skillful craftsmanship involved in creating these traditional weapons.

During the afternoon, take your time to embrace the tranquil and secluded ambiance of the village, immersing yourself in its relaxed atmosphere. Engage with the welcoming villagers, learn about their customs and way of life, take a walk by yourself or hang out, playing games with others from your group. As the day draws to a close, come together for a dinner which will be served by your host.

Bid farewell to the mountainous highlands as you embark on your journey towards the coast on a three-hour drive to reach Kudat, the Tip of Borneo. This beautiful peninsula is surrounded by the South China Sea and the Sulu Sea. Upon arrival, our friendly lodge owner will warmly welcome us and provide a brief orientation. After settling into our rooms, we will embark on a two-hour jungle walk in the lodge's vicinity, offering the opportunity to spot intriguing wildlife such as Scops Owls, Slow Lorises, or Civet cats if we're fortunate. 

This morning, we will engage in a jungle survival course designed to equip us with essential skills for surviving both in the wilderness and in our daily lives. The course will cover fundamental jungle craft and bushcraft techniques, including shelter construction, fire making, and foraging for food. Additionally, we will learn how to identify local plants and wildlife, deepening our understanding of the surrounding environment.

After lunch, we will prepare for an overnight adventure in the jungle. We will set off on a trek into the lodge owner's restored secondary forest. Our knowledgeable guide will demonstrate the proper way to set up hammocks and assist us in preparing our own dinner. As dusk settles, we will experience the unique ambiance of spending the night amidst the captivating wilderness, listening to the sounds of the surrounding jungle. 

During the morning, we will have the fun opportunity to get our hands dirty by participating in a community project focused on promoting sustainability in the area. Our tasks may very depending on the day, but could involve projects like constructing concrete steps for improved accessibility, building bee boxes to support pollination and honey production, and creating a compost heap to reduce waste and enrich the soil. 

In the evening, we will have a chance to unwind and reflect on our experiences at a stunning long white sand beach. This tranquil setting provides an idyllic backdrop for us to relax and soak in the beauty of the surroundings. As we witness the mesmerizing sunset, we will have the perfect opportunity to pause, unwind, and appreciate the wonders of nature.

Today, enjoy a day of relaxation on the coast. Take the opportunity to unwind and relax. The day is free to do what you wish. Take a stroll along the scenic countryside, relax under a coconut palm on the beach or venture to the tip of Borneo where you can take in the stunning views of the ocean meeting the sky! A packed lunch will be served on the beach.

Today you will bid farewell to Kudat as you begin the transfer to Kota Kinabalu - often referred to as KK. Kota Kinabalu is the capital city of the Malaysian state of Sabah which is referred to as a vibrant and modern city. On arrival check into your accommodation and settle in. If you have time, we recommend checking out the picturesque waterfront area, which is home to the Kota Kinabalu City Mosque. 

In the evening, come together as a group for a goodbye dinner. 

Today your journey comes to an end. Bid farewell to the strangers who have become good friends during your adventure through Malay Borneo! You'll check out of your accommodation and will transfer to the airport for your departures onward. If you have the time, we recommend extending your stay in Kota Kinabalu - there's a lot to see and do! 

Explore vibrant local markets like the Filipino Market or the Gaya Street Sunday Market, where visitors can immerse themselves in the local culture and find an array of traditional handicrafts, fresh produce, and delicious street food. Looking for more time in nature? Kota Kinabalu offers easy access to the nearby Mount Kinabalu, the highest peak in Southeast Asia. This majestic mountain is a paradise for hikers and climbers, offering breathtaking views and unique flora and fauna along its trails.

Sometimes things change. This includes the itinerary in some cases. This could be weather conditions or an unforeseen opportunity that will make your journey even better. Just to let you know that this is not set in stone, but will include the activities you sign up for sooner or later.