Discover Borneo

Upon landing in the vibrant city of Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Sabah on the island of Borneo, you'll be warmly welcomed and escorted to your accommodation, setting the tone for your enchanting Borneo expedition. The evening brings a magical Sunset Cruise, a perfect introduction to Borneo's scenic beauty. As you glide along the coast, savor a sumptuous dinner with the backdrop of a spectacular sunset, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink. This serene experience ensures a peaceful night's rest in Kota Kinabalu, as the gentle sea breeze and the calming sound of waves bid you goodnight, marking your first overnight stay in Kota Kinabalu.

Start your day with a delightful breakfast before heading to the jetty for a swift 30-minute speedboat journey to Gaya Island, nestled within the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. This island is a microcosm of Borneo's extensive biodiversity, boasting lush rainforests and vibrant coral reefs. Embark on a guided nature walk through dense jungle trails, unveiling the island's rich flora and possibly glimpsing some local wildlife. Post exploration, a beachside lunch awaits, offering local delicacies with views of azure waters. The afternoon is yours to indulge in the island's natural beauty, with opportunities for snorkeling in crystal-clear waters, swimming, or simply enjoying the tranquility of the beach. As the day winds down, return to Kota Kinabalu for a restful overnight stay, carrying with you memories of Gaya Island's pristine natural environment. The city of Kota Kinabalu remains your base for another night.
 

After breakfast, your adventure continues with a scenic 2-hour drive towards Kinabalu Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its ecological diversity. This park is a botanical paradise, home to over 4,500 species of flora and fauna, including some of the world's most unique and rare orchids and pitcher plants. The journey to the park offers a picturesque drive through Sabah's countryside, with a stop at the Pekan Nabalu market where you can taste and purchase local tropical fruits like the rambutan, mangosteen, and the infamous durian, depending on the season.

Upon arrival at Kinabalu Park, the majestic Mount Kinabalu, Southeast Asia's highest peak, stands before you, its grandeur awe-inspiring. Visit the Kinabalu Natural History Gallery to learn about the park's ecological importance and the Mountain Garden to see a collection of native plant species. The highlight of the day is the exhilarating Poring Treetop Canopy Walk, suspended 41 meters above the rainforest floor, offering a bird's-eye view of the lush canopy and the diverse ecosystem that thrives within it.

As the sun begins to set, casting golden hues over the landscape, you'll settle in for the night in the cool embrace of the highlands, near the base of Mount Kinabalu, ensuring a peaceful end to a day filled with natural wonders. The day concludes with an overnight stay in the vicinity of Kinabalu Park, offering a tranquil retreat in the heart of Borneo's highlands.
 

Your fourth day begins with a picturesque journey from Kota Kinabalu to Ranau, a serene highland retreat. The drive spans approximately 2 to 3 hours, covering around 100 kilometers, offering stunning views of Sabah's lush landscapes. Ranau is renowned for its verdant scenery, agricultural farms, and the rejuvenating Poring Hot Springs. Upon arrival, immerse yourself in the therapeutic properties of the natural hot springs, where the sulphuric mineral waters are famed for their healing qualities. Alternatively, explore the nearby canopy walkway, providing spectacular vistas of the surrounding rainforest. For the adventurous souls, a visit to the Langanan Waterfall promises a refreshing experience amidst nature's bounty. As the day winds down, embrace the cool climate and tranquil surroundings of Ranau, settling in for a peaceful overnight stay, surrounded by the soothing sounds of nature.

Overnight Stay in Ranau

The next leg of your adventure takes you from the highlands of Ranau to the coastal city of Sandakan, a journey of approximately 4 to 5 hours covering around 220 kilometers. Upon reaching Sandakan, embark on a boat trip to Selingan Turtle Island, nestled within the Turtle Islands Park and accessible by speedboat in about an hour. This island sanctuary serves as a vital conservation area for endangered sea turtles, particularly the Green and Hawksbill turtles. Spend your day basking in the pristine beach environment, where opportunities for swimming, snorkeling, or simply unwinding on the sandy shores abound. As evening descends, prepare for an extraordinary spectacle as Green Turtles emerge from the ocean to nest. Guided by local conservationists, witness the delicate collection of eggs for safekeeping in the hatchery, and perhaps even participate in the release of hatchlings into the vast sea. Conclude this unforgettable experience with an overnight stay on Selingan Island, lulled to sleep by the rhythmic lullaby of the ocean waves.

Overnight Stay on Selingan Island
 

After departing from Selingan Island in the morning, you'll return to Sandakan for a day rich in cultural and historical exploration. Begin with a visit to the bustling local market where the day's fresh catch and a variety of local delicacies are on display. Then, ascend to the Puu Jih Shih Buddhist Temple, perched on a hilltop, offering panoramic vistas of Sandakan Bay and the Sulu Sea. Delve into the colonial history of the region with a visit to St. Michael’s and All Angels Church, one of Sabah’s oldest standing stone buildings, and Agnes Keith’s House, where you can learn about the life and works of the famous American author who chronicled life in British North Borneo. Continue to the Sim Sim Floating Village, where houses on stilts line the water's edge, showcasing the traditional lifestyle of local fishermen. Pay your respects at the Sandakan War Memorial Park, a site dedicated to the prisoners of war who lost their lives during World War II. The day's journey culminates in a visit to the Rainforest Discovery Centre, a gateway to understanding Borneo's diverse ecosystems through its extensive canopy walkways and botanical gardens. Your enriching day of cultural and historical insights concludes with an overnight stay in Sepilok, a tranquil town nestled amidst lush greenery, ensuring a restful night in Sepilok.
 

Your day begins in the tranquil setting of Sepilok, home to the renowned Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. Here, witness the commendable efforts in rehabilitating orphaned orangutans, offering them a second chance at life in the wild. A short walk away, the Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre provides insight into the plight of the world's smallest bear species and the conservation efforts to protect them. After these enriching experiences, embark on a journey to Sandakan, approximately 30 minutes away, for a brief stop before continuing to Sukau, which is about a 2-hour drive deeper into the wilderness.

Upon arrival at the Sukau Rainforest Lodge, set on the banks of the majestic Kinabatangan River, you'll be in the prime location to explore Borneo's diverse ecosystems. An evening river safari cruise awaits, offering the chance to spot wildlife such as proboscis monkeys, various species of birds, and perhaps even a wild orangutan or pygmy elephant along the riverbanks. As the sun sets over the Kinabatangan, the sounds of the jungle come alive, providing a serene backdrop for your overnight stay in Sukau.

Greet the day with an early morning river cruise to the serene Oxbow Lake, where the calm waters reflect the lush, untouched rainforest surroundings, creating a natural haven for wildlife. This excursion provides an excellent opportunity to observe a variety of animals in their natural habitat, from vibrant birdlife to lounging crocodiles basking on the riverbanks.

Later, take a leisurely walk along the Hornbill Boardwalk, an initiative aimed at educating visitors about the local flora and fauna, with a special emphasis on the iconic hornbills that inhabit the area. In the afternoon, engage in an informative orangutan talk, deepening your understanding of these fascinating primates and the conservation challenges they face.

As the day comes to a close, embark on another enchanting river cruise, further immersing yourself in the captivating sights and sounds of the Kinabatangan River. The peaceful ambiance and rich biodiversity make Sukau the perfect place for another overnight stay, allowing you to savor the unique experiences that only Borneo's wilderness can offer.
 

On your final day, wake up to the serene environment of Sukau for the last time before preparing to depart back to Sandakan, retracing the 2-hour journey through the landscapes that have been your home for the past days. Back in Sandakan, take the opportunity to explore the city, whether it's a visit to the bustling markets for souvenirs or a quiet moment at one of the waterfront cafes, reflecting on the unforgettable experiences of your Borneo adventure.

Depending on your flight schedule, you'll be transferred to Sandakan Airport for your flight to Kuala Lumpur. The evening in Kuala Lumpur offers a chance to transition back to urban life, with a night spent in the city before your journey continues onward, marking the end of your Borneo adventure with a final overnight stay in Kuala Lumpur, filled with memories of the lush landscapes, diverse wildlife, and the warm hospitality of Sabah.

As dawn breaks on Day 10, your Borneo adventure has officially concluded, and you find yourself in the bustling metropolis of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia's capital city. This day is marked by a mix of anticipation and reflection as you prepare to return home or continue on to your next destination. The morning offers a final opportunity to soak in the vibrant atmosphere of Kuala Lumpur, whether it's enjoying a leisurely breakfast at one of the city's many eateries, taking a stroll through the verdant KLCC Park with the iconic Petronas Twin Towers in the backdrop, or capturing last-minute photographs of the city's architectural marvels.

Boarding your flight, you carry with you not just souvenirs, but memories of incredible sights, sounds, and the warmth of the people you've met along the way. As the airplane takes off, leaving the Malaysian skyline behind, you're not just homeward bound but taking a piece of Borneo with you, etched in your heart and memories, marking the end of an unforgettable journey with an overnight flight back home or to your next adventure.