Orangutan family in Sepilok Sanctuary, Borneo
Orangutan family in Sepilok Sanctuary, Borneo
Wildlife and beaches in Borneo, Malaysia
Wildlife and beaches in Borneo, Malaysia
Mount Kinabalu (left), Manukan Island (top right), and Kinabatagan River (bottom right)
Mount Kinabalu (left), Manukan Island (top right), and Kinabatagan River (bottom right)
Sepilok Rainforest Sanctuary in Borneo
Sepilok Rainforest Sanctuary in Borneo

Classic Borneo

Mixed Board Basis 9 nights from £2,449 per person Including Flights

Overview

This unforgettable 9-night adventure offers a dreamy escape from urban life as you head into the lush rainforests, navigate scenic rivers, and explore the traditional villages of this stunning region. Spend time with orangutans in Sepilok, cruise along the Kinabatangan River, relax on the shores of Manukan Island, and experience the vibrant city life in Kota Kinabalu. This rejuvenating experience in nature will undoubtedly leave you eager to return time and time again. (INT-TMKB).

Highlights

  • Experience local life in a Kampung Kiau Village while enjoying a delicious lunch of local favourite fresh flavours
  • Explore the unspoiled wilderness of the World Heritage-Listed Kinabalu National Park, hiking the trails at the base of its iconic mountain
  • Take multiple river cruises along the Kinabatangan River and discover one of Borneo’s highest concentrations of wildlife, spotting crocodiles, macaques, wild orangutan, proboscis monkeys, elephants and birdlife along the way
  • Learn about the sorrowful history of the Sandakan War Memorial, the starting point of the prisoner of war death marches to Ranau
  • Observe magnificent orangutans who are being reintroduced into the wild at the Sepliok Orangutan Sanctuary, who have been rescued after a life of domestication or having being orphaned
  • Visit to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation of Sepilok Rainforest Discovery Centre, both of which are incredible opportunities to learn about the region
  • Spend a couple of days unwinding, snorkelling and soaking up the spectacular scenery on Manukan Island, home to vibrant coral reefs, beautiful beaches and amazing marine life
Whats included?
  • Flights & taxes
  • Accommodation
  • Transfers
  • Checked baggage
  • ATOL protection
  • In resort assistance & 24 hour contact centre
Why Book with Tropical Sky?
  • Hassle-free - book direct quickly and easily
  • Choice of airlines and the option to switch
  • A friendly, family run business with a wealth of experience.
  • Great deals on offer for multiple destinations
  • Low deposits
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Day 1

Sandakan

Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm this evening. If you arrive before then, feel free to start exploring Sandakan earlier. The city is renowned for its seafood, so after the meeting, make sure to ask your leader for recommendations on where to find the freshest catch. Perhaps you could head out for dinner with your group to get to know each other better.

Day 2

Sandakan

Begin the day with a visit to the Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary, where you can witness conservation in action as orangutans are fed and swing into view. Then, head to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre to learn about the rehabilitation of rescued sun bears. Explore the Rainforest Discovery Centre’s treetop walkways, discovering Borneo's flora and birdlife. Lastly, visit the Sandakan War Memorial, the site of the former Japanese POW camp and the starting point of the tragic Sandakan Death Marches. Return to Sandakan in the evening.

Breakfast included.

Day 3

Sandakan/Kinabatangan River

Explore Sandakan’s cultural traditions on the Heritage Walk with your local leader, sampling roti and teh tarik. Then, travel to the Kinabatangan River and check in to your jungle lodge, surrounded by wildlife. In the afternoon, enjoy a river cruise, spotting creatures like orangutans, crocodiles, and kingfishers. Return to the lodge for dinner.

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.

Day 4

Kinabatangan River

Wake up to the sounds of Bornean gibbons and hornbills, then embark on a morning river cruise. Look out for proboscis monkeys, macaques, and more, with your leader highlighting the differences between species. After some relaxation, enjoy an afternoon wildlife cruise, your last chance to capture photos of the river’s animals. Spend another night in the jungle.

Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner included.

Day 5

Gomantong Cave / Kundasang

Before heading to Kundasang this morning, stop at Gomantong Cave, the largest limestone formation in the Lower Kinabatangan region. Home to a thriving community of bats and swiftlets, the cave is rich in biodiversity. In the afternoon, drive to Kundasang and spend the rest of the day settling in.

Breakfast included.

Day 6

Kiau Village / Kota Kinabalu

Head west this morning to the rural village of Kampung Kiau, where you'll experience local life by visiting a coffee production house to learn about how the beans are grown in the region. Next, visit Everything Pineapple, a sustainable community project created after the 2015 Sabah earthquake to empower local women both socially and economically. You can purchase handmade pineapple jam, chutney, or juice. Enjoy a lunch featuring these dishes in a shaded spot shared by the community, then continue on to Kota Kinabalu for the night. On the way, you might stop by Nabalu Market for a handmade souvenir or a local snack.

Breakfast and lunch included.

Day 7

Manukan Island

Take a short boat ride this morning to Manukan Island, one of the larger islands in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine National Park. With its white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, the island is ideal for swimming, snorkelling, and walking. Alternatively, relax and enjoy a cocktail on the beach.

Breakfast included.

Day 8

Manukan Island

Discover the underwater world of Manukan Island today on a snorkelling trip with a local guide. Cruise out to the coral reefs, where your guide will help you spot vibrant marine life. If you're lucky, you may even encounter a sea turtle! After snorkelling, relax on the beach with lunch and some time in the sun. The afternoon is yours to enjoy – perhaps dive back into the water or take a leisurely walk.

Breakfast and Lunch included.

Day 9

Kota Kinabalu

Today, travel back to Kota Kinabalu by boat and minivan. The city, a vibrant modern metropolis, has recovered from World War II bombings. You might want to explore the local handicraft market by the waterfront or stroll through Chinatown on Gaya Street. Alternatively, visit the Sabah Museum to learn about the region’s history, or do some last-minute souvenir shopping at Anjung Kinabalu. To finish your adventure through Borneo, why not gather your group for a final dinner tonight to celebrate all you've experienced.

Breakfast included.

Day 10

Kota Kinabalu

There are no activities planned for today, so you may spend time at leisure before heading to the airport in time for your scheduled flight.

Breakfast included.

  • International  flights
  • Arrival Transfer
  • 9 nights accommodation
  • 9 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 2 dinners
  • Boat, plane and private minivan transportation
  • Sepilok - Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre Visit
  • Sepilok - Rainforest Discovery Centre Visit
  • Sepilok - Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre Visit
  • Sandakan - War Memorial
  • Sandakan - Section of the Heritage walk including local tastings
  • Kinabatangan River - Afternoon Wildlife Spotting Cruise
  • Kinabatangan - River safari Cruise
  • Kinabatangan River - Morning wildlife spotting cruise
  • Kinabatangan River - Second Afternoon Wildlife spotting cruise
  • Kinabatangan - Visit to Gomantong Cave
  • Kampung Kiau - Everything Pineapple community project visit & lunch
  • Manukan Island - Manukan Island Visit
  • Manukan Island - Boat trip & snorkelling

What’s Not Included

  • Optional tours, entrance fees and transfers
  • Meals not included in itinerary
  • Room upgrades and personal expenses

Karen Andrews
Book today

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