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.