Naturally Sabah
Get a feel for the wilds of Borneo with this itinerary, which takes in wildlife areas including the Danum Valley, Kinabtangan and Sepilok.
Few places in the world are as wild and remote as Borneo. The Malaysian province of Sabah is one of the more accessible parts of the island. Nonetheless, its dense rainforests, craggy mountains and abundant reefs offer a genuine wilderness experience. Take this tour to get a feel for what the province has to offer; explore Kota Kinabalu, the Danum Valley, Kinabatangan and Sepilok, all the while marvelling at the exceptional wildlife and stunning scenery on display here.
3 nights Kota Kinabalu • 3 nights Danum Valley • 2 nights Kinabatangan • 2 nights Sepilok/Sandakan
Day 1: Kota Kinabalu
Depart the UK on your flight to Kota Kinabalu
Day 2: Kota Kinabalu
On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel for check in.
Stay: 3 nights at Shangri La Rasa Ria
Day 3: Kota Kinabalu
Today, visit Kinabalu Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to Mount Kinabalu, the highest mountain in Malaysia at 4,095 m (13,431 feet). Enjoy the cool air as you trek around the foothills and learn about the different, unique plants of Borneo, including the carnivorous Nepenthes, rhododendrons & orchids. From the montane oak-chestnut forest proceed to the lowland dipterocarp forest at Poring. Cross a Canopy walkway, built across the rainforest canopy 100 feet above ground level, to spot wildlife and view epiphytes growing on the tree tops.
Day 4: Tunku Abdul Rahmen
Take a 20-minute boat ride to the stunning Tunku Abdul Rahman national park. Swim or snorkel in the clear blue waters of the South China Sea or feed the tropical fish from the jetty. Relax, take a stroll along the beach or explore the many varied walking trails.
Days 5-7: Danum Valley
Transfer to Kota Kinabalu International Airport for your flight to Lahad Datu in the South East corner of Sabah. From Lahad Datu you will drive into the rainforest to the Danum Valley Conservation Area, where you will stay for the next three nights.
Explore the incredible diversity and complexity of Borneo’s rainforest at the Danum Valley Conservation Area (43,800 hectares). The dipterocarp forest here has over 200 species of trees per hectare, some of which are the oldest and tallest in the world. The wildlife is exceptional with regular sightings of Bornean Gibbon, Orangutans and Langurs. Danum Valley is home to 124 species of mammals, 72 reptiles, 56 amphibians and over 325 species of bird. Walk through the treetops on the 100-foot high Canopy Walkway or take a refreshing swim in one of the many waterfalls. You’ll be able to enjoy day- and night-time guided jungle walks, jeep safaris and visit ancient Kadazandusun burial sites.
Stay: 3 nights at Borneo Rainforest Lodge
Day 8: Kinabatangan
Travel to the Kinabatangan River via Lahad Datu. On arrival, check in to your hotel. The rest of the day is yours to spend at your leisure.
Stay: Kinabatangan Lodge
Day 9: Kinabatangan
Wake up to the calls of gibbons and hornbills. In the early morning, take a river trip to the Ox Bow Lake to observe wildlife and experience the early morning ambience of Sabah’s longest river. Return to the lodge for breakfast and enjoy a few hours relaxing in this stunning environment. In the early evening embark on a cruise along the Kinabatangan Tributary in search for Proboscis Monkey and other wildlife and to appreciate the rich fauna and fauna of Sabah.
Day 10: Sepilok
Travel overland from Kinabatangan to Sepilok. Visit the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre for an opportunity to view the ’Wildmen of Borneo’, the Orangutan. You will see an educational film about the centres work before heading to the feeding platform in the rainforest to see the rescued Orangutans playing and enjoying their lunch. Afterwards, transfer to your hotel in Sandakan Hotel for a two night stay.
Stay: 2 nights at Sabah Hotel
Day 11: Sepilok
Depart for Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary in time for their afternoon feeding followed by a Sandakan City Tour covering Puh Jih Syh Temple, Observation Pavilion, Water Village and Australian War Memorial Park
Day 12: Sepilok
After breakfast, transfer to Sandakan Airport for your return/onward flight to UK.
If you’ve more time
There are some great additional activities that can be added to the above itinerary. An overnight trek to the summit of Mount Kinabalu is one option, although it is important to book early in the peak season, as accommodation on the mountain is limited. Another possibility is to drive from Lahad Datu to the fishing village of Semporna, the departure point for trips out to the world-famous diving sites of Sipadan and Mabu islands. This itinerary can also be combined with other areas of Borneo such as Sarawak or the Malaysian Peninsula. Or for a more relaxing extension why not add a few days at Shangri-La’ s Rasa Ria resort near Kota Kinabalu.
Naturally Sabah itinerary map
Prices from
Prices from: £3,220 to £3,995 per person, twin share
Valid for Travel: 01 August 2011 to 23 December 2012.
Package includes: Return international Economy flights with Malaysia Airlines from London, domestic flights and 11 days tailor-made touring as specified.
Terms & Conditions: Prices are per person based on two people sharing a twin/double room; prices are subject to availability and change; normal booking conditions apply.
Please note that surcharges may apply at peak times including Christmas and New Year.
To book, call 0845 643 6561
To book this travel offer, call one of our tailor-made travel experts now, quoting reference WEX102411.
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