Transport

Boat , Plane , Private mini van

Others

Complimentary Arrival Transfer Sepilok - Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre Visit Sepilok - Rainforest Discovery Centre Visit Sepilok - Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre Visit Sandakan - War Memorial Sandakan - Heritage walk including local tastings Kinanbatang - River safari Cruise Kinabatangan - Visit to Gomantong Cave Kampung Kiau - Everything Pineapple community project visit & lunch Manukan Island - Manukan Island Visit Manukan Island - Boat trip & snorkelling

Meals

8 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 1 dinner

Accommodation

The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline only and may change. On some occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our preferred accommodation. In these cases, we will use a similar standard of accommodation. Throughout the trip, we request that our properties prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we’re arriving prior to normal check-in time. However, this isn’t always possible which means we won’t be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination or on some trips, have use of shared day rooms until all rooms are available. Lodge (3 night), Hotel (4 nights), Resort (2 nights)

Guide

All group trips are accompanied by one of our group leader or local representative. The aim of the group leader or local representative is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced group leader or local representative however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your group leader or local representative is new to a particular region or training other group leader or local representative. Your group leader or local representative will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense, you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects. At Intrepid we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. If you are interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your group leader or local representative can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.

Not included:

Insurance

Travel Insurance is not included

Others

Other activities and services are not included

Flights

International flights are not included

Optional

Other activities and services are not included

Start planning your experience

Day 1 Day 1: Sandakan
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 1: Sandakan

Selamat datang! Welcome to Malaysia. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive before then, feel free to start your Sandakan exploration earlier. This city is celebrated for its seafood so, after your meeting, be sure to ask your leader for tips on where to pick up the freshest catch. Maybe head out to dinner with your group so you can get to know each other.
Day 2 Day 2: Sandakan
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 2: Sandakan

Start the day with a visit to the Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary. Established to help reintroduce these wonderful creatures back into the wild after a life of domestication or being orphaned, this sanctuary offers a unique opportunity to witness conservation in action. From the viewing platform, watch and photograph the orangutans as they swing into view to eat the bananas and milk laid out for them twice daily. Observe young orangutans as they learn how to climb a specially constructed jungle gym in a new nursery. Next, head to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Center. Here, rescued sun bears, many of whom have endured years of mistreatment, are given a second chance at life. Learn about the rehabilitation process and how they are reintroduced back into the wild. You’ll also explore the Rainforest Discovery Centre, where you can roam the treetop walkways while you learn more about the flora and birdlife of Borneo. Return to Sandakan for the evening.
Day 3 Day 3: Sandakan / Kinabatangan River
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 3: Sandakan / Kinabatangan River

Get a sense of Sandakan’s diverse cultural heritage on a walk with your local leader and try traditional cuisine during a food and heritage walk, tasting things like roti (flat bread) and tai tarik (hot milk tea). After, learn about the city’s past as you stand on the same ground as the former Japanese Prisoners of War camp at the Sandakan War Memorial. This site also marks the starting point of the tragic Sandakan Death Marches, on which 2400 POWs were forced to walk through the jungles of Borneo. Later, travel to Kinabatangan River in a private minivan. Arrive at your jungle lodge beside the river – ideal for taking in your wild surroundings. The Kinabatangan River is a protected forest reserve, containing some of Borneo’s highest concentrations of wildlife. In the afternoon, board a river cruise and look out for the more elusive creatures. Wild elephants seldom reveal themselves, but crocodiles, wild orangutans and kingfishers are more easily seen. Tonight, return to the lodge for dinner.
Day 4 Day 4: Kinabatangan River
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 4: Kinabatangan River

Wake up to the calls of Bornean gibbons and hornbills before hopping aboard a morning cruise down the river. Keep an eye out for proboscis monkeys, long-tailed macaques and pig-tailed macaques – your leader will point out the differences between each species. Enjoy some down time to relax and enjoy your surroundings before another afternoon river wildlife cruise. This final cruise will be your last chance to snap some photos of the animals along the river. Enjoy another night in the heart of the jungle.
Day 5 Day 5: Gomantong Cave / Kundasang
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 5: Gomantong Cave / Kundasang

Before heading to Kundasang this morning, stop at the Gomantong Cave – the most extensive limestone formation in the Lower Kinabatangan region. Home to a thriving community of bats and swiftlets, this cave boasts fascinating biodiversity. In the afternoon, drive to Kundasang – a mountainous town at the foot of Mt Kinabalu. Spend the rest of the day getting your bearings – perhaps pop into Napula Market for a handmade souvenir or a local snack.
Day 6 Day 6: Kiau Village / Kota Kinabalu
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 6: Kiau Village / Kota Kinabalu

Head west this morning and travel to the rural village of Kampung Kiau. Here, you’ll have the chance to experience a slice of local life by visiting a coffee production house, where you’ll learn about how the beans are cultivated in the region. After, visit Everything Pineapple – a sustainable community-based project that was formed in the aftermath of the 2015 Sabah earthquake to empower local women, socially and economically. Pick up some handmade pineapple jam, chutney or juice. Then, take a stroll along the herbal trail, discovering how and when specific plants are used in local dishes. Try these local dishes during an al fresco lunch with the community before hitting the road and driving to Kota Kinabalu for the evening.
Day 7 Day 7: Manukan
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 7: Manukan

Embark on a short boat ride this morning to Manukan Island – one of the larger islands found in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine National Park. A paradise of white sand beaches and clear waters, this island is the perfect place for swimming, snorkelling and walking. You can also sit back and unwind with a cocktail on the beach.
Day 8 Day 8: Manukan
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 8: Manukan

See beneath the surface of Manukan’s waters today on a snorkelling trip with a local guide. Cruise out to the coral reefs where your guide will help you spot brightly coloured marine life. If you’re lucky, you might even bump into a sea turtle while you’re down there! Pull up on the beach for lunch and some time in the sun. After snorkelling, the afternoon is yours to enjoy. Maybe jump straight back in the water or head out for a walk.
Day 9 Day 9: Kota Kinabalu
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 9: Kota Kinabalu

Head back to Kota Kinabalu today by boat and minivan. Modern-day ’KK’ is a vibrant modern metropolis, having recovered from World War II bombings. You may like to peruse the local handicraft market on the waterfront or wander around Chinatown. Or you may prefer to check out the Sabah Museum to learn about Sabah’s past and do some last-minute souvenir shopping at the Filipino market. Perhaps round your group up for a final dinner tonight to celebrate all you’ve seen and done on your adventure through Borneo.
Day 10 Day 10: Kota Kinabalu
12:00 am - 11:59 pm

Day 10: Kota Kinabalu

With no activities planned for today, your adventure will come to an end after breakfast. If you’d like to extend your stay, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

10 days tour

Classic Borneo (Including Sepilok)

This tour includes:

Not included:

Start planning your experience

Itinerary of your trip Classic Borneo (Including Sepilok)

Day 1: Sandakan

Day 2: Sandakan

Day 3: Sandakan / Kinabatangan River

Day 4: Kinabatangan River

Day 5: Gomantong Cave / Kundasang

Day 6: Kiau Village / Kota Kinabalu

Day 7: Manukan

Day 8: Manukan

Day 9: Kota Kinabalu

Day 10: Kota Kinabalu

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