Wildlife of Borneo

After relaxing with included airport lounge access, depart the UK on an overnight flight, via Kuala Lumpur, to Kuching on Malaysian Borneo's northwest coast.

You'll be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel in the city centre. Spend the rest of the day exploring Kota Kinabalu, Sabah's capital, checking into the Shangri-la Tanjung Aru Resort. You'll have three nights here to relax and enjoy the resort, explore the city with its bustling markets, restaurants and shops or perhaps take a trip to Kinabalu Park - home to Malaysia's highest peak, Mount Kinabalu. A relaxing day at the Poring Hot Springs or a trip to the coral-fringed islands of the Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park are other worthwhile options. 

Stay: Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort, Kota Kinabalu (Deluxe)

From your base in Kota Kinabalu, after a morning at leisure, depart to discover true Sabahan cuisine with a guided tour introducing dishes such as pork noodles, seafood and coconut pudding. Then continue to Pu Toh Sze, one of the largest and most spectacular Buddist Temples on the Island. Then take a trip up Kokol Hill with panoramic views of Kota Kinabalu, Mount Kinabalu, South China Sea and nearby islands. 

Next day depart for a half day visit to Mari-Mari Village where you will be greeted by the Chief and cross the suspension bridge into the village. In the Dusun house you will witness tobacco cutting, bamboo cutting and rice wine processing. In the Rungus Longhouse and Lundayeh house you will witness traditional crafts and techniques before finishing in the Bajau House to sample Jala (local cake) and Pandan juice, followed by a sumptuous meal before departing back into the 21st century.

Stay: Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort, Kota Kinabalu (Deluxe)

Fly to Sandakan this morning and head to the nearby Sepilok Nature Resort

Stay: Sepilok Nature Resort

- Borneo's flagship conservation project, which rescues and rehabilitates orangutans with the aim of releasing them back into the wild. After a fascinating video highlighting the work of the centre you'll head to the feeding platform in the neighbouring lowland rainforest where you'll see the young orangutans inhabitants enjoying their morning meal. From Sepilok you'll transfer to the town of Sukau by road where you'll check into the Sukau Rainforest Lodge for a two-night stay. The afternoon, you'll head out into the Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary to observe all manner of wildlife including colourful hornbills, macaques, kingfishers and proboscis monkeys – a species endemic to Borneo.

Stay: Sukau Rainforest Lodge (Superior)

Take an early morning river cruise along the Menanggol River in search of wildlife. In late afternoon travel to Gomantong Cave and walk through the rainforest on a boardwalk with possible Orangatan sightings. Witness the exodus of over two million bats as well as raptors.

Stay: Sukau Rainforesr Lodge

After breakfast at the lodge you'll transfer by road to the town of Lahad Datu in Sabah's southeast corner. After a short briefing and registration at the Borneo Nature Tour office you'll drive for two and half hours deep into the virgin rainforest of the Danum Valley to the Borneo Rainforest Lodge, your home for the next two nights. Enjoy a welcome drink and check into your cabin - we recommend upgrading to a deluxe cabin with gorgeous river views and a private balcony with its own bathtub, perfect for relaxing to the sounds of the forest after a day exploring the jungle. Your two days in the Danum Valley will be packed with activities, making the most of the abundant wildlife of this stunning protected rainforest. You'll enjoy nature walks, tubing down the Danum River, spotting wildlife from the 300 metre-long canopy walkway, visiting the historic burial site at "Coffin Cliff" and taking a refreshing dip in the "Jacuzzi Pool". Your expert guide will take you along a series of nature trails deep in the rainforest where, if you're lucky, you'll see gibbons, orangutans, red and silver leaf monkeys and a host of bird, reptiles and insects that make the Danum Valley their home.

Stay: Borneo Rainforest Lodge

Here, a private transfer will see you to the white sands and tropical forests of your luxury spa resort, all private balconies and opulent styling.

In between beach relaxation, there’s superb snorkelling among reef-fringed islands and excellent trekking at nearby Mt. Kinabalu – Malaysia’s highest mountain. There are pristine nature walks on your doorstep, along with a water sports programme that ranges from kayaking and wake boarding to windsurfing and jet skiing. 

Transfer to Kota Kinabalu airport for your overnight flight to the UK, arriving on day 16. Daytime flights are also available, speak to our Asia specialists to discuss your options.