Few places in the world are as remote, mysterious and idyllic as the island of Borneo. Explore the region’s jungles while you keeping an eye out for its diverse wildlife on this three-night customisable journey.
Visit the world-famous Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre where orphaned orangutans are rehabilitated before being released back into the wild, as well as the Sun Bear Conservation Centre.
Enjoy a river cruise on the Kinabatangan River, and visit the wildlife-rich Pitas Oxbow Lake. This is where you could spot animals such as the endangered rhino, pygmy elephant and leopard, and birds such as the Rhinoceros hornbill. You will also get to step into Gomantong Cave, a cathedral-like chamber, which is home to thousands of bats and swiftlets.
Trip Highlights
- Learn about conservation efforts at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
- Go on a river cruise on the Kinabatangan River
- Spot animals such as pygmy elephants and rhinos at Pitas Oxbow Lake
- Get an insight into the local culture on a tour of Sandakan
Start your Journey
My Nature Resort
Upon arrival at Sandakan Airport, we check into My Nature Resort.
A free shuttle bus is available should you want to visit either the Rainforest Discovery Centre or re-visit the Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre. Before dinner you can enjoy the jungle boardwalk and visit the Flying Squirrel platform to watch the amazing creatures ‘fly’ at sunset.
Sepilok Orangutan Centre, Sun Bear Centre and Kinabatangan River
Your journey begins with a transfer from your hotel to Kota Kinabalu airport, where you will take the short 30-minute flight to Sandakan. From here you will visit the world-famous Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. Founded in 1964, the centre houses 60-80 orphan orangutans. You watch the orangutan up close when feeding time comes around.
Next, you will enjoy a walk in the rainforests of Borneo. Stay alert to the sounds of the jungle and keep an eye out for wildlife in its natural habitat.
Next comes a visit to Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, our second rehabilitation visit of the day. Malay sun bears are the smallest bears in the world, and here, 43 bears rescued form captivity live in large forest enclosures while they are rehabilitated back into the wild.
At midday, an hour’s speedboat transfer takes you along the Kinabatangan River Sanctuary, and to lunch and check in at Abai Jungle Lodge. In the afternoon, spot wildlife on a river cruise in the last of the days light, before heading back at sunset for a coffee and a break. In the evening, a night-time river cruise shows off the incredible sight of fireflies. After dinner, enjoy a night-time jungle walk on the lodge’s boardwalk with a nature guide.
Pitas Oxbow Lake, Sukau and Menanggul Cruise
Start your day with a visit to Pitas Oxbow Lake, a fantastic spot to observe local wildlife, including proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants and crocodiles.
Enjoy lunch on a jungle platform at the lodge, before relaxing for the rest of the morning. Choose your lunch option: eat at Abai Village with a meal prepared by villagers or chose the Abai Jungle Restaurant.
After lunch, take a speedboat transfer down the river to Sukua, giving you another chance to spot more wildlife. On arrival, check-in at the Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge. In the afternoon you will be taking an excursion to Menanggul River, before returning to the lodge for dinner.
Plan Your Dream Trip
What To Expect
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Includes
- Cost of accommodation (double room based on two people sharing) for a total of 3 nights (alternative but similar accommodation may be used at certain times of the year)
- Meals included as detailed
- Private transport / transfers
- Entrance fees (excluding video camera fee) for all private guided excursions as illustrated in the itinerary
Excludes
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses, such as alcoholic beverages, telephone calls, laundry, camera fees, spa and business facilities in the hotel
- Gratuities for drivers, tour directors, local guides, naturalists and hotel staff
- Camera Fees at Sepilok Sancturay
- Tourism Tax, MYR10 per room per night
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