Luxury Borneo explorer tour

Transfer from Kota Kinabalu airport to your hotel - At leisure in Kota Kinabalu - Kota Kinabalu

Day 1: Kota Kinabalu

Transfer from Kota Kinabalu airport to your hotel
Other Transfer: We will pick you up at the airport and take you to your hotel in Kota Kinabalu. Estimated travel time: approximately 20 minutes


At leisure in Kota Kinabalu
Excursion: The coastal city of Kota Kinablu, commonly known as KK, is not known for its overwhelming beauty, but if you have a day or two to explore you’ll find a few fascinating sights and hidden gems. You may have time to visit the Signal Hill Observatory Platform which, although a popular viewing point, has become less impressive since the rapid urbanisation of the city. You may also want to take a look at the Atkinson Clock Tower, renowned for being the oldest standing structure in Sabah - dating from 1905. If you’re looking for a day trip beyond the city, a short boat ride from the Jesselton Jetty to Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park is the perfect way to experience the area’s natural beauty. Visit Gaya Island, the largest of the five islands, for short treks into its tropical forest. Or if you’re seeking a less strenuous activity the sheltered coral reefs along the Gaya coast provide some of the best snorkelling spots. For a taste of the local cuisine take a walk to the waterfront to find the Pasar Malam, translated from the Malay as ‘Night Market’. Opening from 5pm to 11pm, this authentic Asian market offers a delicious variety of street food, but for seafood lovers it is especially enticing. Well-known for its fresh fish you can enjoy popular favourites such as barbecued squid and sting ray or whole fish, known as ikan samba. Tanjung Aru beach offers a stunning sunset spot, but if you wish to escape the city take a leisurely drive to the top of Kokol hill. The summit provides a tranquil location in the cool highlands for a breathtaking panoramic view of the city below.

Transfer from Kota Kinabalu to Kinabalu Park - Transfer from Kota Kinabalu to Kinabalu Park - Visit Kinabalu National Park

Day 2: Kinabalu National Park - Kota Kinabalu

Transfer from Kota Kinabalu to Kinabalu Park
Other Transfer: Kinabalu Park is Malaysia’s first World Heritage Site, and is also the Centre of Plant Diversity for South East Asia. It is situated 90 km from the city centre. Estimated travel time - 2 hours 30 minutes.


Visit Kinabalu National Park
Excursion: Nominated by UNESCO as Malaysia’s first World Heritage Site, Kinabalu National Park is one of the most biologically diverse areas in the world. Owing to the extensive range of habitats from tropical lowland and lush jungle to sub-alpine forest, Borneo’s most popular national park is teeming with life. With over 4,500 identified species, the region’s sheer variety of flora and fauna is simply astounding and is home to some of the most fascinating creatures in the world. Such as those endemic to the country like the majestic Kinabalu Serpent Eagle and Borneo’s largest insectivore, the Moonrat. Kinabalu’s plant species are just as weird and wonderful as its animal inhabitants, many of which are carefully cultivated in the Mountain Garden, allowing you to get a close look at some of nature’s most beautiful plants. But don’t get too close, species include the infamous Nepenthes Rajah, the pitcher plant, renowned for being the largest carnivorous plant in the world - it's a threat to all insects and even small mammals. You’ll also find the enigmatic Paphiopedilum rothschildianum, the Gold of Kinabalu Orchid, which has delicate green petals that appear to be painted with maroon red spots and stripes, rendering it worthy of such a title. The park’s centrepiece is a 4,095m mountain towering above the dense tropical forest. Mount Kinabalu located in the north of Borneo, attracts thousands of ambitious climbers every year, all hoping to conquer the rocky terrain of Malaysia’s highest mountain. For a novel perspective of the mountain’s striking exterior, experience the Mountain Torq, Asia’s first Via Feratta or ‘iron road’. This alternative climb is designed for the adventurous, with a route following tightrope walks and swinging planks that bring an extra adrenaline rush to the trek and reveal the immense beauty of the mountain plateau. What to bring: Raincoat, insect repellent, water bottle.


Take a dip in Kinabalu's hot springs
Excursion: Take a dip at the hot springs where the sulphuric content of the natural springs are said to have therapeutic value. Bring swimwear, a towel and toiletries.

Heritage Village Tour & City Highlights (PM)

Day 3: Kota Kinabalu

Heritage Village Tour & City Highlights (PM)
Excursion: Visit the Heritage Village and museum for a closer view of Sabah's ethnic diversity, highlighted by the unique local architectural styles of homes in North Borneo and the colourful costume display. Then, proceed for a City drive by major landmarks such as the State & City Mosque, Tg. Aru Beach & the highest building, Tun Mustapha Tower. Enjoy some leisure time mingling with the local people at the Handicraft market before stopping by a typical watervillage to capture the essence of life in Kota Kinabalu.

Tip of Borneo - Rungus Longhouse

Day 4: Kota Kinabalu

Tip of Borneo - Rungus Longhouse
Excursion: Stand on the northern most tip of Borneo, where the South China Sea meets the Sulu Sea. Here, races from these seas have come ashore many hundreds of years ago to settle on the coastal plains where the inhabitants have retained much of their traditional way of life. Mingle with the Bajaus and Dusuns at the local market. Stop by Sumangkap Gong Making Village to learn how gongs are made and their importance to the local culture. Continue your journey north for a simple meal with the Rungus people, well known for their traditional communal Longhouse dwelling, beadwork and weaving skills. After lunch, drive through coconut plantations to Simpang Magayau, the northern most tip of Borneo as you span the sea on this rocky cape.

Transfer from Kota Kinabalu to the airport - Transfer from Kota Kinabalu to the airport - Domestic flight from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan

Day 5: Sepilok

Transfer from Kota Kinabalu to the airport
Other Transfer: We will pick you up from your hotel and ensure you make your flight in good time. Estimated travel time: approximately 30 minutes.


Domestic flight from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan
Scheduled flight Transfer: You will be transferred via a short flight from Kota Kinabalu airport (BKI) to Sandakan airport (SDK). Estimated travel time: 45 minutes


Transfer from Sandakan Airport to Sepilok
Car Transfer: Once you have arrived at Sandakan airport, we will meet you and drive you to Sepilok. Estimated travel time - 30 minutes.


Visit Sepilok Orangutan Centre
Excursion: The dedicated staff of the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre care for young, orphaned orangutans, as well as a number of other endangered species. With Malaysia as the world’s largest exporter of palm oil, deforestation has had a huge impact on the natural habitat of its wildlife - but particularly this orange-furred primate, the closest living relative to humans. However, the creation of the Kabili Sepilok Forest Reserve, where the sanctuary is located, has largely helped mitigate the repercussions. Now, 60 to 80 orangutans roam freely in the reserve. At this centre, regarded as an important tool in educating both locals and tourists, you can observe man’s closest relative, the Orangutan, being rehabilitated to become wild in their natural habitat. When you arrive, you will proceed to the free roaming area to watch the 10.00 a.m. feeding of the young primates. Then, experience a walk in the Tropical Lowland Dipterocarp Forest of Borneo and absorb the sights, sounds and smell of the lush jungle. You can then visit the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre and get close to the world’s smallest bear by observing it in its beautifully restored natural forest habitat.


Transfer from Sepilok to the Kinabatangan River
Boat Transfer: Leaving Sepilok you will be transferred to the jetty at Sandakan. From here, you will enjoy a cruise upriver to the Lower Kinabatangan River Sanctuary. Estimated travel time - 1 hour.

The Kinabatangan River - River trip to Oxbow Lake - At leisure at Kinabatangan River Lodge

Day 6: Kinabatangan River

The Kinabatangan River
Excursion: The Kinabatangan River begins its life as the second longest river in Malaysia high in the hills of southwest Sabah, before wending its way east to its mouth in the Sulu Sea, nearly 600km away. While excessive logging has seriously affected the ecology of its upper reaches, the lower Kinabatangan has been left alone and has become a verdant oasis, providing sanctuary for some of the world’s most remarkable wildlife. As you cruise up river to Sukau village unique habitats begin to reveal their natural wonders. Saltwater crocodiles dwell in the muddy waters of the mangrove swamps while the river’s depths are home to the endemic Borneo river shark. In the surviving lowland forests, native Proboscis monkeys leap between branches while in the trees sits a more placid primate, the renowned Bornean orangutan. The river itself offers a refreshing bath for beautiful Asian elephants and the floodplain, a declared protected area, hosts a vibrant array of bird species. Look out for a flash of orange amidst the green canopy, alerting you to the presence of one of the largest and most beautiful birds in Asia, the Rhinoceros Hornbill, whose distinctive beak is a marvel of nature. Historically, the Kinabatangan river has been renowned for its rare treasures. For centuries the red and white nests constructed out of the saliva of swiftlets have been harvested from the intricate system of limestone caves hidden deep within Gomatong hill. The nests have been used in Chinese cuisine for over 400 hundred years, most famously in bird’s nest soup, and are valued for their exquisite flavour and health benefits. In the late afternoon you will once again take to the water to explore the Menanggul River, a small tributary of the Kinabatangan. There is a nearby oxbow lake which is also good for spotting wildlife. Following this final exploration you will return to the lodge for dinner.
You will enjoy river cruises a couple of times a day to look for a glorious array of wildlife in the forest fringes.

River trip to Oxbow Lake
Excursion: Wake up by the calls of gibbons and hornbills. Early morning, take a river trip to the Ox-Bow Lake to observe wildlife and experience the early morning river ambience of the longest river of Sabah.


At leisure at Kinabatangan River Lodge
Excursion: Enjoy some free time at your own leisure, walking around, relaxing at our sun deck while reading your favourite book from our mini library and enjoying the river view. Again afternoon river cruise to search for more wildlife.

Transfer from Kinabatangan River to Danum Valley (via Gamantong Caves) - Transfer from Kinabatangan River to Danum Valley (via Gamantong Caves) - Afternoon jungle and treetop safari

Day 7: Danum Valley

Transfer from Kinabatangan River to Danum Valley (via Gamantong Caves)
Other Transfer: On the way to the next stop, near to Danum Valley, there will be a short stop at Gomantong Caves. Enjoy a short walk through the primary rainforest before you reach the entrance of the caves. Observe the largest bird nest caves in Sabah. Please do not forget to bring along hat or any head cover upon entry into the caves. You will stop for lunch at Borneo Tours office, for a registration and briefing for entry into Danum Valley. You will then continue on a gravel road to the lodge. Estimated total travel time - 5 hours.
Lunch and drop off at to Borneo Nature Tours office in LDU around 1200-1230hrs.

Afternoon jungle and treetop safari
Excursion: Enjoy a walk this afternoon along established trails in the jungle surrounding the lodge. Danum valley is a primary rainforest and home to an astonishing amount of interesting plants and animals. There can be more than 300 species of plant in just one hectare of jungle, including orchids, lianas and ferns. More than 320 bird species have been recorded in Danum valley, including rhinoceros hornbills, blue headed pittas, cinnamon-rumped trogons, crested fireback pheasants and yellow broadbills. There are many mammals as well, although the animals are not fed and they have a large area to roam around, so sightings cannot be guaranteed. The most commonly seen animals include: mouse deer, sambar deer, lizards and several primate species. Orang utans are present in the valley in quite large numbers, but they are not easy to spot as they do not live in groups and they move around a lot up in the jungle canopy in search of food. Likewise, elephants are present in large numbers but surprisingly difficult to see, as they often feed outside the primary forest area.


Night safari
Excursion: This evening you will join the lodge guide at the reception for a group excursion into the jungle. A night walk is a chance to see, or more likely hear, the nocturnal species of the jungle, such as civets, bearded pigs and the oriental bay owl. A torch is recommended.

Guided walk to Kadazan-Dusun burial cliff - At leisure at Borneo Rainforest Lodge

Day 8: Danum Valley

Guided walk to Kadazan-Dusun burial cliff
Excursion: This morning a guided walk will be available out to the ancient Kadazan-Dusun tribal burial cliff. Along the way, look out for the various birds and mammals that make the jungle their home, and listen out for the distinctive call of gibbons high in the trees. Take a short break by the natural jacuzzi pool for a refreshing dip - remember to bring your swim gear.


At leisure at Borneo Rainforest Lodge
Excursion: Spend time at the lodge, either partaking in the activities they offer or relaxing. You may choose to either embark on another jungle walk along or, if you prefer, relax indulge in a range of treatments (payable locally) which are available at the lodge spa, including massages and foot therapy.

Transfer from Danum Valley to Lahad Datu airport - Transfer from Danum Valley to Lahad Datu airport - Domestic flight from Lahad Datu to Kota Kinabalu

Day 9: Kota Kinabalu

Transfer from Danum Valley to Lahad Datu airport
Other Transfer: Transfer to Lahad Datu airport for your onward flight. You will be transferred in plenty of time for boarding.


Domestic flight from Lahad Datu to Kota Kinabalu
Scheduled flight Transfer: You will be transferred via a short flight from Lahad Datu Airport (LDU) to Kota Kinabalu (BKI).


Transfer from Kota Kinabalu airport to your hotel
Other Transfer: We will pick you up at the airport and take you to your hotel in Kota Kinabalu. Estimated travel time: approximately 20 minutes

North Borneo Cruises - sunset dinner cruise

Day 10: Kota Kinabalu

North Borneo Cruises - sunset dinner cruise
Excursion: 4.00 PM – Transfer from your hotel to jetty 4.50 PM – Your tropical evening on the North Borneo Cruise begins at Sutera Marina Jetty. Get ready to become acquainted with the charms of Kota Kinabalu on a whole new level. All aboard! Your evening unfolds along the sultry sun-tinged South China Sea, cruising pass the islands and water villages that dot Sabah’s west coast. You are free the wander around the vessel. Panoramic ocean views, warmth of the setting sun and gentle sea breeze grace the upper-deck while a live band serenades the ethnic themed air-conditioned restaurant below with acoustic favourites. 5.15 PM – Dinner will be served buffet style. Time to sink your teeth into Sabah’s most sought after culinary experience. As the sun sets and the stars come out, Kota Kinabalu’s coastline now comes alive with dazzling city night lights. The North Borneo Cruise will glide across the Waterfront as you indulge in dessert or your next glass of wine. 7.00 PM – Your rendezvous at sea comes to an end. You will disembark from the cruise at the Sutera Marina Jetty. Transfer back to hotel.

A second day at leisure in Kota Kinabalu

Day 11: Kota Kinabalu

A second day at leisure in Kota Kinabalu
Excursion: A second day to explore the capital of Borneo, Kota Kinabalu. Explore the city, try fresh seafood, visit the markets, or perhaps take a day trip to one of Kinabalu's stunning beach islands.

Transfer from your hotel to Kota Kinabalu airport - Transfer from your hotel to Kota Kinabalu airport

Day 12:

Transfer from your hotel to Kota Kinabalu airport
Other Transfer: Be picked up at your hotel and head off the airport in time for your flight.