Malaysia: Best of Borneo
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Sabah Tea Plantation, Borneo ©Tourism Malaysia
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Kinabalu Park, Borneo ©Tourism Malaysia
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Sukau Kinabatangan, Borneo ©Tourism Malaysia
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Sepilok Orangutans, Borneo ©Tourism Malaysia
Bold and beautiful Borneo
Bold and beautiful Borneo packs a colourful punch. Away from the modern metropolises found on the Malay Peninsula is the world’s third largest island. This mystical land of incredible natural beauty is home to lush jungles and extraordinary wildlife. With an astonishing array of cultures, religions and languages, there is a sense of magic in the vibrant villages and species-rich equatorial rainforests. Borneo is the perfect place for any adventurer. Explore this tropical paradise with your group and discover what this magical island has to offer.
Dates
Dates on request
Suggested Itinerary by Air
Day 1 - 2
Arrive in Kota Kinabalu
Fly from the UK to Kota Kinabalu Airport on the northwest coast of Borneo. On arrival you will be met by an English speaking guide and transferred to your hotel. You will have the rest of the day at leisure to relax.
Day 3
Snorkelling in Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park
After breakfast, wander down to the Jesselton Jetty, just five minutes away from your hotel. From here you will travel by boat to Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. Here you will spend the day snorkelling in the warm tropical waters.
Day 4
Kota Kinabalu and Kinabalu Park
This morning you will travel by land through native villages and the valleys of the Crocker Range to Kinabalu Park. Visit the Natural History Gallery before a walk with your guide to explore the rich diversity of plant species inhabiting the montane forest. Continue to Sabah Tea Garden. In the plantation and tea factory you will learn how tea is produced.
Day 5
Poring
Today you will visit the Poring Hot Spring. Upon arrival, trek up to the “Canopy Walk” built 41m above the ground. Bathe in one of the open air hot spring bathtubs or visit the butterfly garden. Later continue your journey to Sandakan.
Day 6
Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and Sukau Rainforest Lodge
You will be picked up and transferred to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. Stroll along the boardwalk through the lowland rainforest and you will arrive in time to see the orangutans being fed.
After lunch, transfer to Sandakan Jetty for a boat journey to the award-winning Sukau Rainforest Lodge. As you travel along Sabah’s longest river, Kinabatangan, you will see birds and other wildlife in mangrove, wetland and rainforest habitats. After check-in and afternoon refreshments, take a river cruise in search of some of the 10 primate species. Sukau is home to Borneo pygmy elephants, orangutans, proboscis monkeys and all eight species of hornbill. In the evening, enjoy a candlelit dinner overlooking the riverbank.
Day 7
Sukau
Wake up to the calls of gibbons and hornbills and hot Sabah tea. Enjoy an early morning river cruise up the Kinabatangan River to Kelenanap oxbow lake where you will be able to spot more birds and wildlife. Walk the Hornbill Boardwalk with a guide before enjoy an afternoon river cruise.
Day 8 - 12
Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria
After breakfast, return to Sandakan by boat. From Sandakan, you will fly to Kota Kinabalu. On arrival, you will be met by a guide and transferred to your hotel. Spend the next few days at the luxury Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria Resort. Relax by the poolside or soak up the sun on the beautiful beach. The hotel is also home to a number of award-winning restaurants. The resort is home to an award-winning spa and Dalit Bay Golf & Country club, which offers an 18-hole championship golf course. Bordered by the Tambalang and Mengkabong rivers, tee-off with stunning views of Mount Kinabalu in the backdrop.
Day 13 - 14
Departure
After breakfast you will be picked up and transferred to the airport for your return flight to the UK.
The wetter months in Borneo tend to be between November and February. Temperatures remain fairly constant year round with averages of 27-32°C and relative humidity of around 80%. Borneo’s high season is May to September, when days are dry and warm, although accommodation can be in short supply during this time.
Visa Requirements:
British Nationals do not need a visa to enter Malaysia for up to 3 months. If you wish to stay longer than 3 months then visas can be obtained from your nearest Malaysian diplomatic mission.
