Malaysian Borneo Adventure Tour

HIGHLIGHTS

Visit the Sandakan War Memorial and Agnes Keith House
Experience the incredible Rainforest Discovery Centre within the Kabili Forest Reserve
Stopover at Gomantong Cave to experience the bat exodus and search for orangutans along the boardwalk
Cruise along the mangrove and riverine forests of Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary in search of species adapted to this unique waterworld
Trek deep within the primary tropical rainforest of the Danum Valley Conservation Area where most Bornean biodiversity resides
Visit a local village to experience the local culture, including traditional food, crafts and music
Explore one of the largest limestone cave systems in the world within UNESCO World Heritage listed Mulu National Park and experience the unique culture of the remote Penan tribe
Enjoy Mari Mari Cultural Village that is home to 5 ethnic tribes
And more....

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EXPEDITION OVERVIEW

Embark on an extraordinary expedition through the natural wonders of Malaysian Borneo. Journey along Sabah's eastern coast and explore the majestic Kinabatangan Floodplain, Malaysia's second-longest river, in pursuit of pygmy elephants and proboscis monkeys. Witness a spectacular bat exodus from a remarkable limestone cave and venture into the Danum Valley Conservation Area, a biodiversity hotspot beneath towering tropical trees, where you can seek out iconic wildlife such as orangutans, tarsiers, red leaf monkeys, gibbons, and clouded leopards.

Your adventure continues westward to Mulu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the world's largest limestone cave systems – a true geological marvel of Borneo. Immerse yourself in the unique cultures of the remote Penan tribes and over five other ethnic groups who inhabit this captivating island.

Join us for an intrepid journey off the beaten path and uncover Borneo's incredible and enduring diversity.

If you seek an authentic and thrilling adventure, look no further.

EXPEDITION GOALS

Our goal is to provide our guests with a unique experience, to observe wild tropical biodiversity in their natural habitat. We will provide you with a safe platform to observe many endemic, rare and unique species of wildlife throughout Borneo. We will also provide you with comprehensive information about the destination you are in so that you are fully informed of your surroundings prior, during and following your expedition.

Furthermore, Orangutan Odysseys has partnered up with The Orangutan Project which supports conservation programs in Borneo - so travelling with us you are directly supporting their orangutan conservation efforts and environmental programs. And finally by supporting ethical and eco-tourism you are helping support the locals and the environment.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrive Sandakan - Nature Resort
Pick up from Sandakan Airport (SDK) / Sandakan area (time TBA) and, if time permits, visit Sandakan War Memorial and the Agnes Keith House before enjoying lunch at the English Tea House. In the afternoon, transfer to Nature Resort for check-in and go for an afternoon walk at Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC) before returning to the Nature Resort for dinner and optional night walk in Kabili Forest Reserve. Meals: L, D.

Day 2: Sandakan - Kinabatangan River
Enjoy breakfast and a leisurely morning before check-out from hotel. Check out from NR and continue on to Hornbill Lodge along the Kinabatangan River for lunch. Enjoy an afternoon river cruise (share-in basis), dinner at the lodge and an included night walk. Meals: B, L, D.(River cruise locations will depend on current wildlife sightings, this can be discussed with your guide).

Day 3: Kinabatangan River
Join an early morning river cruise then return to the lodge for breakfast before embarking on a jungle walk (weather permitting) on trails nearby the lodge and a visit to the wildlife observation tower for panoramic views of the Kinabatangan river. Return to the lodge to rest & enjoy lunch at the restaurant deck overlooking the river. At 4:00 pm embark on another river cruise. Return for dinner at the lodge and enjoy an included night walk or optional night cruise. Meals: B, L, D.

Day 4: Kinabatangan - Danum Valley
After a final dawn river cruise & breakfast, check out from Hornbill Lodge and begin the journey south to Danum Valley. Along the way, you will have your first stop at Gomantong Caves, a short boardwalk to the cave's entrance where you can see the traditional way of harvesting birds nests and also a good chance of spotting orangutans and bat hawks. Next stop will be lunch in Lahad Datu, the last town before heading into the Danum Valley Conservation Area. You will arrive at the Danum Valley Field Centre (DVFC) by mid-afternoon, in time for a short walk around the centre and an introduction to the lowland tropical rainforest of Borneo. The area surrounding the centre teems with wildlife and is connected with an extensive trail network to explore. Return to the centre before sundown and enjoy dinner at 7:00 pm. After dinner, go on an included night drive to spot giant flying squirrels, civets, leopard cat, ungulates + more. Meals: B, L, D.

Day 5: Danum Valley
Wake up early for an early morning nature walk nearby DVFC to experience the forest come to life. Return to the centre for breakfast and embark on a trail in the area before returning for lunch. After lunch, take a dip at the Ulu Segama River before heading off for another trek – there are various types of trails, and your guide can discuss the options with you. Return to the centre in the late afternoon, in time to watch as the sky changes colour and the sun sets. After dinner, go on an included night walk with your guide. Meals: B, L, D.

Day 6: Danum Valley
Awake for an early morning 4x4 drive to Bukit Atur for a breathtaking sunrise experience atop a canopy of the tallest tropical trees in the world. Back for breakfast and then spend another full day with your guide exploring the forest with more chances to spot wildlife by some short walks or possibly embarking on one of the longer trails – our guide will have to determine your fitness level before taking you on longer hikes. Meals: B, L, D.

Day 7: Danum Valley - Lahad Datu
Wake up early for an early walk and more wildlife sighting possibilities. Return to the dining hall for breakfast, then begin your journey back to Lahad Datu around 9.30am for MAS Wings flight MH3017 to Kota Kinabalu at 14:55. While waiting for the flight your driver and/or guide can take you across the road for lunch in Lahad Datu. 4:00 pm touch down in Kota Kinabalu and be met by your driver and transfer to Mercure Hotel for check-in, dinner in town and overnight at the hotel. Meals: B, L.
Note: Dinner at guest’s own arrangements and costs

Day 8: Kota Kinabalu - Mulu
Check out from Jesselton hotel after breakfast and be met by your driver and transfer to Kota Kinabalu Airport (BKI) for flight to Mulu (MZV) via MH3251 departing at 10:15hrs. Once arriving at Mulu Airport meet and greet by our friendly representative and transfer to Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa hotel for check-in. Afternoon, 14:00hrs / 14:30hrs - proceed on plank walk for 3 kilometres to reach Deer Cave & Lang Cave. After exploring the caves, proceed to the bat's observatory to witness bat exodus out of caves entrance in the early evening (depending on weather). Return journey on the same plank walk to park headquarters and transfer back to the hotel. Overnight at Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa. Meals: B, D.
Note: Lunch is at guest’s own cost and there is a restaurant in the Mulu Marriott

Day 9: Mulu
Breakfast at the hotel and transfer by longboat and proceed to Batu Bungan - Penan Settlement, to observe the tribe lifestyle and to select handicrafts on display for sale at Penan Settlement. Continue journey by longboat to Wind Cave and Clearwater Cave. Picnic lunch at Clearwater summer huts and later on you can enjoy swimming at Clearwater spring. After lunch, return by longboat to the hotel. Overnight at Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa. Meals: B, L, D.

Day 10: Mulu - Kota Kinabalu
Enjoy breakfast at the resort and enjoy free time at your own leisure until transferring back to Mulu Airport (MZV) for departure flight back to Kota Kinabalu Airport (BKI) via MH3252. Upon arrival, transfer back to Mercure Hotel for an afternoon and evening spent free at leisure. Overnight at Mercure Hotel. Meals:B.
Note: Lunch & Dinner at guest’s own arrangements and cost

Day 11: Kota Kinabalu
Pick up from Mercure hotel around 9:10 am and transfer to Mari Mari Cultural village around 30 - 40 minutes outside of Kota Kinabalu. Upon arrival, you will be warmly welcomed to the different homes of 5 ethnic tribes of Sabah. Each home was built by descendants of the tribes they represent and the village portrays the fascinating differences in architecture, costumes and traditions of the different tribes and you will witness demonstrations of ancient activities coming to life such as the making of blowpipes, starting a fire from bamboo and tattoo-making. Return to your hotel and enjoy your last evening free to explore Kota Kinabalu city. overnight at Mercure Hotel. Meals: B, L. Note: Dinner at guest’s own arrangements and cost

Day 12: Kota Kinabalu Departure - Tour ends
Be met by your driver transfer to the airport for your onward travel. Tour ends.