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

This tour will take you on the ultimate discovery of the natural wonders of Malaysian Borneo. Traverse across Sabah’s east coastline as you explore Malaysia’s second-longest river, the mighty Kinabatangan Floodplain in search of pygmy elephants and proboscis monkeys, witness a bat exodus at a unique limestone formed cave and trek throughout the Danum Valley Conservation Area, a treasury of biological diversity amid a canopy of the tallest tropical trees in the world as you search for the iconic tropical wildlife including the orangutan, tarsier, red leaf monkey, gibbon and clouded leopard.

Your journey will continue west to explore one of the largest limestone cave systems in the world within Mulu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Area and an astounding geological marvel of Borneo, whilst experiencing unique culture of the remote Penan tribes and over five ethnic groups that call this island home. Join us for this adventurous expedition to step off the beaten track and unearth Borneo’s unwavering diversity.

If it's a real-life adventure you are looking for then this is the trip for you.

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

Note: Tour can start on dates to suit our guests requirements.

Day 1: Arrival Kuala Lumpur
Today arrive in Kuala Lumpur. Your arrival transfers and overnight accommodation arranged by the client. Note:OO can quote for these services upon request.

Day 2: Kuala Lumpur - Sandakan
Morning flight from Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Sandakan (SDK). Pick up from Sandakan Airport (SDK) at 8:55 am from flight AK5198. Visit Sandakan War Memorial and Agnes Keith House before enjoying lunch at the English Tea House. After lunch, check into the Four Points by Sheraton and if time permits, go for an afternoon walk at Rainforest Discovery centre before returning to Sandakan in the evening. Join your guide for an evening meal on the Sandakan waterfront and overnight at Four Points by Sheraton Hotel. Meals: L,D.
Note: KL Airport transfers arranged by the client.

Day 3: Sandakan - Kinabatangan River
Enjoy breakfast and a leisurely morning before check-out from Four Points by Sheraton. Be met by your driver at 9:30 am and transfer south to Sukau the entrance point to the Kinabatangan River for your stay at the Borneo Nature Lodge. Arrive for lunch and enjoy an afternoon river cruise (share-in basis), return for dinner at the lodge and enjoy an optional night cruise to see nocturnal wildlife (additional charge to be paid directly to the lodge). Overnight at Borneo Nature Lodge. Meals: B, L, D.

Day 4: Kinabatangan River
Early morning river cruise to Kelenanap Ox-bow Lake and then embark on a short jungle walk (weather permitting) back to the lodge for breakfast. Free for the day to visit the nearby village or explore the boardwalk surrounding the lodge. At 4:00 pm embark on another river cruise. Return for dinner at the lodge and enjoy an optional night cruise. Overnight at Borneo Nature Lodge.
Meals: B, L, D.
Note: River cruise locations will depend on current wildlife sightings, this can be discussed with your guide

Day 5: Kinabatangan - Danum Valley
After breakfast, check out from Borneo Nature 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. Overnight at DVFC. Meals: B, L, D.

Day 6: 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 sunsets. After dinner, go on an included night walk with your guide. Overnight at DVFC. Meals: B, L, D.

Day 7: 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. Overnight at DVFC.
Meals: B, L, D.

Day 8: Danum Valley - Lahad Datu - Kota Kinabalu
Wake up early for an early walk and more wildlife sighting possibilities. Return to the dining hall for breakfast, and spend the rest of your morning at leisure until check out time at 11:00 am. Arrive around 1:00pm - 1:30pm at Lahad Datu for flight MH3017 @ 16:10hrs. While waiting for the flight your driver and/or guide can take you across the road for lunch in Lahad Datu. 5:00 pm touch down in Kota Kinabalu and be met by your driver and transfer to Jesselton 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 9: 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 13:55hrs. 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 will be in the form of mid-afternoon tea prior to Deer & Lang Cave tour

Day 10: 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 11: 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 Jesselton Hotel for an afternoon and evening spent free at leisure. Overnight at Jesselton Hotel. Meals:B.
Note: Lunch & Dinner at guest’s own arrangements and cost

Day 12: Kota Kinabalu
Pick up from Jesselton 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. Enjoy a farewell dinner with your guide and overnight at Jesselton Hotel. Meals: B, L.

Day 13: Kota Kinabalu Departure - Kuala Lumpur
Be met by your driver at 7:00 am for a morning flight back to Kuala Lumpur via AK5111 departing at 08:40hrs.
Note: All arrangements on arrival in KL by the client. Tour ends.