Malaysian Borneo Adventure Tour

Travel type
Small groups and family friendly (ages 13 & up)
Expedition grade
Moderate to Difficult (some jungle trekking involved)
Duration
12 Days
Accomodation
Hotels and lodges
FROM
$4780.00 (AUD)

ex Kuala Lumpur (twin share accommodation)
*Minimum 2 persons

$1130.00

Single traveller supplement

HIGHLIGHTS

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: Arrival in Kuala Lumpur

Upon arrival in Kuala Lumpur, your transfers and overnight accommodation will be arranged independently. Note: Orangutan Odysseys can provide a quotation for these services upon request.

Day 2: Kuala Lumpur to Sandakan

This morning, you will take a flight from Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Sandakan (SDK). Upon arrival at Sandakan Airport (SDK) at 8:55 am (flight AK5198), you will be met and taken to visit the Sandakan War Memorial and Agnes Keith House before enjoying lunch at the English Tea House. Following lunch, check in to the Four Points by Sheraton. If time permits, an optional afternoon walk at the Rainforest Discovery Centre is available before returning to Sandakan in the evening. You will join your guide for dinner on the Sandakan waterfront and stay overnight at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel. (Meals: L, D) Note: Kuala Lumpur airport transfers are arranged independently.

 Day 3: Sandakan to Kinabatangan River

After a leisurely breakfast and check-out from the Four Points by Sheraton, your driver will meet you at 9:30 am for a transfer south to Sukau, the gateway to the Kinabatangan River, where you will stay at the Borneo Nature Lodge. Arrive for lunch and enjoy a shared afternoon river cruise. Return to the lodge for dinner and an optional night cruise to observe nocturnal wildlife (additional cost payable directly to the lodge). Overnight at Borneo Nature Lodge. (Meals: B, L, D)

Day 4: Kinabatangan River

Enjoy an early morning river cruise to Kelenanap Ox-bow Lake, followed by a short jungle walk back to the lodge for breakfast (weather permitting). The rest of the day is free for you to visit the nearby village or explore the boardwalk around the lodge. At 4:00 pm, another river cruise will take place. Return for dinner at the lodge, with an optional night cruise available. Overnight at Borneo Nature Lodge. (Meals: B, L, D) Note: River cruise locations are subject to current wildlife sightings and can be discussed with your guide.

Day 5: Kinabatangan to Danum Valley

Following breakfast and check-out from Borneo Nature Lodge, your journey south to Danum Valley begins. Your first stop will be the Gomantong Caves, where a short boardwalk leads to the entrance. Here you can witness the traditional harvesting of birds' nests and have a good chance of spotting orangutans and bat hawks. Next, you will have lunch in Lahad Datu, the last town before entering the Danum Valley Conservation Area. You will arrive at the Danum Valley Field Centre (DVFC) by mid-afternoon, allowing time for a brief walk around the centre and an introduction to Borneo's lowland tropical rainforest. The area surrounding the centre is rich in wildlife and offers an extensive network of trails to explore. Return to the centre before sunset for dinner at 7:00 pm. After dinner, an included night drive offers opportunities to spot giant flying squirrels, civets, leopard cats, ungulates, and more. Overnight at DVFC. (Meals: B, L, D)

 Day 6: Danum Valley

Wake up early for a morning nature walk near DVFC to experience the forest awakening. Return to the centre for breakfast before embarking on a trail in the area, followed by lunch. In the afternoon, cool off with a dip in the Ulu Segama River before another trek. Your guide will discuss the various trail options available. Return to the centre in the late afternoon to witness the sunset. After dinner, an included night walk with your guide awaits. Overnight at DVFC. (Meals: B, L, D)

Day 7: Danum Valley

Begin your day with an early morning 4x4 drive to Bukit Atur for a breathtaking sunrise view from the canopy of the world's tallest tropical trees. Return for breakfast and spend another full day exploring the forest with your guide. There will be more opportunities for wildlife spotting through short walks or potentially longer hikes, depending on your fitness level as determined by your guide. Overnight at DVFC. (Meals: B, L, D)

Day 8: Danum Valley to Lahad Datu to Kota Kinabalu

An early morning walk offers further chances for wildlife sightings before returning to the dining hall for breakfast. Enjoy the rest of your morning at leisure until the 11:00 am check-out. You will arrive in Lahad Datu around 1:00 pm - 1:30 pm for flight MH3017 at 16:10hrs. While waiting for your flight, your driver and/or guide can take you for lunch across the road in Lahad Datu. Arrive in Kota Kinabalu at 5:00 pm, where you will be met by your driver and transferred to the Jesselton Hotel for check-in, dinner in town, and overnight stay. (Meals: B, L) Note: Dinner is at your own arrangement and expense.

 

Day 9: Kota Kinabalu to Mulu

After breakfast and check-out from the Jesselton Hotel, your driver will transfer you to Kota Kinabalu Airport (BKI) for your flight to Mulu (MZV) via MH3251, departing at 13:55hrs. Upon arrival at Mulu Airport, you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to the Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa for check-in. In the afternoon (2:00 pm / 2:30 pm), proceed on a 3-kilometer plank walk to reach Deer Cave & Lang Cave. After exploring the caves, continue to the bat observatory to witness the bat exodus from the cave entrance in the early evening (weather permitting). Return via the same plank walk to the 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 the Deer & Lang Cave tour.

 Day 10: Mulu

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before a longboat transfer to Batu Bungan - Penan Settlement. Here, you can observe the lifestyle of the Penan tribe and browse local handicrafts for sale. Continue by longboat to Wind Cave and Clearwater Cave. A picnic lunch will be provided at the Clearwater summer huts, and you can enjoy swimming at the Clearwater spring afterwards. Return to the hotel by longboat. Overnight at Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa. (Meals: B, L, D)

 Day 11: Mulu to Kota Kinabalu

After breakfast at the resort, enjoy free time until your transfer back to Mulu Airport (MZV) for your departure flight to Kota Kinabalu Airport (BKI) via MH3252. Upon arrival, you will be transferred back to the Jesselton Hotel for a free afternoon and evening. Overnight at Jesselton Hotel. (Meals: B) Note: Lunch & Dinner are at your own arrangement and cost.

Day 12: Kota Kinabalu

You will be picked up from the Jesselton Hotel around 9:10 am and transferred to Mari Mari Cultural Village, located approximately 30-40 minutes outside of Kota Kinabalu. Upon arrival, you will receive a warm welcome to the traditional homes of five ethnic tribes of Sabah. Each home, built by descendants of the tribes, showcases the unique architecture, costumes, and traditions of these distinct communities. You will witness demonstrations of ancient activities, such as blowpipe making, fire starting with bamboo, and tattoo artistry. Enjoy a farewell dinner with your guide and overnight at Jesselton Hotel. (Meals: B, L)

Day 13: Kota Kinabalu Departure to Kuala Lumpur

Your driver will meet you at 7:00 am for your morning flight back to Kuala Lumpur via AK5111, departing at 08:40hrs. Note: All arrangements upon arrival in Kuala Lumpur are to be made independently. Your tour concludes upon departure from Kota Kinabalu.

 

INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS

INCLUSIONS

EXCLUSIONS

ACCOMMODATIONS BORNEO