Travel type

Expedition grade

Duration
Days
Accomodation

FROM
$ (AUD)

EXPEDITION OVERVIEW

Our mission is to discover the natural wonders of
Malaysian Borneo along Sabah™s east coast as you explore Malaysia™s second-longest river, the mighty Kinabatangan Floodplain in search of orangutans, pygmy elephants and proboscis monkeys, witness a bat exodus at a unique limestone formed cave and traverse throughout Danum Valley, a treasury of biological diversity amid a canopy of the tallest tropical trees in the world searching for the iconic tropical wildlife that calls this majestic part of the world home.

Your special host on this trip is Founder and President of The Orangutan Project Leif Cocks.  Leif is a world-renowned primatologist and has worked with orangutans for more than 30 years. Throughout the trip, he will share his unique knowledge into primate behaviours and will explain how The Orangutan Project is working to secure the survival of Critically Endangered orangutans in their natural habitat.

Leif Talks Tours
Hi, I have now completed many Leif Cocks Orangutan Odysseys Eco-tours. On each one, we all had a great time, learnt all about the orangutan's habitat, made new friends and most importantly raised awareness & much-needed funds to help save this endangered species. In the complex world of conservation and animal behaviour, it is difficult to fully grasp the realities of what we see on just a short tour. That is why I feel that the members on this tour, being able to discuss the deeper insights of conservation and behaviour, may have enjoyed the trip so much more. The more you know about something the more interesting it gets! With any holiday a lot of time is wasted through getting from one place to the other, however, time can fly when you have the opportunity to discuss what you have just seen and what you are about to see in a holistic and in-depth context. It would be great to have you on board!
 
Leif says "Want an enjoyable holiday, but want it to be something more? Why not, see what is really going on, connect with the most intelligent fellow beings on the planet, meet the people working at the coal face and become part of the solution"

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 surrounds 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. 

HIGHLIGHTS

ITINERARY

9 days: 10th to 18th May 2021

Day 1 - 10 May 2021: Arrive Kuala Lumpur
Arrival Kuala Lumpur. Arrive at KL Airport hotel for overnight stay. The evening we shall meet for a tour briefing ahead of our travel to Borneo the next day.
Note: Arrival to airport hotel by guests is required by 5 pm. Accommodation included. 

Day 2 - 11 May: KL - Sandakan
Morning flight from Kuala Lumpur to Sandakan. Pick up from Sandakan airport @ 08.55 am, coming off flight AK5198. Visit Sandakan war memorial, Agnes Keith house and the English tea house for lunch. 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. Meals L,D. 

Day 3 - 12 May: Sandakan to Kinabatangan River
A leisurely morning before your 9.30 am pick up and transfer to The Borneo Nature Lodge (Kinabatangan River) for lunch. Afternoon river cruise (share-in basis), dinner at the lodge and optional night cruise (additional charge to be paid directly to the lodge). Meals: B,L,D.

Day 4 - 13 May: Kinabatangan River
Early morning river cruise to Kelenanap Ox-bow lake and then short jungle walk (weather permitting) back to the lodge for breakfast. Free for the day to visit the nearby village or explore some of the boardwalk areas near the lodge. At 4 pm embark on another river cruise. Dinner at the lodge and optional night cruise. Meals: B,L,D.

Day 5 - 14 May: Kinabatangan River - Danum Valley
After breakfast, check out from Borneo Nature Lodge and transfer to Danum Valley, stopping in Lahad Datu along the way for an early lunch. Arrive at Danum Valley Field Centre (DVFC), your accommodation just outside the Danum Valley Conservation Area, around 2 pm. Check-in and freshen up before continuing on to the Danum Valley Field Centre for your first trek. Return to DVFC for dinner and then on a night drive. Meals:B,L,D.

Day 6 - 15 May: Danum Valley
Wake up early for an early morning nature walk nearby DVFC to see the forest come to life. Return to the centre for breakfast and then head back to the field centre to 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 this with you. Return to DVFC in the late afternoon, in time to watch the sky change colour as the sunsets. After dinner, go on an included night walk with your guide. Meals: B,L,D.

Day 7 - 16 May: Danum Valley
Early morning 4x4 drive to Bukit Atur for a breathtaking sunrise experience atop a canopy of lowland tropical rainforest. 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 a long hike. Meals: B,L,D.

Day 8 - 17 May: Danum Valley - Kota Kinabulu
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 1pm - 1.30pm at Lahad Datu for flight MH3017 @ 16.10. While waiting for the flight your driver and/or guide can bring you somewhere for lunch in Lahad Datu. 5 pm touch down in Kota Kinabalu and be met by your driver and transfer to Jesselton Hotel. Meals: B.

Day 9 - 18 May:  KK - KL - Tour ends
Morning fight back to Kuala Lumpur or continue your travel in Borneo. Meals: B.
Note: All arrangements on arrival in KL by the client. Tour ends

Tour Extensions: We can offer some wonderful and exciting tour extension options to places like Kota Kinabalu, Kinabalu National Park and Mulu Caves + more. If you're interested in extending your stay please contact our office for more details.
 

INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS

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ACCOMMODATIONS BORNEO