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 location
• Trek deep within the primary tropical rainforest of the Tabin Wildlife Reserve where most Bornean biodiversity resides
• Visit a local village to experience the local culture, including traditional food, crafts and music

EXPEDTION OVERVIEW

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 pygmy elephants and proboscis monkeys, witness a bat exodus at a unique limestone formed cave and traverse throughout the Tabin Wildlife Reserve, a treasury of biological diversity amid a canopy of the tallest tropical trees in the world searching for the iconic tropical wildlife that call this majestic part of the world home.

You will commence your tour from Sandakan along the east coast of Sabah and travel straight to your nature resort to experience an introduction to the tropical rainforest of Borneo. The Rainforest Discovery Centre provides comfortable wildlife viewing opportunities along the treetop canopy walkway and trails surrounding the education centre.

From here we travel to the riverine forests of the Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary where you will experience exploring the mangroves to keep an eye out for species who have adapted to this incredible landscape such as proboscis monkeys, silvered langurs and crocodiles etc. Short jungle treks will connect you with villages where you can experience local culture and purchase arts and crafts. From here, we travel south stopping along the way at Gomantong Cave to experience the bat exodus and hopefully encounter orangutans nearby the boardwalks.

Continuing your journey onto the Tabin Wildlife Reserve, you will explore the largest protected area of tropical lowland rainforest in Borneo where all the megafauna on the island resides. Staying at a world-renowned research station, Danum Valley Field Centre, you will explore the extensive network of trails throughout the research plots in search of orangutans, red langurs, gibbons, Borneo pygmy elephants, cats, reptiles, civet and a plethora of bird species and not to mention the peculiar encounters during night walks! Following departure, you will travel north back to Sandakan for onward travels. 

WHAT TO EXPECT
You are embarking on an adventure to places and amongst people whose lives are very different from your own. Many aspects of life in Malaysia will seem unusual. Remember that these are often the same aspects that make an area an exotic and attractive destination. In addition to the personal physical challenges you may face, travel conditions can present unexpected obstacles, such as rough and bumpy roads and changeable weather. To prepare for this "pack" a flexible and relaxed attitude. Bring a spirit of adventure and enquiry, a healthy sense of humour and a willingness to encounter the unexpected and you will find your trip to Indonesia the adventure of a lifetime!

ITINERARY

Get ready for an epic 7-day, 6-night adventure through Sabah's incredible wildlife and Tabin Reserve! (Just a heads-up, things might shift a bit depending on local conditions.)

Day 1: Arrive Sandakan - Nature Resort (Meals: B, L)

Touch down in Sandakan, then dive straight into history at the War Memorial and Agnes Keith House. Fuel up with lunch at the English Tea House before checking into Nature Resort. If time's on our side, we'll sneak in a walk at the Rainforest Discovery Centre before dinner and an optional night walk in Kabili Forest Reserve. Let the wild times begin!

Day 2: Sandakan - Kinabatangan River (Meals: B, L)

Kick off the day with a morning stroll around Nature Resort, then head to Hornbill Lodge on the Kinabatangan River for lunch. Get ready for an awesome afternoon river cruise to spot all sorts of incredible wildlife. Dinner back at the lodge, then an included night walk to really experience the jungle after dark. (We'll adjust the cruise spots based on where the animals are hanging out, and if you're feeling extra adventurous, a night cruise can be arranged! )

Day 3: Kinabatangan River (Meals: B, L, D)

Rise and shine for another exhilarating morning river cruise! After breakfast, we'll hit the jungle trails (weather permitting, of course) and climb the wildlife observation tower for some epic panoramic views of the Kinabatangan. Head back to the lodge for a chill lunch overlooking the river. Then, get ready for another fantastic river cruise in the afternoon. Dinner's waiting, followed by an included night walk or an optional night cruise.

Day 4: Kinabatangan - Tabin Wildlife Reserve Meals: (B, L, D)

One last dawn river cruise and breakfast, then we're off to Tabin Wildlife Reserve! First stop: Gomantong Caves, where you'll see traditional bird's nest harvesting and might even spot orangutans and bat hawks. We'll grab lunch and check in at Lahad Datu, then it's full steam ahead to Tabin. After settling in, join your guide for an exciting walk along the Elephant Trail to the Lipad mud volcano. After a delicious dinner, we'll embark on an included night drive to seek out giant flying squirrels, civets, leopard cats, and so much more!

Day 5: Tabin Wildlife Reserve Meals: (B, L, D)

Start your day with an early morning bird walk “ Tabin boasts nearly 300 bird species! After breakfast, we'll head to the core area, climb the bird watching tower, and learn about the orangutan release center. Then, it's a trek through the rainforest to the stunning Lipad Waterfall where you can take a refreshing dip in the natural pool. In the afternoon, treat yourself to the Tabin Rainforest Foot Soak “ pure bliss for tired muscles! As the sun dips below the horizon, we'll do a dusk drive to spot nocturnal creatures before dinner and a night walk on the nature trail.

Day 6: Tabin Wildlife Reserve Meals: (B, L, D)

Get ready for more thrilling jungle walks with your expert nature guide, both in the morning and afternoon. After dinner, we'll hop into a vehicle for an exhilarating night safari, seeking out even more incredible nocturnal wildlife.

Day 7: Tabin Wildlife Reserve - Lahad Datu (Meals: B)

Enjoy a well-deserved lie-in, or if you're up for it, join an optional dawn drive to catch wildlife in action during sunrise (extra charge applies). After a final breakfast, you're free to explore the lodge area until check-out. Keep your eyes peeled for gibbons, bearded pigs, and a kaleidoscope of birds that frequent the lodge. We'll transfer you out after lunch, getting you back to Lahad Datu by 3 pm for your onward journey. What an unforgettable adventure!

INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS

INCLUSIONS

• Accommodation (Nature Resort, Hornbill Lodge, Tabin Wildlife Resort) - Twin Share basis
• Experienced, local private guide for 7 days
• All land transfers in private AC vehicles
• River cruises (as per itinerary)
• 1 x night drive & 1 x sunrise drive (As per itinerary)
• Entrance fees and activities as per above
• All meals as stated in the itinerary
• Water refills as needed
• Tourism taxes

EXCLUSIONS

• International airfares
• Domestic airfares (can be quoted on request)
• Visas and visa fees
• Travel insurance (mandatory)
• Soft drinks/alcoholic beverages 
• Tips (optional)
• Personal expenses

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.