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 Danum Valley Conservation Area 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 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 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 Danum Valley Conservation Area where 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

7 days - 6 nights

*Subject to change due to local conditions

Day 1: Arrive Sandakan - Nature Resort
Pick up from Sandakan Airport (SDK) / Sandakan area (time TBA), 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. If time permits, go for an afternoon walk at Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC) before returning to NR for dinner and optional night walk in Kabili Forest Reserve. Meals: L, D.

Day 2: Sandakan - Kinabatangan River
Early morning walk around nature resort (NR), return for breakfast. 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 - Tabin Wildlife Reserve
After a final dawn river cruise & breakfast, check out from Hornbill Lodge and begin the journey south to Tabin Wildlife Reserve. 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. begin the journey to Tabin Wildlife Reserve. Your first stop will be in Lahad Datu for lunch and registration then you will arrive at Tabin by mid-afternoon. After check-in, join your guide for walk along the Elephant trail to Lipad mud volcano. After dinner, go on an included night drive to spot giant flying squirrels, civets, leopard cat, ungulates + more. Meals: B, L, D.

Day 5: Tabin wildlife reserve
Start with an early morning bird walk to discover some of Tabin’s rich collection of almost 300 bird species. After breakfast, drive to the core area with a stop to climb the bird watching tower and learn more about the orangutan release centre. Trek through the rainforest to visit Lipad Waterfall, take a dip in the natural pool and explore the surrounding area. In the afternoon you may wish to try out the Tabin Rainforest Foot Soak made with a natural blend of herbs, to relax tired muscles after long jungle treks. As the sun sets, go on a dusk drive to look for nocturnal wildlife coming before returning to the lodge for dinner and an after dinner night walk on the nature trail nearby the resort.
Meals: B, L, D.

Day 6: Tabin Wildlife Reserve
Join morning and afternoon jungle walks along with your nature guide. After dinner jump onto one of our vehicles for the night safari in search of nocturnal wildlife. Meals: B, L, D.

Day 7: Tabin Wildlife Reserve - Lahad Datu                                                                                           Enjoy a well deserved lie-in or join an optional dawn drive to look out for wildlife that is active around sunrise (Optional dawn drive RM100 per person ). After breakfast, you are free to explore the area surrounding the lodge until check out. Keep an eye out for gibbons, bearded pigs and a multitude of different birds that regularly visit the lodge. Transfer out is at 1.30pm after lunch and you will be back in Lahad Datu by 3pm for your onward journey. End of services. Meals: B. 

INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS

INCLUSIONS

• Accommodation (Nature Resort, Borneo Nature Lodge, Danum Valley Field Centre) - 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
• Bottled water 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.