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 fanous station, Borneo Rainforest Lodge, 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 10th - 16th August 2026

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 but suggest before lunch), 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). Optional tours e.g. Night Cruise can be arranged at the lodge with minimal rates depending on the weather condition

Day 3: Kinabatangan River
Join an early morning river cruise then return to the lodge for breakfast before embarking on a jungle walk 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 - Danum Valley (BRL) 
After a final morning river cruise, check out from Hornbill Lodge at 8.30am and begin the journey south to Lahad Datu B, L, D.
After breakfast, check-out around 7:15 am for a departure by land to Lahad Datu to Borneo Rainforest Lodge’s office, for a 9:30 am transfer. The journey will take about 2 hours. Enjoy the changing landscapes of the regenerating forests to virgin rainforests of millions of years old. Check into the lodge upon arrival and settle in. Meet your guide and enjoy lunch. After a short rest, your guide will give you an introduction to the Borneo rainforest and the trails surrounding the lodge. After dinner, go on a guided night safari via electric buggy to spot nocturnal creatures. (Meals – B, L, D)

Day 5 & Day 6 - Damun Valley - BRL
Wake up to the calls of Borneo Gibbons and join your guide for a variety of wildlife walks (trail options will be discussed with you on arrival). Return for lunch at the lodge then in the afternoon, go on optional activities such as guided jungle trekking, cycling or weather permitting, water rafting session down the Danum River. Guided night walk on the nature trail after dinner. (Meals – B, L, D)

Day 7 - Danum Valley - Lahad Datu
Optional early morning walk and return to the lodge for lunch before checking out at 12.30pm for the 2-hour transfer to Lahad Datu town for an onward journey. (Meals – B, L)(Recommended departure flight: MAS Wings MH3019 from Lahad Datu to Kota Kinabalu)

Room types -
Sepilok Nature Lodge - 2 units chalets, one with extra bed
Hornbill Lodge - 2 units River Chalet
Borneo Rainforest Lodge - 2 units Jungle Chalet

INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS

INCLUSIONS

• Accommodation (Nature Resort, Hornbill Lodge, Borneo Rainforest Lodge Jungle Chalet - Twin Share basis
• Experienced, local private guide for 7 days
• All land transfers in private AC vehicles
• River cruises (3 as per itinerary)
• 1 x night drive 
• 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.