Borneo
Day 01: Embark on your journey from our Kota Kinabalu hotel. Today offers leisure time, with a welcome meeting scheduled in the evening with your tour leader. Check-in starts at 2 pm. Kota Kinabalu, Sabah’s capital, blends jungle and sea, boasting a unique frontier allure after rebuilding from World War II bombings. Explore local history at the Sabah State Museum or enjoy interactive learning at the Mari Mari Cultural Village if time allows.
Day 02: Embarking on our journey from the bustling city, we set our course towards Mount Kinabalu. Approximately two to two and a half hours later, we reached the Dusun village of Tanak Nabalu. Due to rough roads, we may need to utilize smaller minibusses for this leg of the journey. The Dusun community, the predominant ethnic group in Sabah, welcomes us warmly. Upon arrival, we’re assigned to various homestays, where we spend the day exploring orchards and rubber plantations and taking refreshing dips in the river. There’s also ample opportunity to engage with village life, from village strolls to possibly a friendly game of football. In the evening, we gather for a captivating cultural performance, a cherished tradition that preserves the ancient dances of the Dusun people. Our tour leader provides language sheets to facilitate communication for families who may not be fluent in English.
Day 03: This morning, we explore Mini Mount Kinabalu, a remarkable natural formation resembling the peak of Mount Kinabalu. Next, we venture into Kinabalu National Park, embarking on a scenic hike lasting one to two hours through its lower trails and Mountain Botanical Gardens, showcasing diverse plant life. Optionally, we can pay homage at the Kundasang War Memorial, honoring prisoners of war who perished during the Second World War’s infamous death marches. The memorial comprises four distinct gardens representing various nationalities. Finally, we transferred to the tranquil Zen Garden Resort for our overnight stay.
Day 04: This morning, we embark on a journey to the Poring Hot Spring, where we’ll immerse ourselves in the refreshing pools and invigorating hot tubs fed by natural thermal waters. Amidst well-kept pathways leading to a nearby waterfall, we’ll relish the tranquility of the surroundings. Consider indulging in a private bath for an extra fee to avoid crowds. Later, we’ll soar through the treetops on a canopy walkway, navigating suspension bridges that hang up to 130ft (40m) above the forest floor. Within the vicinity, a butterfly and orchid garden awaits exploration. Afterward, a brief transfer brings us to the Sabah Tea Gardens, where we’ll reside for the night in a traditional reconstructed longhouse featuring shared bathrooms.
Day 05 – 06: Awakening to breathtaking mountain vistas, our day begins with an early excursion to the tea plantation, delving into the intricacies of tea cultivation. Afterward, we embark on a scenic drive to Kinabatangan, which lasts around five to six hours. Renowned for its wildlife, the Kinabatangan River boasts Southeast Asia’s premier wildlife viewing spots. With its diverse ecosystem, including ten primate species such as orangutans and proboscis monkeys, along with an array of birdlife and reptiles, the jungle offers an unforgettable experience. Over the next day and a half, our activities include river cruises, jungle treks, a night safari, and contributing to reforestation efforts.
Day 07 – 08: Over the next few days, we’ll explore Sepilok and its surrounding attractions. Our journey includes a scenic drive to Labuk Bay, where we’ll encounter the unique proboscis monkeys, known for their distinct large noses and impressive acrobatics. Following this, we’ll head to Sepilok, just a short distance away, where we’ll be staying at a guesthouse with a refreshing pool conveniently located near the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre.
Established in the 1960s, the Kabili Sepilok Reserve is home to rehabilitated orangutans, ranging from 60 to 80 individuals, freely roaming the forest. The rehabilitation center houses 25 young orphaned orangutans, providing them with essential care and medical attention. Twice a day, at 10 am and 3 pm, visitors can witness the orangutans being fed, supplementing their diet of foraged food with milk and bananas.
Additionally, we’ll have the opportunity to visit the Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre, dedicated to protecting and conserving the most miniature bears in the world. Nearby, the Rainforest Discovery Centre offers environmental education and a stunning canopy walkway, allowing us to admire the majestic rainforest and spot various bird species. This experience aims to raise awareness about the importance of forest conservation and sustainable resource management.
Day 09: This morning, we’ll journey to Sandakan Airport, a brief 25-minute drive, for our flight back to Kota Kinabalu, which takes approximately 40 minutes. Remember, there’s a 33lb (15kg) limit on checked baggage for the domestic flight, but you can pay for extra baggage at the airport or coordinate with your tour leader beforehand. Upon landing in Kota Kinabalu, we’ll transfer to the Grandis Hotel & Resort, where we’ll spend our final three nights. The hotel, conveniently near the waterfront, offers easy access to markets, restaurants, and the city jetty. The remainder of the day is yours to relax by the hotel pool or explore the local markets at your own pace.
Day 10: Join us today as we embark on an adventure to Tunku Abdul Marine Park, immersing ourselves in vibrant coral reefs and a kaleidoscope of marine life while snorkeling. Take delight in swimming and unwinding on pristine white-sand beaches nestled among the picturesque islands within the park.
Day 11: Today offers opportunities for leisure activities such as shopping, sightseeing, or engaging in optional experiences like a traditional cooking class or a half-day kayak excursion on the Tembara River (additional cost may apply, payable on-site). Families can opt for a short boat ride from the hotel’s city jetty to nearby islands for beach relaxation and snorkeling. Alternatively, you can unwind by the pool before our concluding evening together.
Day 12: Your adventure concludes with breakfast in Kota Kinabalu. Should you wish to extend your exploration, feel free to discuss additional nights with your sales representative.