| Starts | Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, Malaysia |
|---|---|
| Ends | Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, Malaysia |
| Region | South East Asia |
| Duration | 10 days |
| Tour Operator | Peregrine |
Itinerary
Day 1 - Starting: Kota Kinabalu & Finishing: Kota Kinabalu
Welcome to Kota Kinabalu, the capital city of Sabah. An arrival airport transfer is included. Please advise your flight details at time of booking so as we can book this transfer for you. There is an important welcome meeting at 6pm today, which you can find details about at the hotel’s reception. If you have any free time beforehand, perhaps explore this intriguing city that was born between the Borneo jungle and the South China Sea. Modern-day 'KK' is a lively modern metropolis, having recovered from World War II bombings. The Sabah State Museum is a great place to immerse yourself in its backstory.
Day 2 - Starting: Kinabalu National Park - Kudasang & Finishing: Kinabalu National Park - Kudasang
Bid farewell to Kota Kinabalu as you head for the hills, towards the beautiful Kinabalu National Park that encompasses Mount Kinabalu. This trip takes about 2 hours. On the way there, you will stop in at a local home at Dusun Village. Here you will encounter some of the friendliest and most hospitable folk in Sabah. Enjoy the home-cooked lunch while you get an insight into local village life. Later you can stretch your legs and soak up the mountain scenery with a stroll through Kinabalu National Park. There are many walking trails from which you can birdwatch, and remember to watch for the odd snake or leach. The Mountain Botanic Garden displays a fine array of the mountain's plant life, with flora and flora from all over the area planted here. Later in the afternoon you will travel for 15 minutes or so from here to your hotel. With lovely views of the mountain, it's a great place to unwind with a drink on your balcony.
Day 3 - Starting: Kinabatangan River & Finishing: Kinabatangan River
Head out to Kinabatangan River in a private mini van (approximately 5 hours). Your jungle lodge, located beside the river, is ideal for taking in the lush surrounds. At 560 kilometres, the Kinabatangan River is the second longest river in Malaysia. It's also a protected forest reserve, containing some of the highest concentrations of wildlife in Borneo. Later in the afternoon you will take a river cruise, hopefully spotting some of the more exotic local creatures. Wild elephants seldom reveal themselves, but crocodiles, macaques, wild orangutan, proboscis monkeys, hornbills and kingfishers are more easily seen. After this short adventure you'll head back to the lodge to enjoy dinner.
Day 4 - Starting: Kinabatangan River & Finishing: Kinabatangan River
You might awake to the call of a Bornean gibbon, or perhaps a hornbill. Enjoy an early morning cruise down the river, searching for more birds and wildlife. Cruising through the morning fog while the sun is coming up you will be grateful for the warm drink in hand to kick start the adventure. Keep an eye out for Long Tail Macaques and Pig Tail Macaques – ask your leader about the difference. Later, you can trek up to a birdwatching tower overlooking the river and visit a Merabu tree. When it's all over, this evening's river cruise will be your last chance to photograph or simply marvel at your surrounds.
Day 5 - Starting: Sandakan & Finishing: Sandakan
Travelling by private minivan, you will stop to visit the intricate Gomantong Caves. Renowned for their edible swiftlet nets, which are harvested for bird's nest soup. Bird's nest collection is an ancient tradition, though nowadays licences are required for it. Travelling to Sandakan, a journey of 3 hours, you will stop in at the Sandakan War Memorial. Here you will learn about the city's past as you stand on the same ground of the former Japanese POW camp. This site also marks the starting point of the tragic Sandakan Death Marches, on which 2,400 POWs were forced to walk through the jungles of Borneo. By the end of the March, only 6 Australians survived, and only because they had escaped. Arrive in Sandakan, which was once the capital of British North Borneo and traditionally has strong trading ties with Hong Kong. The Cantonese influence is palpable in the lively harbour-side market, the many Chinese temples and the local cuisine.
Day 6 - Starting: Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre - Sandakan & Finishing: Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre - Sandakan
Head to Sepilok today to visit some rare and beautiful creatures. You will visit the Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary, where you will have an opportunity to see these famous monkeys – found only on the island of Borneo – feeding with their different family or bachelor groups. You might also see a hornbill or two. You will also spend some time at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, a reserve set up to help rehabilitate and re-introduce orphaned or domesticated creatures into the wild. Watch and photograph these charming creatures as they swing into view on ropes and vines. It is important not to interrupt the orangutans, so as to aid in their successful re-introduction. A new section has opened up at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, an outdoor nursery where young orangutans are cared for if born in captivity or when their mothers have been killed. Entry here is included in your admittance. Take the chance to view these young orangutans as they learn how to climb on a specially constructed jungle gym. Afterwards, return to Sandakan.
Day 7 - Starting: Kota Kinabalu - Manukan Island & Finishing: Kota Kinabalu - Manukan Island
Transfer to Sandakan Airport today for a flight to Kota Kinabalu. Keep in mind that the luggage allowance for this flight is only 15 kg, and any excess baggage charges will incur a further charge. A short boat ride (around 20 minutes) takes you to Manukan Island, just off the coast of Kota Kinabalu. This is one of the larger islands found in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine National Park. The first of two days on this island will be free for you to explore the island at your leisure – perhaps swimming or local activities. The 1.5-kilometre beach is lovely to stroll along at low tide. Note: we use twin share accommodation at Manukan. Some chalets have 1 twin share room with ensuite bathroom while others have 2 bedroom chalets with a lounge room. These chalets have 1 bedroom with an ensuite bathroom, and the other bedroom’s bathroom is located off the lounge room. Due to the limited chalets on Manukan Island we are not always able to provide exactly the same room for each passenger, but we always try to allocate rooms as fairly as possible. The beauty of this destination is found in its beautiful and unique natural environment.
Day 8 - Starting: Manukan Island & Finishing: Manukan Island
Enjoy a snorkelling trip today, where an array of coral and brightly coloured marine life reveals itself, conditions depending. An optional scuba dive trip from Manukan Island is also on offer for those interested in a more immersive experience. If you are interested, let your leader know and it can be arranged. After snorkelling, the afternoon is yours to enjoy. Soak up the turquoise vistas for another few hours as you stroll or swim about in this gorgeous corner of the world. At the end of the day when all the day trippers have left the island this is when the beauty of the Island really shines through. We take a walk on the jungle trail to sunset point, the best spot to watch the sun go down and kick back with a refreshing beer or wine.
Day 9 - Starting: Kota Kinabalu & Finishing: Kota Kinabalu
Head back to Kota Kinabalu today by boat and minivan. This will take around 40 minutes. You will then travel by private bus to visit the intriguing Mari Mari Cultural Village, nestled deep in the countryside. Here you will see how indigenous ethnic groups of Borneo used to live. The trip there should take less than an hour. This is a rare opportunity to see what the culture and lifestyle was like here in a bygone era. Witness first hand how the tribes would cook their meals, ignite flame with bamboo, and use a blowpipe to hunt. It's a fun, interactive and educational experience. Return to your hotel in Kota Kinabalu later on.
Day 10 - Starting: Kota Kinabalu & Finishing: Kota Kinabalu
Farewell your new companions as your trip ends after breakfast today.
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