Luxury Borneo Adventure
Get introduced to unique wildlife on this short tour, which can be added as an extension to a longer Borneo holiday. If you want a deeper exploration of Borneo's jungles, while discovering the legendary orangutans, and flora and fauna of this magical part of the world, this tour is ideal.
Your journey begins at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. One of the most famous animal rehabilitation centres in the world, dedicated to the complex care of orangutans. These mischevious primates are sadly orphaned, and receive the care they need, to eventually be released back into their natural habitat. But, Borneo is not just home to Orangutans – rhinos, pygmy elephants, and even leopards live there too.
See the second-longest river in Borneo – the Kinabatangan River. There you'll find remarkable wildlife, the area is surrounded by mangrove swamps and saltwater crocodiles. The nearby Pita Lake, is the best spot to observe a huge range of birdlife, including kingfishers, storks, egrets, and storks. Another must-visit is Gomantong Cave, it's internal structure is similar to that of a cathedral and there are many species of bats and swiftlets that live in this special cave system. Next discover Sim-Sim Malay Water village, and watch locals upholding the traditional fish markets, where there are frequent haggles over dried and fresh fish.
This tour is recommended if you are short of time, and don't want to miss out on the wilder side of Borneo.
Trip highlights
- Observe mans closest relative "the Orang Utan"
- Unique opportunity to witness the jungle at night
- Visit the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre
- Explore the fascinating Sim-Sim Malay Water Village
Sepilok / Sun Bear Conservation
Lunch and dinner
Your hotel pickup will arrive at 8am, to give plenty of time for the short flight to Sandakan.
When you arrive you will be transferred to Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre, which will take around 30 minutes. There you can watch the orangutans being cared for. Later, you will go for a walk in the Tropical Lowland Dipterocarp Forest of Borneo – and at 10 am you can observe the orangutans being fed.
Next, you will visit the Sun Bear Conservation Centre, and see the rare sun bears, which are being rehabilitated, so that they can be released back into the wild. You will then take a speed boat the Lower Kinabatangan River Sanctuary, for a magnificent tour of the Mangrove Forest.
You will return to the lodge, and after dinner, go for an experience the “Jungle at night” nature broadwalk to search for birds, snakes, insects, and other wildlife with our nature guide.
Suggested Accommodation
Pitas Oxbow Lake / Sukau / Menanggul Cruise
Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Your day will start with an early morning river cruise to the Pitas lake to observe the wildlife. You will then enjoy breakfast at the Abai Jungle Platform, depending on the weather. Later you will learn about the Tree Planting project and the Most Beautiful House Competition with the opportunity to have lunch at the Abai Jungle Restaurant. Your day will finish with a cruise along the Menanggul River before you make your way back to the lodge for dinner.
Suggested Accommodation
Sukau / Gomantong / Sandakan
Breakfast and lunch
After a delicious breakfast, you will be transferred to Sandakan, with a stop at Gomantong Cave and the Simud Hitam Cavern.
Lunch will be enjoyed at The English Tea House and restaurant, followed by a visit to The Puh Jih Syh Buddhist Temple. Set on top of a hill the temple has magnificent views of Sandakan Bay and the town centre below. Afterwards, you will visit a heritage house where author Agnes Newton Keith used to live. Your final stop will be at Sim-Sim water village where houses are built just above the water’s surface. There you can also see the traditional and atmospheric fish markets where locals haggle over fresh and dried fish.
Included
- Cost of accommodation (double room based on two people sharing) for a total of 5 nights (alternative but similar accommodation may be used at certain times of the year)
- Meals included as detailed
- Shared transport / transfers
- Entrance fees (excluding video camera fee) for all guided excursions as illustrated in the itinerary
Not included
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses, such as alcoholic beverages, telephone calls, laundry, camera fees, spa and business facilities in the hotel
- Gratuities for drivers, tour directors, local guides, naturalists and hotel staff
- Camera Fees at Sepilok Sancturay
- Tourism Tax, MYR10 per room per night
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