Borneo

Friday 10^th April

Today we shall depart for our flight to Borneo and our travels begin!

Overnight in flight.

Saturday 11^th April

We’ll land in Sandakan today and transfer to our accommodation. The rest of the day is at leisure to settle into our new surroundings and get some R&R after our long journey! This evening we’ll enjoy our first dinner together.

Dinner included. Overnight in Sandakan.

Sunday 12^th April

We’ll leave the bustling centre of Sandakan today as we make our way to Kampung Bilit, where we will be based along side the lower Kinabatangan River. This area is renowned for its abundance of wildlife and we’ll spend the next two days embarking on walks and river cruises to spot some of the animals that reside here. After settling into our new accommodation and receiving a brief from one of the rangers here, we will set sail on our first river cruise! Upon returning, we will have dinner followed by a cultural performance from locals.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Overnight in Kampung Bilit.

Monday 13^th April

Head into the jungle this morning with our local guide, who will take us on a journey through this beautiful land and teach us about the native plants and wildlife. If we’re lucky, we may get to see some of the indigenous animals up close.

After our trek, we’ll head to a cooking class where we will learn how to make Kuih Kelupis and Kuih Perahu, two delicacies famed in this area of the world. With one savoury and one sweet treat, these tasty snacks will keep you going for the afternoon! This afternoon we will head back out onto the water one final time to try and catch one last glimpse of the local wildlife and birds!

Breakfast, lunch and dinner. Overnight in Kampung Bilit.

Tuesday 14^th April

After breakfast this morning we check out and travel to the Rainforest Discovery Centre, created by the Sabah Forestry Department to give an insight into the wonders of the rainforest. Here we’ll uncover an array of plants, insects and animals. After a tour of the gardens and education centre, we’ll have some time to explore some of the trails and put our newfound knowledge to the test. We will then procced to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre. Here live the world’s smallest bears, who are sadly losing their homes due to extreme deforestation. The centre homes to promote the conservation for these unique animals, ultimately helping them return to the wild!

Following on from lunch at a local restaurant, we’ll travel to Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, established in 1964 the centre aims to rehabilitate orphaned orangutans or those who lost their home due to deforestation. As the project continues, the centre hopes for the magnificent animals to become gradually more independent until they no longer rely on the milk and food provided.

We’ll then head to our hotel in Sandakan for the night.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Overnight in Sandakan.

Wednesday 15^th April

Our first stop this morning takes us to the house of Agnes Keith, an American author best known for her three autobiographical accounts of her life in North Borneo. Her husband, Harry Keith, was also the Conservator of Forests in North Borneo and played an instrumental part in the formation of the Sepilok Orangutan Centre. The house was destroyed in the war but has been rectified to its former glory and now hold many artefacts such as Chinese stoneware jars, blowpipes and brass gongs.

We’ll then travel to an English Tea House for lunch before continuing to the Puu Jih Shih Buddhist Temple, which resides above Sandakan Bay and boasts spectacular views. Our last stop of the day sees us at the Central Market, a bustling centre of activity. Here there will be time to wander through the market and see the local produce, from fish to fresh fruits and vegetables and to catch a glimpse of local life in Sandakan.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Overnight in Sandakan.

Thursday 16^th April

Following breakfast this morning, we check-out of our hotel and begin our journey to Selingan Turtle Island. Upon arrival, we will check into our chalets and have the rest of the day at leisure! Now is the time for you and your day partner to relax on the beach, swim in the dazzling turquoise waters, and just soak up island life! After dinner this evening, the park ranger will take us down to the beach where we will witness the turtles laying their eggs and transferring them safely to the hatchery. If we’re lucky, we might also get to watch the releasing of any hatchlings from that day! This once in a lifetime experience really connects you with nature and shows you the true wonders of this part of the world.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Overnight at Selingan Island.

Friday 17^th April

We say goodbye to the tranquillity of Selingan Island this morning and travel to the airport to fly to Kota Kinabalu. Upon arrival, we will transfer to our hotel with some free time to settle in after our journey. This evening we will proceed to Tanjung Aru Beach where we will sit back and enjoy the spectacular sky as the sunsets.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Overnight in Kota Kinabalu.

Saturday 18^th April

This morning we’ll head out on a city tour to discover the very best of Kota Kinabalu, starting at the city’s ‘Floating Mosque’, one of Sabah’s most outstanding pieces of architecture. We’ll also visit the Poh Toh Tze Buddhist temple, which stands out against the city’s standard architecture, with its Chinese roofing and structure. Surrounding the building you’ll see ten large statues of deities that truly enhance the splendour of the complex. Finally, we’ll head to the Yayasan Tower, Kota Kinabalu’s tallest building, a 30 storey circular glass structure which makes it completely unique, with only a few other buildings like this around the globe.

We’ll then proceed back to the hotel for lunch and the rest of the day is at leisure.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Overnight in Kota Kinabalu.

Sunday 19^th April

Today is our last full day in Borneo, and we’ll start the day off right by heading to the city’s Handicraft Market. Brimming with stalls laden with local crafts and trinkets, this market is a hub of activity and offers an insight into culture and lives of Sabahan people. The rest of the day will be at leisure, for you and your day partner to explore some more of this bustling and vibrant city.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner included. Overnight in Kota Kinabalu.

Monday 20^th April

Sadly, today we must begin our journey home. After a leisurely morning, we shall check-out and head to the airport to catch our flight home!

Breakfast included.

Tuesday 21^st April

Arrive back into the UK and bid farewell to the group until next time!

Single supplement – £275

Visas – at the time of publication, British nationals don’t need a visa to visit Malaysia. You will normally be given permission to stay for 3 months on arrival. Please always check your own entrance requirements.