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Borneo has some of the richest and most biologically-diverse forest and wetland ecosystems anywhere on Earth; where carnivorous plants are large enough to consume lizards and birds; you can wake to the beautiful morning song of the gibbon; and where you can search for brilliantly-coloured birds, playful monkeys and endangered mammals. But only half the natural beauty of Borneo is above the water. Our Wildlife & Marine Life of Borneo trip also allows you to explore colourful reefs teaming with life around Borneo's coast, visiting some of the most diverse reefs in the world. Here you get the chance to spy on sharks, watch graceful eagle rays glide above vibrant corals and spot flamboyant nudibranchs, edging across the reef.
We begin your journey at western Sabah's best preserved forest island of Gaya in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. Here you can trek through dense island rainforests and enjoy a swim in the warm blue waters South China Sea.
From western Sabah to northern Borneo, we take you into the forest home of the Bornean orangutan for close encounters with this endangered and enigmatic great ape. Here you can witness one of the world's most famous wildlife rehabilitation and conservation programmes at the Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve and Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. Young captive or abandoned orangutans, orphans of deforestation, are being helped by highly-trained and motivated staff to readjust to a life back in the wild.
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After seeing the orangutans and the success at Sepilok, we take you to the Turtle Islands National Park. This conservation programme is run by the Sabah Parks authorities, where a team of conservationists works to protect green and hawksbill turtles - both of which are categorised as endangered species on the IUCN Red List. Whilst here, you may be able to witness green and hawksbill turtles leaving their watery world to nest on the beaches on this tiny island. You may also be able to see eggs being transferred to the safety of turtle hatcheries, or witness young turtles making their very first splash into the sea after hatching.
We take a boat from Sepilok south east along the coast to the mouth of Malaysia's largest river: the Kinabatangan. Here you will experience some of the greatest the intensity and diversity of the wildlife in Borneo, exploring the forest-covered floodplains and river delta of the Lower Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary. This area forms an ecosystem of almost unparalleled richness, with forests featuring massive dipterocarp trees and mangrove habitats stretching far inland. These wetlands are perhaps the best place in Borneo to see both wild orangutans moving through the forest canopy and troops of proboscis monkeys leaping through the trees into the river itself. Quietly travelling through the wetlands by electric boats, there are great opportunities to see countless bird species, wild Asian elephants and up to ten species of monkeys and apes.
From lowland forests we move south to the scenically dramatic Gomantong Caves. These are home to an estimated two million short-nosed fruit bats; emerging each evening in their search for food.
Our visit takes you either to the Tabin Wildlife Reserve or to the Danum Valley Conservation Area - the choice is yours. Declared a wildlife reserve on account of the large number of animals present in its forests, Tabin is home to nine species of primate, Sumatran Rhinoceros and the Tembadau - a native species of buffalo; in addition to several hundred species of birds. Tabin is the largest protected lowland forest area in Sabah encompassing more than 120,000 hectares of dipterocarp forests, swamp ecosystems and 'mud volcanoes'. It is often a good place to see the Bornean Pygmy Elephants and is the area where orangutans from the rehabilitation sanctuary are eventually reintroduced to into their natural habitat.
The Danum Valley Conservation Area lies deeper to the west and comprises over 400 square kilometres of undisturbed lowland forest. It is one of the most important conservation areas in South East Asia and is rich in Borneo's bird and mammal species, including the elusive Bornean clouded leopard. Some 275 species of bird exist here and other fauna includes the Bornean white bearded gibbon, leopard cats, palm civets, mouse-deer and the Bornean orangutans. A unique perspective is gained as you explore the rainforest from a canopy walkway high in the treetops amidst the chattering calls of hornbills and the haunting songs of gibbons. The undisturbed nature of Danum's forests means that there are some enormous trees to be found here measuring more than 70 metres (230 ft) in height.
Beneath the waves, whether by scuba or by snorkelling, there is a tremendous range of marine life in northern Borneo, including vibrant and prolific coral reefs and a rich array of pelagic life at locations such as Pulau Sipadan. This is probably the best place in the world for swimming and diving with turtles. The neighbouring islands of Mabul and Kapalai are havens for their diversity of tiny (or macro) marine life such as tiny nudibranchs, the amazing orangutan crab, colourful mantis shrimps and fascinating frogfish which literally walk along the sea bed, using their own built-in 'fishing rod' to catch a meal.
Pulau Lankayan is located close to Turtle Island within 47,000 hectares of a Marine Conservation Area encompassing pristine coral reefs, old wooden wrecks and superb 'muck-diving' in sandy coastal environments. Diving and snorkelling here offers encounters with larger pelagic species such as barracuda and jacks, and between March - May offers the occasional encounter with the colossal whale shark. Staying in one of our specially-selected waterside lodges, perfectly located for diving and snorkelling, these islands are perfect for relaxing after returning from your marine explorations.
Your Borneo safari culminates in the national park surrounding Mount Kinabalu: the highest peak in South East Asia, where you can explore the outstanding array of flora and fauna in the mountain garden of Malaysia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site. For those whose focus is natural history, the forests of this park provide your final destination, rich in orchids, bromeliads, pitcher plants and for those in luck, the rare flowering of a Rafflesia plant.
The more intrepid can attempt the 4,000 m climb to the summit and take in the magnificent views of Borneo stretching out far below as the sun rises. We follow the Via Ferrata Trail or the Mesilau Trail - an alternative route to the summit, where beautiful orchids, pungent corpse flowers and monstrous pitcher plants grow. Located at an altitude of 2,000 metres on the eastern side of Kinabalu National Park, the trail is both wilder and more beautiful than the route most-commonly taken. The trail is excellent for those who are as enthusiastic about plants and wildlife as they are about the actual climb.
A fundamental part of your experience of Borneo's wildlife and marine life is the enthusiasm, knowledge and dedication to conservation of your expert local guides.
Malaysian Borneo's islands are jewels in South-East Asia's rich tapestry of marine habitat - and long may they remain that way. The diversity of life within them is of global importance, but like many reefs around the world, they are beautiful but fragile environments that are under pressure. We therefore urge all divers to dive responsibly and safely, avoiding any contact with the reef.
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Photographs kindly provided by David Slater, Ralph Pannell, Charlotte Caffrey, Alan Oh, Nick Bramley, SMART, Albert Teo, Lawrence Lee, Martin Bobrow, Paul Lammiman & PSR
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Prices valid to end March 2010 14 days inc Lankayan: £1790 (non-diver), £1880 (diver) 15 days inc Lankayan: £1995 (non-diver), £2085 (diver) 15 days inc Sipadan: £1860 (non diver), £1955 (diver) 16 days inc Sipadan: £2065 (non diver), £2160 (diver)
For Danum Valley option in place of Tabin add £125 pp sharing, or £195 pp in July & Aug
Prices (1st Apr 2010 - 31st Mar 2011) 14 days inc Lankayan: £1895 (non-diver), £1985 (diver) 15 days inc Lankayan: £2075 (non-diver), £2165 (diver) 15 days inc Sipadan: £2060 (non diver), £2155 (diver) 16 days inc Sipadan: £2240 (non diver), £2335 (diver)
For Danum Valley option in place of Tabin add £175 pp sharing, or £225 pp in July & Aug
Access to Sipadan is restricted to 120 people per day and we will never know until on the day itself whether we can get you to the island or if your snorkelling or diving will be on Kapalai island. To increase your chances of visiting Sipadan itself, we can offer the option to be on a liveaboard motor yacht. This option adds £49 (diver) or £89 (non-diver) to the prices above but we are currently able to take every one to Sipadan at least once who takes this option. The liveaboard also visits other islands in the area so you may also have the chance to visit Kapalai, Mabul and Si-Amal islands.
Our prices include Transfers All domestic flights Marine park and national park conservation fees 3 meals per day plus served in buffet style (during diving portion of trip). Meals at all other times as indicated (B,L,D) All resort accommodation based on twin share For divers: 3 boat dives daily except on arrival/departure day with unlimited shore dives Use of tanks, weights and weight belt Unguided night dives for qualified divers with buddy only Guided trips as per itinerary with English-speaking, expert naturalist guides Tea, coffee and water available throughout the day (during island portion of trip - self service) Afternoon tea and snacks (during island portion of trip)
Our prices exclude Visas International flights Travel holiday insurance Services not listed Equipment rental Camera permit fees (RM10) Alcoholic beverages Tips
Prices valid until March 2010
Activity Level High to low depending on personal preference. Please note that climbing Mount Kinabalu requires a good level of physical fitness
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Draft 14 day itinerary including Lankayan Island
Day 1 Arrive at Kota Kinabalu and transfer to the Jesselton Hotel; a tastefully-preserved boutique hotel.
Day 2 (B,L) Guided exploration of Gaya and Manukan Islands in the Tunku Abdul Marine Park. Overnight at the Jesselton.
Day 3 (B,L,D) Fly from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan. Speedboat journey to Sabah's Turtle Island National Park. Explore, swim and snorkel during the day then witness egg-laying and release of baby turtles in the evening. Overnight in a comfortable chalet on the island.
Day 4 (B,L,D) Transfer back to Sandakan before taking a speedboat ride to Lankayan Island for diving, snorkelling and relaxing.
Days 5-6 (B,L,D) Diving, snorkelling and relaxing on Lankayan Island.
Day 7 (B,L,D) After departing Lankayan in the morning and returning to Sandakan, you will be met by your guide for a short trek into the rainforest to the Sepilok orangutan rehabilitation centre. Continue by boat journey along the Kinabatangan River for exploration of the mangroves, wetlands and rainforest habitats. Overnight in a rainforest lodge.
Day 8 (B,L,D) Continue exploration and safari through the Kinabatangan Delta viewing primates, birds and other wildlife. Overnight in rainforest lodge.
Day 9 (B,L,D) Proceed overland to the limestone outcrop of Gomantong Caves and later continue to the Tabin Wildlife Reserve or Danum Valley Conservation Area. Overnight in a rainforest lodge.
Day 10 (B,L,D) Continue your exploration for birds and mammals and other wildlife in the Tabin Wildlife Reserve or Danum Valley. Overnight in a rainforest lodge.
Day 11 (B,L) Fly back to Kota Kinabalu after a morning rainforest trek and spend the night in the Jesselton Hotel
*Days 12-13 (B,L,D day 12 and B,L day 13) Exploring the outstanding array of flora and fauna in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kinabalu National Park. Overnight spent at a lodge in Kinabalu National Park on day 12 & the Jesselton Hotel day 13.
Day 14 (B) Private transfer to Kota Kinabalu airport for departure flight home
*Alternative 15 day itinerary for days 12-15, including Mount Kinabalu Climb from Mesilau Trail
Day 12 (B,L,D) Exploring the outstanding array of flora and fauna in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kinabalu National Park. Overnight at a lodge within Kinabalu National Park.
Day 13-14 (B,L,D day 13 and B,L day 14) Ascending to the summit of Mount Kinabalu from the Mesilau Trail amongst pitcher plants and orchids. Overnight (Day 13) in a mountain rest house. Return to Kota Kinabalu (day 14) for overnight stay at the Hotel Jesselton.
Day 15 (B) Private transfer to Kota Kinabalu Airport for flight home
Draft 15 day intinerary including Sipadan from Mabul or Kapalai
Day 1 Arrive Kota Kinabalu and transfer to the Jesselton Hotel, a tastefully-preserved boutique hotel.
Day 2 (B,L) Guided exploration of Gaya and Manukan Islands in the Tunku Abdul Marine Park. Overnight at the Jesselton.
Day 3 (B,L,D) Fly from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan. Speedboat journey to Sabah's Turtle Island National Park. Explore, swim and snorkel during the day then witness egg-laying and the release of baby turtles in the evening. Overnight in a comfortable chalet on the island.
Day 4 (B,L,D) After departing Turtle Island in the morning and returning to Sandakan, you will be met by your guide for a short trek into the rainforest to the orangutan rehabilitation centre at Sepilok. Continue by boat journey along the Kinabatangan River for exploration of the mangrove, wetland and rainforest habitats. Overnight in a rainforest lodge.
Day 5 (B,L,D) Continue your exploration and safari through the Kinabatangan Delta viewing primates, birds and other wildlife. Overnight in a rainforest lodge.
Day 6 (B,L,D) Proceed overland to the limestone outcrop of Gomantong Caves and later continue to the Danum Valley Conservation Area. Overnight in a rainforest lodge.
Day 7 (B,L,D) Continue exploration for birds and mammals and other wildlife in the Danum Valley. Overnight in a rainforest lodge
Day 8 (B,L) Overland transfer from Lahad Datu to Semporna. Overnight in a hotel at Semporna
Day 9 (B,L,D) Transfer via speedboat to the islands of Mabul or Kapalai for diving and snorkelling on Sipadan
Days 10-11 (B,L,D) Diving, snorkelling and relaxing around the islands of Sipadan, Kapalai and Mabul
Day 12 (B) Depart Kapalai or Mabul by speedboat and overland transfer to Tawau airport. Fly to Kota Kinabalu mid-afternoon and on arrival take a private transfer to your hotel
Days 13-14 (B,L,D day 13 and B,L day 14) * Explore the outstanding array of flora and fauna in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kinabalu National Park. Overnight at a scenic lodge in Kinabalu National Park on day 13 & the Jesselton Hotel day 14.
Day 15 (B) Transfer to Kota Kinabalu airport for departure flight home.
*Alternative 16 day itinerary for days 13-16 including Mount Kinabalu Climb from Mesilau Trail
Day 13 (B,L,D) Exploring the outstanding array of flora and fauna in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kinabalu National Park. Overnight at lodge within the Kinabalu National Park.
Days 14-15 (B,L,D day 14 and B,L day 15) Ascending to the summit of Mount Kinabalu from the Mesilau Trail amongst pitcher plants and orchids. Overnight (Day 14) in mountain rest house. Return to Kota Kinabalu (day 15) for overnight stay at the Hotel Jesselton.
Day 16 (B) Private transfer to Kota Kinabalu Aiport for flight home
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Photographs kindly provided by David Slater, Ralph Pannell, Charlotte Caffrey, Alan Oh, Nick Bramley, SMART, Albert Teo, Lawrence Lee, Martin Bobrow, Paul Lammiman & PSR
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