Draft 13 day itinerary:
Day 1
Arrive Kota Kinabalu and transfer to the Jesselton Hotel, a tastefully preserved boutique hotel.
Day 2
Explore Gaya and Manukan Islands in the Tunku Abdul Marine Park. Overnight at the Jesselton (B,L)
Day 3
Fly from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan in the early morning. Transfer to rainforest lodge at the Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve. After checking in, you will spend the morning with your guide trekking into the forest and mangroves searching for orangutans, birds, snakes & frogs. Boat journey back to your lodge after lunch. In the evening before dinner, a guided night walk will be arranged to spot nocturnal wildlife. Overnight at the lodge (B,L,D)
Day 4
An early morning walk to spot birds of the forest and hear their dawn chorus is followed by breakfast. In the afternoon a guided visit is arranged to Sabah Forestry Department's Rainforest Discovery Centre to learn about conservation, and sustainable uses of the forest such as ethnobotany. Overnight back at the lodge (B,L,D)
Day5
Speedboat journey to Sabah's Turtle Island National Park. Explore, swim and snorkel during the day then witness and assist with conservation process in the evening. Overnight is spent in a chalet on the island (B,L,D)
Day 6*
Speedboat ride back to Sandakan for a short trek into the rainforest to the orangutan rehabilitation centre. Continue by boat journey along the Kinabatangan River for exploration of the mangrove, wetland and rainforest habitats. Overnight is spent in a rainforest lodge (B,L,D)
Day 7
Continue exploration and safari through the Kinabatangan Delta viewing primates, birds and wildlife (B,L,D)
Day 8
Proceed overland to the limestone outcrop of Gomantong Caves and later continue to the Tabin Wildlife Reserve or theDanum Valley Conservation Area (B,L,D)
Day 9
Continue exploration for birds and mammals and other wildlife in the Tabin Wildlife Reserve or Danum Valley (B,L,D)
Day 10
Fly back to Kota Kinabalu after a morning rainforest trek. Spend overnight in the Jesselton Hotel (B,L)
Days 11-12**
Exploring the outstanding array of flora and fauna in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kinabalu National Park. On day 11, overnight is spent in a lodge in Kinabalu National Park & on day 12 back at the Jesselton (B,L,D day 11 and B,L day 12)
Day 13
Private transfer to airport for departure flight from Kota Kinabalu (B)
**Alternative 14 day itinerary for days 11-14 including Mount Kinabalu Climb from Mesilau Trail:
Day 11
Exploring the outstanding array of flora and fauna in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kinabalu National Park. Overnight is spent in a lodge in Kinabalu National Park (B,L,D)
Day 12-13
Ascending to the summit of Mount Kinabalu amidst pitcher plants and orchids along the Mesilau Trail. On day 12, overnight at a mountain resthouse. Return to Kota Kinabalu on day 13 for overnight stay at the Hotel Jesselton (B,L,D day 12 and B,L day 13)
Day 14
Private transfer to airport for departure flight from Kota Kinabalu (B)
*Please note that we have included one guided visit on day 6 to the orangutan sanctuary, and for many people, seeing these creatures close up is one of the highlights of the trip. If you would like to include additional guided visits in the mornings of days 3 and 4, please add £15 per day |
