Ultimate Borneo

A journey through the heart of Malaysian Borneo showcasing the very best this diverse country has to offer. Discover metropolitan Kuala Lumpur before exploring the dense Borneo Rainforest. See pygmy elephants and orangutans in the pristine Kinabatangan Wetlands area before enjoying some respite on one of Sabah's beautiful outer islands, Gaya Island.

1. Days 1-3: Kuala Lumpur

   Begin your adventure in the diverse capital city Kuala Lumpur. A melting pot of ancient traditions and modern city living, Kuala Lumpur offers the ideal starting point for your exploration of Malaysia. Ascend the renowned Petronas Towers for sensational views across the city or wander the many markets and boutique shopping outlets. We have included within this itineary a guided excursion to the nearby Batu Caves where you will get to explore the may temples and shrines that line the entrance to this sacred site.
   

   Accommodation: Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur (2 nights)

2. Days 3-4: Sandakan and Sepilok

   Continue to Borneo’s east coast and wildlife drenched region of Sepilok. Spending the evening in a jungle-based lodge, here you will visit the Orangutan Rehabilitation Center where majestic apes roam semi-wild. Learn about the plight of their forest habitat and see them up close as the rangers feed them. You will also have the opportunity to visit the Sun Bear Sanctuary which is home to world's smallest bear, the Bornean Sun Bear. Both experiences are included in the cost of this itinerary. 
   

   Accommodation: Sepilok Nature Resort (1 night)

3. Days 4-6: Kinabatangan River

   Continue further inland to the Kinabatangan wetlands area which will be your base for the next two nights. Witness the comical proboscis monkeys patrol the treetops along the banks of the Kinabatangan River and look out for pygmy elephants making their way to the water to drink and bathe. Explore the oxbow lakes, walk through the jungle and take boat trips along the river with eagle-eyed guides who will spot all manner of incredible wildlife before it slinks back off into the vegetation (experiences included).
   
   

   Accommodation: Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge (2 nights)

4. Days 6-8: Danum Valley and Tabin

   Your next destination is the unique and spectacular Danum Valley Conservation Area. Walk through the treetops on the suspended canopy walkways looking out for hornbills and if you are very lucky, wild orangutans lounging in the branches. Walk through the jungle on special trails, passing waterfalls and hot springs and enjoying the cacophony of exotic bird calls.
   

   Accommodation: Borneo Rainforest Lodge (2 nights)

5. Days 8-12: Islands and Beaches

   End your Borneo adventure with a few nights at an idyllic island hideaway, framed by a pristine white sandy beach, turquoise waters and steamy verdant rainforest. Your flight arrives in the bustling city of Kota Kinabalu in Borneo, and after a short boat ride you’ll be relaxing with a refreshing fruit punch and cool lemongrass scented face towel in no time. 
    
   Bunga Raya Island Resort consists of raised wooden villas, mimicking Borneo’s traditional architectural style, albeit with luxurious modern touches, looking out over the jungle and scluded bay. The plunge pool villas, right on the beach, are particularly popular with honeymooners, whilst the treehouse villas, accessed via their own jungle walkway offer the most privacy. The resort has a relaxed atmosphere with stunning views, best enjoyed with a tropical-inspired drink, in a tall glass over plenty of ice, from the gorgeous infinity pool. There’s an excellent spa and the eager to please staff can arrange special dining experiences for a truly romantic experience under the stars.
   
   If you want to burn off some energy there are plenty of hiking trails and suspended canopy walkways up into the jungle where you’re likely to encounter roaming wildlife or take out a kayak or paddleboard to explore the hidden coves and bays. Grab a snorkel and mask to discover the underwater marine world, or the resort’s PADI accredited center can arrange diving as well. For adrenaline junkies there are a series of exhilarating zip-lines behind the property.

   Accommodation: Bunga Raya Island Resort (4 nights)

• Batu Caves & Royal Selangor Pewter Tour

  This half day tour will take you to the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur, where you will visit Malaysia's most prestigious pewter factory as well as the Batu Caves; one of the country's most iconic and holy sites.

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• Borneo Rainforest Lodge - Canopy Walk

  An adventure along Borneo Rainforest Lodge's canopy walk is often one of the highlights of a stay here. This suspended walkway is 300 meters long, and reaches 26 meters high at its peak, offering a different perspective into the rainforest.

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• Borneo Rainforest Lodge - Night Safari

  Hop into the back of an open-air truck for a night safari; a great time to see nocturnal primates such as the slow loris, flying red squirrel, samba deer, and civets. Your guide will use a strong torch to search for wildlife as you bump along the track.

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• Borneo Rainforest Lodge - Rainforest Trek

  Accompanied by your expert guide, trek through the pristine primary rainforest of the Danum Valley. This is one of the oldest rainforests in the world, filled with wonderful wildlife, astonishing plants, tumbling waterfalls and mysterious rock pools.

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• Borneo Rainforest Lodge - “Coffin Cliff” Trek

  Trek up to the “Coffin Cliff”, an ancient burial site of the Kadazandusun tribe, passing through picturesque rainforest and past waterfalls. You will also take in the best views of Danum Valley, and enjoy a refreshing dip in a natural Jacuzzi pool.

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• Forgotten Trails of Kuala Lumpur City

  Kuala Lumpur is often regarded as very much a contemporary city, with modern streets and towering skyscrapers. This tour aims to go behind the scenes, and explore more of the local life within Malaysia's capital.

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• Kampung Tour - Kuala Lumpur

  Head out of Kuala Lumpur to gain an insight into Malaysia's rural life. Spend the afternoon visiting a local village before taking a boat trip into a mangrove forest, where there are often thousands of fireflies lighting up the trees on the riverbank.

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• Kinabatangan River - Afternoon River Cruise

  In the late afternoon set off by boat to explore the Kinabatangan River. Enjoy the scenery as the sun sets, watching the colors change across the sky. You may be lucky enough to spot the fireflies begin to twinkle along the riverbanks as night falls.

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• Kinabatangan River - Night Walk

  Accompanied by the lodge's naturalist, enjoy an evening adventure along the boardwalk around the property. This is a great opportunity to spot some of the area's nocturnal wildlife, including snakes, birds and insects.

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• Petaling Street Heritage Food Walk

  Spend a few hours enjoying the sites, smells and flavors of Petaling Street, Kuala Lumpur's Chinatown area. This is a fun but fairly gentle introduction into Asian streetfood. You will also have the opportunity to visit nearby temples.

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• Sepilok Orangutan and Sun Bear Sanctuary

  Visit the famous Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center. Here you will have a chance to see successfully rehabilitated orangutans coming to feeding platforms, and perhaps even juvenile orangutans during one of their daily training sessions.

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Kuala Lumpur, Sandakan, Kinabatangan River & Gaya Island