Orangutans & Tropical Islands

12 days
Indicative cost incl. flights:

A typical 4* holiday costs from
£4,630 per person

(Based on two people travelling. Low season can be a lot cheaper, and peak season or 5* hotels can be substantially more expensive.)

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Gaya Island

Kinabatangan River

Sepilok & Sandakan

Tabin Wildlife Reserve

Day 1

Depart the UK for your overnight flight to Malaysia. You will require a short layover in Kuala Lumpur airport before travelling onwards to Sandakan in Borneo. Opt to add a few days in Malaysia's capital city to break the journey up if you would prefer.

Day 2

Arrive in Sandakan this afternoon and enjoy a short private transfer to your first jungle lodge in Sepilok. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at your own pace. If you are feeling energised you could head into the city of Sandakan for some shopping at the local markets or you can spend the afternoon enjoying the sounds of the rainforest and lazing in your jungle hammock. It's up to you!

Day 3

Start your day with your first Orangutan encounter at the Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre. A visit will also be made to the Sun Bear Conservation Centre. The rest of the day is free to explore Sepilok and keep your eyes peeled for resident primates in the trees.

Day 4

Today, it's time to make your way to your next lodge on the Kinabatangan River. This region of Sabah is prevalent with endemic wildlife and it's likely that you will see proboscis monkeys, orangutans, macaques, pygmy elephants, birds and other wildlife during your afternoon cruise along the river.

Day 5

Our top picks for activities today include bird watching, boat cruising in search of crocodile, evening firefly watching and relaxing at your riverside lodge. Most of the lodges in the area don’t have swimming pools, so let your specialist know if this is important for you!

Day 6

Today it's time to leave the river behind and head inland for some more jungle adventures at Tabin Wildlife Reserve. Once you have arrived at Tabin, check in to your accommodation - basic, but private, clean and air conditioned - you can trek the Elephant trail up to the active Lipad mud volcano which draws in wildlife and birdlife with it's rich minerals.

Day 7

Your full day at Tabin Wildlife Reserve can be spent as actively or as laid back as you choose. I would suggest braving an early morning wake up to join a bird walk pre-breakfast. The afternoon can be spent trekking through the rainforest and learning about the flora and fauna of the area. You can even take a swim and shower at the nearby Lipad waterfall. Alternatively, head to the massage hut and try out the Tabin Rainforest Foot Soak made with a natural blend of herbs, to relax tired muscles after long jungle treks.

Day 8

Wave goodbye to the amazing nature guides in Tabin Wildlife Reserve and travel by 4x4 back to Lahad Dhatu for your flight to Kota Kinabalu. Check in to your next hotel for a relaxing beach break.

Day 9

A full day of relaxation on the beach. Or you may prefer to head to the city of Kota Kinabalu for sightseeing. You may also want to visit the Poring Hot Springs or Mount Kinabalu.

Day 10

A full day at leisure to enjoy your beach or island resort. Depending on your preference you may choose to include your beach stay on the maindland or on the nearby Gaya Island. Ask your specialist to talk you through the differences

Day 11

Depart Borneo today - you will be transferred to the airport by your private driver for your flight home.

Where you'll go
What you'll do
Where you'll stay

Similar Holidays

Everything we do is tailor-made; our itineraries are just suggestions to give you an idea of what is possible. Please contact us so we can tailor the perfect holiday exclusively for you.

A classic routing of Borneo offering orangutans, tropical islands and wildlife filled river-safaris. Begin your journey at the world-renowned Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, witnessing these fascinating primates in their natural habitat.

Journey to the picturesque Kinabatangan River, where our expert guides lead you on immersive river cruises and jungle walks, ensuring unparalleled wildlife sightings, hopefully spotting pygmy elephants and exotic birdlife amongst proboscis monkeys and other endemic species.

Experience the wonders of the Tabin Wildlife Reserve, a haven for nature enthusiasts. Traverse ancient rainforests, witness diverse ecosystems, and rejuvenate in natural mud volcanoes for a truly immersive encounter with Borneo’s biodiversity.

Cap off your holiday at the luxurious Gaya Island, indulging in marine adventures, snorkelling in vibrant coral reefs, and unwinding on pristine beaches. This Borneo itinerary promises an exquisite balance of adventure and relaxation, expertly crafted to deliver a once-in-a-lifetime experience for discerning travellers.

2 nights Sepilok – 2 nights Kinabatangan River – 2 nights Tabin Wildlife Reserve – 4 nights Beach (Kota Kinabalu or Gaya Island)