Sabah Explorer

14 days
Indicative cost incl. flights:

A typical 4* holiday costs from
£6,350 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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Kinabatangan River

Kota Kinabalu

Sepilok & Sandakan

Danum Valley

Tabin Wildlife Reserve

Gaya Island

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

Today you have a private tour of the famous Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre where you can witness the orangutans' daily feed. Explore the nursery and observe young orangutans developing the skills required to be released back out into the jungle. Experience the neighbouring Sun Bear Conservation Centre, where 36 rescued bears are currently housed. After lunch at a local restaurant, continue on to Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary to encounter the unique Proboscis monkey before heading back to your Sepilok lodge for dinner.

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 get ready to head deep into the last area of primary rainforest in Borneo; Danum Valley. An exclusive experience which is worth every penny, Danum is a must for wildlife lovers and nature enthusiasts.

Day 9

Your tour includes a 3 day, 2 night package in the Borneo Rainforest Lodge living with the resident great ape, the Orangutan, and enjoying a number of incredible nature excursions. The excellent team will speak to you on arrival the best activities for you during your stay.

Day 10

Dine on a delicious breakfast as you listen to the call of the gibbons and spot tropical birds from the balcony. Depart from Danum Valley today travelling by 4x4 back to Lahad Dhatu for your flight to Kota Kinabalu. Check in to your next hotel for a relaxing beach break.

Day 11

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 12

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 13

A full day at leisure to enjoy your beach resort.

Day 14

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.

If you are aiming to see as much endemic wildlife as possible during your two weeks in Borneo then this Sabah based itinerary should be the one for you.

Begin your journey at Sepilok, where the enchanting Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre awaits. Witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat and gain insight into ongoing conservation efforts.

Continue your wildlife odyssey along the Kinabatangan River, immersing yourself in the rich biodiversity of one of Borneo’s primary waterways. Encounter proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants, and a myriad of bird species during unforgettable river safaris.

Venture into the heart of nature at Tabin Wildlife Reserve, where dense rainforests house diverse flora and fauna. Experience close encounters with Borneo’s iconic wildlife, from rare birds to the elusive Bornean pygmy elephant.

Discover the pristine wilderness of Danum Valley, a haven for nature enthusiasts. Immerse yourself in the lush rainforest, traverse canopy walkways, and witness the intricate dance of the orangutans overhead.

Conclude your adventure with relaxation on Gaya Island or on the beaches near Kota Kinabalu, surrounded by beautiful turquoise waters, tropical fish and coral reefs. Unwind after an active itinerary and take time to reflect on your epic adventure through the jungle whilst sipping a cocktail beach-side.

This Borneo holiday promises an unforgettable blend of adventure, conservation, and relaxation, ensuring a truly immersive experience in one of the world’s most captivating destinations.

2 nights Sepilok- 2 nights Kinabatangan River – 2 nights Tabin Wildlife Reserve – 2 nights Danum Valley- 3 nights Beach Resort