A Journey Through Sabah - 10 Days Print

Kopivosian! Welcome to Kota Kinabalu! Upon arrival at Kota Kinabalu International Airport (advisable to arrive after 1200 hrs), you will be transferred to your tour hotel by our airport shuttle. The timing will be based on your flight arrival time. This afternoon is yours to relax and settle in. Later, meet our representative and fellow passengers for a short briefing on tour expectations.

Celebrate the cultural diversity of Borneo at Mari Mari Cultural Village, visit the various traditional house displays, rice-wine drinking, blow-pipe shooting and bamboo fire-starting. Enjoy a cultural show performance by the tribes before proceeding for a traditional meal.

After the cultural village visit, we move on to take in the sights and sounds of Kota Kinabalu City through its leafy streetscapes, heritage streets and the historical sites of this laid-back coastal town.

After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel lobby and depart to the jetty for a day in the sun!

Upon arrival at the jetty, hop onto the boat and you will be whisked off for a 20 minutes ride to the first snorkeling point at the cluster of Islands that make up Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. There are two boat guided snorkelling sessions where you'll have a chance to spot exotic sea life in the beautiful Marine park.

All the fun and relaxation will work up an appetite, transfer to Gaya island for lunch. Thereafter, it's free and easy time for you to relax on the shores, bask in the sun to earn that suntan or explore the short island forest trail on your own. You can also snorkel from the shores to say hello to the colorful parade of fishes that reign the underwater world. For those who love an adrenaline rush, jump on the flying fox and zipline between two islands!

In the mid afternoon, pack up and take a boat transfer back to mainland, and back to the hotel.

Get set for an adrenaline-pumping day as you go white-water rafting down the Kiulu River. Paddling through the scenic Kiulu river, overcome the various river slopes that will give your holiday the dose of thrill it needs. Thereafter, lunch by the river.  

After lunch, depart for the highlands where you'll notice a significant change in temperature. We will make a pitstop at Nabalu Market where the native residents gather to sell local produce such as hand-crafted souvenirs, home-grown vegetables and fruits. Mingle with the locals and don’t forget to capture some good shots of Mount Kinabalu from the viewing platform!

Next stop is at the Kundasang War Memorial, made up of four beautiful gardens - the Australian Garden, the English Garden, the Borneo Garden and the Contemplation Garden and Pool. Established in 1962, this is one of the first memorials commemorating the brave Australian and British Prisoners of War who died during the infamous death march to from Sandakan to Ranau during World War II. 

Overnight at mountain resort.

Take in the pristine beauty of Kundasang while we depart for Kinabalu Park. Kinabalu Park boasts an estimate of 4,500 species of plants which include 1,500 species of orchids, 77 of which are endemic to Kinabalu Park. The park also supports a whooping 289 species of birds and 290 different types of butterflies. Enjoy the cooling air as you get to know the blossoms of Borneo along the trails of the Botanical Garden, if you're lucky, one of the world's most expensive flower, the Rotschild Slipper Orchid also known as Kinabalu Gold may be in full bloom. And if the day is clear, you may spot a majestic view of Mount Kinabalu. 

After lunch, depart for Poring Hot Spring. Approximately 47 kilometers from Kinabalu Park, Poring Hot Spring got its name from the tall bamboo plant that grows in abundance in that area. As this natural hot spring that is believed to have curative powers, soak your senses in sulfur-rich waters.
For a magnificent view of the rainforest, go on the canopy walkay which is suspended 43 meters above the lush tropical jungle of Borneo. It is 157 meters in length. A 30 minute hike is all it takes to reach the canopy walkway. 

Depart back to Kota Kinabalu for a seafood dinner and overnight in Kota Kinabalu city.

This is a free and easy day for you to discover the charms of Kota Kinabalu on your own. 

Your tropical evening on the North Borneo Cruise begins at Sutera Marina Jetty. Get ready to be acquainted with the charms of Kota Kinabalu on a whole new level.

All aboard! Your evening unfolds along the sultry sun-tinged South China Sea, cruising pass the islands and water villages that dot Sabah’s west coast.

You are free to wander around the vessel. Panoramic ocean views, warmth of the setting sun and gentle sea breeze grace the upper-deck while a live band serenades the ethnic themed air-conditioned restaurant below with acoustic favorites.

Dinner will be served buffet style. Time to sink your teeth into Sabah’s most sought after culinary experience.

As the sun sets and the stars come out, Kota Kinabalu’s coastline now comes alive with dazzling city night lights. North Borneo Cruises will glide across the Waterfront as you indulge in the food and the views.

Your rendezvous at sea comes to an end. You will disembark from the cruise at the Sutera Marina Jetty.

Depart to airport to take a flight to Sandakan. You may arrange early breakfast with hotel a day before or during check in. Subject to availability.

Embark on a journey to the famous Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre situated in the Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve.

Upon arrival, your guide will provide a short briefing session before entering the Centre.

You will then be brought to watch a short video documentary providing you with information on the rehabilitation of an orphaned Orang Utan.

Enjoy and explore as you get to encounter Bornean-endemic Orang Utans up close as they frolic in their natural habitat.

You will proceed to a boardwalk through the lowland rainforest where you can witness the Orang Utan feeding from a feeding platform.

After enjoying some time with the Orang Utans, you will proceed to Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre.

Sun Bear is the smallest bear in the world where their height of adult is around 120cm to 150cm (while standing); weight around 27kg to 65kg. You can easily spot white or yellowish crescent marking on its chests.

You will embark on a 2-hour journey through rustic countryside villages to the Bilit Jetty.

Upon arrival at the jetty, you will take a boat ride to Bilit Rainforest Lodge located along the lower end of the Kinabatangan River at the Bilit Village.

You will be greeted with a welcome drink upon arrival at the Bilit Rainforest Lodge as you check-in.

Lunch is served for you to refuel and recharge!

In the evening, you will be whisked away on a Kinabatangan River cruise to discover wildlife situated along the river. A few favourites include the Proboscis Monkey, rare bird species of Borneo, and maybe even Pygmy Elephants!

At 1900hrs, dinner at the lodge restaurant. After dinner, you can go for a complimentary night safari cruise where you can spot nocturnal animals, crocodiles and birds.

After a full day out, it’s time to have some leisure time to yourself before spending the night at Bilit Rainforest Lodge.

Rise and shine! Opt to either go for an early morning river cruise along the Kinabatangan River in search of more Bornean-endemic wildlife or to go for a jungle trek at the Oxbow Lake to encounter an array of bird species.

After a morning of encountering wildlife, it’s time to refuel and recharge with at breakfast. Have so free and easy leisure time to yourself until it’s time for lunch in the afternoon.

It’s time to head out on another river cruise along the Kinabatangan River in search of a variety of wildlife.

After your river cruise, dinner is served in the dining hall. Have some leisure time to yourself and spend the night at Bilit Rainforest Lodge.

Rise and shine! A hearty breakfast will be served to kick start the day!

It’s time for some cave exploring. You will be taken on a 30-minute drive to the famous Gomantong Caves!

Explore the Gomantong Caves – home to millions of bats and swiftlets.

If you’re lucky, you may get to witness the birds’ nest harvesting in action!

After your Gomantong Caves tour, you will be brought out for some well-deserved lunch in Local Restaurant.

You’ll be transferred to Sabah Hotel in Sandakan where you will have leisure time to yourself and spend the night in Sheraton Four Points Hotel (4 Star Hotel or similar), or join in any add-on tours.

OPTIONAL-ADD ON: SANDAKAN CITY TOUR OR RAINFOREST DISCOVERY CENTER (R.D.C) OR SANDAKAN WAR MEMORIAL OR AGNES KEITH HOUSE
(Additional charge of MYR 70/- per pax per tour) 

• Continue the tour to the additional add on tours of your choice. Tour ends between 1400hrs (if you choose any 1 optional-add on tour) or 1600hrs (if you choose any 2 optional-add on tours) 

Pack-up, check out and depart from Sandakan.