Sabah Unveiled - 12 Days Print

Kota Kinabalu (Arrival)

Kopivosian! Welcome to Kota Kinabalu! On 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 about the tour expectations.

Tamparuli Town / Nabalu / Kinabalu National Park / Poring Hot Spring / Canopy Walk / Seafood Dinner

En route to Kinabalu National Park, anticipate a quick stop at Tamparuli, a charming small-town with architectural heritage and quaint old wooden shop-houses. Another 1 ½ hour scenic drive through a landscape of mountainous roads winding along the Crocker range leads to Nabalu Market

Arrive 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!

The temperature cools on arrival in Kinabalu Park. Enjoy the breeze as you get to know the blossoms of Borneo along the trails of the Botanical Garden. If the day is clear, you may even spot a majestic view of Mount Kinabalu, the highest mountain between the New Guinea and Himalaya. 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. The park also supports a whooping 289 species of birds and 290 different types of butterflies.

Depart for another interesting wonder, the Poring Hot Spring. At approximately 47 kilometers from Kinabalu Park, Poring Hot Spring got its name from the tall bamboo plant that is abundant in that area. At 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, the canopy walk, suspended 43 meters above the lush tropical jungle of Borneo holds a length of 157 meters that will give you plenty of time to take in all the beauty it has to offer. A 30 minute hike is all it takes to witness the natural wonder.

Depart back to Kota Kinabalu City for a sumptuous seafood dinner.

Fun Boat Snorkeling & Island Visit

After breakfast, pick up from hotel lobby and depart to jetty for a day in the sun!

Upon arrival at the jetty, hop on to 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 Park.  Commence your Snorkeling boat session, accompanied by our experienced Dive Master.

Proceed to the next Snorkeling point, for a chance to spot more exotic sea life in the beautiful Marine park. Spend a designated time snorkeling.

All the fun and relaxation will work up an appetite.Upon completion of the second snorkeling session, transfer to Gaya island for lunch. Thereafter, free and easy to relax on golden shores, bask in the sunshine to earn that suntan or explore the short forest trail on your own. If you haven’t got enough of the life in the deep blue sea, 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 the boat transfer back to mainland, and drop off back at the hotel.

Kiulu Fun Tour (White Water Rafting Grade 1-2 & Hawun Valley)

Good morning! Our guide will pick you up at your hotel lobby for a scenic 1.5-hour drive through charming countryside vistas.

Your first stop is Tamparuli Town. Stroll across the historic suspension bridge and immerse yourself in the local Dusun culture with captivating music and dance performances at the bridge's entrance. Before leaving, make sure to try Tuaran Noodle, a popular local delicacy.

The next destination is Kiulu Town where you can cool off in the refreshing river waters and soak in the natural beauty during the River Fun Play (subject to weather and river conditions).

Get your adrenaline pumping with a thrilling 4WD ride en route to Hawun Valley. Navigate dirt tracks and be awestruck by the breathtaking birds-eye view of Kiulu, set against the majestic backdrop of Mount Kinabalu (weather conditions permitting).

Savour a delectable local lunch before gearing up for an exhilarating encounter with the rapids with Kiulu White Water Rafting. Experience the adrenaline rush as you conquer The Wall Rapid and Holy Smoke Rapid. For the truly adventurous, try Body Rafting and feel the raw power of the river as you journey through the rapids.

After your exhilarating adventure, unwind with a sumptuous hi-tea by the tranquil Kiulu River.

Finally, bid farewell to the Kiulu River and transfer back to Kota Kinabalu.

Mari Mari Cultural Village / North Borneo Cruises - Sunset Dinner Cruise

Meet at hotel lobby.

Proceed to Mari Mari Cultural Village, located 25 minutes away from the city. The journey will take you to long roads surrounded by a rich spectrum of greenery and overarched by wild blue skies. Upon arrival at the entrance of the village, teleport back to the times of ancient Borneo through the magical display of unique ingenious architecture, simulated lives and ritualistic ceremonies.

You will be ushered in to the warmth of different homes of the ethnicities of Sabah to get acquainted with each village tribe and experience their rich culture. Each home was built by descendants of the tribes they represent and offer you a truly genuine experience seeing everything in and around the village.

Check out the little demonstration huts in the village where daily routines of traditional Sabahan life come alive. Grab the chance to see blowpipe-making demonstration, fire-starting demonstration using bamboo, tattoo-making demonstration, and get an in-depth look at the mystical symbolisms behind them.

You will get a chance to witness the demonstration of cutting tree harks into making a vest and a chance to dance and jump for “prize” on a built-in Lansaran, a traditional trampoline-like floor. Also get a chance to sample Sabahan traditional delicacies from each ethnic group such as the Montoku (rice wine) and witness bamboo cooking. Have fun and enjoy the cultural show performance by the tribes before proceeding for a delectable traditional meal. 

Thereafter, return to Kota Kinabalu for a leisure afternoon.

Your tropical evening on the North Borneo Cruise begins at Sutera Marina Jetty. Get ready to become 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 you will be transfered back to your hotel.

Kota Kinabalu / Rainforest Discovery Center OR Gomantong Cave / Sandakan City Hotel

Good morning! Prepare for your flight to Sandakan. You may arrange an early breakfast with the hotel a day before or during check-in (subject to availability). 

Board your flight, and you are on your way to Sandakan, the gateway to wildlife wonders.

Meet and pick up at Sandakan Airport. You will be taken for a walk surrounded by nature at the Rainforest Discovery Center OR some cave exploring at Gomantong Cave (subject to availability).

After your tour, you will be brought out for some well-deserved lunch in a local restaurant.

Transfer to your accommodation for the night. After checking in, you are free to spend your free time at your leisure. 

Selingan Turtle Island

Rise and shine! Enjoy a hearty breakfast before checking out of your accommodation. 

Afterwards, you will be transferred to the Sabah Park Jetty in Sandakan where you will take a 1-hour boat ride to Selingan Turtle Island. The boat departs at 10:00 Hrs.

Located only 40 kilometres from North Sandakan, you will have the opportunity to see the main nesting areas of the Green Turtles and Hawksbill Turtles.

Upon arrival, lunch will be served for you to feast!

After lunch, you’ll be given some free leisure time to relax, swim, or even snorkel before dinner time.

A simple local dinner will be served in the dining area.

After dinner, a Park Ranger will inform you when to encounter turtles laying their eggs along the beach. Get the chance to witness the collecting of eggs from the nestling site into a safe hatchery and watch baby turtles scrambling out into the open sea upon their release on shore. An adorable sight not to be missed!

It’s time to hit the hay and rest up with an overnight stay at your Selingan Turtle Island Chalet.

Sandakan / Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre / Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre / Bilit Rainforest Lodge / Kinabatangan River Cruise

Rise and shine! It’s time to fuel up and recharge with a hearty breakfast.

After breakfast, check out, 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.

Then 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!

After your river cruise, dinner is served in the dining hall.

Next 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.

Morning River Cruise or Jungle Trek / Afternoon River Cruise

Good Morning! You’ll have the option of either going for an early morning river cruise along the Kinabatangan River in search of more Bornean-endemic wildlife (or) to go for a jungle trek to the Oxbow Lake to discover several bird species.

After the morning cruise searching for wildlife, it's time to refuel and recharge with a hearty breakfast at 08:00 Hrs.

Free and easy leisure time to yourself until it's time for lunch in the afternoon.  You can opt to add on a jungle walk (guided tour) at a reasonable fee.

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 Euarchontoglires and other wildlife. You may be lucky enough to encounter a herd of Pygmy Elephants!

After your river cruise, dinner is served in the dining hall.

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

Overland to Lahad Datu, Danum Valley / Borneo Rainforest Lodge / Nature Trails / Tree-Top Canopy Walk / Night Drive

In the early morning, take the overland drive to Lahad Datu, and on to Danum Valley.

Arrival at Danum Valley, check in at Borneo Rainforest Lodge. Once you ’ve settled in, hit the nature trails scattered around the area. Proceed to the Tree-top Canopy Walk 300m in length, 26m at the highest point, to witness the lush rainforest that envelopes that area.

Return back to lodge for dinner.  After your meal, hop on an ‘open-top’ jeep for a night drive in search of nocturnal animals.

Jungle Trek / Kadazandusun Burial Site / Coffin Cliff / Jacuzzi Pool / Night Walk

Have breakfast at the lodge before the start of day’s exciting adventures. Enjoy a morning jungle trek, where the jungle is most pristine and lush. Trek further to the Kadazandusun Burial Site, witness the coffin cliff before proceeding to the “view point” to feast your eyes on a bird’s eye view of Danum Valley. Make your descent for a refreshing dip in the natural “Jacuzzi Pool”.

Return to Lodge for Lunch.

Get on more nature trails as you wish, or go for a relaxing ‘tubing’ activity down the Danum River.

Dinner at Lodge. After your meal, explore the surrounding area as you go for a night walk, in search for some nocturnal animals. Overnight at Borneo Rainforest Lodge.

Departs Lahad Datu (Or Extend Tour)

Pack-up, check out from Borneo Rainforest Lodge and take the overland transfer back to Lahad Datu.

Transfer to the airport and take your flight out from Sabah.