6 Night Sabah Borneo Wildlife Itinerary

This journey has been personally designed by Lionel,
the author of this journey, who has made Borneo his home since 2005.

Highlights of the Journey:

diversity of wild forests
different ways of transportation (boat, 4WD)
the heart of Borneo jungle
white sand be to relax after days of adventure

Kinabalu Park is Malaysia’s first World Heritage Site in the province of Sabah. With more than 5,000 vascular plant species some 90 lowland mammal species, the park is the highlight of the adventure through the jungle of Borneo. The majestic Mount Kinabalu is one of the highest mountains in South East Asia standing at 4,095 metres. You will dive in the green jungle and discover amazing lush sceneries off beaten track by foot or by boat and be able to see rare endemic wildlife species, myriad of birds and monkeys living in their original habitat.

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Your Journey Day by Day

from 3,250 USD /person for 7 Days / 6 Nights

based on 2 people sharing the same room

All our itineraries have generally been constructed on the basis of the rooms that have the most charm or best view, and not necessarily the first prices, nor the most expensive suites.
We can of course adjust according to your request.

Day 1 : Sandakan Airport – Kinabatangan River (arrival -/ L /D )

At your arrival at the Sandakan Airport and for transfer to Sandakan Yacht Club Jetty for the boat ride to the lodge in Abai, Kinabatangan at 12:30 PM. The 1.5 hours boat ride will take you across Sandakan Bay passing the historical Berhala Island and fishing villages.
At about 2:30 PM, arrive at the lodge, check in and have lunch while you are briefed about the lodging and the activities. Free at leisure.
Around 4:30 PM, enjoy a cup of coffee and local banana fritters before boarding a smaller boat for a cruise along Kinabatangan River in search of wildlife, and admire the stunning river landscape as the sun sets. Continue to observe the fireflies shimmering as the evening falls before we cruise back to resort for dinner.
After dinner, take a walk along the boardwalks with your headlamps or torch and look for nocturnal wildlife.

Birds at the Kinabatangan River -Storm Stork, all species hornbills, all pittas, trogons, kingfishers, malaysian blue flycatcher, red-bearded bee-eater, blue-throated bee eater, lesser adjutant, fish eagles, wallace’s hawk eagle, etc

HOTEL: Kinabatangan Wetland Resort (Chalet Deluxe)

Day 2 : Kinabatangan River – Danum Valley (B/L/D)

Early wake up, to embark by 6am for a 3hrs sunrise cruise in taking the direction of Oxbow Lake Take this opportunity and chance to observe a maximum of wildlife in their habitat. By moving along the river and visiting several sites we optimize your chances to see pygmy elephants and orangutans. You will be back to your resort by 9.30am, where your breakfast will be ready. And by 10:30am, you will embark for a 2hrs boat transfer until the village of Sukau where we will pick you up to transfer you to the city of Lahad Datu then to the Borneo Rainforest Lodge by road and gravel road about 5 hours. Enjoy the changing landscapes of the regenerating forests to virgin rainforests of millions years old. Check into the lodge upon arrival and settle in. Meet your guide. After a short rest, your guide will give you an introduction to the Borneo rainforest and the trails surrounding the lodge. After dinner, go on a guided night safari to spot nocturnal creatures.

Birds at the Danum Valley - Hornbills, blue-headed pitta, banded pitta, all trogons, kingfishers, great argus, crested fireback pheasant, wren-babblers, roul roul, bornean bristlehead, etc.

HOTEL: Borneo Rainforest Lodge (3 options: Standard/Deluxe/Premium)

Day 3 : Danum Valley (B / L / D)

Wake up to the calls of Borneo Gibbons and start your day with a guided trek to the viewpoint and burial site - Coffin Cliff. Take a short break by the natural pool for a refreshing dip before returning for lunch at the lodge. In the afternoon, go on optional activities such as guided jungle trek, or weather permitting, water tubing session down the Danum River. Guided night walk on the nature trail after dinner.

HOTEL: Borneo Rainforest Lodge (3 options: Standard/Deluxe/Premium)

Day 4 : Danum Valley – Kota Kinabalu – Kinabalu Park (B / L / - )

Very early morning (around 6-7am) we will depart to Lahad Datu Airport for you to get the opportunity to catch your flight return to Kota Kinabalu (MAS LD – KK Dep 11:10am – Arr 12:05pm). Upon arrival, we will drive to the Kinabalu Park (around 3hrs). After check-in, relax and enjoy the rest of your day and evening at the lodge after this long day.

HOTEL: Kinabalu Park (Suite | Lodge)

Day 5 : Kinabalu Park – Manukan Island (B / L / - )

Early morning after your breakfast, wake up with the opportunity to see and take the chance of photographing the majestic Mt Kinabalu from afar. Explore the trails around the base before proceeding to the markets in Kundasang. Enjoy lunch in a local village before going to Poring for the Canopy Walk. If there is a flowering rafflesia, get a glimpse of this before returning to Kota Kinabalu in the afternoon, where from the jetty you will embark into a speedboat to reach the island of Manukan in 30mn. After check in at the Manukan Island Resort, setup yourself in your room, and take finally time for yourself. Rest of the evening free and easy

HOTEL: Manukan Island Resort (Hill | beachside room)

Day 6 : Manukan Island Resort (B / - / - )

This day will be fully free and easy for you to enjoy the pleasure of the beach and all its activities (snorkelling, diving, banana boat...)

HOTEL: Manukan Island Resort (Hill | beachside room)

Day 7 : Manukan Island Resort – Kota Kinabalu departure (B/-/-)

After your breakfast, spend the morning at leisure until your check out time and transfer to Kota Kinabalu International airport.

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To help you pack... Comfortable light clothing for hiking and walking, binocular, comfortable walking shoes including strap-on sandals, drybag (for camera storage etc), rainjacket or poncho, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, hat...

Your Accommodation on this Asia Travel Itinerary

Kinabatangan Wetland Resort

Borneo Rainforest Lodge

Kinabalu Park

Manukan Island Resort

Sabah Wildlife Adventure

7 Days / 6 Nights

from 3,250 USD /person

based on 2 people sharing the same room

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Visa for Malaysia

Travel Insurance

The total price includes:
6-night accommodation on a bed & breakfast basis in the hotels detailed in the itinerary.
All meals as mentioned in the program
All transfers by private air conditioned car
All other transportation by boat used for travel...
Local English-speaking guide for all visits mentioned in the program .
Government taxes currently in force (VAT, etc...)

The total price does not include:
Other meals that are not included in the program.
Drinks, personal expenses, tips and gratuities.
Travel insurance
International & Domestic Flights (separate quotation will be provided at the time of booking if needed)
Visa if needed (Please make sure your passport is valid for 6 months beyond your departure date)
Optional: River Cruise, Nightwalk safari, water activities at Manukan Island Resort

This Secret Journey was designed in cooperation with Lionel and Sticky Rice Travel (License 1017824-D)

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