Today, you will take the first step on your adventure to Borneo. You will depart from your chosen airport, with connecting flights along the way.

You will land in Sandakan on the world’s third-largest island, Borneo. The island is mainly Indonesian in the south, while the small country of Brunei lies between the two Malaysian states, Sabah and Sarawak, which are in the north and offer a wealth of spectacular nature and wildlife experiences.

Upon arrival in Sabah, Borneo’s northernmost state, your driver is waiting to take you to your lodge in the town of Sepilok. Here, you can look forward to an evening meal with views of the lush surroundings.

After a good night’s sleep, you can look forward to opening your eyes to your new surroundings. It’s green and lush with a humid warmth that you may need to get used to. Fortunately, most of the day is at your leisure, giving you ample time to acclimatise after yesterday’s flight.

During the day, you’ll settle in at the edge of the rainforest and can make use of the lodge’s excellent facilities. Enjoy a cool drink from the bar or relax on your terrace with a good book. When the heat peaks, you can head to the pool for a refreshing dip.

In the evening, it’s time to get adventurous as you start the first chapter in Borneo’s unrivalled nature. You’ll visit the Rainforest Discovery Centre to experience and learn about the rainforest’s impressive biodiversity. With a torch in hand, you’re guided through a well-maintained path system in the Kabili-Sepilok Reserve, where the rainforest’s nocturnal animals bustle around. If you’re lucky, you can admire the fascinating wildlife up close, including flying squirrels, slow lorises, and cute tarsiers.

After an exciting walk in the dark, it’s time to return to the lodge for the night.

Today the tour continues to the rainforest along the Kinabatangan River, which is home to incredible biodiversity. The rainforest here is considered one of the world’s richest ecosystems, greatly supported by the flowing river.

After breakfast, your driver picks you up, and on the way, you stop at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. Here awaits one of the tour’s great highlights, as you meet Borneo’s perhaps most famous residents, the orangutans. These great apes, also known as orangutans, are one of the many reasons to visit Borneo – and with good reason. Few experiences are more fascinating than observing a species that in so many ways resembles a primitive version of ourselves.

During your visit, you’ll be introduced to the centre’s admirable work of rescuing, rehabilitating, and preparing orangutans for re-release into their natural environment. You’ll have the opportunity to observe the orangutans returning to the centre in the rainforest reserve during feeding sessions, gaining a rare insight into the orangutans’ social hierarchy.

Moving from the world of orangutans, you will head to the neighbouring Sun Bear Conservation Centre, where you will encounter the sun bear. This is the world’s smallest bear species, distinguished by its short black fur and a light, crescent-shaped marking on its chest – resembling a sunrise, hence the name sun bear. The centre plays a crucial role in efforts to ensure the sun bear’s future in its natural habitat in Borneo’s rainforests.

After the visit, you will be driven to the Kinabatangan River, where you will check into your lodge in Sabah’s magical rainforest. However, you must wait a little to unpack, as upon arrival, you’re off on a safari along the river to get to know your new surroundings. Surrounded by the rainforest’s green canopy, keep your ears and eyes open in the fading light, as here hides an impressive array of wildlife, with quirky proboscis monkeys, wild orangutans, and the world’s smallest elephant, the pygmy elephant.

When night falls, it’s time to sail back to the lodge, where you can reflect on the day’s many experiences while dinner is served.

You will wake early to the enchanting sounds of the rainforest to prepare for the morning boat trip, taking you down the winding paths of the Kinabatangan River to Kelenanap Oxbow Lake.

As you step aboard the small boat, you can sit back and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere of the rainforest as you gently sail away in the sunrise. The landscape around you feels like it’s been plucked from a fairytale, with scenery that will take your breath away. The river winds its way through dense rainforest, where the calls of howler monkeys and singing birds create a unique soundscape.

Upon reaching Kelenanap Oxbow Lake, the calm waters offer a moment of peace where you can truly immerse yourself in the surrounding greenery, which seems to blend into one another. The lake is home to an impressive birdlife, featuring colourful species like hornbills and kingfishers, so be sure to keep a keen eye out.

As your appetite begins to stir, the tour takes you back to the lodge along the same route. The daylight now has more strength, and you will likely spot animals and plants that you didn’t notice earlier that morning.

Back at the lodge, it’s time for a well-prepared breakfast, which you can enjoy at your leisure amidst the picturesque surroundings of the restaurant. Afterwards, a walk along the lodge’s wooden pathways awaits you, where you can listen to the birdsong of the rainforest and look out for reptiles on the forest floor with your guide. Then, enjoy a few peaceful hours at your own pace back at the lodge.

Late in the afternoon, you will be invited on another boat trip before day turns into night. As the boat putters along, your guide will share insights about the rainforest and help spot the flora and fauna that surround you on all sides. You might even catch a glimpse of the rainforest’s exceptional wildlife, such as the saltwater crocodile surfacing in the water, or the silvered langur swinging from branch to branch in the treetops.

After an eventful day, you will be sailed back to the lodge. Here, you can look forward to another authentic meal before calling it a night at your cabin.

In the peace and quiet, you will enjoy your last morning in the magical rainforest by the Kinabatangan River, before it’s time to bid farewell to this beautiful corner of Sabah. Yet, your tour adventure doesn’t end here, as Southeast Asia’s highest mountain, Mount Kinabalu, awaits ahead, standing as a true giant in the landscape with its approximately 13,400 feet.

After breakfast, you will be driven to the Gomantong Caves – a remarkable cave system that has taken shape over millennia. Today, the caves stand as a striking testament to the forces of nature, with a staggering ceiling height of up to 295 feet, providing ample space for resident colonies of hundreds of thousands of bats and swiftlets. The latter are particularly notable as their nests, made of hardened saliva, are used in the costly Chinese delicacy, bird’s nest soup.

From the majestic caves, you’re driven towards the town of Kundasang, which, neighbouring Mt. Kinabalu, offers a front-row view of Southeast Asia’s highest peak. Settle in comfortably and enjoy the lush landscape zooming past your window, or take a little nap during the journey, which takes approximately 5 hours.

Late in the afternoon, you will arrive at your hotel in Kundasang. Here, you can stretch your legs with a short walk in the vicinity of the hotel, before it’s time for dinner and an early night, ensuring you are ready for the hiking adventures in the days to come.

Begin your day with a hearty breakfast in the serene setting at the foot of Mt. Kinabalu. Savour the aroma of freshly brewed coffee as the morning sun gently illuminates the surrounding mountain landscape.

Afterwards, you will receive a packed lunch for the day’s trek and are driven to the park’s main office, where you will meet your experienced guide, who will accompany you up the majestic mountain. Together, you are transported to Timpohon Gate (6,000 feet), where your hiking adventure truly begins.

You will leave Timpohon Gate and enter lush rainforest terrain, where the sounds of cicadas and birds accompany your steps. The trail winds around you with dense underbrush and tall trees, while the humid air gradually gives way to cooler temperatures as you ascend the mountain.

As you climb in elevation, the landscape gradually shifts. The rainforest gives way to more bare terrain, and the view opens up to spectacular panoramas of the surrounding landscape and the distant horizon. Here, you can take a break and enjoy your packed lunch, as the fresh mountain air hits your face, invigorating your journey ahead.

After a half-day of trekking, you will finally reach Laban Rata Resthouse (11,000 feet), where a warm and much-needed meal awaits. In the dining area, the aroma of local cuisine fills the air, whilst you have the opportunity to share the day’s experiences with like-minded trekkers and look forward to tomorrow’s ascent.

After dinner, it’s time to retreat to one of the cosy cabins, where you can unwind with the gentle sounds of the night in the background.

You wake up in the darkest hours of the night to continue your ascent to the summit of Mt. Kinabalu. Donning a headlamp and warm clothing, you step out under the crystal-clear night sky, where stars twinkle brightly. The air is cool and clear, and the silence is broken only by the sound of your footsteps and breathing.

As you approach Low’s Peak (13,435 feet), daylight slowly begins to emerge. Upon reaching the summit, you are rewarded, weather permitting, with a breathtaking view of the sunrise painting the sky in pink and golden hues, while the surrounding mountains gradually come into view. The vista from the top is nothing short of spectacular, so take your time to savour the moment and immerse yourself in nature’s unfiltered beauty.

After nature’s grand display, you begin your descent back to Laban Rata Resthouse, the sense of accomplishment from a completed climb filling your body. Back at the huts, a well-deserved and nourishing breakfast awaits, providing warmth and energy for the continued journey down the mountain.

With your energy stores replenished, you will now begin the challenging part of the descent towards Timpohon Gate. The descent is steep, so it’s important to take your time with each step. Meanwhile, the increasingly powerful sun illuminates the breathtaking landscape around you, allowing you to take in the vast surroundings and rich plant life.

Safely at Timpohon Gate, you are picked up and driven to the park’s main office, where you will receive a certificate in recognition of your impressive achievement. From here, your driver takes you to your hotel in the capital, Kota Kinabalu, a drive of about 2 hours, during which you can look forward to a much-needed rest.

In the evening, Kota Kinabalu transforms into a culinary hotspot, which you can explore further at the city’s waterfront area, bustling with restaurants and street food stalls. Here, you can indulge in everything from freshly caught fish and seafood to authentic Malaysian dishes.

Today there are no planned excursions, so you have the perfect opportunity to sleep in and see what you feel like doing before your tour adventure comes to an end.

You can let the impressions of the tour sink in while you relax by the hotel’s inviting pool or set off on new adventures either on your own or on one of our optional tours, which you can read more about below.

With your base in central Kota Kinabalu, there are ample opportunities to experience the city’s modern urban life with several good shopping centres and cultural institutions. Among the highlights are the 400-foot-high glass tower Wisma Tun Mustapha and the Sabah State Mosque, which can accommodate up to 12,000 worshippers. At the State Museum, you can learn about Sabah’s impressive history with a focus on the many tribes that have shaped the state’s unique cultural heritage over the centuries.

Alternatively, head beyond the city limits for unforgettable experiences in Kinabalu Park, on the UNESCO world heritage list due to its rich plant diversity. You could also visit the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, where world-class snorkelling awaits in its crystal-clear waters.

In the evening, explore one of Kota Kinabalu’s authentic markets, brimming with shimmering pearl jewellery, stunning handicrafts, and souvenirs. Here, you can find great deals on local products to take home as gifts or as a lasting memory of Borneo.

Perhaps end the day at one of the many restaurants at Anjung Samudera Waterfront, where you can dine with a view of the sea and watch the sunset over the horizon.

From the bustling streets of Kota Kinabalu, it’s time to wind down on the idyllic paradise of Gaya Island, the largest of five islands in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, located off the northwest coast of Borneo.

Gaya Island is just a short boat trip from the mainland, where you’re greeted with stunning nature and beaches with powder-soft sand. After checking in at your resort, enjoy a relaxing afternoon by the pool or on the beach, embraced by the gentle breeze and the sound of the ocean.

In the evening, you may choose to dine at the resort restaurant, relishing a culinary experience amidst tropical surroundings.

The days on Gaya Island are cloaked in peace and relaxation. There are no scheduled activities for your stay, so you will have complete freedom to choose how you spend your days.

You might decide to grab your snorkel mask and explore the crystal-clear waters teeming with vibrant corals and fascinating marine life, just a few strokes from the shore. The beach also invites tranquillity, where you can settle down with a good book and enjoy the peacefulness by the sea.

Despite the island’s modest size (5.8 mi²), it offers expansive lush rainforest areas to explore via accessible jungle trails. Here, you may encounter a surprisingly diverse array of wildlife, including proboscis monkeys, bearded pigs, and flying squirrels.

Your evenings on Gaya Island can be crowned with fresh-caught fish or seafood at one of the island’s restaurants, followed by a leisurely walk along the beach. Here, take your time to reflect on the many impressions of your tour under a star-lit sky.

It’s time to say farewell to Gaya Island and Borneo, taking your adventure’s memories home as everlasting keepsakes.

In good time before your flight, you’ll be picked up from your resort and taken back to the mainland by boat. Here, you’ll be driven to the airport, where you’ll catch your flight to Europe with connecting flight(s) along the way.

You will arrive at your chosen airport after an unforgettable tour.