Itinerary
- Day 1
Kota Kinabalu
You'll arrive in Kota Kinabalu and head to your hotel on your own. Once you're settled, your Holiday Director meets you there to welcome you and outline what's coming up over the next several days.
- Day 2
Kiulu
Start by heading out to the Kiulu countryside, crossing a hanging bridge to reach scenic walking trails that keep you away from city noise. You'll visit a Native Dusun House in Tombung Village, try rubber tapping at a local farm, and chat with locals about their lives. After crossing another bridge, lunch happens at a riverside café. The afternoon's yours to relax, swim, or do nothing much before heading back to Kota Kinabalu for the evening.
- Meals
- Lunch (Lunch at riverside café)
Included Activities
- Scenic walk along trails in Kiulu countryside
- Visit Native Dusun House in Tombung Village with light refreshment
- Experience rubber tapping and learn the process
- Visit local farm and share life stories
- Lunch at riverside café
Optional Activities
- Cool dip in the river
- Dinner at a spot of your choice
Landmarks/POIs Kiulu Tombung Village - Day 3
Papar
Travel south to Papar and start at the local market picking out fresh ingredients you'll need. Then head into a local home where you'll learn to cook two traditional dishes from the region. After having tea with what you've made, take a short walk around Papar's riverfront and stop by a nearby local temple.
- Meals
- Lunch (Lunch with tea after cooking session)
Included Activities
- Visit local market in Papar
- Cooking session preparing two traditional dishes in a local home
- Stroll around Papar's riverfront
- Visit nearby local temple
Landmarks/POIs Papar - Day 4
Kinabalu National Park
Spend the day at Kinabalu National Park with a guided walk on scenic trails to see native Borneo plants and animals you won't find elsewhere. Mount Kinabalu, the highest peak in Southeast Asia, comes into view at certain points. Later on, you'll soak at Poring Hot Springs, and if you want, walk through the treetop canopy on suspended paths above the forest floor.
Included Activities
- Guided nature trek in Kinabalu National Park
Optional Activities
- Dip in Poring Hot Springs (payable locally)
- Walk 40+ metres up in the Menggaris tree canopy
Landmarks/POIs Kinabalu National Park Mount Kinabalu Poring Hot Springs - Day 5
Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan
Head south by road through the Kundasang highlands toward Sandakan. You'll stop for lunch at a restaurant along the way. Once you arrive, visit Sandakan Memorial Park to pay your respects to Prisoners of War who lost their lives during the Sandakan Death Marches in World War II.
- Meals
- Lunch (Lunch at restaurant)
Included Activities
- Lunch at restaurant
- Visit Sandakan Memorial Park
Landmarks/POIs Kundasang Sandakan Memorial Park - Day 6
Sandakan to Lower Kinabatangan River
Start at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre to see endangered orangutans in a natural setting and walk through tropical lowland forest. From there, go to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre to check out these rare honey bears. After lunch, head to Sandakan jetty and cruise through mangrove forests along the Lower Kinabatangan River to reach Abai. Check into Kinabatangan Abai Jungle Lodge, then take an afternoon river cruise searching for wildlife. Later you'll watch the sunset with coffee, and keep cruising at night to spot fireflies and nocturnal animals.
- Meals
- Lunch (Lunch), Dinner (Dinner at Kinabatangan Abai Jungle Lodge)
Included Activities
- Visit Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
- Walk in tropical lowland forest
- Visit Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre
- Lunch
- Cruise up Lower Kinabatangan River through mangrove forests
- Afternoon river cruise from lodge to search for wildlife
- Evening firefly watching cruise
Landmarks/POIs Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre Lower Kinabatangan River Sanctuary Abai - Day 7
Lower Kinabatangan River
Wake early to rainforest sounds and take a morning cruise to Pitas lake for wildlife watching, then get breakfast back at the lodge. The day is spent walking the 800 meter boardwalk behind the lodge where you might see wild orangutans, silver leaf monkeys, and other forest animals. End the day with another river cruise to keep looking for wildlife.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Breakfast at lodge), Lunch (Lunch at lodge), Dinner (Dinner at lodge)
Included Activities
- Early morning cruise to Pitas lake for wildlife observation
- Breakfast at lodge
- Explore boardwalk behind lodge
- Evening cruise for wildlife viewing
Landmarks/POIs Pitas Lake - Day 8
Abai to Sukau
Have a free morning to wander the stilted forest paths with others staying at the lodge. After lunch, continue wildlife searching by cruising upriver to Sukau for an overnight stay. Watch for primates like orangutans, pygmy elephants, and colorful birds as you travel. Once you're checked in, take another cruise to search for animals and enjoy the river.
- Meals
- Lunch (Lunch at lodge), Dinner (Dinner at lodge)
Included Activities
- Lunch at lodge
- River cruise from Abai to Sukau
- Evening cruise from Sukau lodge for wildlife search
Optional Activities
- Explore stilted forest paths during free morning
Landmarks/POIs Sukau - Day 9
Sukau to Sandakan
Leave Sukau and get back to Sandakan. The rest of your day is free to explore on your own and do whatever interests you. Later in the evening, meet up with the other travelers for a farewell dinner to wrap up your adventure together.
- Meals
- Breakfast (Breakfast), Lunch (Lunch), Dinner (Farewell dinner with fellow travelers)
Included Activities
- Farewell dinner
- Day 10
Departure from Sandakan
Your trip ends today as you say goodbye to your travel companions and leave Sandakan to head home.
