en
- Adventure
- 16-day trip
- From €5,350 p.p.
Borneo trip | Discovery of pure Malaysian Borneo
On this special tour, you will discover the Malaysian part of Borneo, one of the most biodiverse and pristine natural areas in the world. You will travel from lush lowland rainforest to quiet riverbanks, past ancient jungle and rare species found nowhere else. Spot orangutans at Sepilok's famous rehabilitation centre, cruise the mysterious Kinabatangan River by boat in search of proboscis monkeys, crocodiles and exotic birds, and experience a unique night walk in the deep rainforest of Danum Valley. The trip ends leisurely on the coast, on tropical Gaya Island, where nature meets luxury. You will stay in small-scale lodges and resorts surrounded by nature, where tranquillity, comfort and hospitality are key. A journey for those who want to experience the real Borneo: adventurous, authentic and surprisingly comfortable.
Travel programme
Travel overview
- Day 1 Departure for Malaysia
- Day 2 Journey to Borneo
- Day 3 Sepilok – Kinabatangan
- Day 4 Adventures at Kinabatangan
- Day 5 Journey to Sukau
- Day 6 Wildlife spotting and Hornbill Boardwalk
- Day 7 Sukau – Danum Valley
- Day 8 Ancient traditions and jungle adventure in Danum Valley
- Day 9 Danum Valley – Kota Kinabalu
- Day 10 Free day in Kota Kinabalu
- Day 11 Gunung Mulu National Park
- Day 12 Clearwater Caves
- Day 13 Free day in Mulu National Park
- Day 14 – 15 Relaxation on Gaya Island
- Day 16 Departure from Malaysia
- Day 17 Arrival
Travel to Borneo
Selamat datang! Welcome to Malaysia! On arrival, you’ll travel from Kuala Lumpur to Sandakan, situated on the remarkable island of Borneo. Borneo consists of two parts: the northern and smaller part belongs to Malaysia, whilst the southern, larger part forms part of Indonesia and is known as Kalimantan.
On arrival in Sandakan, you’ll be warmly welcomed by your driver, who will then take you to the Sepilok Forest Edge Resort. This lodge is beautifully situated on the edge of the Sepilok Forest Reserve, surrounded by lush jungle and a short distance from the famous orangutan rehabilitation centre. Here you’ll enjoy a comfortable and authentic stay, surrounded by nature, with charming rooms and warm, personalised service. A perfect base for your adventures in the heart of Borneo.
Inclusief:
- Meet & Greet at the airport
- Private transfer to your accommodation
- Overnight accommodation including breakfast
Sepilok - Kinabatangan
You will be collected from the Sepilok Resort and start the day with a visit to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, one of the world’s best-known orangutan sanctuaries. Here, young and injured orangutans are taken in, cared for and prepared for a return to the wild. After a brief introduction, you’ll walk along an elevated boardwalk through the lush rainforest, where you can observe these remarkable animals in their natural habitat as they are fed and roam freely. The centre is also committed to education and conservation, meaning your visit helps to protect this endangered species. After this impressive visit, you will travel on to the Sandakan Yacht Club Jetty.
At the jetty, you will meet a representative from Kinabatangan Wetlands, who will escort you to the speedboat for the 1.5-hour trip across Sandakan Bay. You’ll sail past historic Berhala Island, an important Second World War monument, towards the mouth of the Kinabatangan River. Along the way, you’ll keep an eye out for wildlife along the riverbank.
Upon arrival at Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort, you will check in and receive information about your accommodation, meals and activities. In the afternoon, you’ll gather in the lobby for a boat trip along the river. As the sun sets, you’ll continue to look out for wildlife and enjoy the breathtaking scenery. Weather permitting, you’ll see the fireflies glow before heading back to the resort.
In the evening, you’ll have dinner in the communal dining room. Afterwards, you’ll go on a guided night walk along the wooden path around the lodge, looking for unusual animals that are active after dark.
Inclusief:
- Private transfer from Sepilok to Kinabatangan (including water crossing)
- Visit to the Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre
- Full-board accommodation including activities organised by the lodge
Adventures at Kinabatangan
You’ll start early in the morning with an enchanting river cruise to experience the bustling wildlife at sunrise. As the day awakens, you’ll glide along the tranquil waters and observe animals emerging from their hiding places to forage. A special stop is at the serene Danau Pita Lake, a beautiful oxbow lake surrounded by unspoilt nature. Here, you’ll enjoy a warm cup of tea or coffee whilst you relax and take in the soothing surroundings. After this refreshing break, you’ll continue your journey along the riverbanks, keeping a keen eye out for a variety of wildlife and rare birds. At the end of the morning, you’ll return to the lodge for a delicious breakfast.
In the afternoon, you’ll get ready for a second boat trip, this time along narrow tributaries and hidden waterways. This trip once again offers plenty of opportunities to discover the area’s rich biodiversity and spot unusual animals that come out during the cooler hours. After a day filled with natural beauty, you’ll return to the lodge, where dinner awaits you.
Inclusief:
- Full-board accommodation including activities organised by the lodge
Travel to Sukau
After breakfast, you’ll check out and travel by boat back to Sukau Lepit Jetty. You’ll then continue your journey to Sukau Rainforest Lodge. During this cruise, you’ll have the chance to admire Borneo’s remarkable birds and wildlife in their natural habitat. Upon arrival, you’ll check in at Sukau Rainforest Lodge, where you can enjoy a lavish lunch buffet.
In the early evening, you’ll take a river cruise on a silent electric motorboat, in search of Borneo’s native primates, including the unique proboscis monkey and the rare Borneo pygmy elephants. In the evening, you’ll enjoy a candlelit dinner with a stunning view of the river, followed by a fascinating slide show presented by the resort’s nature guide.
Inclusief:
- Transfer by boat to your lodge
- Full-board accommodation including activities organised by the lodge
Wildlife spotting and Hornbill Boardwalk
Early in the morning, you’ll take a boat trip to Ox-Bow Lake, where you can observe a variety of birds and wildlife in their natural habitat. After this relaxing cruise, you’ll return to the resort for a delicious breakfast. You’ll then explore the Hornbill Boardwalk, a specially constructed footpath that winds deep through the lush rainforest. This boardwalk offers you a unique opportunity to experience Borneo’s rich biodiversity up close, with a special focus on the colourful and iconic hornbills that are often spotted here. As you walk, you’ll learn about the rainforest’s complex ecosystem and the diverse plant and animal species that call it home.
In the early evening, a river cruise is planned, during which you’ll go in search of even more wildlife active at dusk. These include: small bear cats (Malayan sun bears), owls and other nocturnal birds of prey, nocturnal monkey species such as the rare tarsier, crocodiles lurking along the banks, flying squirrels gliding through the trees, and various amphibians and insects.
Inclusief:
- Full-board accommodation including activities organised by the lodge
Sukau - Danum Valley
You will be collected in Sukau and travel via a 2.5-hour drive along gravel roads to Lahad Datu, where the Borneo Rainforest Lodge is situated. This lodge is located in the heart of Sabah’s largest protected lowland rainforest. On arrival, you will check in, followed by lunch and an informative presentation in the conference room.
In the afternoon, you’ll go on your first exploratory walk along the Nature Trails and walk along the 300-metre-long Canopy Walkway, which reaches a height of 26 metres and offers impressive views of the rainforest. In the evening, you’ll enjoy dinner at the lodge, after which you’ll set off on an exciting night-time drive in an open-top vehicle to search for nocturnal animals.
Inclusief:
- Transfer to your lodge
- Full-board accommodation including activities organised by the lodge
Ancient traditions and jungle adventure in Danum Valley
After an early breakfast, you’ll start the day with a fascinating walk through the rainforest to the mysterious Coffin Cliff, a traditional burial site of the indigenous Kadazandusun community. Here you’ll see centuries-old wooden coffins high up in the rock faces, hidden amongst the greenery. You will then continue your walk to a spectacular viewpoint, where you’ll be rewarded with a panoramic view of the vast jungle of Danum Valley.
After the descent, you’ll reach a natural hot spring, fed by a crystal-clear stream. Here you can enjoy a refreshing dip, surrounded by the sounds of birds and flowing water. Back at the lodge, a delicious lunch awaits you. The afternoon is yours to spend as you wish: take a guided jungle walk to learn more about the flora and fauna, or opt for a relaxing tubing trip down the Danum River, where you can drift gently with the current on a rubber ring.
In the evening, you’ll enjoy dinner at the lodge. Afterwards, you’ll set off on a night walk with a guide in search of nocturnal animals such as flying squirrels, owls, tree frogs or insects that only come to life after sunset.
Inclusief:
- Full-board accommodation including activities organised by the lodge
Danum Valley - Kota Kinabalu
After an unforgettable stay in the pristine nature of Danum Valley, say goodbye to the lodge and its special surroundings. Your driver will be waiting for your private transfer to Lahad Datu airport. From Lahad Datu, you will fly back to Kota Kinabalu by domestic flight. Upon arrival at the airport, you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel in the city by transfer.
Inclusief:
- Private transfer to the airport
- Domestic flight Lahad Datu - Kota Kinabalu
- Private transfer to your hotel
- Overnight accommodation including breakfast
Free day in Kota Kinabalu
This day is at leisure, allowing you to decide how you want to experience Kota Kinabalu's diverse atmosphere. Stroll the colourful markets, visit the impressive mosque or perch on the waterfront for lunch overlooking the bay.
Inclusief:
- Overnight accommodation including breakfast
Gunung Mulu National Park
You will be collected from your hotel in Kota Kinabalu and taken to the airport, where you will board a domestic flight to Mulu. Upon arrival at Mulu Airport, you will be welcomed by our local representative and taken to your lodge, where you will check in and have the chance to relax. Over the next few days, you’ll discover one of Southeast Asia’s most impressive natural areas, where unspoilt jungle, ancient limestone formations and unique ecosystems come together. Mulu not only shows you just how special nature is, but also why it’s so important to preserve it.
In the afternoon, you’ll go on a guided walk through the heart of Mulu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with over 60 million years of history. Via wooden walkways, you’ll walk through the lush rainforest to the imposing Deer Cave and the stunning Lang Cave. The total walking distance is around 9 kilometres, including an 800-metre trek through the world’s largest accessible cave.
At sunset, you’ll take your place at the Bat Observatory, where, weather permitting, millions of bats leave the cave all at once in search of food: a spectacular natural phenomenon. Afterwards, you’ll return to the park headquarters and then to your lodge. The evening is yours to spend as you wish.
Inclusief:
- Private transfer to the airport
- Domestic flight Kota Kinabalu - Mulu
- Private transfer to your hotel
- Excursion: Deer & Lang Cave bat spotting
- Overnight accommodation including breakfast
Clearwater Caves
In the morning, you’ll set off by traditional longboat along the picturesque Melinau River to the impressive Wind Cave and Clearwater Cave, two of the longest and most beautiful cave systems in Mulu National Park. On the way, you’ll make a short stop at the Penan village of Batu Bungan, where members of this indigenous community sell their traditional handicrafts. During the dry season, you may need to help push the boat through a few shallow sections of the river, adding a touch of adventure to your trip.
After visiting the caves, where you’ll admire impressive stalactites, cool chambers and underground rivers, it’s time for a break with tea or coffee at the idyllic Clearwater Pool. If conditions allow, you can take a refreshing dip in the clear water here. You will then return to the Mulu Park headquarters, from where you’ll be transferred back to your lodge by road. The rest of the afternoon is free to relax or enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Inclusief:
- Excursion: Clearwater Caves including picnic lunch
- Full board accommodation including breakfast
Free day in Mulu National Park
Today, you have the opportunity to explore Mulu at your own pace. Enjoy the peace and quiet at your lodge or take a short walk through the surrounding rainforest.
Inclusief:
- Overnight accommodation including breakfast
Relaxation on Gaya island
You’ll travel from the green heart of Mulu to the tropical coast of Gaya Island. A private transfer will take you from your lodge to Mulu Airport, where you’ll board a domestic flight to Kota Kinabalu. Upon arrival, a private chauffeur will take you to Jesselton Jetty, the city’s harbour. From here, you’ll set off by boat to the exclusive Gaya Island Resort. The island has been a protected forest since 1923 and is home to pristine rainforest, mangrove swamps and impressive coral reefs. The resort is situated in Malohom Bay, offering breathtaking views of the ocean and Mount Kinabalu on the horizon.
Please ensure you arrive at the resort office on the jetty at least 30 minutes before departure, where you will check in and pay the entry fee for the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. Please note that upon arrival on the island, you may need to disembark in shallow water. You should therefore wear light, quick-drying clothing, shorts and flip-flops or sandals. Pack your luggage and valuables in waterproof bags.
Inclusief:
- Private transfer to the airport
- Domestic flight Mulu - Kota Kinabalu
- Private transfer to Jesselton Jetty
- Boat trip to your accommodation
- Overnight accommodation including breakfast
Accommodations
Sepilok Forest Edge Resort
The Sepilok Forest Edge Resort offers an oasis of calm in the middle of nature. Featuring an outdoor pool and free Wi-Fi in public areas, the accommodation features country-style rooms with wooden walls and floors. All rooms feature a private bathroom equipped with a shower, a bath or a...
The Sepilok Forest Edge Resort offers an oasis of calm in the middle of nature. Featuring an outdoor pool and free Wi-Fi in public areas, the accommodation features country-style rooms with wooden walls and floors. All rooms come with a private bathroom equipped with a shower, a bath or a hot tub. Rooms also have air conditioning. The chalets feature a kitchen and a living area. Sepilok Forest Edge Resort is a 20-minute drive from Sandakan Airport and a 5-minute walk from Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre. Free parking is available at the resort. Guests can arrange excursions such as bird watching or jungle trekking at the front desk. One can also relax in the sauna. Sepilok Forest Edge Resort offers a laundry service and you can also exchange money there. The restaurant serves both local and western dishes.
Your stay: 1 night
Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort
Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort is located in the wilderness of lower Kinabatangan, surrounding pristine freshwater swamps and mangrove forests. The resort has 4 double rooms with twin beds and 10 luxury chalets. All rooms are equipped with fans, a private bathroom and toiletries. Other...
Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort is located in the wilderness of lower Kinabatangan, surrounding pristine freshwater swamps and mangrove forests. The resort has 4 double rooms with twin beds and 10 luxury chalets. All rooms are equipped with fans, a private bathroom and toiletries. Other amenities include free Wi-Fi, a restaurant and a laundry service.
Your stay: 2 nights
Sukau Rainforest Lodge
The Sukau Rainforest Lodge, located on the Kinabatangan River, is a small-scale local-style eco lodge. Many eco awards have already gone to this special lodge. The lodge is located in the middle of the lowland jungle. Here, you will wake up to the sound of birds and monkeys. The resort has two types of...
Sukau Rainforest Lodge, located on the Kinabatangan River, is a small-scale local-style eco lodge. Many eco awards have already gone to this special lodge. The lodge is located in the middle of the lowland jungle. Here, you will wake up to the sound of birds and monkeys. The resort has two types of chalet rooms overlooking the rainforest. The spacious rooms are equipped with mosquito nets, a ceiling fan and tea and coffee making facilities. Free slippers and toiletries are provided in the bathroom. Evening dinner is served on the veranda right on the riverbank!
There is also a relaxation lounge, a spa and free coffee and tea facilities. The Sukau Rainforest Lodge is an excellent base for boat trips through the rainforest. In this fascinating environment, you have great chances of seeing the orang-utan, as well as proboscis monkeys and the pygmy elephant which is only found in Borneo.
Your stay: 2 nights
Borneo Rainforest Lodge
The Borneo Rainforest Lodge is located on the Danum River in Sabah's largest protected rainforest. From the town of Lahad Datu, where you must check in, it is another 2½-hour drive to Danum Valley Conservation Area. You will travel in a comfortable 4x4 across the rainforest.
Borneo Rainforest Lodge has only 32 chalets,...
The Borneo Rainforest Lodge is located on the Danum River in Sabah's largest protected rainforest. From the town of Lahad Datu, where you must check in, it is another 2½-hour drive to Danum Valley Conservation Area. You will travel in a comfortable 4x4 across the rainforest.
Borneo Rainforest Lodge has only 32 chalets, divided into three categories. The standard chalets are located in the countryside, the luxury premium chalets are located by the river and the premium villas have the best views of the countryside and the river. All chalets are equipped with every comfort, the Premium Deluxe have an outdoor swimming pool and the Luxury Villas even have a Jacuzzi.
The atmospheric restaurant serves buffet-style breakfast, lunch and dinner. Both Western and Asian dishes are available. Special requests are catered for when possible.
Your stay: 2 nights
Shangri-La Tanjung Aru
Located just 10 minutes from the city, Shangri-La's Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa, Kota Kinabalu, is a luxurious, tranquil retreat that provides the perfect setting for a great tropical holiday. Sophistication surrounds you in an opulently decorated suite inspired by Borneo's rich cultural heritage....
Located just 10 minutes from the city, Shangri-La's Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa, Kota Kinabalu, is a luxurious, tranquil retreat that provides the perfect setting for a great tropical holiday. Sophistication surrounds you in an opulently decorated suite inspired by Borneo's rich cultural heritage. The clear blue waters surrounding the islands offer great snorkelling with tropical fish and coral. Here, you can get your heart pumping with adrenaline by participating in water sports on the South China Sea. A pampering session at CHI, The Spa rounds off the day. Known as one of the most picturesque spas in Kota Kinabalu, CHI, The Spa offers treatments based on traditional Asian healing philosophies. You will enjoy an enchanting and pampering journey on the resort's private spa island.
Your stay: 2 nights
Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa
Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa is beautifully designed in the style of ethnic longhouses and offers 5-star luxury just five minutes from Gunung Mulu National Park. The 101 refined rooms stand on stilts and are connected by wooden walkways.
Your stay: 3 nights
Gaya Island Resort
There is one place, accessible only by boat, where everything nature has created, from sheltered coral reefs to protected mangroves, has been preserved for thousands of years by those dedicated to its care. A place called Gaya Island Resort in Pulau Gaya. The Gaya Island Resort is located in...
There is one place, accessible only by boat, where everything nature has created, from sheltered coral reefs to protected mangroves, has been preserved for thousands of years by those dedicated to its care. A place called Gaya Island Resort in Pulau Gaya. The Gaya Island Resort is located in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park off the coast of Kota Kinabalu in Borneo. It lies on the shore of Malohom Bay, a natural reserve nestled in the hills of an ancient rainforest with a stunning silhouette of Mount Kinabalu on the horizon.
Your stay: 2 nights
Experiences
Excursion: Deer Cave and Long Cave
To visit these 2 caves, you will make a trek of about 3 km through the rainforest. This stretch features a wooden walkway. Lang Cave is located next to Deer Cave. While Deer Cave is large and very pompous, Lang Cave is narrow and almost intimate. It is the smallest of the four 'show caves', but certainly...
To visit these 2 caves, you will make a trek of about 3 km through the rainforest. This stretch features a wooden walkway. Lang Cave is located next to Deer Cave. While Deer Cave is large and very pompous, Lang Cave is narrow and almost intimate. It is the smallest of the four 'show caves', but certainly interesting.
The biggest attraction in Lang Cave is the colourful limestone formations seen on the cave walls. This cave is better lit than the other caves, making it a great place to take photos. Deer Cave is the most famous cave. This cave is home to over 3 million bats. In dry weather, they fly out around 5pm in search of food. This is a spectacular sight! If it rains, they really don't fly out either.
For Mulu, we recommend taking a strong torch with you to make the most of this special location. It is also not unwise to bring a mouth mask and cotton gloves for your visit to Deer Cave.
The wildlife in Gunung Mulu National Park is definitely worth seeing, albeit you cannot walk around freely and have to follow the boardwalk. The Mulu Canopy Walk (480m long and 25m high suspension bridge) gives you the unique chance to explore the upper part of the trees, where scientists say most life can be found. Sunrise is .the best time and you will experience the mystical jungle feel.
Destinations
Malaysia
Kota Kinabalu
Known as KK to locals, Kota Kinabalu has long been the gateway to the island of Malaysia Borneo. Located on the coast, this small resort town is a wonderful place to refuel, book your onward journey and enjoy some rest and relaxation. Most of the city was rebuilt after World War II, so KK is largely modern and high-rise. If you are interested in sampling local cuisine, head to the night market for some fresh fish from the barbecue. Day trips from KK include a scenic ride on the North Borneo Railway and an excursion to the neighbouring islands of Gaya and Manukan.
Borneo
The third-largest island in the world, Borneo, is a tropical paradise spanning three countries – Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei. This lush, exotic destination is renowned for its stunningly beautiful scenery and diverse wildlife, including some of the rarest and most bizarre animals in the world. The island’s highest point is Mount Kinabalu, located in Sabah, Malaysia. The rainforests are home to some of the tallest trees in the world, with some reaching heights of over 60 metres.
Borneo’s most spectacular areas include Gunung Mulu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its extensive cave systems, fantastic rock formations, beautiful walking trails and exceptional array of flora and fauna. The coastal region of Sabah, renowned for its fantastic snorkelling and diving from the shore, and the wild jungles of Sabah, are also not to be missed! On the hunt for orangutans!
Sandakan
Kota Kinabalu's little sister, Sandakan was in fact the capital of British North Borneo until 1946. Today, the city serves as one of the main ports for exporting oil, tobacco, coffee, sago and timber. Sights include the elaborate Puu Jih Shih Buddhist temple on the hill and, just outside the city, the fishing village of Buli Sim Sim, where people live in stilt houses above the water. Further along is the Sandakan Memorial Park, located on the original site of an infamous WWII prisoner of war camp. With its small museum and green surroundings, it is a must-see for history buffs and nature lovers.
Gunung Mulu National Park
A lush wilderness of equatorial rainforest and striking rock formations, Gunung Mulu National Park is a go-to destination for travellers eager to get off the beaten track. Located at the northern tip of Malaysian Borneo, this World Heritage Site is known for its rocky landscape, characterised by sinkholes, caves and underground rivers. The Sarawak Chamber is the largest known cave chamber in the world. Travellers can spend their time exploring the ancient caves of Gunung Mulu, hike to the park's famous 45-metre-high limestone cliffs or wait for the bats to appear in hordes daily as dusk falls.
Kinabatangan
An impressive sight in the heart of Malaysian Borneo; the Kinabatangan River! This river winds its way from its source in southwestern Sabah, to the mouth of the Sulu Sea. A boat trip along the river is the best way to explore the region's rainforest, lakes and abundant flora and fauna, with a programme full of diverse day trips and night safaris. Regular wildlife sightings include proboscis monkeys, orang-utans, crocodiles, macaques, hornbills, owls, the civet cat and, with luck, the -endangered- Borneo pygmy elephant.
Danum Valley Conservation Area
Danum Valley is not a National Park but a Conservation Area. It is the largest and most protected area in Sabah, home to Borneo’s most unique plants and animals. A place where your sense of time quickly fades away. Explore one of the many marked trails with a guide, walk past beautiful waterfalls and make your way to the places where most of the wildlife can be found – namely, the canopy of the rainforest.
The guides are exceptionally knowledgeable and will quickly share their enthusiasm with you. Danum Valley is a paradise for nature lovers, home to wild cats, orangutans, agile gibbons, pygmy elephants and the extremely rare clouded leopard and Sumatran rhinoceros. The latter two are found so deep within this area that they are rarely, if ever, spotted by visitors.
From the viewing points along the mist-covered treetops, you’ll enjoy stunning views of the astonishingly dense rainforest and the dramatic mountains. From the footbridges at a height of 26 metres, you can spot rare birds and enjoy the sunrise. A magical sight with the morning mist hanging low.
Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park
Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park is a remarkably well-preserved marine park just off the coast of the island of Borneo in Malaysia. The park consists of five islands: Gaya, Manukan, Sapi, Sulug and Mamutik, as well as 12,185 hectares of crystal clear waters filled with colourful coral and an abundance of exotic marine life. While each of the islands has its own unique charm, all offer excellent diving and snorkelling opportunities as well as a number of hiking trails. All five islands are hilly and forested, with a mixture of rocky coastlines and beautiful white sandy beaches. Gaya is by far the largest of the islands, with Manukan coming in second.
Gaya Island
In the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, just off the coast of Kota Kinabalu, lies the picturesque Gaya Island. This extensive Malaysian island has been protected as a reserve since the early 1920s and has a legendary beach at Police Bay. A 400-metre stretch of pristine white sand slopes gently down to the sea, providing an ideal spot for swimming in the crystal-clear turquoise waters. There is also a 20-kilometre hiking trail and numerous coral reefs all along the coast, making Gaya a dream destination for snorkellers, divers and nature lovers. Visitors can choose between two luxury resorts, namely: Gayana Eco Resort and Bunya Raya Island Resort .
Sabah
The state of Sabah, located in Malaysia, forms the northern part of the island of Borneo. Sabah is known for its remarkable natural attractions with rich flora and fauna, biodiverse coral reefs and outstanding beaches surrounded by clear turquoise waters. Sabah's landscape is characterised by lush rice paddies, dense rainforest, majestic mountains and wild mangrove coastal areas. Sabah is home to the country's highest mountain, the 4095-metre-high Mount Kinabalu, which is popular with hikers from all over the world. Visit the beautiful beaches of northern Borneo, discover an underwater wonderland, get your adrenaline pumping on a whitewater rafting adventure or take a firefly cruise in the evening. Other popular activities include wildlife safaris, boat trips and scenic walks.
Sarawak
Sarawak, which stretches along the northwest coast of the island of Borneo, is the largest of Malaysia's 13 states. With vast tropical rainforests, awe-inspiring ocean views, bustling cities and quaint villages, Sawarak is a wonder haven that draws travellers from far and wide. Unmissable attractions of this charming state include the colonial capital Kuching; the UNESCO-protected, gravity-defying pinnacles of Gunung Mulu National Park; the culturally rich city of Sibu; and the iconic caves, archaeological sites and pagan burials of Niah National Park. Nature lovers can enjoy a leisurely cruise along the mighty Batang Rejang River, explore the alluring mangroves in Kuching Wetlands National Park, hike along the scenic trails of sacred Mount Santubong and soak in the tranquil waters of its many hot springs.
Sepilok
Sepilok, amid dense forested terrain and lush landscapes, is located in the Malaysian Sabah district of North Borneo. This alluring city is home to wonderful attractions and exciting activities that attract travellers from far and wide. Nature lovers can enjoy the many hiking and paddling opportunities; while those interested in animal care can visit several sanctuaries, including: Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre, a beautiful establishment that provides care for rescued sun bears; and the acclaimed Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, a mixed dipterocarp forest that is a natural home for orphaned orangutans. A must-see attraction is the Bristlehead Tower, a wondrous viewing platform with panoramic views of the surrounding scenic landscapes
Kinabatangan
Kinabatangan, located in the Sandakan division of Sabah, Malaysia, serves as the region's capital. It is home to the Orang Sungai, an indigenous people group in Sabah known for its rich traditions. The place serves as a base to explore the many natural attractions in the scenic surroundings. Highlights include the Gomantong Caves, a complex cave system in the Gomantong Hill, and the Danum Valley Conservation Area, stretching over 430 square kilometres. Also located here is the Deramakot Forest Reserve - the world's longest certified tropical rainforest - and an important nature reserve in Sandakan. Also, don't miss the chance to explore the Kinabatangan River, which supports one of the richest ecosystems in the world.
Borneo trip | Discovery of pure Malaysian Borneo
We offer this itinerary from €5,350 per person.
The tour price is an estimate and is subject to factors including availability and travel dates.
Included
• Domestic flights as specified in the itinerary, including hold luggage
• Overnight stays in excellent and distinctive accommodation
• All meals as specified in the ‘programme’
• All necessary private transfers and boat trips as listed
• All excursions as mentioned in the ‘programme’, including activities organised by the Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort and Sukau Rainforest Lodge
• National park entrance fees, where applicable
• National Geographic travel guide or similar
• Administration fees (€50 per booking)
Positive impact of your trip:
• A contribution of €50 per person towards positive impact via the Avila Foundation
Not included
• Intercontinental flights
• Room category upgrade
• Travel and/or cancellation insurance
• Any visa fees
• Tourist tax (where applicable)
• Any departure tax when leaving the destination
• Personal expenses/tips
• Meals not specified and optional excursions
• Contribution to the Calamity Fund (€2.50 per booking)
• SGR contribution (€5 per person)