Explore the heart of the Borneo rainforest for Asia’s most unique wildlife experiences. Orangutans are the stars of the show along with sun bears, proboscis monkeys and maybe even endangered Bornean pygmy elephants, as well as wonderful bird life. And escape to Gaya Island for a beach escape in a marine reserve.
Journey deep into Borneo’s rainforest for rare wildlife encounters, from orangutans to pygmy elephants and proboscis monkeys
Meet the rescued orangutans and sun bears of Sepilok, learning firsthand about their remarkable rehabilitation stories
Cruise the Kinabatangan River at dawn and dusk, spotting hornbills, macaques and crocodiles along misty jungle banks
Explore Danum Valley’s pristine rainforest canopy, walking among ancient trees and maybe glimpsing wild orangutans
End your adventure on Gaya Island, where rainforest meets coral reef and eco-luxury unfolds in a marine sanctuary
Fly overnight to Kuala Lumpur and stay for 2 nights at the Shangri-la Hotel in the busy heart of the city. Explore old and new KL, including the famous Petronas Towers, or take an optional day trip to historic Malacca or the highlands.
Fly across the South China Sea to the island of Borneo, over nights at Shangri-la Tanjung Aru on the waterfront of this bustling port city.
A short early morning flight south to Sandakan on the edge of the rainforest. Arrive at Spilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre in time for morning feeding or the semi wild orang utans. A visit to the orang utan nursery is included. Continue to the Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre and learn about the world’s smallest bear.
After lunch, head on the Kinabatangan River for a two and a half hour boat journey deep into the jungle to Sukau Rainforest Lodge, on the lookout for wildlife and beautiful bird life on the riverbank.
Enjoy full days of included activities with the lodge’s team of expert naturalist guides. A dawn boat trip reveals the exotic bird life including hornbills, kingfishers, eagles and more. Walk on the boardwalk through the jungle, and at sunset venture back on the river in search of flying fox, macaques and learning about the flora and ecosystem. There’s plenty of time to unwind and take in the intense sounds and sights of the rainforest.
Travel overland south into the primary lowland rainforest toward the Danum Valley for two nights at Borneo Rainforest Lodge. After lazy lunches and dinner amid the forest, enjoy afternoon guided natural trails and venture to the canopy walkway over 20 metres high, for a bird’s eye view of the jungle. It is possible to spot wild orang utans, slow loris, macaques and rare Bornean pygmy elephants – the world’s smallest elephant.
After dinner, join the night drive or walk in search for nocturnal wildlife. It might even be possible to go tubing in the river.
After a relaxed morning at the lodge, transfer to Lahad Datu and fly back to the coast. Hop over to Gaya Island for a five night stay at Gaya Island Resort.
Gaya Island is surrounded by protected waters, with mangroves and coral reefs, and Gaya Island Resort is set among the trees reaching up the hillside with views towards the main island and Mount Kinabalu or out to the ocean. As well as relaxing and exploring amid natural surroundings, guests can visit the excellent marine centre, with its expert marine biologists and sea turtle rescue program.
Enjoy a final lazy morning at the resort before an evening and overnight return flight. Break the journey back in Kuala Lumpur or head to Singapore for a stopover.