The Natural Wonders of Malaysia

In the morning, head to Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. There, you will be treated to an enlightening presentation about the centre’s conservation efforts. Enjoy a ten-minute walk in the rainforest and witness the orangutans as they eat at the feeding platform, before moving to the outdoor nursery where you can observe the adorable younger orangutans. Afterwards, head to the Sun Bear Conservation Centre, located next door, where you will learn more about the smallest bears in the world – which are unfortunately endangered in these regions.

Depart for a two-hour overland journey to the multi-award winning Sukau Rainforest Lodge. Delight in a river cruise, searching for glimpses of Borneo’s wildlife, before returning to the lodge where you will savour a candlelit dinner on the pier.

Highlights:

• Make a visit to the Orangutan & Sun Bear Conservation Centre in Sepilok
• Explore the mystical Kinabatangan river on boat in the evening
• Delight in a wide range of culinary dishes at the floating restaurant next to the river

Rise and shine for a morning cruise up the Kinabatangan River to Kelenanap oxbow lake, where you may get the chance to witness native birds and wildlife. After breakfast, join in the nature walk along the lodge’s Hornbill Boardwalk with the in-house naturalist. After a spot of lunch, you are free to spend the next few hours at your own leisure, before proceeding on another river cruise in the afternoon.

Feel free to explore the boardwalk at the back of the lodge. If you are lucky, you may even spot a wild orangutan! Experience profound relaxation and comfort at the Halia Spa, Sukau which provides an ‘escape from the ordinary’ with a blend of both traditional and modern Spa treatments.

The night cruise comes highly recommended to all guests – available for a small fee.

Highlights:

• A boat cruising experience to Kelenanap oxbow lake in the early morning
• Witness the interesting efforts of wildlife protection
• Evening cruise offered until sunset

Have an early morning breakfast before proceeding to Lahad Datu around 6.30 am. Upon your early morning arrival in Lahad Datu, you will meet a driver and make your way to the Borneo Nature Tours office for your official registration and debriefing. At 9.30 am, make your way overland to the Borneo Rainforest Lodge, which is the largest protected area of lowland rainforest in Sabah – covering almost 43,800 hectares.

After dinner at the hotel, experience a night drive in an open-top vehicle to search for nocturnal animals moving around in their natural environment.

Highlights:

• Exciting 4WD road trip to the heart of the jungle with some chances to spot wildlife
• Introduction jungle walk around the resort area
• Nighttime safari in search of nocturnal animals

Stock up your energy levels with an early breakfast at the Lodge before trekking into the Danum Valley towards the Orang Sungai burial site. Soak up the historic and spiritual beauty of ‘Coffin Cliff’, hidden amongst traces of the ancient culture that once dwelled here. Ascend through the dense jungle canopy to the main viewpoint, where you can embrace an astonishing birds-eye view of the surrounding area.

Take a well-earned refreshing dip into the jacuzzi pool, shortly followed by a replenishing lunch provided back at the lodge. Go your own way in the afternoon as you choose between a jungle trail trek across the land, or a thrilling tubing ride down the Danum River. Retreat to the Lodge for dinner in the evening, before taking an evening stroll in the welcoming darkness of the jungle as you join the nocturnal creatures alongside a guide.

Highlights:

• Wild jungle trekking to a viewpoint outlooking the entire valley
• A dip in the cool natural jacuzzi after the walk
• Be amazed by the diverse insect species during the night walk

Prepare to leave this heavenly landscape behind, for now, as you settle into an early breakfast at the lodge and spend the morning at your leisure. Exchange amazing wildlife snapshots with your fellow guests, surrender to your slovenly side and snooze in bed or catch a final look around the picturesque lodge grounds before lunch. Enjoy the drive on the narrow dirt trail back to Lahad Datu airport before boarding your early evening flight back to Kota Kinabalu.

Upon arrival at Kota Kinabalu Airport, you will be greeted by our driver who will transfer you directly to Jesselton Jetty. Here, the resort shared transfer boat will pick you up for a 15-minute ride to Gaya Island. Once at the resort, relax ready for the next half of your adventure.

Highlights:

• Spot wildlife in the 4WD ride to Lahad Datu
• Scenic flight transfer from Lahad Datu to Kota Kinabalu
• Relax in your beautiful Borneo resort

These next two days on the island are to be spent at your own leisure. For adventure seekers, book a complimentary guided walk around the island in search of precious flora and wildlife. A friendly on-site naturalist will introduce you to some of the tropical plants such as vines, looping rattans, palms, shrubs and massive hardwood trees.

The resort additionally runs a conservation centre, protecting marine life, which is worth a visit during your stay.

Highlights:

• Enjoy your time in the private resort
• Nature guided tour around the island
• A boat journey to the nearby conservation centre

Take the island speedboat to Jesselton Jetty where a driver will pick you up and transfer you to Kota Kinabalu. You will then take a flight via Kuala Lumpur to Langkawi where a driver will meet you on arrival and transfer you to your hotel.

Highlights:

• Scenic flight to Langkawi Island

Enjoy the mangroves of Langkawi with a taste of adventure during a day-long kayak trip. Experience a close look at the ecology of the mangroves while gliding with your kayak through smaller waterways in the dense and vibrant jungle. During the five-hour kayaking tour, you might be lucky enough to witness some of the native wildlife which includes; monkeys, snakes, eagles, otters, and other special birds or monitor lizards. Once the tour has finished you will be able to head back to the hotel and enjoy the evening at your leisure.

Highlights:

• Calm your mind in the quiet mangrove area
• Get a closer perspective of the ecological system along the river
• Professional nature guide alongside you during the tour

After a relaxing day on the island, sip on an icy cold beer, a chilled glass of wine or sample a variety of cocktails with great company, the perfect way to start the evening. As the sun sets and the temperature cools, the ocean provides a perfectly serene environment to venture into aboard the boat. Feel the cool wind in your hair and listen to the sound of the waves lapping the boat. Experience the relaxing, yet exciting feeling of traditionally traversing the Andaman Sea, and viewing the many beautiful islands of Langkawi.

Encounter flying fish, graceful eagles, palm-lined beaches and friendly dolphins which add to the beautiful surprises found on the trip. The breathtaking sight of the tropical sun sinking into the horizon of the Andaman Sea present the chance to witness the natural phenomena of the fabled ‘green flash’. Do not forget to take the opportunity of cooling off in the onboard famous saltwater jacuzzi with a cocktail in your hand.

Highlights:

• Tasty buffet dinner and bottomless drinks on the boat
• Enjoy the perfect golden hour at the “sea jacuzzi” at the back of the boat

On the final day, say goodbye to the island as you get ready to leave Malaysia. A driver will pick you up and take you to the airport for your final flight.