Borneo has some of the world's most species-rich equatorial rainforests that are easily accessible from modern, multiethnic cities. The island's jungles conjure up remoteness and adventure, as you ascend the flanks of Mt Kinabalu. Deforestation makes for depressing headlines, but significant parts of the Bornean rainforest remain intact, protected by conservation projects whose viability depends in part on income from tourists.

For many visitors to Borneo, their most memorable moment is glimpsing a wild orangutan swinging through the jungle canopy, spotting an Irrawaddy dolphin or locking eyes with a saltwater croc. 

The varied ethnic and cultural backgrounds of Borneo's people means the island's cuisines are as wide-ranging as they are delicious. Seafood from the South China Sea is served fresh at Chinese restaurants, smoky chicken satay stalls beckon at Malay night markets and Indonesian eateries offer spicy sambal. 

DAY 1 – Arrive in Kota Kinabalu and check in to SHANGRI-LA TANJUNG ARU RESORT AND SPA HOTEL

On a dramatic peninsula, Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa has incredible views over majestic Mount Kinabalu and the exotic islands dotted in the vast, blue South China Sea. With its remarkable location, stunning rooms, impeccable service and outstanding facilities, this hotel represents the very best of Shangri-La. Local attractions and the city centre are a stone’s throw from this tranquil spot, and Kuala Lumpur is just over two hours’ flight away. Accommodation Luxurious guest rooms have perfect views of the natural wonders of Sabah Each room has a balcony, private bathroom, air conditioning, satellite TV, high-speed Internet access, tea and coffee making facilities, telephone,

Day 2 – Relax at the hotel

DAY 3

EXCURSION

Full day Sandakan Orang-utan Trails - ex/end Kota Kinabalu beach hotels (SIC) - 2 Adults Plus - Including Flights
 
ITINERARY: "Early morning, transfer to airport to board a plane for Sandakan (preferably morning flight ETA before 0800 hours) to visit the world’s largest Orang Utan Sanctuary. Meet and greet at the airport and drive for approximately 30 minutes to Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre where orphaned and injured Orang Utan brought to Sepilok to be rehabilitated to return and fend for themselves back to the wild. Sepilok is a primary lowland forest; a fine showcase of Borneo’s remaining rainforest. Witness the 1000 hours feeding of Orang Utan from a platform in the forest. Watch the 25 minutes scheduled video documentary show. Stop at local restaurant for lunch and at 1400 hours proceed for a city tour and explore the various landmarks of Sandakan, which may include the Central Market, the most amazing variety of fresh seafood and agricultural products, Sim-Sim Water Village where houses are all built close to the water surface while observing the fascinating view of the sea, visit Puh Jih Syh Buddhist Temple which offers a panoramic view of Sandakan Bay situated on the hilltop of Tanah Merah. After tour, transfer to airport for your evening flight (preferably evening flight) back to Kota Kinabalu."
 
INCLUSIONS: flights, lunch, entrance fee to Sepilok Orang Utan Centre. EXCLUSIONS: camera and conservation fees, Agnes Keith’s house entrance fee, visit to Sandakan War Memorial, tips or gratuities, personal expenses or extra optional activities.
 
Day 4 – 6

Spend time exploring the local area and relaxing at the hotel.

Day 7 – Return flight to the UK

TURTLE ISLAND, ORANG-UTAN AND SUKAU ADVENTURE

DAY 1: Kota Kinablu - Sandakan - Selingan

Meet at the hotel lobby for airport transfer. Upon arrival at Sandakan Airport, then transfer to Sandakan jetty for a 1 hour boat ride (speedboat /Long boat) to Selingan Island. Check in at the hotel and lunch is provided. The rest of the afternoon at leisure. After dinner, wait for a signal from the Park Ranger before proceeding to watch the Green Turtles laying her eggs on the beach. Witness the collection of eggs nesting and tagging of the mother turtle. Then visit the hatchery area where the park ranger plants the eggs and gathers the baby turtles for release into the sea. Overnight in Selingan Island. (L,D)

DAY 2: Selingan - Sandankan - Sukau

Breakfast is provided at the Selingan Cafeteria. After breakfast, return to Sandakan and transfer to Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre where orphaned or captured orang-utans are rehabilitated. Witness the feeding of Orang Utan from the platform in the forest at 1000hrs. After lunch at Sandakan Town, depart for a 2-hour drive to Sukau. Check-in at a lodge or cabin in Sukau. Late afternoon, depart for a river cruise to Menanggul River, a small tributary of the Kinabatangan to search for proboscis monkey. Dinner is provided and overnight in a lodge or cabin in Sukau (with air conditioning and/or fan). (L,D)

DAY 3: Sukau - Sabah - Sandakan - Kota Kinabulu

After breakfast, overland transfer to Gomantong caves, the largest cave system in Sabah where the famed edible bird‘s nest caves are found. There are two cave complexes - the more accessible Black Cave soaring up to 90 metres high, and the White Cave where the more valuable nests are found. Return to Sandakan for lunch and proceed for a visit to the Central Market, Water Village and the Puu Jih Syh Temple. After lunch, transfer to Sandakan airport for your evening flight back to Kota Kinabalu. (B,L)