Borneo In Style
Example Itinerary
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Overview
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
How Tailor-Made Works
Discuss your initial ideas with one of our experts, the types of things you want to see and do.
Your expert will start designing your perfect trip. Within a day or two we'll send a suggested itinerary.
At this stage you can still tweak anything from accommodation to experiences and dates, using our expert advice.
Time to prepare for your trip, safe in the knowledge you'll be in the expert hands of local guides and drivers throughout.
Relax and enjoy...through our partners you'll have support on the ground as well as 24-hour emergency assistance in the UK.
Example Itinerary
This is an example itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes and budget, or build a trip from scratch.
Day 1 Sandakan – Sepilok: Village Visit
Upon arrival to Sandakan Airport, you will be transferred to the hotel to freshen up after your journey. Late afternoon, take a private speedboat along the river, stopping at one of the stilted villages for a look around and a tea break in one of the villager’s homes for a unique cultural encounter. Continue on the cruise, keep an eye out for wild animals such as proboscis monkeys, otters and kingfishers. As sunset approaches, you may witness a magical display of fireflies from the surrounding jungle. Transfer to a local seafood restaurant back in Sandakan and enjoy a seafood dinner that the city is famous for before heading to Sepilok.
Day 2 Sepilok: Orangutans & Sun Bears
After breakfast, visit the world’s largest orangutan rehabilitation centre at Sepilok. At the centre, you can witness the orangutans being fed by the rangers. Stroll the jungle-flanked wooden walkways to the central platform; orangutans can sometimes be seen from these platforms, so you should have your cameras ready. Continue with a visit to the Sun Bear Conservation Centre for a morning with the founder Dr Wong, who will give you a private presentation on the Sun Bears before giving you a personal tour around the facility. Once this tour is completed, receive a transfer back to the hotel for an afternoon of leisure and relaxation.
Day 3 Sepilok – Kinabatangan (Sukau): Monkeys & River Cruise
You have the opportunity to visit the Labuk Bay Proboscis Sanctuary this morning for a feeding. You will then return to Sandakan, stopping at the Sandakan Memorial Park to understand the plight of Australian and British soldiers who were held as prisoners by the Japanese between 1942 and 1945. You will then be driven to the Sandakan Jetty with lunch en route before boarding a shared boat cruise to Sukau passing through a landscape alive with monitor lizards, serpent eagles and crocodiles. Upon arrival at your lodge, enjoy lunch before setting off for an afternoon river expedition in search of wildlife in an open-topped river boat.
Day 4 Kinabatangan (Sukau): Wildlife Safari
After an early wake up call, embark on a morning river cruise in search of waking wildlife and birds which are most active in the morning, on the way to the Danau Pitas Ox-Bow Lake. The area is known for its herd of Asian elephants. Continue to visit the local fishing village, Kampung Abai where you can interact with local Orang Sungai people and observe the daily activities in this tiny fishing village. Return to a full breakfast and then set off for another cruise up the Kinabatangan River to Menanggul River in search of wildlife. Return for a candle light dinner and slide show conducted by the naturalist guide. After dinner, enjoy a night safari cruise spotting nocturnal animals, crocodiles and birds.
Day 5 Kinabatangan (Sukau) - Lahad Datu – Danum Valley: Gomantong Caves
After breakfast, your guide will bring to the Gomantong Caves, the largest birds’ nests cave in Sabah, famous for its swiftlets and their edible nests used in ‘Birds Nest Soup’ and for being home to two million bats. Drive through the rainforest to Lahad Datu for lunch before continuing deep into the lush tropical lowlands of the Danum Valley. Walk the 130-metre-tall canopy walk through this 130-million-year-old rainforest. Following dinner, board a 4WD vehicle for a nocturnal wildlife tour in search of civets, insects and reptiles.
Day 6 Danum Valley: Jungle Hike & Waterfall Swim
Taking a packed breakfast this morning, you will take the short hike out to an ancient Kadazan-Dusun burial site. On your return trip, take the opportunity to dip in the refreshing waterfall and jacuzzi pool. Returning to the hotel for lunch, this afternoon is at leisure, however there is a range of optional activities available, such as private trekking, tubing on the Danum River and specialised guided tours. After dinner, depart for a shared night walk in search of nocturnal creatures.
Day 7 Danum Valley – Gaya Island: To the Coast
After a leisurely breakfast, drive through the forest to Lahad Datu for your flight to Kota Kinabalu. Transfer to Jesselton Pier for a private speed boat transfer to Gaya Island and your island villa.
Day 8 Gaya Island: Island Activities
Gaya Island Resort is a luxury resort of individual villas stepped up the hillside, activities on offer include snorkelling, kayaking, nature walks or simply relaxing by the pool or on one of the two beaches.
Day 9 Gaya Island
Another day to relax and explore at leisure.
Day 10 Gaya Island – Kota Kinabalu: Departure
You will be transferred to Kota Kinabalu for your flight home.
EXAMPLE ACCOMMODATION
Gaya Island Resort, Gaya Island
Located on the small island of Pulau Gaya off the western coast of Sabah, this stunning resort is set on the beachfront, surrounded by rainforest and mangroves. Its 120 villas and two-bedroom suites, while spacious and elegantly furnished, retain their local character and blend into the surrounding environment. Fine regional cuisine and fresh sea food can be enjoyed at the restaurant overlooking the sea, while a swimming pool, a spa and a library are available for relaxation. The resort is accessible by boat from Kota Kinabalu.
Borneo Rainforest Lodge, Danum Valley
Set beside the waters of the Danum River, this wonderfully rustic and award winning lodge is capable of accommodating up to 60 people in 31 chalets. Each chalet comes with a private shower and balcony and the deluxe bungalows afford an extra 20% more space. Although the rooms do not provide A/C, they are equipped with high quality ceiling fans and the Premium Deluxe rooms also come with an effective climate control system to maintain a comfortable indoor humidity level within the room. The large central lodge area stands on columns of Borneo's famous hardwood and features a spacious veranda and dining area with a well-stocked bar, providing the perfect base from which to enjoy and absorb the beautiful surrounding jungle.
Sepilok Nature Lodge, Sandakan
Within walking distance from the world-famous Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, deep in a forest of tropical orchids and towering trees, the charming Sepilok Nature Lodge combines modern comforts with traditional style. Its twin bedded chalets provide en suite bathrooms, air conditioning and lake or jungle views, whilst the surrounding gardens boast over 150 species of Asian orchid. The lovely wooden lodge restaurant provides a fusion of local and western cuisines overlooking the rainforest canopies.
Sukau Rainforest Lodge, Kinabatangan (Sukau)
The lodge has previously been awarded status as a National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World, one of only 25 in the world, and the only one in Southeast Asia. It is the only lodge that uses electric motor on all river boats, and has a great range of facilities for such a remote area (it is the only lodge with a plunge pool and has relaxing and well designed communal areas). Aside from the excellent wildlife spotting the resort offers foot massage, nightly wildlife talks by the in-house expert, and has some lovely trails to explore from the lodge.
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
MEALS
TRANSPORT
ENTRANCE FEES
EXPERT TEAM
ACCOMMODATION
WILD MILES
ACCOMMODATION
Wild Miles Club
When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:
| Blue | More than 10,000 points | 2.5% discount |
| Bronze | More than 30,000 points | 5% discount |
| Silver | More than 45,000 points | 7.5% discount |
| Gold | More than 60,000 points | 10% discount |
This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.
Positive Impact of this Trip
Making a Difference
Community Tourism
People and local communities have always been at the heart of Wild Frontiers and the travel experiences we offer. Through community tourism we have the opportunity to generate real positive impact, supporting people we visit through sustainable local development, and in turn help to alleviate poverty and protect culture and environments in often more vulnerable destinations. While doing so, our clients gain richer travel experiences and more meaningful connections with the people they meet.
Conservation and Climate Action
As a travel company, we hold a responsibility to minimise our environmental footprint and contribute to sustainability, and work closely with local communities to support their efforts. By implementing initiatives such as carbon measuring, tree-planting, reducing single-use plastic and promoting eco-friendly practices, we can help mitigate the negative impacts of tourism on fragile ecosystems and local communities. Additionally, prioritising conservation efforts helps preserve natural habitats and wildlife, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the wonders of our planet.
Wild Frontiers Foundation
The Wild Frontiers Foundation aims to provide a platform to create awareness, raise money and deliver funding to projects in countries where we operate as a travel company. Through the foundation, we are able to channel money into grass roots projects, which we have either established ourselves or support through charity partners. These include initiatives focused around education, the empowerment of local people and community conservation.
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HAND-PICKED ACCOMMODATION
Whether you are looking for a boutique hotel, homestay, local guesthouse, luxury spa, tented camp or heritage hotel, our experts can select the perfect property for you.
24-HOUR SUPPORT
Our local agents are there to help you on the ground should you need any assistance, and in addition you will be given a 24-hour UK emergency phone number.OTHER ITINERARIES IN MALAYSIA & BORNEO
Check out our group tours in Malaysia & Borneo
As well as private tailor-made trips, we also offer small group tours (max size 12) to Malaysia & Borneo. Led by an experienced tour leader, travel with a group of like-minded people on one of our award-winning group tours.
View Group Tours in Malaysia & Borneo