Wild Borneo
Example Itinerary
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Overview
A stunning journey through some of Sabah’s most spectacular landscapes and ecosystems, this thrilling off the beaten track adventure is filled with natural and cultural highlights, taking you from the city of Kota Kinabalu, into Sepilok, the wildlife rich ecosystems of Kinabatangan and the impressive Maliau Basin Conservation Area. Arrive in Kota Kinabalu and head into the countryside and foothills of Mount Kinablu to stay in a homestay. Trek through villages and paddy fields and be treated ...
A stunning journey through some of Sabah’s most spectacular landscapes and ecosystems, this thrilling off the beaten track adventure is filled with natural and cultural highlights, taking you from the city of Kota Kinabalu, into Sepilok, the wildlife rich ecosystems of Kinabatangan and the impressive Maliau Basin Conservation Area. Arrive in Kota Kinabalu and head into the countryside and foothills of Mount Kinablu to stay in a homestay. Trek through villages and paddy fields and be treated with a cultural performance, and then journey to Sepilok to meet the orphaned orangutans at the Orangutan Sanctuary. The adventure continues along the Kinabatangan River, where you will have a chance to enjoy boat safaris, visit the local Orang Sungai people and witness fireflies dance above the waters from your lodge. The highlight of the adventure is the 5-day trek around the wilderness of the Maliau Basin. Trek through wild jungle to hidden waterfalls and camps, discovering the many species that call the Maliau Basin home. Journey’s end sees you return to Kota Kinabalu.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
- Trek to a local homestay and witness local music and dance performances in remote villages
- Learn about the great work being done at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
- Experience breathtaking waterfalls and lush jungle treks as you explore the lost world of the Maliau Basin
- Enjoy numerous night safaris and educational discussions with a local naturalist
- Admire the colourful stalagmites and stalagtites of the Pungiton Caves, located deep in the heart of the jungle
- Float down river through the jungle and visit remote fishing villages
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 ARRIVE KOTA KINABALU
Arriving in Kota Kinabalu you transfer to your hotel, after which you have a free afternoon to enjoy the delights of Sabah's bustling capital. There is the option of an evening city tour to witness the sunset along the waterfront, the bustle of the fish market and the various local eating venues.
Day 2 KOTA KINABALU - TAMBATUAN - LOBONG LOBONG
Depart Kota Kinabalu for the 2-hour drive to the Eco Village of Tambatuon, located in the foothills of Mount Kinabalu in the beautiful valley by the Kadamaian River. Begin a 6-hour trek to Tanak Nabalu Homestay situated in Lobong Lobong Village at the base of Mount Kinabalu. Today's trek will take you through a valley passing rice paddy fields, farmland and some jungle trails with Mount Kinabalu as the backdrop. Stop for a packed lunch en route. Reach the village late afternoon and enjoy dinner before watching the evening's entertainment, a cultural music and dance performance, in the communal hall.
Day 3 LOBONG LOBONG - GUAS NABALU - KOTA KINABALU
Depart the village for the second day of trekking, around 5 hours, following the Kadamaian River. Start by crossing the village suspension bridge before trekking a horseshoe ridge with magnificent views of the valley below. Trek to the height of over 1,000m to enjoy the panoramic view of Mount Kinabalu and the Dusun Villages below. Continue through rubber plantations and a pineapple plantation. Enjoy another packed lunch before continuing onto Guas Nabalu village, foot of Kinabalu Village. Arriving late afternoon, you will then be transferred back to Kota Kinabalu by vehicle.
Day 4 KOTA KINABALU - SEPILOK - KINABATANGAN (SUKAU)
You will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Sandakan. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, where you can observe them at their feeding stations and enjoy a short presentation on the Orangutan Rehabilitation Programme. Next, visit the Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre to learn about conservation of the world's smallest bear. You will then be driven overland to Sukau, passing through a landscape alive with monitor lizards, serpent eagles and crocodiles. Settle into your lodge before enjoying a candle light dinner overlooking the riverbank followed by a briefing by a naturalist guide.
Day 5 KINABATANGAN (SUKAU) - KINABATANGAN (ABAI)
An early rise this morning allows you to cruise down the river to Kelenanap Oxbow Lake, a crescent shaped lake that formed when the river's meander became so wide that it cut itself off. Following breakfast, take a boat from Sukau to the village of Abai. After lunch at Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort, you will be briefed by your local guide. Relax this afternoon before hopping onto a riverboat in search of wildlife such as proboscis monkeys, elephants, hornbills, gibbons, and many birds. Return to the lodge for dinner and a mid-evening stroll along the boardwalk on the lookout for nocturnal animals and interesting insects.
Day 6 KINABATANGAN (ABAI)
This morning you will visit the local fishing village, Kampung Abai. The local Orang Sungai - literally meaning 'river people' have inhabited the area of generations. You will have the opportunity to meet with them and observe daily activities in the fishing village. Return to the resort for breakfast and the rest of the day is at leisure. Late afternoon, head out to watch the nocturnal activities of many primate species that become active during this time. It is a particularly advantageous time to spot wildlife and the light is perfect for photography. After a well-deserved and hearty dinner, head out again for an unforgettable night river safari to see some of the jungle's nocturnal inhabitants.
Day 7 KINABATANGAN (ABAI) - SEPILOK
This morning there is one last chance to explore the nature board walk around the lodge area before the boat transfer back to Sandakan. You will be met at the jetty by your vehicle and transported to Sepilok for the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 8 SEPILOK - TAWAU - MALIAU BASIN STUDIES CENTRE
You will be taken to the airport in time for your flight to Tawau. Upon arrival, you will be transferred 4 hours to Maliau Basin Studies Centre. Arrive mid-afternoon and time for a jungle canopy walk that stretches over 400 metres and features river crossings. The evening is at leisure or you can choose to go on a four-wheel drive night safari into the jungle.
Day 9 MALIAU BASIN STUDIES CENTRE - AGATHIS CAMP - NEPENTHES CAMP
After an early breakfast, start the 7.5km trek through the Rainforest to Nepenthes Camp. Begin with a challenging 3km ascent through rugged terrain. Learn about the Agathis Tree commonly found in the Maliau Basin Conservation Area, listen to the sound of Gibbons from afar and if lucky spot a helmeted hornbill. Check into your accommodation at Nepenthes Camp and climb the 33m high observation platform for a breathtaking view looking over the tree canopy.
Day 10 NEPENTHES CAMP
Following breakfast, prepare for today's 6 hour trek, which will return to Nepenthes Camp for a second night. Start the day with a 2 hour trek to the highest waterfall in Maliau Basin, Takob Akob Fall (38m). Proceed for a further 1-2 hours trek to Fowzi fall. Enjoy some time to relax and take in the surrounding rich vegetation before proceeding to Giluk fall for a refreshing dip. Return to Nepenthes Camp for dinner.
Day 11 NEPENTHES CAMP - MALIAU WATERFALL - GINSENG CAMP
An early rise this morning sees you beginning your trek at 7.00. Trek undulating through lowland Dipterocarp Forest to the seven-tiered Maliau Falls (28m), a spectacular seven-tiered waterfall cascading down over and over into Maliau River. The largest and most famous of the waterfalls, it is an undisputed jewel in the crown in the Maliau Basin. Stop at the falls for a lunch break before continuing to Ginseng Camp. The trek will take approximately 9 hours and you should arrive into camp mid-afternoon. After a rest, you can walk 15 minutes to Ginseng Fall and then return to the camp for dinner.
Day 14 ROMOL VILLAGE - KENINGAU - KOTA KINABALU
After breakfast this morning, be transferred to a hidden waterfall. Park the vehicle and go on a short jungle trek to a beautiful multi-levelled waterfall. Then, go on a 30-45 minutes climb to the top of the jungle trail to be rewarded with a refreshing swim. Have a freshly cooked lunch from local produce before trekking back to the vehicle for an onward transfer to Keningau. Continue to Kota Kinabalu for an early evening arrival.
Day 15 DEPART KOTA KINABALU
You will be taken to the airport for your onward flight.
EXAMPLE ACCOMMODATION
Hyatt Regency, Kota Kinabalu
Located at the heart of Kota Kinabalu the five star Hyatt Regency hotel is ideally situated for taking advantage of the shopping and entertainment that the town has to offer. There are views of the city and the South China Sea from the spacious elegantly decorated rooms. High tech amenities including internet access are available throughout the hotel and local art work and handicrafts in the decor complement the modern amenities. The hotel also serves local and international cuisine in a range of restaurants and bars.
Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort, Kinabatangan (Abai)
Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort is a gem located in Abai, a quieter area of the Lower Kinabatangan Floodplain, about an hour’s boat ride from Sandakan harbour. If you are looking for something exclusive and away from the main tourist hotspots of Sukau and Bilit, Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort is the place to go. The resort is surrounded by secondary forest reserves, and is located within beautiful nipah and mangrove vegetation. Apart from the river cruises, you can spend time relaxing and observing nature from your chalet, a myriad of birds and monkeys, such as silver leaf langurs, maroon langurs, hose langurs, and wild orangutan are regularly spotted within the area. Raised boardwalks are available for night walks and morning strolls. NB, Please be careful on the boardwalks as they can be slippery after rain.
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
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.
START PLANNING YOUR TRIP
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WHY WILD FRONTIERS?
Expert travel consultants
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EXPERIENCED LOCAL GUIDES
We use experienced local guides to help bring the sights to life, introduce you to local characters and ensure you get under the skin of your destination.
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.
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