Sabah Wildlife Explorer
Trip Length |
Trip Code |
| 9 days | PASW |
Minimum Passengers |
|
| 6 people | |
Maximum Passengers |
|
| 15 people | |
Countries Visited |
|
| Borneo (Malaysia) | |
Start City |
End City |
| Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia | Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia |
Borneo is one of the last of the world’s wild places, with its dense rainforests, tropical coastal islands and mysterious jungle valleys. As such, it has become a rare place on this planet today – somewhere where you can still encounter a rich variety of colourful and endangered wildlife, amidst amazing natural scenery. This trip to the Malaysian state of Sabah takes you face to face with many unique species, including orangutans, proboscis monkeys and hornbills. An added special highlight is a couple of nights spent at the first-class Borneo Rainforest Lodge in pristine Danum Valley, where you can go in search of the many nocturnal creatures of the jungle.
Day to Day Itinerary
Day 1: Kota Kinabalu
Accommodation: Horizon Hotel or similar, Kota Kinabalu
Upon arrival in Kota Kinabalu you are met and transferred to your hotel. This is where you meet your tour leader who will conduct a pre-trip briefing. You can then join the group for a local dinner (optional) at nearby hawker food stalls. It may also be a handy time to buy a 'poncho' - a cheap, local, lightweight rain-jacket.
Day 2: Gaya Island - Kota Kinabalu
Meals included: 1 breakfast
Accommodation: Horizon Hotel or similar, Gaya Island
We go down to the waterfront jetty where we catch a boat for about 20 minutes to Gaya Island (Pulau Gaya), one of the five islands that make up Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park -a marine reserve named after Malaysia's first prime minister. We trek on 2 kilometres of jungle trails and learn about some of the unique medicinal plants, tropical hardwood trees, coastal vegetation, tropical dipterocarp rainforest and the ecology of the mangrove forest. We then transfer across to Mamutik Island (Pulau Mamutik), where we have a chance to relax and swim in the warm tropical waters or enjoy some snorkelling before returning to Kota Kinabalu in the mid-afternoon. Please note that snorkelling gear is available for hire. However it is necessary to bring a towel, a hat, walking shoes, insect repellent, a water bottle, swim wear and sun block lotion along with you.
Day 3: Sandakan - Sepilok
Meals included: 1 breakfast
Accommodation: Sepilok Jungle Resort or similar, Sepilok
We transfer to the airport for a short morning flight to Sandakan. On arrival, we proceed to Sepilok Orang-utan Rehabilitation Centre. At this centre we walk on wooden boardwalks for 10 minutes through the rainforest, where we witness the morning feeding of orang-utans. This is then followed by a video presentation that tells us about these amazing apes. In the afternoon we enjoy a short tour of Sandakan town, which includes a visit to the water village, the local market, a Chinese temple and the Australian War Memorial. We stay a night at a jungle lodge in Sepilok.
Day 4: Sukau
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
Accommodation: Sukau Rainforest Lodge or similar, Sukau
We travel to Sandakan jetty for a boat journey along Sabah's longest river, the Kinabatangan, to Sukau Rainforest Lodge. En route we have opportunities to spot birds and other wildlife in virgin mangrove, wetland and rainforest habitats. After settling in at our accommodation, we set off in the late afternoon and take a river cruise on a motorised boat to look out for some of the 10 primate species that live in this area. A highlight is spotting proboscis monkeys, often seen on the treetops along the river. Wild orang-utans, long-tailed and pig-tailed macaques, monitor lizards and various species of hornbills and kingfishers are also often sighted. If you are lucky, you may even see some wild Borneo elephants, recently identified as a unique sub-species of the Asian elephant. We return to our lodge for a solar heated hot shower, a candle lit dinner and a slide show conducted by our resident naturalist.
Day 5: Sukau
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
Accommodation: Sukau Rainforest Lodge or similar, Sukau
We wake up to the calls of gibbons and hornbills. A 6am morning river cruise up the Kinabatangan River gives us a chance to view more birds and wildlife. We then proceed to the Kelenanap ox-bow lake for a short jungle walk (weather permitting). Here we really get to experience the wilderness of Borneo. You have the option to participate in our conservation project by planting trees on part of our 64 acres of adopted land. In the afternoon we enjoy another river boat ride in the search for more wildlife. After dinner there is an optional night safari cruise (at additional cost), which gives us a chance of spotting some of the many nocturnal species of animals that inhabit the area.
Day 6: Danum Valley
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
Accommodation: Borneo Rainforest Lodge or similar, Danum Valley
This morning, we travel overland for 27 kilometres to Gomantong Caves. We need to walk 20 minutes through the rainforest to get to the cave entrance. Your guide will then brief you on the cave's fauna that includes bats, swifts and crabs among others, and explain their contribution to maintaining a balanced ecology and significance to the local economy. When in season, we can witness the collecting of birds' nests by the local people, using bamboo ladders and poles. These nests, made of the birds' saliva, are a culinary delicacy in Asia. We then drive for two hours to Lahad Datu for lunch and continue for another 83 kilometres through selectively logged forest, cocoa and softwood plantations before arriving at Borneo Rainforest Lodge, located beside the Danum River on the edge of 438 square kilometres of undisturbed lowland rainforest. This area is home to an incredible variety and diversity of wildlife with over 275 species of birds and 110 species of mammals recorded, not to mention the abundant plant life. Many of these species are critically endangered and the reality is that you will probably not see animals such as Sumatran rhinoceros, but a stay at Borneo Rainforest Lodge for a couple of nights is sure to be a major highlight for any nature lover. There is irony in the fact that this wildlife reserve is created out of a huge logging concession area. Apart from the wildlife spotting opportunities, Borneo Rainforest Lodge is a first class nature resort complete with all the usual luxuries and your stay will be a memorable one. This afternoon we get to explore nature trails and walk along the Riverside Trail, in search of wildlife. Please remember that you need to wear strong and comfortable footwear and be prepared for leeches, especially if it is wet. In the evening we see a slide presentation on the Danum Valley area, before taking a night drive (weather permitting) through the rainforest in search some of the area’s many nocturnal species, including civet, flying squirrel, porcupine, sambar deer and leopard cat. If we are incredibly lucky, we may be able to see slow loris or clouded leopard.
Day 7: Danum Valley
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
Accommodation: Borneo Rainforest Lodge or similar, Danum Valley
Today we explore other parts of the park. Before breakfast, we go on an early morning bird walk. We spend the whole day exploring the forest for birds and mammals. Following a path leading up to an escarpment lined with ancient burial coffins (Coffin Cliff), we also trek to a waterfall and enjoy a dip in refreshing rock pools. After lunch at the lodge we enjoy a jungle walk through trails leading to a canopy walkway.
Day 8: Kota Kinabalu
Meals included: 1 breakfast, 1 lunch
Accommodation: Horizon Hotel or similar, Kota Kinabalu
After a morning trek and a last chance to do more wildlife spotting, we return to the lodge for lunch. We then transfer back to Lahad Datu, where we catch our flight back to Kota Kinabalu.
Day 9: Kota Kinabalu
Meals included: 1 breakfast
The tour ends after breakfast. A transfer to the airport is not included; however your tour leader will be on hand to advise you as to the options available.
Your Trip
What's Included
• The services of Peregrine's expert English-speaking local tour leader throughout the tour, and local guides at some sites.
• Local flights: Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan and Lahad Datu to Kota Kinabalu.
• Orang-utan encounter at Sepilok Orang-utan Rehabilitation Centre, including an overnight stay at a jungle lodge in Sepilok.
• Boat trip in Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park: Gaya Island for a jungle walk and Mamutik Island to relax on a beach.
• Sightseeing (including entrance fees where relevant): Sandakan - water village, local market, Chinese temple and Australian War Memorial; and Gomantong Caves.
• Boat to Sukau Rainforest Lodge and wildlife cruises on Kinabatangan River.
• Jungle walk at Kelenanap ox-bow lake including an opportunity to participate in a tree planting conservation project.
• 2 nights at first-class nature resort - Borneo Rainforest Lodge in the Danum Valley. Bird walk, canopy walk, trek to Coffin Cliff, rock pool swim, night drive, and a riverside trail walk in search of wildlife.
• Free time to explore Kota Kinabalu.
• Arrival transfer.
Summary of accommodation, transport & meals
Transport
- Boat
- Plane
- Private vehicle
Accommodation
- 3 nights Comfortable hotel
- 5 nights Rainforest lodge
Meals
- 8 breakfasts
- 5 lunches
- 4 dinners
Highlight of Highlights
Danum Valley
We'll stay two nights in the first class nature resort of Borneo Rainforest Lodge, located beside the Danum River on the edge of 438 square kilometres of undisturbed lowland rainforest, home to an incredible variety and diversity of wildlife. Our local guide will lead us on many adventures including a bird walk; a canopy walk; a trek to Coffin Cliff - an escarpment lined with ancient burial coffins; a walk to a waterfall to enjoy a dip in its refreshing rock pools; and a riverside trail walk in search of wildlife. If weather permits, an exciting night drive will reveal the jungle’s nocturnal habits!
Not Included
International flights, airport departure taxes, visas, insurance, other meals, camera fees, any optional tours and activities during free time, tips and items of a personal nature.
What to know
VaccinationsVaccinations may be required for this trip. Talk to your doctor about the up-to-date information for this region.
Visas and PermitsIt is your responsibility to ensure you have all required visas for your trip. Rules and regulations governing the issuance of visas are constantly changing, and vary for different nationalities and you should check visa requirements with your travel agent or relevant consular authority well before travel.
Borneo (Malaysia)
Please note that visa requirements can and do change. It is essential that you confirm requirements with the nearest relevant embassy or check with your travel agent before you travel. At the time of writing, Australians, Americans, Canadians, British and New Zealanders do not require a visa for Malaysia. All other nationalities should check with the Malaysian High Commission, Embassy or Consulate in their country for up-to-date visa information
You are required to have travel insurance before heading off on a Peregrine trip. Insurance can be organised by your Peregrine representative or your travel agent.
Responsible Travel
Our Responsible Travel ethos is at the heart of everything we do, from getting the basics right like respecting local cultures and the environment, to initiating projects that make positive contributions to communities, to our staff’s fundraising efforts and offsetting our carbon emissions.
Please visit our Responsible Travel (http://www.peregrineadventures.com/rt) page for more information.
Our Pre Departure Information or Travel Dossier (provided upon booking a trip) provides tips on how you can show respect for the local customs and culture in the country you are travelling in.
The information listed above is a brief description of some things you may need to consider when booking a trip. Once a tour is booked you will be provided with a link to your Travel Dossier which will contain detailed Pre Departure information.
Further Reading
Borneo (Malaysia)There are a number of books that make interesting reading and provide an insight into the history, politics and culture of the area. A few suggestions are: Malaysia, Singapore & Brunei -Lonely Planet Into the Heart of Borneo -Redmond O'Hanlon A Stroll through Borneo -James Barclay Stranger in the Forest-Eric Hansen The White Rajahs of Borneo-Robert Payne A History of Malaysia-Barbara Andaya The Jungle is Neutral-F.S. Chapman Kampong Boy-Straits Times Culture Shock Malaysia-Jo Ann Craig Culture Shock Borneo-Heidi Munan
Important Information
Dress Code
Malaysia is liberal Muslim country as many Malaysian women do not wear headscarves. However, Malaysia is very conservative when compared with standards you may be accustomed to at home and you should dress accordingly. As a general guideline, shoulders, cleavage and knees should be covered when travelling in Borneo except when on the beach. Wearing skimpy clothing is considered disrespectful to local culture at many of the small local communities we visit.
Single Supplements
Due to the style of accommodation on our tours it might not always be possible to book you in a single room throughout the trip. If you book a single supplement it will not apply to nights on the overnight trains, homestays, Longhouses, village huts, mountain huts, rainforest lodges ,on hill tribe treks, on boats, Camp 5 in Sarawak, Iban Longhouse, ryokan’s and on the Kokoda Track. If you are unsure of where a single supplement will apply please check with your travel agent before booking.
About this Information
The information provided here is given in good faith and has been compiled with all reasonable care. However, things change and some of the information may become out of date. Please keep this in mind when you read it and check with us if you want to be sure about something. The document was correct at time of printing, but you can check online for the most up to date version. If you have any queries, please contact your travel agent or our staff in Australia. We are here to help you!
Last Updated
6 May 2013