The Best of Borneo

3 Nights – Kuala Lumpur
1 Night – Sandakan
3 Night – Borneo Explorer Tour
7 Nights – Kota Kinabalu
+ Optional Singapore extension

✈️ UK – Kuala Lumpur (3 nights): You’ll kick off your Malaysian adventure in the dazzling city of Kuala Lumpur (or KL as it’s commonly known).  Dive headfirst into its bustling streets and head to the top of the awe-inspiring Petronas Twin Towers and KL Tower with their fascinating architecture and stunning panoramic views. In the evenings, immerse yourself in the buzzing atmosphere of the street markets, indulging your taste buds with the delicious local cuisine and street food.

✈️ Kuala Lumpur – Sandakan: (1 night): The adventure continues as you delve deeper into the Malaysian wilderness and take your flight from KL to the city of Sandakan, in Borneo.  Sandakan, though not a typical tourist hotspot, holds a treasure trove of wonders such as the fascinating Agnes Keith House, which offers a glimpse into the colonial lifestyle and the unique perspective of the expatriate writer.  Next door, stop by at the English Tea house for a spot of afternoon tea and a stroll around its lush gardens.  As the sun sets, take in the Buli Sim Sim Water Village where you will find some lovely restaurants to enjoy the locally caught seafood while enjoying the view over the harbour.

🛥️ Borneo Explorer: Selingan Island, Sepilok & Kinabatangan River (3 nights): Today marks the beginning of a big adventure as you join the Borneo Explorer tour from your hotel in Sandakan, allowing you to marvel in the raw beauty of Borneo’s wilderness.

On the first day of the tour, you’ll leave Sandakan and board a boat to Selingan Turtle Island, a nesting area for green turtles. Here you will enjoy swimming and snorkelling before witnessing the conservation efforts of collecting eggs and releasing baby turtles into the sea.  The second day begins with a return boat ride to Sandakan, followed by a visit to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. Here, you’ll learn about the rehabilitation of orphaned orangutans and watch their feeding time.  Afterwards, you’ll embark on a scenic drive and boat transfer to Borneo Nature Lodge, where you can relax and enjoy the river views. From here, you can take an afternoon boat ride along the Kinabatangan River to spot wildlife, including Proboscis Monkeys.  On day three, you’ll wake up to the sounds of nature and set off on an early morning cruise along the Kinabatangan River and Kelenanap Ox-Bow Lake for bird watching and wildlife spotting. Explore the jungle on a short walk and return to the lodge for breakfast.  In the evening, you’ll enjoy a boat cruise, taking in the beauty of the rainforest’s flora and fauna. On the final day of your tour, you’ll visit the Gomantong Cave, known for its sustainable harvesting of edible bird nests. Explore the cave and hike to Semut Hitam cave before returning to Sandakan. After a hearty lunch, you’ll have some further time to explore Sandakan, and in the evening, we’ll transport you back to the airport for your short onward flight to Kota Kinabalu.

✈️ Sandakan – Kota Kinabalu (7 nights): Kota Kinabalu (or KK as it’s affectionately known) is a coastal city located just a short flight from Sandakan in the north of Borneo. It’s blessed with gorgeous beaches and surrounded by pristine islands with snowy white sand, making it a paradise for beach lovers. Head down to Jesselton Pier where you can choose from several island-hopping trips.  The Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park offers five islands to explore: Pulau Gaya, Pulau Sapi, Pulau Manukan, Pulau Mamutik, and Pulau Sulug.

Other than pure beach relaxation, must-sees include the Kota Kinabalu City Mosque, known as the Floating Mosque, the lively Filipino Market, and the Tanjung Lipat waterfront promenade.

For a deeper insight into the indigenous cultures of the area, visit the Mari Mari Cultural Village located just outside of the city, where you can learn about the traditional lifestyle, customs, and heritage of Borneo’s ethnic groups.

✈️ Optional Singapore stopover: If you’re not quite ready for your adventure to end, why not add a stopover in Singapore on your way back to the UK? Singapore is a beautiful city, with lots to see and do including the iconic Gardens by the Bay with its magnificent Supertrees, stunning floral displays, and immersive indoor gardens or the vibrant neighbourhood of Chinatown and the historic district Kampong Glam. Or head to the top of the luxurious Marina Bay Sands hotel for a panoramic view of the city.

✈️ Kota Kinabalu / Singapore – UK:  Home time! We’ll take you back to the airport for your return flight back to the UK.