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English (India) Sabah Rainforest Safari
8 Days
Kota Kinabalu → Kinabalu Geopark → Sandakan → Sukau → Lahad Datu → Utan
About this journey
Embark on an 8-day ultimate Borneo Wildlife experience, blending Kota Kinabalu's urban charm, the natural beauty of Kinabalu Park, and a wildlife extravaganza. Relax on Tunku Abdul Rahman Park's beaches, explore Kinabalu Park's diverse flora and fauna, and discover local tea production at Sabah Tea Garden. With some luck, encounter Borneo's Big 5 at Sukau Rainforest Lodge in Sandakan and later, explore the Virgin Jungle Reserve (VJR) at Sungai Kapur, with a stay at the newly renovated Utan Rainforest Lodge for a deeper dive into Bornean wildlife.
Itinerary
Day 1: Kota Kinabalu; night market (D)
Arrive in Kota Kinabalu. Visit the night market with your guide.
Day 2: Tunku Abdul Rahman Park (B/ L)
Transfer to jetty for a 30-minute boat ride to Tunku Abdul Rahman Park Island. Snorkel in crystal clear water among coral reefs and rainbow-coloured fishes. Take the boat to Gaya Island for lunch and a swim. Return to Kota Kinabalu.
Day 3: Kota Kinabalu → Kinabalu Geopark (B/L)
Drive to the foothills of Mt. Kinabalu with a stop enoute to visit a local market at Pekan Nabalu and a great photo of majestic Mount Kinabalu. Continue to Kinabalu Park HQ to visit the Kinabalu Geopark Gallery and Botanical Garden and a guided walk on one of the trails to explore the cool mountain forest. Drive back to Kota Kinabalu.
Day 4: Kota Kinabalu → Sandakan → Sukau (B/L/D)
Transfer to airport and flight to Sandakan. On arrival, visit Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and learn about the rehab efforts done at the centre through a short video screening. Witness the feeding of orangutans and other monkeys and spend some time at their nursery as well. After lunch, embark on a 2.5 hour journey by speedboat up the Kinabatangan River to Sukau Rainforest Lodge. Late afternoon cruise in search of Borneo's wildlife and birds.
Day 5: Sukau (B/L/D)
Morning River cruise up the Kinabatangan River to Kelenanap Oxbow Lake to view more birds and wildlife. Join in the nature walk with a naturalist. In the afternoon, proceed to Gomantong Caves and explore the intricate cave system known for wildlife.
Day 6: Sukau → Lahad Datu → Utan (B/L/D)
Drive to Utan Rainforest Lodge, located in the Virgin Jungle Reserve (VJR) of Sungai Kapur. Get a taste of its flora and fauna during an introductory walk nearby. Embark on a sunset river cruise for wildlife encounters and a mesmerizing estuary sunset. You may witness a captivating summertime light show of fireflies. After dinner, go on a night safari drive for a chance to encounter the nocturnal wildlife.
Day 7: Utan (B/L/D)
Early morning hike to visit Cuckoo Hide to photograph one of Borneo's endemic birds and other birdlife. Later, embark on a river cruise along the coastline, venturing into the Segama River and its mangrove to see wildlife such as flying foxes, eagles, and dolphins. After dinner, take a night walk and look out for nocturnal creatures like civets, leopard cats, mouse deer and moonrats.
Day 8: Utan → Lahad Datu (B/L)
Transfer to Lahad Datu for your late afternoon flight.
What’s Included
- Accommodation for 7 nights
- Meals as indicated
- Transfers
- Tours and safaris on non-exclusive basis, as per the program