Borneo Discovery

Welcome to Borneo - the world’s 3^rd largest island, renowned for its ancient rainforests, incredible biodiversity and amazing wildlife. On arrival in Sandakan on the island’s northeast coast, you’ll be met and chauffeured to the Sepilok Nature Lodge. After check-in and a chance to freshen up, it’s time to experience the rainforest after dark.
 
As afternoon turns to evening, head to the Rainforest Discovery Centre for an unforgettable adventure—your chance to encounter the mysterious nocturnal world that often goes unseen. With an experienced naturalist leading you along the Plant Discovery Trail, you’ll learn about the traditional and medicinal uses of native plants. Keep your eyes peeled for insects, reptiles, and other elusive creatures emerging from the shadowy forest. Then ascend to the canopy walkway for a unique perspective of the forest and its treetop residents. Keep your eyes peeled for some of the 250+ bird species, and with luck, even a wild orangutan. As the forest darkens, anticipation builds for a magical moment: the Red Giant Flying Squirrel taking flight. Back at the lodge, the rest of the evening is free to enjoy and dine as you wish. 
 

After breakfast, set out with your personal car, driver and guide for the scenic 30-minute drive that will take you from the rainforest to the colorful coastal town of Sandakan. Upon arrival, take a short walk to Sandakan Memorial Park, located on the site of the former WWII POW camp. This peaceful memorial honors the bravery of Australian and British soldiers held captive by the Japanese between 1942 and 1945.
 
Take in panoramic views from the hilltop Puu Jih Shih Buddhist Temple before visiting the Agnes Keith House, a beautifully restored colonial-era home once occupied by American author Agnes Newton Keith. Now a heritage museum, it offers a glimpse into life in British North Borneo through period furnishings, antiques, and exhibits on Keith’s celebrated memoirs, including Land Below the Wind, Three Came Home, and White Man Returns. Then head to the nearby English Tea House where you’ll sit down to a delightful lunch enhanced by a lovely garden setting and views of Sandakan Bay. Return to our inviting nature lodge where the balance of this day is yours to relax or explore as you wish.  Meals B+ L
 

After breakfast and checkout, meet your driver and guide and depart for the world-famous Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. Begin your visit with an informative short film about these orphaned and injured orangutans, and the center’s remarkable work to return them to the wild. A ten-minute stroll along raised wooden walkways brings you to a viewing platform in the midst of the rainforest. At 10:00 AM, watch orangutans emerge from the forest for their morning feeding—a rare and moving experience. Then visit the Nursery, where young orangutans develop essential climbing and social skills. Watch them play and train in a protected space designed to mimic their natural habitat.
 
Continue to the Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre, home to 36 rescued sun bears—the smallest and among the rarest bear species in the world. Learn about the threats they face and the center’s rescue and rehabilitation work. Guests may opt to “adopt” a bear to support the center’s ongoing conservation efforts.
 
Around midday, transfer to the Sandakan Jetty for an exciting 90-minute journey up the Kinabatangan River. You’ll pass remote villages and rainforest teeming with life, so keep your eyes peeled for wildlife. After arrival and check-in at the Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort, you will have time to enjoy lunch and relax. Later this afternoon, join other resort guests on a guided river expedition in search of proboscis monkeys, hornbills, gibbons, and wild elephants. After dinner, a thrilling night walk offers the chance to hear and possibly observe the jungle’s nocturnal creatures.  Meals B+L+D
 

Begin your day with a peaceful early morning boat ride to Kelenanap Oxbow Lake, a quiet backwater cut off from the main river. As the mist rises and the jungle stirs, keep watch for a variety of birds and wildlife in this pristine, biodiverse sanctuary. Continue along the river to the Kulamba Field Centre, a paradise for birdwatchers and nature lovers alike. Head to an Orang Sungai village, where you’ll meet members of this river-dwelling Indigenous community and learn about their traditional livelihoods of fishing, farming and foraging. Join a tree-planting project, a rewarding way to support reforestation efforts and the local community.
 
Then climb the Observation Tower for sweeping views over the forest canopy—a prime spot for glimpsing orangutans, silver leaf monkeys, and colorful tropical birds in their natural habitat. Sit down to tea at the Tundun Bohangin Resthouse, where you’ll learn about daily life along the river. Witness traditional practices like crab and prawn trapping, and if the tide permits, head to the beach with Orang Sungai villagers for a hands-on lesson in clam digging.
 
Return to the Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort for a well-earned lunch and time to relax. As the day cools, embark on a late afternoon wildlife cruise. Tonight, after dinner, rejoin your fellow resort guests for an exciting night safari on the river, where the jungle reveals its nocturnal wonders under the cover of darkness.  Meals B+L+D
 

After breakfast and check-out, today’s adventure begins with an early morning boat ride to the Sukau Lepit Jetty where you’ll meet your driver for the overland journey to Lahad Datu. Here, you'll stop at the Borneo Rainforest Lodge office for a short briefing and registration before continuing your journey deep into one of the world’s oldest and most biodiverse ecosystems—the Danum Valley. The first section of our 60-mile drive from Lahad Datu to our wilderness lodge is on a paved highway; the final 2-hour stretch is a gravel road. So, bring your sense of adventure for this scenic, sometimes rugged, route through dense jungle.
 
Arrive at the Borneo Rainforest Lodge in the late afternoon and check in to your chalet nestled in the heart of the jungle. Meet your experienced resident naturalist to discuss some of the forest excursions available during your stay. For the rest of today, You can simply relax and take in the surroundings or explore the nearby trails and the lodge’s canopy walkway—stretching nearly 1,000 feet through the treetops.
 
After dinner, climb aboard an open-top 4WD for a guided night safari. Our naturalist guide will use a spotlight to reveal the nocturnal side of the jungle. Keep your eyes peeled for samba deer, civet cats, and—if you’re lucky—even the elusive leopard. Return to the lodge for a restful night in your private chalet.  Meals B+L+D
 

Awaken to the natural symphony of the rainforest coming to life. Then, setting out early with a packed breakfast, you’ll join fellow lodge guests on a guided trek along the 1.6-mile Viewpoint Trail to the ancient Kadazandusun Burial Site. Known as Coffin Cliff, you’ll discover ironwood coffins tucked into crevices high in a limestone cliff face. Believed to be over 200 years old, the site offers a glimpse into the spiritual traditions of Borneo’s indigenous Dusun tribe.
 
At the trail’s summit, take in breathtaking panoramic views across the Danum Valley—an untouched rainforest that has thrived for over 130 million years and is considered one of the most biologically diverse ecosystems on Earth. On your return, cool off with a visit to a nearby waterfall before heading back to the lodge for lunch.
 
In the afternoon, tailor your exploration to your own personal interests and style with the included excursion of your choice:

• Tubing down the Danum River
• Hiking along the Segama River
• Exploring the canopy walk high above the forest floor.

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at the lodge before setting out with fellow lodge guests on a guided morning trek through the pristine rainforest. Today’s route takes you to the enchanting Fairy Falls and Serpent Falls—hidden cascades tucked deep within the jungle, reached via trails shaded by towering tropical hardwoods, including majestic dipterocarp trees that soar more than 200 feet into the sky.
 
As you walk beneath this ancient green canopy, keep an eye out for some of the valley’s abundant wildlife. Among the hundreds of bird, mammal, insect and amphibian species that reside in the Danum Valley, this ancient rainforest is home to exotic endemic species including all ten of Sabah’s primate species as well as clouded leopard, red leaf monkey, and rhinoceros hornbill.
 
Return to the lodge for lunch and a chance to unwind before customizing your afternoon with one of the activities offered by lodge: Hiking along the Segama River; Tubing down the Danum River; or Exploring the canopy walk high above the forest floor.
 
After dinner, you can relax in the comfort of your private chalet or join fellow travelers in the main lodge. If you’re still feeling adventurous, you might choose to embark on a night safari drive or nature walk in search of the rainforest’s elusive nocturnal creatures. Meals: B+L+D
 

After check out, depart the lodge on a 3-hour overland journey through the rainforest back to Lahad Datu for your included flight to Kota Kinabalu. Upon arrival, you’ll be warmly greeted and chauffeured to the Jesselton Jetty for a scheduled boat transfer to the Gaya Island Resort. Set on a lush tropical island within the protected Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, our luxury waterfront resort is the perfect place to unwind after your jungle explorations and wildlife adventures. The balance of this day is yours to enjoy as you wish.  Meals B+L
 

This entire day is yours to simply relax or to take advantage of our resort amenities. Enjoy a refreshing swim in the crystalline pool, indulge in a treatment at the spa, or go for a morning stroll on the beach. In the afternoon, you might consider snorkeling in the protected Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park to explore vibrant coral gardens teeming with marine life. Or you can join a guided nature walk through the island’s lush dipterocarp forest, led by the Resident Naturalist, to discover the island’s diverse wildlife and unique flora.  Meals B
 

Indulge in another full day at our idyllic resort, nestled between tropical forest and the South China. You might begin with a visit to the Gaya Island Resort Marine Centre, where you can learn about the resort's commitment to marine conservation. Discover how sea turtles are rescued, treated, and cared for, and gain insights into the cultivation of coral fragments that are nurtured before being returned to the sea to rejuvenate natural reefs.
 
In the afternoon, you might delve into the cultural heritage of Borneo by participating in a crafting workshop. With over 32 ethnic groups in Sabah, each craft provides a glimpse into the unique cultural identity and history of its people. Try your hand at creating traditional handicrafts, such as the brightly hued beadwork of the Rungus or the intricate plant-fiber weaving of the Dusun tribe, crafting a personal memento of your time on the island.  Meals B
 

Depart Gaya Island aboard a scheduled boat transfer back to Kota Kinabalu. On arrival at the Jesselton Jetty, our car and driver will be waiting to take you to the airport for your homeward flight.  Meals B