Borneo & Island Family Adventure (17 days)
This intrepid tour takes you directly to the heart of Borneo, starting with a two night stay at Sepilok – home to the famous orang-utan rehabilitation centre, and an interactive rainforest discovery museum with canopy walkway. You will then take an exhilarating boat journey up the Kinabatangan River to a lodge in Sukau, and explore the waterways in this important wildlife corridor, which is one of the best places in Borneo to spot wildlife and birds. Continue your journey overland to the Tabin Wildlife Reserve, an area of protected forest equivalent in size to Gran Canaria. Explore the rainforest and savannah on foot and by safari jeep, in search of some of Borneo’s larger wildlife which includes pygmy elephants, wild orang-utans and three species of cats. Your next adventure awaits in Sarawak’s largest National Park, Gunung Mulu, an area of lush low-lying rainforest with a varied topography including high mountain peaks and a vast network of caves extending over 50 km. You will then take a flight to Kota Bharu on the east coast of Peninsular Malayia, and travel by speedboat to the idyllic Perhentian Islands for your last few days to relax on white sand beaches lapped by crystal-clear seas.
Guide Price
From £3,950 per adult, £2,450 per child based on a shared room for departures in October.
Day by Day Itinerary
Click on each day to expand the itinerary detail. Or click on the print itinerary button above to preview the tour in full.
Flight: MH3 London Heathrow - Kuala Lumpur 10.45 - 07.00 (overnight)
Flight: MH2710 Kuala Lumpur - Sandakan 10.45 - 13.40
Private transfer to Sepilok: Upon arrival, you will be met by your private driver / guide and transferred to your hotel in Sepilok.
Accommodation: Stay tonight at MY Nature Resort (Standard Chalet)
Morning visit to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre & the Sun Bear Centre: This morning, you will visit one of only four Orangutan sanctuaries in the world. Founded in 1964 the Centre helps once captive Orangutans learn to climb and fend for themselves in the wild with the hope that one day they may return to the forest. To start the tour there is a short film shown at the information centre giving some background on the history of the project, and the day to day work being carried out. Then proceed on foot along raised boardwalks through the rainforest to a series of platforms where milk and bananas are provided twice a day to the semi-wild Orangutans who are in the process of returning to the forest. There is an excellent chance that Orangutans and several species of monkeys will arrive in numbers, which is a spectacular sight and provides the opportunity to photograph these amazing creatures at close range. After seeing the Orangutans, you will visit the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC), located very close to Sepilok’s Orangutan Sanctuary, where there are around 28 rescued bears. Sun bears are the smallest and least known members of the bear species, and their populations are rapidly diminishing in Southeast Asia. Habitats are being destroyed by deforestation and sun bears are being brutally killed for commercial exploitation. Baby sun bears are one of the cutest young animals in the world, so after their mothers are killed they are captured as pets and are locked in tiny cages. The mission of the BSBCC is to rescue these captured Sun Bears, and promote conservation through animal welfare, conservation, rehabilitation, research and education.
Afternoon visit to the Rainforest Discovery Centre: This afternoon, you will be taken on a visit to the Rainforest Discovery Centre which has an information centre focusing on the flora and fauna of Sabah, and an impressive canopy walkway. The exhibition covers a wide range of subjects, from various plant groups and adaptations to forest types. The section on animals covers the iconic mammals in Sabah, such as the Bornean pygmy elephant, primates, cats, deer, reptiles and the main groups of birds. The Canopy Walkway is about 343 m long and 25 m high at its highest point, with 2 towers (named Bristlehead and Trogon respectively) and a single-column shelter. At dusk there is a very good chance of viewing the Borneo Giant Flying Squirrel gliding from tree to tree.
Accommodation: Stay tonight at MY Nature Resort (Standard Chalet)
Meals: Breakfast & Dinner
Road journey from Sepilok to Sandakan Jetty: After your visit to see the Orangutans, you will be transferred by road to Sandakan's jetty.
Shared boat transfer to Sukau: After your visit to Sepilok, you will be transferred to the jetty in Sandakan for the boat journey to Sukau. Pass through pristine mangrove forests along the Kinabatangan River delta, with the chance to see proboscis monkeys, birds and reptiles en route.
Afternoon shared wildlife cruise: This afternoon, you will be taken on a shared cruise along the Kinabatangan River with other guests from the lodge in search of the local wildlife. There is the chance of seeing orangutans, macaques, red and silver leaf monkeys, elephants, crocodiles, civet cats, otters and proboscis monkeys. The local bird life includes egret, kingfisher, oriental darter, bee-eater and hornbill.
Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge (Standard Room)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Full day shared wildlife excursions on the Kinabatangan River: After breakfast, you will set out on a full day’s discovery of the local area and its wildlife. At 350 miles long, Kinabatangan is Sabah's longest river. In the extensive flood plains around Sukau this meandering river has created several ox-bow lakes, making it an ideal environment for viewing some of the most interesting wildlife and bird life found in Borneo. This sanctuary is one of the two known places in the world to be inhabited by ten species of primates, of which four are endemic to Borneo, and is thought to have the highest concentration of proboscis monkeys and orangutans in Malaysia. Amongst the larger mammals known to inhabit the sanctuary are elephant and rhinoceros, and 200 bird species have been identified including 8 species of hornbill. This afternoon there will be the opportunity to join another wildlife cruise.
Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge (Standard Room)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Shared road journey from Sukau to the Tabin Reserve: After breakfast, you will be transferred by road to Lahad Datu. This drive is approximately 2.5 hours (depend on the traffic/weather condition). Upon arrival at Lahad Datu change vehicles for the overland transfer to Tabin Wildlife Reserve, a journey of approximately 1.5 hours (depend on the road/weather condition).
Afternoon / evening activities: At around 15.30 this afternoon, visit the Lipad mud volcano which serves as a mineral salt lick for wildlife, a trip which lasts around 3-4 hours. After trekking through the jungle for twenty minutes, arrive at the elevated bare area of the mud volcano. Try to identify the multitude of animal footprints here. Admire the contrasting landscape of the bare area and its surrounding thick forest where birds are commonly sighted. After dinner, enjoy a slide presentation on Tabin’s uniqueness, followed by a Night Safari at 21.00 hours to look out for nocturnal wildlife and birds (lasting between 1.5 -2 hours).
Please note: that all excursions at the Tabin Wildlife Reserve are operated by expert local guides and all will be on a shared basis with other guests staying at the lodge.
Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Tabin Wildlife Resort (River Lodge)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Full day wildlife excursions: At 06.30am you may opt to join the 2 hour early morning bird walk to discover some of Tabin’s rich collection of almost 300 bird species. After breakfast at around 09.30am take a 2-hour trek through the lush green rainforest known for its rich diversity of plants and animal species to visit Lipad Waterfall. Take a dip in the natural pool and enjoy a natural and refreshing shower under the waterfall. Alternatively, explore the surrounding vegetation or simply relax. In the afternoon, you may wish to try out the Tabin Rainforest Foot Soak made with a natural blend of herbs, to relax tired muscles after long jungle treks. This afternoon there is also a “Dusk Drive” at 16.30 lasting between 1.5 -2 hours.
Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Tabin Wildlife Resort (River Lodge)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Wildlife Excursions: Today there is a choice of more wildlife activities and trekking in the Tabin Wildlife Reserve, please speak with the guide to discuss the options available.
Shared transfer from Tabin to Lahad Datu airport: At the appropriate time today, you will be transferred from Tabin to Lahad Datu airport for your onward flight.
Flight: MH3023 Lahad Datu - Kota Kinabalu 17.30 - 18.25
Private transfer: Upon arrival in Kota Kinabalu, you will be met by your local guide and taken to the Hyatt Regency for an overnight stay.
Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Hyatt Regency (Deluxe Room)
Meals: Breakfast
Private transfer: At the appropriate time today, you will be collected from the Hyatt Regency and transferred to Kota Kinabalu airport for your flight to Mulu National Park.
Flight: MH3257 Kota Kinabalu - Mulu 13.00 - 13.55
Private transfer: Upon arrival in Mulu National Park, you will be met by your local guide and taken to the Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa for a two-night stay.
Afternoon tour of the Mulu National Park: This afternoon, take a three kilometre long walk along a raised wooden platform to reach Deer Cave, the largest cave passage in the world. Also explore Lang Cave, regarded as the most beautiful cave formation in Mulu. If weather permits you will be taken to the bat observatory point to watch millions of bats flying out from Deer Cave. Return on the same walkway and settle in to your lodge for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa (Deluxe Rainforest Room)
Meals: Breakfast
Full day visit to Mulu National Park: After breakfast, at your lodge travel by longboat to visit Penan Settlement to witness the lifestyle of the Penan community. Continue by longboat to Mulu National Park and visit Wind cave, Young Lady Cave and Clearwater Cave. Take a picnic lunch at Clearwater Hut and if you wish, you may enjoy a swim at the Clearwater pool.
Mulu Night Walk: This evening, join a small group led by an official Mulu Park guide on a tour of the forest at night. Walk along the 1.5km plank-walk which meanders through kerangas forest, home to Borneo’s famous pitcher plants, riverine, swamp and limestone vegetation. The guide will use an audio transmitter to relay information without disturbing the timid wildlife. Immerse yourself in the night sounds of the rainforest; watch the blinking fireflies float before you or search for luminescent fungi. Quietly move through the forest looking for animals that hide during the day but emerge in the darkness which protects them from being seen by predators.
Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa (Deluxe Rainforest Room)
Meals: Breakfast
Mulu Skywalk: Today you have the chance to discover Mulu’s Skywalk, the world’s longest tree based canopy walk. This 480 metre walkway is suspended 20 metres above the forest floor, and winds among the lush tree tops. Get a glimpse of life in the high canopy, and enjoy views of the river below and the soaring heights of the nearby limestone cliffs in the distance. This small group tour is conducted by a Mulu Park guide and takes around 2 hours.
Flight: MH3252 Mulu - Kota Kinabalu 14.45 - 15.35
Private transfer: Upon arrival in Kota Kinabalu, you will be met by your local guide and taken to the Hyatt Regency for a two-night stay.
Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Hyatt Regency (Deluxe Room)
Meals: Breakfast
Shared Tuaran cyling tour: You will be met at 8.30 this morning at your hotel and transferred by bus to Tuaran, about an hour north of Kota Kinabalu. The area around the market town of Tuaran is home to the Dusun tribe, who are spread out in the hills and coastal plains nearby. This area is scattered with farms growing rice, rubber, fruits and coconuts. Your shared group cycle ride today will take you through the heart of this region, visiting small riverside villages, jungle plantations and cycling along a scenic coastal plain. Lunch is included at a local restaurant in Tuaran town. You will be provided with good quality mountain bikes today, with an expert guide and a support vehicle nearby for backup at all times. As well as lunch, water and snacks are also included. Participants are recommended to wear shorts and trainers (not sandals) and bring sun cream, a light towel and a change of clothes for the journey home. At the end of the tour, you will be transferred back to your hotel, arriving at about 3pm this afternoon and spending the rest of the day at leisure.
Accommodation: Stay tonight at the Hyatt Regency (Deluxe Room)
Meals: Breakfast
Private transfer: At the appropriate time today, you will be collected from the Hyatt Regency and transferred to Kota Kinabalu Airport for your flight to Kota Bharu.
Flight: AK5345 Kota Kinabalu - Kota Bharu 09.50 - 12.20
Journey from Kota Bharu to Perhentian Islands: After breakfast, you will be transferred to Kuala Besut jetty, a journey of approximately 1 hour by car. From there, you will be taken by speedboat on the 45 minute journey over to Perhentian Besar. On arrival you will check straight into your island hotel, spending the remainder of the day at leisure.
Accommodation: Stay tonight at Bubu Long Beach Resort (Deluxe Garden View Room)
Meals: Breakfast
Days at leisure: These days are yours at leisure to explore the islands, relax on the beautiful white sandy beaches or arrange snorkelling and diving trips through your resort.
Accommodation: Stay these nights at Bubu Long Beach Resort (Deluxe Garden View Room)
Meals: Breakfast
Transfer from the Perhentians to Kota Bharu: At the appropriate time today, return to the mainland by speedboat, and transfer on by road to Kota Bharu.
Flight: MH1397 Kota Bharu - Kuala Lumpur 18.15 - 19.15
Flight: MH2 Kuala Lumpur - London Heathrow 23.15 - 05.55
Meals: Breakfast