Highlights of Sabah

12 Days - from £2450 per person

Sabah is known as the Land Below the Wind as it’s sheltered from the monsoons that blow through the area just north of the island. This means tropical weather is on offer throughout the year making it an ideal destination at any time. Sabah is home to wild orangutans, Borneo pygmy elephants, the tallest mountain in Southeast Asia, some of the best diving in the world, and so much more. See the highlights on this 12-day trip that gives you a taste of traditional cultures, a chance to see a wide range of native flora and fauna, time in an ancient rainforest, and days to bask by the clear waters of the South China Sea.

This itinerary is here to inspire you as all of our holidays are tailor-made to suit you. We’re happy to add or subtract days, change hotels, and adjust as you see fit. To learn more about Sabah, give us a call at UK 020 7112 0019 or email borneo@fleewinter.com to start planning your holiday.

Day 1 - Arrive in Kota Kinabalu

You’ll arrive at Kota Kinabalu International Airport this afternoon or evening. Your driver will meet you and transport you to your city hotel where you can walk to the night market for dinner and have a wander around this easily walkable city.

Accommodation

Day 2 - A taste of Sabahan Culture

This morning you’ll visit the Mari Mari Cultural Village to learn about five of Sabah’s native tribes. Visit traditional longhouses, sample local fare, and take in a cultural performance. All visitors to Mari Mari are guided with a group. Enjoy the afternoon at your leisure.

mount-kinabalu-from-kundasang

Day 3 - Head for the hills

Your guide will collect you this morning for the drive to Poring and Kinabalu Park. Walk amongst the tropical forests and canopy walkways to see the lowland rainforest. Visit Kipungit Waterfall or the hot springs for a quick dip before heading into Kinabalu Park for the night.

Accommodation
pitcher-plants

Day 4 - Kinabalu Park

Today you’ll visit the Kundasang War Memorial to learn about Sabah’s WWII history. Your guide will accompany you to the Kinabalu Natural History Gallery and into the Park for a walk along one of the trails. Look for pitcher plants, orchids, and other unique flowers in the Botanical Garden. Afterward you’ll return to Kota Kinabalu for the night.

Accommodation
male-orangutan

Day 5 - Travel to Sukau

Board an early morning flight to Sandakan. Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre in time for the morning feeding. If you’re lucky, you’ll see orangutans come for the fruit and young ones playing in the nursery. After a visit to the neighboring Sun Bear Conservation Centre, you’ll begin the journey down the Kinabatangan River to Sukau. Look for proboscis monkeys and crocodiles along the way.

Accommodation
proboscis-monkeys-borneo

Day 6 - Wildlife Spotting

Rise early for a morning river cruise to look for wildlife and birds with your guide. If you wish, join an easy walk behind the lodge, attend a talk about orangutans, or relax by the pool until your afternoon wildlife-spotting river cruise.

danum-valley

Day 7 - Primary Rainforest

Transfer by van this morning to Lahad Datu and on to Borneo Rainforest Lodge, located within Danum Valley. Explore the nature trail and nearby river within this pristine rainforest. Weather permitting, head out with a guide in the evening to look for nocturnal animals.

Accommodation

Day 8 - Danum Valley

Bring good walking shoes fit for the jungle as today you’ll explore the forest on foot. Look for wildlife, ancient burial coffins, and cool off below a waterfall. In the afternoon, your walk will take you above the rainforest on a canopy walkway.

Gaya-Island-Resort

Day 9 - Return to Kota Kinabalu

There’s time for one more morning walk to look for wildlife in Danum Valley before you’re transferred to Lahad Datu airport and your afternoon flight to Kota Kinabalu. Your driver will collect you and take you to Jesselton Jetty for a 15-minute ferry ride to Gaya Island, your final stop in Sabah.

Accommodation
tavajun-gaya-island-resort

Days 10-11 - Gaya Island

Relax by the beach, take a guided nature walk, snorkel, or sit on your balcony and look back at Mount Kinabalu. These two days are yours to relax and enjoy the rugged nature of Gaya Island and the luxury of your plush resort. Perhaps a good time to start plotting your next trip to Borneo?

Day 12 - Farewell Sabah

It’s a short ferry ride to Jesselton Jetty where your driver will meet you and transfer you to Kota Kinabalu International Airport for your flight home. Bon voyage!

DETAILS

This itinerary costs from £2,450 per person B&B and is based on two people sharing excluding peak seasons such as July-August, Christmas and New Year, and Chinese New Year. The price includes all transfers and domestic travel but not international flights.

International flights tend to cost between £600 and £800 per person return – do ask us for advice. Alternatively we can book the flights for you but a booking fee may apply.

INCLUDED:

  • Prices start from £2,450 per person
  • Accommodation on B&B basis
  • Full board on days 5-8
  • Transfers in an air-conditioned vehicle or by boat as mentioned
  • Local taxes except Malaysia Tourism Tax (only collected locally)
  • Entrance fees
  • All excursions and activities mentioned in the itinerary
  • Internal flights
  • All trips are ATOL protected or ABTA bonded to ensure you are fully covered