HIGHLIGHTS

• Experience the incredible treetop canopy walkway at the Rainforest Discovery Centre within the Kabili Forest Reserve
• Stopover at Gomantong Cave to experience the bat exodus and search for orangutans along the boardwalk
• Trek deep within the primary tropical rainforest of the Danum Valley Conservation Area where most Bornean biodiversity resides
• Experience local culture along the way enjoying traditional food and crafts where possible

EXPEDTION OVERVIEW

Unearth the natural wonders of Borneo as you explore the Danum Valley Conservation Area, one of the richest examples of protected tropical lowland rainforest in the whole of Asia and a true paradise for naturalists and adventure enthusiasts alike. Borneo’s biodiversity is on full display in this reserve as you explore the extensive trail network from the research centre to encounter iconic wildlife amid a canopy of the tallest tropical trees in the world. There is a good reason that David Attenborough has named Danum Valley one of the most important ecosystems to protect and study and based on this you definitely won’t leave disappointed! 

You will commence your tour from Sandakan along the east coast of Sabah and travel straight to your nature resort to experience an introduction to the tropical rainforest of Borneo. The Rainforest Discovery Centre provides comfortable wildlife viewing opportunities along the treetop canopy walkway and trails surrounding the education centre.

From here we travel south to the Danum Valley Conservation Area stopping along the way at Gomantong Cave to experience the bat exodus and hopefully encounter orangutans nearby the boardwalks. Continuing our journey to Danum Valley along forest dirt roads we have a good chance of seeing Bornean pygmy elephants on the way to explore the largest protected area of tropical lowland rainforest in Borneo where all the megafauna on the island resides. Staying at a world-renowned research station, Danum Valley Field Centre, you will explore the extensive network of trails throughout the research plots in search of orangutans, red langurs, gibbons, elephants, cats, reptiles, civet and a plethora of bird species and not to mention the peculiar encounters during night walks!

Following departure, you will travel north back to Sandakan for onward travels. 

ITINERARY

*Subject to change due to local conditions

Day 1: Arrive Sandakan - Rainforest Discovery Centre
Pick up from Sandakan airport/Sandakan area around lunchtime, transfer to Nature Resort for check-in. In the afternoon go for a walk along the treetop canopy walkway at the Rainforest Discovery Centre and search for orangutans, giant flying squirrels, and birds. Return to Nature Resort for dinner and optional night walk. Meals: D.

Day 2: Sandakan - Danum Valley Conservation Area
After breakfast, check out from your nature resort and begin the journey to the Danum Valley Field Centre (DVFC). Along the way, you will have your first stop at Gomantong caves, a short boardwalk to the cave's entrance where you can see the traditional way of harvesting birds nests and also a good chance of seeing orangutans and a bat exodus. You will arrive at the DVFC by mid-afternoon, in time for a short walk around the centre and an introduction to the lowland tropical rainforest of Borneo. The area surrounding the centre teems with wildlife and is connected with an extensive trail network to explore. Return to the centre before sundown and enjoy dinner at 7:00 pm. After dinner, go on an included night drive to spot giant flying squirrels, civets, leopard cat, ungulates + more. Meals: B, L, D.

Day 3: Danum Valley Conservation Area
Wake up early for an early morning nature walk nearby DVFC to experience the forest come to life. Return to the centre for breakfast and embark on a trail in the area before returning for lunch. After lunch, take a dip at the Ulu Segama River before heading off for another trek – there are various types of trails, and your guide can discuss the options with you. Return to the centre in the late afternoon, in time to watch as the sky changes colour as the sun sets. After dinner, go on an included night walk with your guide.
Meals: B, L, D.

Day 4: Danum Valley Conservation Area
Awake for an early morning 4x4 drive to Bukit Atur for a breathtaking sunrise experience atop a canopy of the tallest tropical trees in the world. Back for breakfast and then spend another full day with your guide exploring the forest with more chances to spot wildlife by some short walks or possibly embarking on one of the longer trails – our guide will have to determine your fitness level before taking you on a longer hike. Meals: B, L, D.

Day 5: Danum Valley Conservation Area - Lahad Datu or Sandakan
Wake up early for an early walk and more wildlife sighting possibilities. Return to the dining hall for breakfast, and spend the rest of your morning at leisure until check-out time at 11:00 am. Arrive around 1:00 pm - 1:30 pm at Lahad Datu for onward travel. End of services. Meals: B. 

INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS

INCLUSIONS

• Accommodation (Nature Resort / Danum Valley Field Centre) - Twin Share basis
• Experienced local guide for 5 days
• All land transfers
• 1 x night drive & 1 x sunrise drive (as per itinerary)
• Entrance fees and activities as per above
• All meals as stated in the itinerary
• Bottled water as needed
• Tourism taxes

EXCLUSIONS

• International airfares
• Visas and visa fees
• Travel insurance (mandatory)
• Soft drinks/alcoholic beverages 
• Tips (optional)
• Personal expenses

EXPEDITION GOALS

Our goal is to provide our guests with a unique experience, to observe wild tropical biodiversity in their natural habitat. We will provide you with a safe platform to observe many endemic, rare and unique species of wildlife throughout Borneo. We will also provide you with comprehensive information about the destination you are in so that you are fully informed of your surrounds prior, during and following your expedition. 

Furthermore, Orangutan Odysseys has partnered up with The Orangutan Project which supports conservation programs in Borneo - so travelling with us you are directly supporting their orangutan conservation efforts and environmental programs. And finally by supporting ethical and eco-tourism you are helping support the locals and the environment.