HIGHLIGHTS

• Visit the Sandakan War Memorial and Agnes Keith House
• Experience the incredible Rainforest Discovery Centre within the Kabili Forest Reserve
• Stopover at Gomantong Cave to experience the bat exodus and search for orangutans along the boardwalk
• Cruise along the mangrove and riverine forests of Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary in search of species adapted to this unique location
• Trek deep within the primary tropical rainforest of the Danum Valley Conservation Area where most Bornean biodiversity resides
• Visit a local village to experience the local culture, including traditional food, crafts and music

EXPEDTION OVERVIEW

Discover the natural wonders of Malaysian Borneo along Sabah’s east coast as you explore Malaysia’s second-longest river, the mighty Kinabatangan Floodplain in search of pygmy elephants and proboscis monkeys, witness a bat exodus at a unique limestone formed cave and traverse throughout Danum Valley, a treasury of biological diversity amid a canopy of the tallest tropical trees in the world searching for the iconic tropical wildlife that call this majestic part of the world home.

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 to the riverine forests of the Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary where you will experience exploring the mangroves to keep an eye out for species who have adapted to this incredible landscape such as proboscis monkeys, silvered langurs and crocodiles etc. Short jungle treks will connect you with villages where you can experience local culture and purchase arts and crafts. From here, we travel south stopping along the way at Gomantong Cave to experience the bat exodus and hopefully encounter orangutans nearby the boardwalks.

Continuing your journey onto the Danum Valley Conservation Area where you will 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, Borneo pygmy 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. 

WHAT TO EXPECT
You are embarking on an adventure to places and amongst people whose lives are very different from your own. Many aspects of life in Malaysia will seem unusual. Remember that these are often the same aspects that make an area an exotic and attractive destination. In addition to the personal physical challenges you may face, travel conditions can present unexpected obstacles, such as rough and bumpy roads and changeable weather. To prepare for this "pack" a flexible and relaxed attitude. Bring a spirit of adventure and enquiry, a healthy sense of humour and a willingness to encounter the unexpected and you will find your trip to Indonesia the adventure of a lifetime!

ITINERARY

7 days - 6 nights

Day 1: Arrive Sandakan - Nature Resort
Pick up from Sandakan Airport (SDK) / Sandakan area (time TBA), visit Sandakan War Memorial and the Agnes Keith House before enjoying lunch at the English Tea House. In the afternoon, transfer to Nature Resort for check-in. If time permits, go for an afternoon walk at Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC) before returning to NR for dinner and optional night walk in Kabili Forest Reserve. Meals: L, D.

Day 2: Sandakan - Kinabatangan River
Early morning walk around nature resort (NR), return for breakfast. Check out from NR and transfer south to Sukau the entrance point to the Kinabatangan River for your stay at the Borneo Nature Lodge. Arrive for lunch and enjoy an afternoon river cruise (share-in basis), return for dinner at the lodge and enjoy an optional night cruise to see nocturnal wildlife (additional charge to be paid directly to the lodge). Meals: B, L, D.

Day 3: Kinabatangan River
Early morning river cruise to Kelenanap Ox-bow Lake and then embark on a short jungle walk (weather permitting) back to the lodge for breakfast. Free for the day to visit the nearby village or explore the boardwalk surrounding the lodge. At 4:00 pm embark on another river cruise. Return for dinner at the lodge and enjoy an optional night cruise. Meals: B, L, D. (River cruise locations will depend on current wildlife sightings, this can be discussed with your guide)

Day 4: Kinabatangan - Danum Valley
After breakfast, check out from Borneo Nature Lodge and begin the journey south to  Danum Valley. 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 spotting orangutans and bat hawks. Next stop will be lunch in Lahad Datu, the last town before heading into the Danum Valley Conservation Area. You will arrive at the Danum Valley Field Centre (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 5: Danum Valley
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 and the sun sets. After dinner, go on an included night walk with your guide. Meals: B, L, D.

Day 6: Danum Valley
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 longer hikes. Meals: B, L, D.

Day 7: Danum Valley - Lahad Datu
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. Meals: B.

*Subject to change due to local conditions

INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS

INCLUSIONS

• Accommodation (Nature Resort, Borneo Nature Lodge, Danum Valley Field Centre) - Twin Share basis
• Experienced, local private guide for 7 days
• All land transfers in private AC vehicles
• River cruises (as per itinerary)
• 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
• Domestic airfares (can be quoted on request)
• 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.