Borneo wildlife holiday with Mt. Kinabalu climb
A tailor made tour of wildlife, hot springs and relaxing river cruises, this varied trip culminates in a challenging, but rewarding trek to the summit of Mount Kinabalu.
Kota Kinabalu Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre Pitas Lake Lunch with local Abai villagers Sandakan Central Market Sepilok Nature Resort Rainforest Discovery Centre Sun Bear Conservation Centre Kinabalu Park Two-day Mount Kinabalu trek Laban Rata Three days leisure at a resort hotel
Price
£2120 excluding flights
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More info
Price quoted is per person and includes all transfers, accommodation, tours, climb permits and meals as indicated.
Description of Borneo wildlife holiday with Mt. Kinabalu climb
An active and adventurous holiday taking in the highlights of the Borneo wildlife regions, with a Mt Kinabalu Climb ending with relaxing days on the beach (unless you want more activity!).
Spend time boating on the Kinabatangan River in search of the resident wildlife. You should see the wonderful Hornbills with their unique calls, Proboscis Monkeys, crocodiles wallowing in the shallows, Borneon Pygmy Elephants and maybe wild Orangutans.
From the river region return to Sandakan and head to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre to witness feeding time and learning more about these wonderful apes. You can also visit the Rainforest Discovery Centre and see the world's smallest bear at the Sun Bear Conservation Centre. Then it's onwards to Kinabalu Park via the Poring Hot Springs and the canopy walkway.
Climbing Mt. Kinabalu is not for the faint hearted, it is South-East Asia's highest mountain but well worth the effort and a fantastic achievement. You spend the night in basic accommodation on the mountain and ascend in time for sunrise on the very top! You will descend the same day and head off to your beach resort for the final few nights. A perfect end to a memorable holiday in Borneo. There's also an option to add the Via Ferrata - THE WORLD'S HIGHEST!
As professional tour operators, we love Borneo and aim to give all responsible travellers the best possible experience to ensure they leave feeling relaxed and enlightened and eager to come back for more. If there are any special requests or requirements that you wish to be added to the tour then let us know as we want to create a Borneo tour that's designed specifically for you, all you have to do is ask.
Itinerary
| Day 1: | Depart the UK on an overnight flight to Sandakan, Borneo (own arrangements). |
| Day 2: | Arrive into Sandakan airport where you will be met by one of our representatives who will transfer you to your hotel with the remainder of your day at leisure. |
| Day 3: | Sepilok & Abai: This morning you will make a short en-route stop at the Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre before joining the boat cruise onwards to Abai Jungle Lodge. After lunch, free time to relax before cruising upriver to search for the local wildlife. After dinner, a night cruise leads you to witness the beautiful fire flies glowing in the darkness. (B,L,D) |
| Day 4: | Abai: Enjoy an early morning river cruise to Pitas Lake observing the early rising animals and birds. After breakfast, you have the opportunity to take part in the tree planting project followed by an optional lunch with the local Abai villagers. This afternoon you will have free time at leisure before a late afternoon river cruise. (B,L,D) |
| Day 5: | Sepilok: This morning return to Sandakan by boat and visit the Central Market for a spot of souvenir shopping, the largest market in Sandakan with great sea views. After lunch, transfer to the Sepilok Nature Resort. You arrive in time for the afternoon feeding of these magnificent animals. (B,L,) |
| Day 6: | Seplilok: Free day. You may wish to revisit the Centre and spend time at the Rainforest Discovery Centre viewing the abundant flora found in Borneo and also visit the Sun Bear Centre; a conservation centre for the world’s smallest bears who are in danger of becoming extinct (entrance fees to be paid locally). (B) |
| Day 7: | Kinabalu Park: Fly to Kota Kinabalu today and journey to Kinabalu Park, stopping at Poring Hot Springs along the way for a dip in the steaming pools and to explore the various nature trails. There is also a canopy walkway, some 30 metres above the jungle floor: fascinating but not for the faint-hearted! Transfer onwards to your Park accommodation for your overnight stay. (B,L,D) |
| Day 8: | Mt Kinabalu Climb: This morning arrive at Park Headquarters to start your trek to Laban Rata (10,700 ft), around 5 hours. Enjoy the beautiful landscape of different types of vegetation lowland forest, montane, moss and sub-alpine. Overnight at a mountain resthouse in basic, dormitory accommodation. (B,L,D) |
| Day 9: | Mt Kinabalu Summit: Wake before sunrise at 3:00am and commence trekking to the summit, approximately 3 hours, arriving in time to catch the sun come up over the stunning vista. Return to the rest house for breakfast and then descend to the Park Headquarters. After breakfast, transfer onwards to your beach resort for a well deserved rest. (B) |
| Day 10-12: | Gaya Island Resort: Days at leisure to relax and enjoy the facilities of your resort or maybe embark on some of the many optional excursions available in the area. (B) |
| Day 13: | Depart Borneo today, transferring back to Kota Kinabalu Airport for your return flight home (own arrangements). (B) |
Price information
£2120 excluding flights
Convert currency:
Price quoted is per person and includes all transfers, accommodation, tours, climb permits and meals as indicated.
Departure information
This trip can be tailor made throughout the year to suit your requirements
Travel guides
Otherworldly landscapes, epic views and summit sunrises await on the world’s most lofty trails.
Is the time right to take a step up from indoor walls? Our guide will take you to new heights.
Holiday information
Our top tip:
Try and get a bit of walking in before you go - you'll get more out of the climb.
Trip type:
Tailor made.
Activity level:
Moderate.
Accomm:
6 nights resort, 4 nights lodge, 1 night mountain guesthouse.
Solos:
Solo travellers welcome. Single rooms available for a surcharge at lodges and resorts.
Meals:
7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 dinners.
Included:
Accommodation, transport, listed activities.
Dietary requirements:
We can cater for vegetarian and vegan diets.
Reviews
1 Reviews of Borneo wildlife holiday with Mt. Kinabalu climb
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed on 13 Feb 2018 by Tasha Guillot
1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?
Overall it was an amazing trip and we saw lots of wildlife. Tabun was especially memorable for the amount of wildlife we saw, especially on the night drives. And seeing elephants, gibbons, wild orangutans and a whale shark was particularly special.
2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?
Don’t be scared off by a little rain and try to come in the off seasons. Take every
opportunity to go on extra walks and tours as walking even the same tracks can reap wonderful sightings. With this in mind in areas like Tabin, make sure to get the leech socks while you are there (can buy in store there) just for piece of mind. Also binoculars are a must for sightings!
We wouldn’t bother staying in KK at all and just pass through. Unless you go it to Gaya island which is actually incredibly close to all the hotels to the center of town anyway.
3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, reduced environmental impacts or supported conservation?
Yes we thought so. It was especially interesting to learn about the relationship
with the palm oil plantations - not as black and white as the media make it appear back at home... as these things always are.
4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?
Can say hand on heart best trip I’ve ever been on. We love animals and we were certainly treated to some incredible animal encounters.
Responsible Travel
As the pioneers of responsible tourism, we've screened this (and every) holiday so that you can travel knowing we've worked to maximise the benefits of your holiday to local people and places, and minimise any negative impacts.
Planet
We work with the Orangutan Appeal UK, the only not-for-profit charity that works directly with the Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary in Sandakan. Clients have the option to sponsor an orphaned Orangutan named Canyon who was being kept illegally as a pet and was taken in by the sanctuary when she was 2 years old. She is now 5 years old and progressing well. The money goes directly to the Sanctuary in Sepilok to continue their excellent work. Clients receive an ‘adoption certificate’ and regular email updates on the progress of Canyon and of course if you’re lucky you may see her when you visit the Centre.On this tour, you will visit the famous Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre in Sabah, founded in 1964, to rehabilitate orphaned orang-utans. The site is 43 square kilometres of protected land at the edge of Kabili Sepilok Forest Reserve. Today around 60 to 80 orang-utans are living free in the reserve. The facility provides medical care for orphaned and confiscated orang-utans as well as dozens of other wildlife species. Some of the other animals which end up being treated at the centre include sun bears, gibbons, Sumatran rhinos and the occasional injured pygmy elephants.
During the tour you also have the opportunity to visit The Borneo Sun Bear Centre, a conservation centre with the aim to raise awareness and encourage research on the world’s smallest bear. Found throughout mainland Asia, Sumatra in Indonesia and Borneo, the exact number of Sun bears in the wild is unknown, making it even more pressing to reduce pressure on a species that is classified as “vulnerable” on the IUCN Red List and at risk of becoming endangered unless circumstances threatening their survival improve. The BSBCC, the first and only facility of its kind in the world, is a non-governmental organisation set up in 2008 through collaboration of the Sabah Forestry Department, Sabah Wildlife Department and LEAP.
People
Our ground agents only employ local guides to accompany our clients. All food in the lodges is sourced locally, helping the local rural communities wherever possible.The River lodge owners employ local people as staff wherever possible. The lodge owners also operate a tree planting and lunch programme with local villagers. This programme has been introduced by the Lodge as a way to directly contribute money to the local village community, plus it helps guests learn a little about the way this traditional community lives.
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