Sabah Rainforest Safari

Upon arrival in Kota Kinabalu, you are greeted and transferred to your hotel. Join an evening city tour and experience the vibrant atmosphere of the bustling night market, offering a variety of local spices, souvenirs, fruits, and vegetables. End the evening with a delightful dinner at a local restaurant before heading back to your hotel.

Enjoy a whole day on a coral island. Start with a 30-minute boat ride from the jetty to one of the islands in Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, where you can spend a day of relaxation at your own pace.

Note: The scheduled boat transfer to the island departs at 8:15 a.m. Please ensure you arrive at Marina Jetty no later than 8:00 a.m.

Hop on another boat transfer to your next island destination. Engage in snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters, surrounded by coral reefs and vibrant, colorful fish.

Return to the boat and head to Gaya Island for lunch before swimming or simply unwinding by the shore.

Conclude your day by departing via boat back to Kota Kinabalu in the mid-afternoon.

Drive for 2 hours to the base of Mt. Kinabalu, making a short stop at the Pekan Nabalu market to stretch and sample seasonal fruits. If the weather permits, take a photo of the picturesque Mount Kinabalu.

Continue to Kinabalu Park HQ to visit the Kinabalu Geopark Gallery and Botanical Garden. If conditions are favorable, join a guided walk on one of the trails to explore the refreshing montane forest.

Drive back to Kota Kinabalu and relax in preparation for the following day.

Wake up early to head to the airport for a flight to Sandakan.

Upon arrival, travel to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. There, watch a short video about the center’s rehabilitation efforts, then head to the feeding platform to see orangutans and other monkeys being fed. You can also visit the nursery area to observe the young orangutans.

After lunch, take a 2.5-hour boat ride up the Kinabatangan River to Sukau Rainforest Lodge. After checking in, enjoy a late afternoon cruise to look for wildlife and birds. You may also opt for a night river cruise to spot nocturnal animals.

Return to the lodge to freshen up, enjoy dinner at Melapi restaurant, and attend a slide presentation and talk by a naturalist guide.

Rise early for a morning river cruise up the Kinabatangan River to Kelenanap Oxbow Lake to observe more birds and wildlife. Return to the lodge for breakfast, then join a nature walk along the Hornbill and Attenborough Boardwalks with the in-house naturalist.

The rest of the day is free for you to explore on your own or relax by the lodge's dip pool after lunch. Later, visit the newly refurbished Ape Gallery for an Ape Talk with the in-house naturalist.

In the afternoon, visit the Gomantong Caves to explore the extensive cave system, known as the largest limestone outcrop in Lower Kinabatangan with diverse wildlife. For a challenge, climb the stairs to Simud Putih for a view of the bat exodus.

Return to Sukau Rainforest Lodge for a delicious dinner at Melapi Restaurant and enjoy a restful night.

Check out early and travel 2.5 hours by land to Lahad Datu for registration. Continue for another 2.5-hour drive to reach Utan Rainforest Lodge, located in the Virgin Jungle Reserve (VJR) of Sungai Kapur.

Upon arrival, receive a warm welcome and a facility briefing, followed by a delicious lunch and check-in.

Experience the Virgin Jungle Reserve with an introductory walk near the lodge. In the evening, take a sunset river cruise to spot wildlife and enjoy a scenic estuary sunset. If the weather is favorable, you might see a display of fireflies as you return to the lodge for dinner.

After dinner, join a night safari drive for a chance to see the nocturnal wildlife of the forest.
 

After a quick breakfast, set out for a short morning hike. Visit the Cuckoo Hide to photograph Borneo's endemic birds and other local wildlife. Return to the lodge to freshen up before enjoying a hearty breakfast at the restaurant.

After breakfast, weather and sea conditions permitting, embark on a river cruise along the coastline, exploring the Segama River and its mangrove forest. Watch for wildlife encounters, including flying foxes, eagles, and dolphins.

Return to the lodge to relax before lunch. As the sun sets, enjoy a delicious dinner and take a night walk around the lodge. Experience the tranquility of the night and look for nocturnal animals such as civets, leopard cats, mouse deer, and moonrats.

Return to the lodge for a restful night.

Wake up to the sounds of the jungle and enjoy a hearty breakfast. Spend your free time as you wish and have a delicious lunch before checking out.

Head to Lahad Datu for your late afternoon flight.