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Experience Travel Group

Luxury, Adventure & Boutique Beach

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This suggested itinerary is the perfect way to discover Borneo’s vast and astounding natural environment, explore the culture of the cities and fit in some relaxation. Excellent guides will accompany you throughout, and we’ve chosen lovely hotels for you, each individual and offering a unique experience.

Highlights include

  • Drift down the Kinabatangan River searching for some of Asia’s best wildlife: wild orangutan, red and silver leaf monkeys and pygmy elephants
  • Admire the bird’s eye view of Danum Valley from the ‘View Point’ while spotting birds and gibbons
  • Explore the countryside around Kota Kinabalu by bike and wonder at the rolling hills, lush forests and small villages
  • Unwind at Japamala and spend your days snorkelling, in the spa or simply reading a book under the shade of the palm trees

Your holiday will include private transports and specialist guides throughout, allowing a level of flexibility and spontaneity to ensure you get the most out of your holiday.

As with all our holidays, this itinerary is just a starting point, and we can tailor it completely to suit your budget, pace and style. Get in touch with us to find out how this suggested itinerary could inspire your trip.

Day 1 Depart the UK

Depart the UK on your flight to Kuala Lumpur.

Days 2 & 3 The Heritage and Culture of Kuala Lumpur

Meet your guide on arrival and transfer to your boutique hotel. Spend the first evening relaxing at this tranquil retreat.

Spend the second day exploring the culture and heritage of the city. Highlights include a visit to a Clan House, to China Town, Jamek Mosque and Sri Maha Mariamman Hindu Temple, the central market and Merdeka Square.

Day 3 Sepilok & Orangutans

Today you fly from Kuala Lumpur directly to Sandakan and transfer 30 minutes to Sepilok Nature Resort. A real hidden gem within walking distance of the Sepilok Nature Reserve.

Spend your time here with your private nature guide exploring the area by boat and on foot. You will, of course, get a chance to visit the Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary where you can observe these ‘men of the forest’ close up and learn about the rehabilitation work done here.

Day 4-5 Explore the Kinabatangan Area

Drive 40 minutes with your guide to Sandakan Jetty and board your boat to cruise through the Lower Kinabatangan River Sanctuary to the Wetlands Resort. Arrive in time for lunch, settle into your room and explore the boardwalk paths. Late afternoon, take a cruise down the river to search for wildlife and enjoy the sunset before returning to the lodge for dinner.

On the second day, wake up to the sounds of the jungle and take an early morning boat trip to Danau Pitas Lake, which is a bird watchers’ paradise. After a packed breakfast, you will have the opportunity to visit the Kampung Abai community and get a great insight into river life. Spend the rest of the afternoon cruising the river and keeping your eyes peeled for the local wildlife.

Days 6-8 Wildlife in Danum Valley

Drive 2.5 hours to Lahad Datu, visiting Gomantong Cave en route, one of the largest bird’s nest harvesting sites in Borneo. When you arrive in the Danum Valley Conservation Area, it’s a slightly bumpy ride as your vehicle makes its way to your accommodation. Still, you can’t fail to be awed by the incredible towering trees and jungle flora around you.  You’re now in one of the richest wildlife areas in South-East Asia, home to hundreds of species of birds, pygmy elephants and monkeys.

Spend the next two days exploring the area, with a choice of trekking, water tubing and jungle night walks. There is also downtime to be had in the natural jacuzzi pool or sitting on the deck searching for birds and absorbing the jungle sounds.

Days 9-10 Kota Kinabalu Countryside

After lunch, fly to Kota Kinabalu and transfer to your hotel for an evening at leisure.

Kota Kinabalu’s countryside is spectacular and best explored by bike. Spend the day with your local guide marvelling at the rolling hills, mountain ridges and rocky river banks. Drop-in on small villages and walk across picturesque hanging bridges before indulging in a filling lunch.

Day 11-14 Island Time at Japamala

Fly directly from Kota Kinabalu to Johor Bharu and meet your guide for the road transfer to Mersing Jetty bound for the remote, rustic and luxurious Japamala. At the jetty, board the boat to Tioman Island. After checking in and settling into your room, the next few days are at your leisure. This is a wonderful place to spend days snorkelling, hiking in the jungle or relaxing in the spa.

Day 15 Home Time

Travel by boat and road to Singapore for your onward flight to the UK.

As every holiday is unique to you, prices vary. To give you an indication, our holidays typically cost between £4,000 and £6,000 per adult depending on trip length and time of year as well as the hotels and flights involved. We offer child and seasonal discounts. You can read our ultimate guide to holiday costs in Asia for more in-depth information.

To start your journey, talk to one of our friendly consultants today.

Since every traveler is unique - Call our experts on 1-888-577-8452 to create your personalised vacation itinerary.

Inclusions

Your bespoke proposal with Experience Travel Group will include:

  • International Flights (we can omit if you prefer)
  • Accommodation as described
  • Privately guided tours and transfers
  • Tips for guides and drivers
  • Original Experience Travel Group "signature" experiences 
  • Full financial protection (ABTA and ATOL bonding.) 
  • 24-hour in-country backup while away
  • Your dedicated travel expert in the UK 

You can book this holiday tour on its own, with flights or it can be tailored for you.

Here are the hotels and villas within this holiday as standard...

Borneo Rainforest Lodge

Borneo Rainforest Lodge, Danum Valley Conservation Area

Located in one of the country's most biodiverse ecosystems with its own treetop canopy walkway.

Japamala Resort Tioman Island

Japamala Resort Tioman Island , Tioman Island

A remote, rustic, and luxurious resort with warm staff and a beautiful ambience on a gorgeous island.

Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort

Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort, Kinabatangan River

A tranquil off-the-beaten-track, eco-friendly resort - perfect for wildlife spotting and relaxing.

Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa

Mulu Marriott Resort & Spa, Gunung Mulu National Park

In the heart of the jungle near the magnificent Mulu caves, this is a first-class resort.

Sepilok Nature Resort, Kabili-Sepilok Forest

Sepilok Nature Resort, Kabili-Sepilok Forest , Sepilok

In the Kabili-Sepilok Jungle, lodge-style accommodation, good food, and a very special atmosphere.

Villa Samadhi, Kuala Lumpur

Villa Samadhi, Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Lumpur

Villa Samadhi is peaceful and harmonious, a haven of tranquillity just outside the centre of bustling KL.

You can book this holiday tour on its own, with flights or it can be tailored for you.

Here are the experiences & activities within this holiday as standard...

Danum Valley Birdwatching

Danum Valley Birdwatching, Danum Valley Conservation Area

Being a centre for conservation and ecological research, Danum Valley is one of the best places for bird-watching in Malaysian Borneo.

Danum Valley Night Walk

Danum Valley Night Walk, Danum Valley Conservation Area

See the nocturnal wildlife of the Danum Valley including endangered species such as slow lorises and the clouded leopard.

Explore Gomantong Caves

Explore Gomantong Caves, Kinabatangan River

Whilst Mulu's great caves may be more famous, Sabah's Gomantong Caves offer an alternative; with huge chasms and wildlife inside.

Orang Utan and Sun Bear Conservation Centre

Orang Utan and Sun Bear Conservation Centre, Sepilok

See Orang Utans and Sun Bears close up at Sepilok's rehabilitation and conservation centre.

Pitas Oxbow Lake

Pitas Oxbow Lake, Kinabatangan River

Journey through the Pitas Oxbow Lake and absorb Borneo's natural wealth by boat.

Map showing Hotels & Experiences associated with 'Luxury, Adventure & Boutique Beach'

More Holiday Suggestions

Beach and Wildlife: The Classic

Beach and Wildlife: The Classic

A two-week exploration of the Borneo ending with pure relaxation on beautiful Gaya Island.

Borneo Encompassed

Borneo Encompassed

An in-depth, expertly guided three-week tour taking in a wide variety of Borneo’s many natural wonders.

In Depth Borneo Adventure

In Depth Borneo Adventure

The ultimate Borneo experience for couples or intrepid families. Incredible wildlife, adventure and a touch of luxury too.


~
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Every ETG journey is unique. Tell us your loves, your hates, your holiday ambitions, your hopes and fears, and we’ll share a suitcase so full of inspired holiday ideas you’ll need to sit on it to shut it tight.

Not sure what you’re looking for? Let us inspire you...

Get in Touch

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ETG - immersive holidays that give back, since 2004.
Don’t just see Asia - feel Asia.

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  • Destinations
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