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Borneo: Land of the Orangutan
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Borneo: Land of the Orangutan

Malaysia10 days

The journey

Overview

With its rich diversity of cultures and cuisines, Malaysia is a magnet for adventurous travellers and its wilderness is home to orangutans, sun bears and other exotic species. Discover Malaysia on a comprehensive journey from its bustling capital, Kuala Lumpur, to the rainforests of Borneo. Explore the jungle in style, staying in lodges at the forefront of sustainability, and discover wildlife, from endemic amphibians and insects to the iconic orangutan, with expert local guides.

Highlights

  • Sight Borneo’s iconic “man of the forest” on a visit to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and learn how this critically endangered species is being protected
  • Discover the Bornean sun bear at a conservation center dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating the world’s smallest species of bear
  • Watch for Borneo’s Big Five — orangutans, proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants, rhinoceros hornbills and saltwater crocodiles — all on a single journey
  • Spot wildlife along the banks of the Kinabatangan River, from the forest floor to the tree tops, on river cruises guided by expert boatmen
  • Immerse yourself in a primary forest millions of years in the making with a stay at Borneo Rainforest Lodge
  • Encounter Borneo’s indigenous cultures at Mari Mari Cultural Village

Day by day

Day 1

Arrive Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Arrive in Kuala Lumpur, the bustling modern capital of Malaysia, where iconic architecture towers over streets and neighborhoods populated by people from throughout Asia. The resulting blend of cultural and culinary influences lends the city a cosmopolitan appeal. Upon arrival, settle into your luxurious hotel.

Day 2

Kuala Lumpur – Museum and Market Visits

Start your exploration of the city from an incredible vantage point: the soaring Petronas Twin Towers. Next, discover another facet of Malaysia’s cultural mix with a visit to the Islamic Arts Museum, the largest of its kind in southeast Asia. Peruse the city’s Central Market, where local artists and craftsmen sell their goods. After lunch at a local restaurant, your afternoon is at leisure for rel

Day 3

Sandakan – Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre

Fly to Sandakan, your gateway to the fabled island of Borneo. The third largest island in the world, Borneo is shared by three nations: Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei. It straddles the equator and is home to some of the world’s oldest rainforest as well as amazing wildlife and diverse, friendly people. Begin your discovery of Borneo with a visit to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, the

Day 4

Sandakan/Kinabatangan River – Sun Bears

Start your day with a visit to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre and enjoy a talk by the founder to learn more about the smallest species of bear. Then, you may opt to continue observing the sun bears or return to the Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre to observe a morning feeding. After lunch at a local restaurant, board a speedboat for a ride up the Kinabantangan River to your award-winning

Day 5

Kinabatangan River – Riparian Exploration

Rise early to explore this exotic wonderland inhabited by 10 species of primates, four of which are endemic to Borneo, on a cruise on the Kinabatangan River. Meander up the river, spotting wildlife along the way, to an oxbow lake. Upon arrival, keep an eye out for wildlife and simply enjoy the serene setting with a coffee or tea before returning to your lodge for breakfast. Afterward, set out on a

Day 6

Danum Valley Conservation Area – Rainforest

Bid farewell to the Kinabatangan River and travel overland to Lahad Datu, the gateway to the Danum Valley Conservation Area. Switch to 4x4 vehicles for an adventurous ride overland to your lodge, nestled in one of the last remaining preserves of primary rainforest in Asia and the only accommodation found in the valley. This sanctuary is home to over 110 mammals, including orangutans, gibbons, pygm

Day 7

Danum Valley Conservation Area – Canopy Life

Immerse yourself in the Borneo wilderness, starting with a walkway through the rainforest canopy, looking out from platforms and bridges built at treetop level to let you observe the diverse flora and fauna. Return to your lodge for lunch. This afternoon, enjoy your choice of two activities. Select one of the lodge’s many trails, varying in difficulty, with an expert guide. Alternatively, relax at

Day 8

Kota Kinabalu – Beside the South China Sea

Emerge from the forest as you are driven to Lahad Datu for your short flight to Kota Kinabalu, the modern capital of Sabah state. Upon arrival, transfer to your accommodations, and enjoy an evening at leisure to explore the city or simply relax after your long journey, looking out at the luminescent emerald-green waters of the South China Sea.

Day 9

Kota Kinabalu – The Designs of Diverse Cultures

Venture just outside the city to visit the Mari Mari Cultural Village, the perfect place to savor the soul of Sabah. View homes built by the varying ethnicities found in this state, each constructed by descendants of the tribes they represent, for an authentic insight into the diverse local culture. Discover the individual architectural style of these distinctive dwellings and how their builders a

Day 10

Depart Kota Kinabalu

After breakfast, take your private transfer to the airport for your departing flight.

What's included

  • Expert local guides & seamless transfers
  • Carefully selected luxury accommodations
  • Selected meals & signature experiences
  • Private arrival & departure transfers

Not included

  • International airfare
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas where applicable
  • Gratuities & personal expenses

Accommodations

  • Four Seasons Hotel Kuala Lumpur
  • Sandakan
  • Sabah Hotel
  • Kinabatangan River
  • Sukau Rainforest Lodge
  • Danum Valley

Frequently asked questions

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