Best of Borneo - Wildlife and Beaches

Two nights at Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria Resort in Kota Kinabalu
Watching orangutans being fed at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
Afternoon and evening cruises at Abai Jungle Lodge
Guided nature walks at Gaya Island Resort

Discover the best of Borneo’s wildlife and beaches on this nine night itinerary.

Kick start this holiday with two nights in Kota Kinabalu relaxing and de-stressing. Travel on to Sandakan for orangutan encounters and river cruises. End your trip with five nights at Gaya Island Resort, set within a protected marine reserve and surrounded by pristine rainforest.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Kota Kinabalu

Arrive Kota Kinabalu

Fly into Kota Kinabalu Airport where you’ll be met by a representative and transferred to Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria Resort. Check in to your room – choose from a ground floor room with a private patio or upper level room with private balcony – complete with views over the manicured gardens and pillow menu. After settling in, de-stress from your flight with a relaxing massage or hot stone therapy at The Spa.

Accommodation: Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria

Day 2: Explore Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu – Day at Leisure

Do as little or as much as you want with a full day at your leisure. Take to the waters with one hour of complimentary boogie board or ocean kayak hire; jet skis, stand up paddleboards and windsurfing available at an additional cost. Or explore the 64-acre nature reserve – spend time at the Nature Interpretation Centre, a jumping off point to see Borneo’s wildlife.

Accommodation: Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria

INCLUDES : Breakfast

Day 3: Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre

Kota Kinabalu – Sandakan

It's an early start this morning, board your flight to Sandakan Airport where you’ll be picked up and driven to Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. You’ll have the chance to see these gentle primates being fed, walk through the forest and visit the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre. Continue on to the jetty for a boat cruise up the river where you’ll have lunch at Abai Jungle Restaurant. Check into Abai Jungle Lodge – spend the rest of the day on afternoon and evening cruises, as well as a ‘Jungle at Night’ experience led by a nature guide.

Accommodation: Abai Jungle Lodge

INCLUDES : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre

Day 4: Abai Jungle Lodge

Sandakan - Activity Day

Be woken by the sounds of monkeys and birdsong before your morning river trip to Pitas Oxbow Lake to observe wildlife. Following breakfast, join the local people in tree planting and lunch at one of the villages. Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the area around the lodge – keep your binoculars on hand to spot silver leaf monkeys, exotic birds and a glimpse of orangutans. In the late afternoon take to the waters once more for a river cruise.

Accommodation: Abai Jungle Lodge

INCLUDES : Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Travel to Gaya Island Resort

Sandakan – Gaya Island Resort

Have your morning coffee (or tea!) on the boardwalk before checking out and transferring to Sandakan, followed by an onward flight to Kota Kinabalu. Be taken to Jesselton Jetty for your boat ride to Gaya Island Resort. This luxury island hideaway is tucked between mangroves, coral reefs and a pristine coastline. Check in to your villa nestled on the hillside among tropical rainforest with a treetop canopy view from your private veranda.