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.

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 1: Arrive Kota Kinabalu

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 2: Explore Kota Kinabalu

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 4: Abai Jungle Lodge

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.

Accommodation: Gaya Island Resort

INCLUDES : Breakfast, Lunch

Day 5: Travel to Gaya Island Resort

Day 6: Gaya Island Resort - snorkelling

Gaya Island Resort – Day at Leisure

Located within the protected Tunku Abdul Marine Park – view views of Mount Kinabalu on the horizon – Gaya Island Resort places a focus on conservation. Visit the Marine Centre, home to a turtle rescue centre and coral reef restoration programmes. Explore the waters around the island on a PADI certified diving or snorkelling trip or on a fishing excursion. End the day dining on Asian-Pacific cuisine, traditional Japanese dishes or at the rooftop seafood restaurant.

Accommodation: Gaya Island Resort

INCLUDES : Breakfast

Day 6: Gaya Island Resort - snorkelling

Day 7: Gaya Island Resort - spot proboscis monkeys

Gaya Island Resort – Day at Leisure

Surrounded by an ancient rainforest, Gaya Island Resort is an ideal base to explore Borneo’s diverse wildlife. Two trails have been carefully created through the vines, palms, shrubs and trees that make up the rainforest; head off on a guided walk with the resident naturalist to spot proboscis monkeys!

Accommodation: Gaya Island Resort

INCLUDES : Breakfast

Day 7: Gaya Island Resort - spot proboscis monkeys

Day 8: Gaya Island Resort

Gaya Island Resort – Day at Leisure

Indulge yourself with total pampering and relaxation. Spend the day beside the 40 metre lap pool with floating cabanas, rousing yourself for a dip in the cooling waters or for a light lunch at the poolside restaurant. Book a rice scrub or massage at the Spa Village, take part in a complimentary yoga class or create unique keepsakes at the free handicrafts workshop.

Accommodation: Gaya Island Resort

INCLUDES : Breakfast

Day 8: Gaya Island Resort

Day 9: Gaya Island Resort

Gaya Island Resort – Day at Leisure

On your last day in Borneo, head out on a crafted experience arranged with the concierge – choose from sunset cruises, snorkelling expeditions and cooking classes. For a special way to end your stay, opt for a private dining experience from sunrise breakfasts to beach barbeques.

Accommodation: Gaya Island Resort

INCLUDES : Breakfast

Day 9: Gaya Island Resort

Day 10: Depart

Return Flight

Have breakfast at the hotel and relax before checking out and being transferred to your scheduled boat ride back to Jesselton Jetty. Be met and driven to Kota Kinabalu Airport in time for your return flight.

INCLUDES : Breakfast

Day 10: Depart

Pricing

All prices shown represent a from price per person based on low season travel unless otherwise stated.
Availability of tour components and flights seats change continually, affecting the final price. The lead-in price given is therefore for guidance only.
To obtain a tailored quote for you and your party, please call one of our travel experts today.


Low Season from: 10th January 2025 - 31st March 2025

Important Info

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