Diving and Wildlife

BORNEO DIVE AND WILDLIFE TOUR

SABAH

Tour Code: BTS DW1

Day 1 Arrive Kota Kinabalu. You will be met at the airport and transferred to your accommodation at the Magellan Sutera Harbour Resort. Spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Day 3 Take the early morning flight from KK to Tawau. You will be met at the airport and transferred by coach to Semporna to connect with the boat transfer to the idyllic Kapalai Resort. You will arrive in time for lunch, and you should be able to get in at least one boat dive in the afternoon. There is no limit to the diving you can do around the resort (without a boat). (BLD)

Days 4 to 6 Enjoy three boat dives each day in the warm waters of the Celebes Sea (water temperature is constantly around 27 degrees C.) Dive areas include the famed Pulau Sipadan with its 600 metre sheer drop-off, the various dive areas around Kapalai itself, and also the variety of dive areas around nearby Mabul Island. Includes full board and meals.

DIVE PACKAGE INCLUDES:

• *Meet and land transfer from Tawau Airport to Private Jetty at Semporna (70 mins.) and return transfer.
• *Boat transfer to Kapalai Island and return
• *Accommodation on a twin/triple sharing basis on the Resort.
• *3 boat dives daily except on arrival and departure days
• *Unlimited dives in front of Kapalai dive centre
• *Provide diving around Sipadan, Kapalai and Mabul.
• *Fresh Food Cooked by Kapalai Chef in buffet style.
• *Afternoon snacks served after 3rd dive.
• *Tea/Coffee, Cold Water and Cordial served throughout the day.
• *Tanks, Weight and Belt are provided.
• *No extra charge for night dives in front of dive centre for advanced diver or diver with night dive experience
• *Limited dive gear is available for rental.

Day 7

Early morning transfer to Semporna and on to Tawau for your flight to Sandakan. On arrival in Sandakan you will be met at the airport and transferred to the Four Points by Sheraton Sandakan. (BL)

Morning transfer to Sandakan Jetty for 1 hour speedboat trip to Turtle Island (Pulau Selingan) which lies about 40km from Sandakan. Check into your chalet on arrival. You are then free at leisure to explore the idyllic island, swim and snorkel (Snorkelling gear is available for rent on the island). After dinner, wait for the signal from the Park Ranger, then proceed in small groups to watch the Green Turtles lay eggs on the beach. You will also be able to view the transplanting of eggs to hatchery and the release of the baby turtles to the sea. This island has been a Conservation area since 1977, and turtles are found nesting here every night throughout the year. Overnight in twin share chalet. (BLD)Note that the photographing of turtles are strictly prohibited between 18.00 hours and 06.00 hours.

Day 9 Return to Sandakan by boat. Proceed to Sepilok Orang-Utan Rehabilitation Centre for an audio-visual presentation in the Centre’s theatrette. Walk about ten minutes through the rainforest on timber board walks to witness the feeding of the orang-utans. Watch these famous apes arrive for the morning feed at 10.00 hours, and their antics as they interact with each other while taking their fill of bananas. Return to Sandakan for a light lunch then on to Sandakan jetty for a boat trip to Sukau Rainforest Lodge, travelling along Sabah’s longest river, the Kinabatangan River, with opportunity to view birds and wildlife in virgin mangrove, wetland and rainforest habitats. In the late afternoon, take a river cruise using boats powered by electric motors, in search of some of the 10 primate species, including Proboscis monkeys, as they settle down on treetops along the Kinabatangan River and its tributaries. Return to the Lodge for a solar heated hot shower, candle light dinner and a slide show conducted by a naturalist guide. Overnight at Sukau Rainforest Lodge. (BLD) Note that Sukau Rainforest Lodge underwent extensive renovations and rebuilding to upgrade all its facilities in 2010. The new Sukau Rainforest Lodge will offers guests added facilities to enhance their jungle experience Birdlife is especially rich here including eight species of hornbills, kingfishers, egrets, darters, owls, kites, eagles, broadbills, doves, storm storks, herons, hawks, ospreys, falcon, pheasants, parakeets, bee eaters, woodpeckers, pittas, bulbuls, forktails, babblers, warblers, flycatchers, orioles, flowerpeckers, spiderhunters, among others.

Day 10 Wake up to the calls of gibbons and hornbills. A river cruise up the Kinabatangan River departs the lodge at 06.00hrs. View more birds including the Hornbill and Kingfishers, and other wildlife. The area is also known for its herd of Asian elephant. Proceed to the Kelenanap Ox-bow Lake for a short jungle walk (if weather permits). Experience the wilderness of Borneo. In the afternoon, head off on another river cruise in search of the ubiquitous wildlife in the area. Orang-utan are often seen preparing their nests in the trees for the night. After dinner an optional (at a surcharge) night safari cruise spotting nocturnal animals, crocodiles and birds. Overnight at Sukau Rainforest Lodge. (BLD)

Tour prices based on twin share or triple share (in the case of three people). Single supplement will apply if separate rooms are required.Note that Turtle Island is often booked out months in advance – particularly during the peak period of June to September. While every endeavour will be made to secure accommodation at Turtle Island, this cannot be guaranteed. Sukau Rainforest Lodge is similarly popular, and may also be booked out well in advance. NOTE the trip to Turtle Island involves a boat journey via the Sulu Sea. Please be advised that during the monsoon season (November-February), in the event of inclement weather conditions during or before the boat journey, the tour may be cancelled or postponed if it is deemed that the journey will jeopardise the safety of the passengers. In the event of cancellation, a replacement tour will be offered (which will not include Turtle Island). Borneo Tour Specialists will not be liable for any compensation. We would suggest that alternative tours be arranged during the monsoon season, particularly in the months of December and January. A non-refundable deposit of $A200 per person (twin share) is required at the time of booking this trip. High Season Rates apply to accommodation at Magellan Sutera Resort during Easter, July/August, December/January (Christmas/New Year) and Chinese New Year, and Sukau Rainforest Lodge during July and August – please contact us for details.