SABAH WILDLIFE WONDERLAND ADVENTURE
Tour Code: WWA01Duration – 8 days/7 nights
MALE PROBOSCIS MONKEY
An undiscovered paradise, Borneo is blessed with incredible wildlife, ancient rainforests, pristine beaches, and a rich cultural diversity. Take a step back in time and see the adorable endangered orang-utans, as well as the curious proboscis monkey (native only to Borneo), and many other rare and exotic animal species. Immerse yourself in the raw culture of this tropical island and experience life like a local before the secret of Borneo gets out!
THE OFFER
Discover the mystery of Borneo on a 8 day tour which will have you wondering why you haven’t visited before. Come on a journey of beauty and fascination, visiting the world’s third largest island and Asia’s best kept secret. This trip for lovers of nature, will take you to see orang-utans, proboscis monkeys, sun bears, curious pygmy elephants, tropical birds and magical fire flies, as well as Borneo’s renowned rainforests and some of the spectacular cave formations. Experience life in the local villages, and play with local children, to gain a unique perspective of their simple way of life. See the magnificent landscape on morning and evening river cruises, and catch a glimpse of the native flora and fauna at its best. Including 7 nights accommodation, professional English-speaking guides and a cultural experience like no other, Borneo really is a undiscovered oasis just waiting to be explored! Note that this tour begins and ends in Sandakan. Your trip can be extended prior to this tour, or after, if you have more time to spare – contact Borneo Tour Specialists for details
The ItineraryDay 1 : Arrival in Sandakan, Borneo
On arrival at Sandakan airport you will be met by your tour guide and transferred to Sepilok Nature Resort which is Located in the Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve immediately adjacent to Sepilok Orang-utan Rehabilitation Centre. Sepilok Nature Resort is a great place to start your Borneo jungle adventure. Enjoy this protected stretch of tropical lowland forest, and the incredible wonder of nature on offer.In the evening, you will be able to participate in the optional Jungle Night Walk in the Forest Reserve, in search of nocturnal animals. (surcharge applies). Overnight at Sepilok Nature Resort, Sepilok [includes dinner]
Day 2 : Sepilok Orang-utan Rehabilitation Centre
Have a relaxing breakfast at Sepliok Nature Resort. Visit Sepilok Orang-utan Rehabilitation Centre (SORC) at your leisure (to coincide with either the morning or afternoon feeding sessions). It is one of the best places on the planet to see the “man of the forest” – the literal translation of orang-utan. The SORC has a dedicated team which nurses and teaches orphaned and abandoned orang-utans all they need so that they can once again survive alone in the wild. Follow the boardwalk through the jungle and observe orang-utans in their natural environment.
ORANG-UTAN AT SEPILOK ORANG-UTAN REHABILITATION CENTRE
BORNEAN SUN BEAR CENTRE
The Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre is just across the road from the SORC. This is the home of rescued sun bears which are lovingly cared for by another team of devoted animal lovers. It is the only sun bear conservation centre in the world, and has received the attention of National Geographic.Overnight: Sepilok Nature Resort, Sepilok [includes Breakfast and dinner]
Day 3 :Â Selingan Island
Take part in a turtle breeding programme at Selingan IslandAfter breakfast you will be taken to the Sandakan jetty for a boat trip to Selingan Island. A 45 minute boat trip from the mainland and you will discover the Turtle Islands National Marine park. Selingan is one of 3 islands, and is home to one of the world’s most successful breeding programs. You can spend the day at leisure swimming and snorkelling, and enjoying the small island. After dinner the turtle activities begin and you will have the opportunity to witness the magical experience of the green turtle coming ashore to lay her eggs. You can also participate in the breeding programme of transferring the eggs to the hatchery and releasing newly hatched baby turtles in the sea. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Overnight: Selingan Island Chalet [Includes Breakfast, lunch and dinner]
TURTLE ISLAND HATCHERY
Day 4: Sukau on the Kinabatangan River
After breakfast you will return to the mainland where you will be free to explore Sandakan for the morning. Sandakan has a rich history and has a mix of Catholic churches, Buddhist temples, a colonial tea house and much more.After lunch you will travel overland to Bilit Adventure Lodge on the Kinabatangan River, the longest river in Sabah. Cruise the river and keep a watchful eye for wildlife: baby crocodiles basking on logs, big crocodiles awaiting prey on the river bank, families of monkeys and macaques swarming in the trees. The proboscis monkey escapes the heat and comes to the edge of the river edge in the evening, and don’t forget to look up – you may see the unmistakable orang-utan building its nest for the night in the treetops. Overnight: Bilit Adventure Lodge [includes Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner]
Day 5: Bilit – Ox Bow Lake Jungle Walk
Wake up to the calls of gibbons and hornbills and hot Sabah tea. This morning take an early morning cruise at 6:00am on the Kinabatangan River to Kelenanap oxbow lake to view more birds and wildlife. Oxbow lakes are horseshoe bends that were once part of the river, but have been cut off when the winding river path changed direction. They are home to a multitude of birds and other wildlife.Return to the lodge for breakfast and later in the morning, take a guided jungle walk. In the afternoon you will have the opportunity for another river cruise to see more wildlife – wild orang-utan are often seen building their nests for the night on this afternoon cruise. Overnight: Bilit Adventure Lodge [includes Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner]
Day 6: Visit the Gomantong Caves and Explore Sandakan
REAR OF SIMUD HITAM CAVE AT GOMANTONG CAVE
After breakfast, return overland to Sandakan, stopping to visit the Gomantong caves along the way, to witness the unique ecology of the swiftlet and the harvesting of their edible birds nests. Red leaf monkeys and wild orang-utan are often seen on the walk to the cave.In Sandakan you will be taken to the War Memorial. Sandakan was home to a prisoner of War Camp run by the Japanese during World War II, and the War Memorial provides an excellent account of this history. In the afternoon enjoy a canopy walk at the Rainforest Discovery Centre and learn in more detail about the flora of Borneo. Overnight: Four Points by Sheraton, Sandakan [includes Breakfast and Lunch]
Day 7: Fishing Village and Fire Flies – Sandakan
Morning at leisure. In the afternoon you will be taken on an excursion to a fishing village. Upon arrival at the village, enjoy a simple welcome tea with local snacks. Then, a briefing about the village and the fire fly activities. Houses are built on stilts and it is very interesting to walk around the village. Very often, kids will be having their play time at this hour and please feel free to join them in some of the interesting village games. After that, proceed to a boat cruise to learn more about the mangrove forests. As it gets darker, you’ll get the chance to see the magical fire flies lighting up the trees. The programme will end with a sea food feast in Sandakan, followed by a transfer back to the hotel for the night.Overnight: Four Points by Sheraton, Sandakan [includes Breakfast and Dinner]
Day 8: Free Time in Sandakan – Departure
Today enjoy some free time (if time permits) with some shopping and last minute sightseeing. A transfer will then be arranged to Sandakan Airport for your onward flight [includes Breakfast]
| Tour Code | Itinerary | Duration | Inclusions | Joining Point | 1 person | 2 people | 3 people |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| WWA01 | Wildlife Wonderland Adventure | 8 days/7 nights | Transfers, Accommodation indicated, meals indicated, tours indicated, park entry fees (excludes camera fees) | Sandakan | $2,255 | $1,455 | $1,400 |
Prices per person in Australian Dollars and valid 01 April 2018 to 31 March 2019 (E.O.E.) Refer to General Booking Conditions
The tour may be extended by any number of day or multi-day tours which are offered by Borneo Tour Specialists. Ask your consultant for details and suggestions.Please bring along swim wear, sun screen, hat, personal toiletries, medications, towel, insect repellent, drinking water bottle, sturdy walking shoes, comfortable cotton T-shirts, long or short pants, binoculars, camera, light raincoat and flashlight (torch) or head light.
Photographs copyright to Albert Teo – Borneo Eco Tours, Cede Prudente, Phil Youdale, Katie Seeger, Penny Favilla and the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre