ULTIMATE BORNEO WILDLIFE EXPERIENCE
Tour Code: ULT01Duration – 10 days/9 nights
MALE PROBOSCIS MONKEY
A paradise which is only now being discovered, 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 10 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 nature-lover’s trip 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 spectacular cave formations. Experience life in the local villages, and be given the opportunity to cook, plant trees, go crabbing, 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.
If all this isn’t enough, stay on for an extended tour which includes a guided walk of Kinabalu National Park, nestled at the base of South-East Asia’s highest mountain (4095 metres), and a relaxing visit to the hot sulphur baths at Poring Hot Springs. Wind down your unforgettable holiday with a boat trip to Mamutik island for a day of swimming, snorkelling and relaxing in these pristine tropical waters.Including return international flights from Australia, 8 or 12 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 while this itinerary begins and ends in Australia, it can certainly be amended so that you can arrive from any other country outside Australia. You can join the tour in KL, or directly in Sandakan – contact Borneo Tour Specialists for details and revised prices.
The Itinerary
Day 1 : Australia – Borneo
Today depart for your flight from either Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane or Adelaide or Perth for Borneo! Fly with Malaysia Airlines (subject to availability). Please note that some flights depart in the evening – you could depart early in the morning of Day 2, and arrive in Sandakan later that same day. [includes In-Flight Meals]
Day 2 : Arrival in Sandakan, Borneo
Upon arrival into Sandakan airport you will be met by a representative and transferred to Sepilok Jungle Resort for the night. [includes Dinner]Overnight: Sepilok Jungle Resort at Sepilok in a Superior air conditioned room.
Day 3 : Sepilok Orang-utan Centre
Today after breakfast, enjoy a full day excursion to visit the ‘Sepilok Orang-utan Rehabilitation Centre’ to see Orang-utans in the forest. Afterwards take a leisurely walk to ‘The Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre’ and see the smallest bear in the world. Enjoy lunch on the way back at the resort and take some time out before setting off in the afternoon for a guided walk at the ‘Rainforest Discovery Centre’ to see flora and fauna, and experience a stunning canopy walk above the lush rainforest.Overnight: Sepilok Jungle Resort at Sepilok [includes Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner]
ORANG-UTAN AT SEPILOK ORANG-UTAN REHABILITATION CENTRE
Day 4 : Gomantong Cave – Kinabatangan River – Bilit
REAR OF SIMUD HITAM CAVE AT GOMANTONG CAVE
After breakfast depart around 09:00 hrs and drive overland to Gomantong Caves. Explore the largest birds nest cave system in Sabah. After visiting the cave, drive onwards to Bilit, on the the Kinabatangan River. Arrive at Bilit for lunch. In the afternoon take a river cruise to search for wildlife gathering along the Kinabatangan River.
An optional night walk can be arranged at the lodge – subject to surcharge.Overnight: Bilit Adventure Lodge at Bilit in an air conditioned room [includes Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner]
BILIT ADVENTURE LODGE
Day 5 : Bilit – Ox Bow Lake Jungle Walk
AIR CONDITIONED CHALET – BILIT ADVENTURE LODGE
This morning take an early morning cruise at 06:00 hrs. After the one hour boat cruise, head back to Bilit Lodge for breakfast. Today also enjoy a guided jungle walk to the oxbow lakes (Danau Bilit) as well as a further river cruise in the afternoon in search of more wildlife.Overnight: Bilit Adventure Lodge, Bilit [includes Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner]
Day 6 : Bilit – Local Village
After breakfast contribute to the conservation of this precious ecosystem by joining in a tree planting activity, and visit a local village. While in the village, you will also have a cooking lesson in one of the local villager’s houses, and then join them for lunch. The afternoon will be free time for you to enjoy the lodge and surroundings. At around 16:00 hrs, take a final boat cruise in search of wildlife.Overnight: Bilit Adventure Lodge, Bilit [includes Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner]
Day 7 : Labuk Bay Proboscis Sanctuary – Fishing Village and Fire Flies – Sandakan
After breakfast, you will depart Bilit at around 08:30 hrs to return to Sandakan. Enroute, you will visit the Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary at Labuk Bay for the feeding at 11:30 hrs.You will have a local lunch after your Labuk Bay excursion, at the Sabah Hotel. After lunch, check-in for the night. Have a little relaxation time before departing on a late afternoon excursion to a local fishing village at around 16:15 hrs. 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 – feel free to join them in some of the interesting village games. After the time in the village, proceed on a boat cruise to learn more about the mangrove forests, with the opportunity to plant trees in the area. While cruising, drop some fish/crab traps along the river. Check other traps to determine whether fish or crab might be on the menu for dinner. As the sun sets, and it gets darker, you will get the chance to see the magical fire flies lighting up the trees. The programme will end with a dinner and transfer back to the hotel for an overnight stay. Overnight: Sabah Hotel, Sandakan in an air conditioned room [includes Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner]
SABAH HOTEL IN SANDAKAN
Day 8 : Sandakan City Tour
After breakfast at 10:00am you will be picked up from the hotel to tour the sights of Sandakan. Visit the Agnes Keith Museum, St. Michaels Church, Buddhist Temple, Sandakan War Memorial Park, and pass by a water village and Central Market. Enjoy lunch at the English Tea House on the Hill above Sandakan.After lunch, transfer back to the Sabah Hotel where you will have the afternoon at leisure, and to relax in the hotel swimming pool. In the evening, enjoy a farewell dinner at the Hotel Overnight: Sabah Hotel, Sandakan [includes Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner]
AGNES KEITH’S HOUSE, SANDAKAN
Day 9 : Sandakan Free Day – Australia
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 or return flight home [includes Breakfast and in flight meals]
Day 10: Arrive In Australia
| Tour Code | Itinerary | Duration | Inclusions | Joining Point | 1 person | 2 people | 3 people |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ULT01 | Ultimate Borneo Wildlife Experience | 10 days/9 nights | Transfers, flights from Australia, internal flights, Accommodation, meals indicated, tours indicated | Sydney, | $3,413 | $2,227 | 2,224 |
| ULT01 | Ultimate Borneo Wildlife Experience | 10 days/9 nights | Transfers, flights from Australia, internal flights, Accommodation, meals indicated, tours indicated | Melbourne | $3,368 | $2,182 | 2,179 |
Prices per person in Australian Dollars and valid 01 April 2017 to 31 March 2018 (E.O.E.) Refer to General Booking Conditions
With Poring Hot Springs & Kota Kinabalu Extension (POST-TOUR) – 5 Days/4 NightsDay 9: Sandakan – Kota Kinabalu
In the late morning you will transfer to the airport for your flight to Kota Kinablau, the capital city of Sabah. On arrival, you will be met and transferred to the Horizon Hotel, your home for the next four nights.Afternoon at leisure Overnight: Horizon Hotel – city view room [includes Breakfast]
Day 10: Kinabalu National Park
After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel and drive overland to the foothills of Mt Kinabalu, the highest mountain in South-East Asia (4095 m).A brief stop will be made at the roadside stalls at Nabalu market where you will be able to browse local fruits in season, and assorted handicrafts. A great place to take panorama photos of Mount Kinabalu before continuing your journey on towards Poring Hot Springs. Upon your arrival, you will be briefed by your guide with two options, either accompany the guide on a nature walk (just over 1/2 km) up to the canopy walkway, or you might decide to have a dip in the hot sulphur spring baths. Due to the limited time available, you will have to choose one or the other. After your activity, have a quick lunch at one of the restaurants inside or outside the park (Lunch at own expense). You are also welcome to bring along your own packed lunch from the hotel. Depart to Kinabalu Park at 13.30 hrs. At Kinabalu Park, you will visit the Education Centre, and Mountain Garden, and if the weather permits, take a short stroll on one of the many nature trails. Learn about the wonderful flora of Kinabalu Park as your guide shares the many hidden delights you would probably have missed if you had made this trip on your own. Depart Kinabalu Park at around 15.30 hrs for the journey home, back to your hotel in KK. Overnight: Horizon Hotel – city view room, Kota Kinabalu [includes Breakfast]
NABALU HANDICRAFT MARKET NEAR KINABALU PARK
Day 11: Coral Island Day Trip – Mamutik Island
You will be picked up from your hotel at about 08:00 hrs head to Jesselton Pier for the 20 minute a boat trip to Mamutik Island in Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. It has one of the best coral reefs in the park, and yet does not attract the crowds. Spend a day of sun, sea and sand on an offshore coral island relaxing and exploring jungle trails on your own.Snorkel in crystal clear water among coral reefs with rainbow-coloured fish before returning to Kota Kinabalu about 15:00 hrs. In the late afternoon, you will be taken to on a brief sunset tour covering Signal Hill, which overlooks the city centre, the Atkinson Clock Tower and Gaya Island. Visit the night market on the waterfront, where you can bargain for a wide array of local spices, souvenirs, fruit and vegetables. Enjoy a scrumptious seafood dinner before returning to your hotel. Overnight: Horizon Hotel – city view room, Kota Kinabalu [includes Breakfast, Packed Lunch and Dinner]
Day 12: Mari Mari Cultural Village
This morning visit the Mari Mari Cultural Village with a local lunch included at the village.In the afternoon, take a scenic tour of Kota Kinabalu city to see many places of interest such as the Wisma Tun Mustapha (Sabah Foundation Building), University of Malaysia Sabah, Sabah State Museum, and pass by the City Mosque. After the tour you will have free time to do some shopping in one of the modern malls or head back to the hotel to relax. Overnight: Horizon Hotel – city view room, Kota Kinabalu [includes Breakfast and Lunch]
Day 13: Departure
Today enjoy some free time (if time permits) with some shopping and last minute sightseeing. A transfer will then be arranged to the airport for your onward or return flight home. [includes Breakfast]
Day 14: Arrive In Australia
PLEASE SEE FINE PRINT BELOW FOR MORE IMPORTANT INFORMATION
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.
| Tour Code | Itinerary | Duration | Inclusions | Joining Point | 1 person | 2 people | 3 people |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ULT02 | Ultimate Borneo Wildlife Experience including Post Tour | 14 days/13 nights | Transfers, flights from Australia, internal flights, Accommodation, meals indicated, tours indicated | Sydney | $4,799 | $2,959 | 2,932 |
| ULT02 | Ultimate Borneo Wildlife Experience including Post Tour | 14 days/13 nights | Transfers, flights from Australia, internal flights, Accommodation, meals indicated, tours indicated | Melbourne | $4,754 | $2,914 | 2,887 |
Prices per person in Australian Dollars and valid 01 April 2017 to 31 March 2018 (E.O.E.) Refer to General Booking Conditions
Minimum group size 2, maximum group size 8
High season surcharge of $350 per person for reservations during the months of July and August, December 2017, and the first week of January, 2018.
International flights from Australia will be booked on Malaysia Airlines, except for Brisbane where you will be booked via Sydney (Malaysia Airlines ceased operating from Brisbane in late 2015). A surcharge will apply.
Surcharge for flights from Brisbane and Adelaide $150 per person.
Flights from Perth will reduce the overall price by $200 per person
Maximum room capacity – 3 people
Child Policy
High season surcharge of $350 per person for reservations during the months of July and August, December 2017, and the first week of January, 2018.
International flights from Australia will be booked on Malaysia Airlines, except for Brisbane where you will be booked via Sydney (Malaysia Airlines ceased operating from Brisbane in late 2015). A surcharge will apply.
Surcharge for flights from Brisbane and Adelaide $150 per person.
Flights from Perth will reduce the overall price by $200 per person
Maximum room capacity – 3 people
Child Policy
- No child discounts apply – a full priced voucher must be purchased for all children travelling with their parents
- Suitable for children/infants 1 years old and over
Please note: children must be accompanied by a responsible adult 18 years old and over to travel. No unaccompanied minors allowed Triple Share Policy No discounts apply for 3rd person travelling. A full priced voucher must be purchased. An extra bed is provided per room (subject to availability) Arrive Early / Stay Behind surcharge / Stopover
- $150 per person/voucher plus any applicable difference in airfare and/or taxes
- This fee does not include accommodation
- No flight booking changes or cancellations permitted after air tickets have been issued
- Flight changes are subject to availability at the time of booking
Extra Nights (pre/post tour) Sandakan / Kota Kinabalu: $80 per person (twin share) including breakfast Please note: extra nights are subject to availability at the time of reservation For bookings between 24 December and 05 January 2018, a minimum stay of 3 nights is required.
PAYMENTS
A 50% deposit is required at the time of making the booking. Final payment is required 60 days prior to your trip departure.
Photographs copyright to Albert Teo – Borneo Eco Tours, Phil Youdale, STW Adventure, Katie Seeger, Penny Favilla and Sabah Tourism