The Best of Borneo: Orangutans and Rainforests with a Singapore Add-On

Today, you’ll join your fellow travellers for your flight to Kota Kinabalu via Kuala Lumpur. You’ll arrive on day 2 where your tour exploring the very best of Borneo beings.

On arrival this morning we'll transfer to our hotel. Kota Kinabalu is the capital of Sabah, one of two Malaysian states on the exotic island of Borneo and our base for the next two nights.
Tonight, you and your fellow travellers will enjoy a sumptuous Malaysian welcome dinner at a local restaurant. Here you'll be able to try the iconic Kadaza-Dusun cuisine and unique Malaysian foods. After dinner enjoy a lively cultural performance of Sabah dancers.

Today we’ll explore the beautiful countryside of Kiulu. We’ll enter a local village via a hanging bridge and take a scenic walk along the trails in this area away from the crowds of the city. We’ll take a break at Native Dusun House in Tombung Village where you’ll be welcomed to the house, and a light refreshment will be served. We’ll visit the farm to learn about the process of rubber tapping and afterwards, we’ll learn about local life as some stories are shared with us and you’ll have the opportunity to try some local delicacies too. Crossing another bridge, our driver will take us to a riverside café where lunch is served. There is a little time to relax or perhaps taking a cool dip in the river.
Later today you could choose to join our optional excursion - an evening walking city tour, we’ll depart for Atkinson Clock Tower, the oldest standing structure in the town. We then split into smaller groups to hike up the short but steep Signal Hill, where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views across the city, the islands and the sea. We’ll continue on to the renowned Masjid Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu, which at first glance appears to float on water, to admire the beautiful sunset. Its unique design is a blend of traditional and modern Islamic architecture and it has fast become one of the most iconic sights of the city. The tour concludes at Kota Kinabalu Waterfront, where the rest of the evening is free for you to explore at leisure. Why not step into one of the restaurants and savour a delicious dinner?

Today we’re travelling west with a short flight to Sandakan, where on arrival we travel on to our hotel. This evening our wildlife experiences truly begin with an evening jungle walk. Follow your guide into a seemingly secret natural world which comes alive with the sounds of frogs, insects and exotic birds. Keep your eyes peeled for a variety of distinct species - we love that there is the chance to see slow lorises and tarsiers in their natural habitat.

After breakfast this morning, we’ll visit Sepilok Orang-Utan Rehabilitation Centre where orphaned and injured Orang-Utan are brought to be rehabilitated with the aim of returning them to the wild. Sepilok, is a primary lowland forest and a fine showcase of Borneo’s remaining rainforest. Witness the feeding of the Orang-Utan from a platform in the forest. We also visit the Sun Bear Conservation Centre, a shelter for the World’s smallest bear. Named for the distinctive sun-shaped markings on their chest, these tree-dwelling bears spend most of their time lounging in the canopies of the trees.
After lunch, we'll transfer to the jetty in Sandakan, from where we'll cruise up to the Lower Kinabatangan River Sanctuary. This wonderful journey takes us on the Sulu Sea and through magnificent mangrove forests. On arrival in Abai, we'll check in at the Kinabatangan Abai Jungle Lodge. Later this afternoon we’ll take a river cruise to go in search of even more wildlife. Watch the sun slowly set whilst enjoying a cup of coffee, and at night fall, we’ll continue the cruise. Look out for small sparks of soft yellowish green light appearing in the air as fireflies create a natural light display.

This morning, wake up to the wonderful sounds of the rainforest. To get the best chance of spotting wildlife, we’ll have an early start and begin our explorations with a cruise on Pitas Oxbow Lake - look toward the shore where you might see pygmy elephants bathing in the water. We’ll head back to the hotel in time for breakfast, before heading out again to take part in the local community tree planting project supported by Travelsphere Cares.
Back at the lodge perhaps take time to explore the boardwalk behind the lodge, you may be lucky and spot wild orangutan, silver leaf monkeys and many other types of wildlife. We will round off the day with a wildlife spotting cruise.

We’ve left this morning free for you enjoy the lodge and its surroundings. Stilted paths, up to 800 metres long, stretch into the forest, and animals often venture quite close. After lunch, our search for wildlife continues as we cruise upriver to our next destination, Sukau, for a two night stay. Along the way we'll look out for primates, in particular orangutans, as well as pygmy elephants and exotic birds. Some of the world's most spectacular species are resident in Borneo including kingfishers, hornbills and broadbills to name a few.
After checking in to our lodge, we'll take to the water again to enjoy more wonderful views and search for exotic wildlife.

This morning we will head out in search of wildlife on a morning cruise, it’s another chance to spot some of the amazing creatures that call this area home.
This afternoon has been left free for you - spend some time relaxing at the lodge or why not join our optional excursion to the Gomantong Cave to explore even more. Located in the Gomantong Forest Reserve, this incredible limestone structure rises from the surrounding rainforest. As we walk towards the cave, we may be lucky enough to see Orang-Utans and Leaf Monkeys. Inside, a unique ecosystem exists with thousands of bats roosting on the ceiling and swiftlets building nests and a variety of insects.
This evening we enjoy our final wildlife cruise.

Today we will travel by boat back towards Sandakan giving us more opportunity to spot the local wildlife. On arrival we have some free time to explore this buzzing little city with views over the Bay of Sandakan. Why not explore the Sandakan Heritage Trail which incorporates the Memorial Park, Agnes Keith House and St Michael’s and All Angels Church. If you’re feeling peckish, head to the waterfront where restaurants serve fresh seafood.

Today, we’ll fly back to Kota Kinabalu where on arrival, we’ll journey out of the city and back into nature at the Rasa Ria Nature Reserve where the rainforest meets the sea. Our resort is set in the 64 acre forest reserve and with its own private beach. There are a range of experiences possible here, from nature walking at sunset or sunrise to bird-spotting guided hikes, cultural bicycle tours and horse-riding.
If you’d prefer to take it easy, there is also a spa, pool and five different restaurants to enjoy.

Today is all yours to relax and enjoy the resort’s facilities or explore one of the six walking trails. This evening we’ll come together for a farewell dinner soaking up the Malaysian hospitality and savouring the mouth-watering cuisine.

After breakfast we'll say farewell to Sandakan and transfer to the airport for our flight to Singapore. Modern Singapore was founded in 1819 by Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles. Established as a British trading post, the island went from strength to strength and today old colonial buildings sit alongside soaring modern skyscrapers on a patch of land no bigger than the Isle of Wight.

Whilst in Singapore you will not be accompanied by a Holiday Director, you will be supported by a local guide.

Around 5 million people from an eclectic mix of cultures live in Singapore and today we'll discover more about three of the city's major ethnic neighbourhoods. First we'll head to Chinatown, a fabulous blend of old and new where traditional medicinal halls sit alongside modern shops, bars and restaurants. We'll wander the streets and admire the breathtaking Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum before exploring Sri Mariamman Temple, the oldest Hindu temple in Singapore. Our next stop is Kampong Glam, Singapore's Malay district where we'll visit the must-see Sultan Mosque with its impressive golden dome. There's time to browse the stalls selling handmade perfumes and traditional Malay dresses on Arab Street before we head to Little India, where we'll experience vibrant culture, bustling food courts and unique shopping areas.
This afternoon explore more of the city in your own time.

Today is your chance to explore Singapore independently, why not visit the spectacular Gardens by the Bay where two immense structures house the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome conservatories. Step inside and you'll discover the fragrant multi-coloured Flower Field, the world's tallest indoor waterfall and the incredible Supertree Grove, where a suspended walkway 22 metres above the ground offers spectacular aerial views of the gardens. This evening we gather together and enjoy a farewell dinner.

Today, our adventure in Borneo and Singapore comes to an end as we transfer to the airport for our flight back to the UK.

We will arrive in the UK today.