East Borneo Adventure
Between its intriguing wildlife, skyscraper-height jungle canopies, and gorgeous coastlines teeming with tropical fish, this magical stretch of Borneo is positively bursting with stuff to see and do. This eight-day adventure promises to keep you busy; time spent marvelling at nature’s glory on Libaran Island, close encounters with orangutans at a rehabilitation centre, prowling the streets of Kota Kinabalu by night, and otherworldly wonders in the jungle. Borneo has it all, and in east Sabah, it’s all close at hand.
Holidays dreamt by you, designed by us. Share your dream with us today by placing an enquiry here!
Day 1 - Kota Kinabalu
Arrive at any time. Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Accommodation
- Hotel Shangri-La (or similar Hotel)
Day 2- Kota Kinabalu/Kundasang
Travel to the luscious and welcoming Mesilou Village tucked in the mountainous highlands. Stop at a local family-run farm to enjoy the views of Mt Kinabalu and see the different types of cold-climate vegetables and fruits. Afterward, meet the villagers and get to know each other over a traditional lunch. In the afternoon, visit two local farms before learning to cook custom recipes with the community. In the evening, enjoy a sumptuous dinner followed by a traditional Sabahan dance performance.
Local Farms and Cooking Class - Visit two unique farms of Mesilou Village and learn of their contrasting techniques while picking fresh vegetables, later used when learning to cook local recipes with the villagers. First visit Kundasang Aquafarm, a community-led farm that uses fish waste instead of chemical fertilizer for a hydroponic system. Then you are off to Onis farm that practices more traditional farming.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle Kota Kinabalu – Kundasang 2h30m.
Mesilou Village Stay - Immerse yourself in the culture of Mesilou Atamis Village and settle into their guesthouse, a Planeterra Foundation kampong stay project. Visit the "Farm Village" to learn about locally-owned organic orchards. After lunch, take a short hike to the nearby Mesilou Hill, exploring the landscape surrounding the village. Continue on to visit the aqua farm and Onis farm. Enjoy picking veggies for your cooking activity. This evening, enjoy a traditional dinner followed by a cultural performance where you'll be invited to join in the fun.
Accommodation
- Mesilou Atamis Homestay (or similar Homestay)
Meals Included
Day 3 - Kundasang/Sungai Kinabatangan
Travel towards Sandakan and continue to the immersive jungle lodge on Kinabatangan River, Sabah's longest. After settling in, head out on a river cruise to experience the serenity of evening river life (keep your eyes peeled for birds and monkeys and crocodiles, oh my!). Enjoy dinner then opt for a guided night walk through the jungle.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle Kundasang – Sandakan 5h30m.
Kinabatangan River Evening CruiseKampung Bilit - Cruise through the crocodile-infested waters with an expert boatman. While wildlife-spotting can't be guaranteed there's a good chance you will spot some monkeys, birds and the occasional saltwater crocodiles.
Accommodation
- Borneo Natural Sukau Bilit Resort (or similar)Resort
Meals Included
Optional Activities
Jungle Night Walk Kampung - Take a night walk on the trails near the Jungle Lodge and look for the unique creatures that are active at night.
Day 4 - Sungai Kinabatangan
Begin the day with a river safari to witness the morning wildlife activity. After breakfast, visit the nearby oxbow lake with a professional guide and seek out proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants, macaques, and gibbons. Enjoy another river cruise for a second chance to spot more wildlife (you never know what you may see) before returning to the lodge for dinner.
Kinabatangan River Wildlife CruiseKampung Bilit - Jump into a boat and explore the muddy river; keep your eyes peeled for monkeys, birds, and crocodiles.
Guided Oxbow Lake Walk and Wildlife SpottingKampung Bilit - Enjoy a guided trek along the lake and seek out proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants, macaques, and gibbons.
Accommodation
- Borneo Natural Sukau Bilit Resort (or similar)Resort
Meals Included
Day 5 - Sungai Kinabatangan/Sepilok
Depart in the morning and travel to Sepilok - a wildlife haven. Enjoy a visit to the orangutan rehabilitation centre and the adjacent sun bear conservation centre.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre VisitSepilok - The orangutans at the centre were either rescued as orphans or from illegal domestication. Once rehabilitated, they are set free to live in the wild. Watch these creatures being fed or roaming the grounds along with other animals such as macaque monkeys.
Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre VisitSepilok - Visit the conservation centre and see the world’s smallest bear. Learn more about the sun bears and the conservation efforts being made to protect them.
Accommodation
- Sepilok Jungle Resort (or similar lodge)
Meals Included
Day 6 - Sepilok/Pulau Libaran
Transfer to Sandakan and continue by boat to Libaran Island, also known as Turtle Island because thousands of sea turtles return to nest each year. Take a guided tour of the island's turtle hatchery and learn about the turtle conservation program. Later, visit the local village and experience what life is like on the island. Opt to go snorkelling or kayaking with some free time.
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle Sepilok – Sandakan.
Boat Sandakan – Pulau Libaran 45m-1h. Climb aboard and get your float on.
Turtle Experience Pulau Libaran - Accompany Island rangers to learn more about these amazing creatures and the threats to their existence. Depending on the time of year, observe turtles laying their eggs on the beach, follow the park rangers as they transfer the eggs to the hatchery, or stand on the shore and witness the release of baby turtles to the open sea.
Libaran Island Village Walk - Visit the friendly village of Libaran Island, part of a Planeterra Foundation community development project. View demonstrations by villagers who make flower souvenirs from plastic bottles, master Pandanous weaving, and meticulously knit fishing nets. Also see how local snacks are prepared and enjoy the delicacies.
Accommodation
- Walai Penyu Resort (or similar Resort)
Meals Included
Day 7 - Pulau Libaran/Kota Kinabalu
After breakfast, depart Libaran Island and travel back to the Sandakan jetty. From the jetty, transfer to Sandakan airport for a flight to Kota Kinabalu. On arrival, enjoy a free afternoon to walk and shop at Jesselton Point, a waterfront district lined with shops and street food. Opt to visit the famous Filipino market or get a panoramic sunset view of Kota Kinabalu at the Signal Hill observatory.
Boat Pulau Libaran – Sandakan45m-1h. Climb aboard and get your float on.
Plane Sandakan – Kota Kinabalu45m
Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's... yup, it is a plane, actually.
Free Time - Kota Kinabalu Afternoon
Get a panoramic view of Kota Kinabalu from the Signal Hall observatory or stroll and shop along the waterfront.
Accommodation
- Hotel Shangri-La (or similar Hotel)
Meals Included
Day 8 - Kota Kinabalu
Depart at any time.
Meals Included
Speak with our expert Holiday Designers today, get started by placing an enquiry now!
