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Kinabatangan River

Borneo Hiking & Wildlife Adventure

Example 7 Day Tour
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Experience the best of Borneo - Mount Kinabalu and the wild Bornean rainforest! Conquer Borneo and Malaysia's greatest peak, Mount Kinabalu. As you hike up to13,435 feet, search for the world's biggest flower, pitcher plant, and moth - all found on Mount Kinabalu! Stay overnight on the mountain before making your way to the summit early the third morning for a once-in-a-lifetime experience of seeing the sunrise high above the clouds. Continue on to explore the jungles of Borneo from the incredible Sukau Rainforest Lodge, one of National Geographic's Unique Lodges of the World. Spend the next three days with your naturalist guide in search of pygmy elephants, orangutans, proboscis monkeys, and rhinoceros hornbills.  
Mount Kinabalu, Sabah. Highest mountain in Southeast Asia.Orangutans in Borneo, IndonesiaBornean pygmy elephants looking cute by the riverRhinoceros HornbilMount KinabaluOrangutan in the wildWe just saw elephants in the wild!Mount KinabaluMount Kinabalu in the state of Sabah in Malaysian BorneoKinabatangan River
Highlights
  • Stay at Sukau Rainforest Lodge, a National Geographic Unique Lodge
  • Witness Bornean pygmy elephants and orangutans in the wild!
  • Explore the most wildlife-rich region of Borneo
  • Climb to the summit of Mount Kinabalu, the tallest peak in Borneo
Places Visited
  • Asia
  • Borneo
  • Malaysia
  • Kinabalu National Park
  • Kinabatangan
  • Kota Kinabalu
  • Laban Rata Resthouse
  • Mount Kinabalu
  • Sabah
  • Sandakan
  • Sukau Rainforest Lodge
Activity Level: Ultimate
Requires the highest level of physical challenge and performance. Includes tours involving strenuous multi-day trekking or summit hikes. The majority of the hours in most days are physically active. Travelers will need intensive training in advance to meet the physical demands on these trips.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive in Kota Kinabalu

Arrive today in the capital city of Kota Kinabalu. Meet your guide at the airport and transfer to your hotel. 

Day 2: Kinabalu National Park

  • Hotel
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Meet your guide this morning and drive 2 hours overland (55 mi.) from sea-level to the foothills of Mt. Kinabalu at 5,000 feet. Make a short stop along the way at the Nabalu market to savor local fruits. As you wander the market stalls, peek through the trees to catch a glimpse of the impressive Mount Kinabalu towering on the horizon. Arrive at Kinabalu National Park this afternoon, home to over 6,000 plant species, of which 1,000 are orchids. The majority of Borneo's mammal, bird, amphibian, and invertebrate species are also represented within the park, creating one of the most biologically diverse places on the planet and rightfully claiming UNESCO World Heritage Status. Visit the Education Centre and Mountain Garden in Kinabalu National Park with your guide, then head to your hotel for a good night's sleep before beginning your climb. Temperature at the park is around 14°C - 25°C. 

Day 3: Hiking to Laban Rata

  • Hotel
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Wake this morning to the sound of the montane rainforest, listening for the calls of one of Kinabalu National Park's 326 bird species. Meet your certified mountain guide and porter and drive to the trailhead at Timpohon Gate, 6,000 feet above sea level. Climb for 4 - 6 hours, hiking into the higher cloud forest and eventually ascending into the alpine meadows, finally arriving at the Laban Rata Resthouse. This dormitory-style refuge clings to Mount Kinabalu at 10,700 feet, providing a half-way point on your journey to the summit and a cozy atmosphere to gather your strength for the next day. Take in the spectacular view while you eat a hot meal after a long day of hiking. Don't forget to look around for some of the carnivorous pitcher plants along the trail! Temperatures tonight range from 50°F - 65°F. 

Day 4: Summit Mount Kinabalu

  • Hotel
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Start your ascent at 3 am to reach the summit in time for the sunrise - a view you never forget. While the sun peeks above the sea of clouds, watch Borneo come to life as daylight takes hold. At 13,435 feet, you are standing on the highest point between the Himalayas and Papua New Guinea. Take photos and soak up the view, then return to Kinabalu National Park Headquarters for late high tea. Enjoy dinner tonight in Kinabalu National Park, and a cool night's sleep in the lower mountain temperatures.  

Day 5: Sukau Rainforest Lodge

  • Hotel
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Say goodbye to your hiking guide this morning and begin the 5-hour overland journey to the multi award-winning Sukau Rainforest Lodge, one of National Geographic's Unique Lodges of the World. Cool down with a refreshing drink and cold towel upon arrival. After checking in, take a few moments to savor afternoon tea and then (time permitting) head out into the wild on your first river safari.

Every boat is equipped with eco-friendly outboard engines (used along the main river where the current is strong) and a silent electric motor (used during wildlife viewing in the small tributaries) in search of wildlife and birds. Your position on the river is perfect for photographing mammals, birds and amphibians along the river bank.

Return to the lodge for a candlelight buffet dinner overlooking the mighty river. Be sure to try on the Malaysian sarong found in your room so you can dine in style! Dinner is followed by a slide show and interpretation by your in-house naturalist guide. Stay overnight at the Sukau Rainforest Lodge.

Day 6: Explore the Kinabatangan River

  • Hotel
  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner
Rise this morning to the sound of a traditional Bornean gong and prepare to catch the rainforest as it wakes up. After a light breakfast, embark on a morning river cruise in search of mammals and birds that are most active in the early morning hours. Keep your eye out for the shy Bornean pygmy elephant on your way to the Kelenanap Oxbow Lake. Return to the lodge and enjoy a full breakfast on the deck, taking time to immerse yourself in your wild surroundings.

After breakfast, continue on an educational walking tour along the lodge's Hornbill Boardwalk with your naturalist guide. If you're itching for more activity, the lodge has many optional activities such as a pampering foot spa treatment, Batik Painting for the family, or a refreshing plunge in the Dip Pool. Following afternoon tea, head out onto the river once again in search of rhinoceros hornbills, blue-eared kingfishers, and pig-tailed macaques. Breathe in the rainforest as you return at sunset from your river cruise. Enjoy a candlelight dinner and overnight at Sukau Rainforest Lodge.

Day 7: Sandakan | Return Home

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch
After breakfast, board a speedboat for a 2 1/2 hour journey downriver to the city of Sandakan. With luck catch another glimpse of the Bornean pygmy elephant on your way downriver!  Upon arrival in Sandakan, visit the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre where you can learn about the plight of the orangutan and local conservation efforts. A short ten-minute stroll through the rainforest on wooden boardwalks takes you to the viewing platform where you can witness recovering orangutans devour local fruits and interact with one another. If the great apes are feeling particularly friendly, you may even get the chance to see them up close, so be sure to hang onto your belongings!  Continue to the newly completed nursery for young orangutans. Transfer to the Sandakan airport for your evening flight. 

Accommodations

Sukau Rainforest Lodge

Laban Rata Resthouse

Hill Lodge

Hill Lodge
Hill Lodge
Hill Lodge

Grandis Hotel

Sky Blu Bar, Rooftop
Piano Lounge
Rosea Cafe

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$2,073

Notes

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Rates may vary based on current exchange rate.

Included
  • 6 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches, 5 Dinners, 1 Snacks
  • 6 Nights Accommodations
  • 6 Days Locally Hosted Guide Service
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • Park Entrance Fee
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • RM10 per room per night mandatory Tourism Tax in Malaysia collected by cash upon check-in.
  • Internal Flights: Sandakan - Kota Kinabalu

Map

When to Go

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.
Chance for unpredictable weather but with fewer visitors.

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Everything was amazing! The planning with Adventure Life went smoothly. The actual trip was fantastic! One of the best trips I have experienced. The cruise staff members were knowledgeable and attentive. I will be writing more about this on the blog!
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