The Orangutan's Footsteps
ITINERARY

1-3
Sandakan
Wildlife
Your wild Borneo adventure is here at last! Once you touch down in Sandakan you’ll be met by your private guide and transferred to your hotel to settle in. On your first full day here you’ll visit the world’s largest orangutan rehabilitation center, swing by the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre and enjoy lunch at the Sepilok Nature Resort before hitting up the educational Rainforest Discovery Centre. Be sure to walk the 347-meter long, 87-meter high canopy walkway while you’re there – it’s a great place to spot one of the 250+ bird species.

PLACES TO STAY
The infinity pool at Four Points, Sandakan, Borneo
Four Points
A family-friendly hotel on Sandakan's picturesque waterfront with an incredible infinity pool.

Key Facilities
Infinity poolRestaurantsCafé & deliBarFitness centre

4-5
Kinabatangan River
Wildlife
Today you’ll enjoy a river cruise along the Kinabatangan River where you’ll pass mangroves, villages and Berhala Island, the notable sandstone cliffs of a World War II historical site.  After some lunch and a banana fritter, you’ll head off on an afternoon river expedition in search of orangutans, Pygmy Elephants and Proboscis monkeys, among other critters. After dinner, you’ll take a night stroll along the boardwalks on the lookout for nocturnal animals.

On day five you’ll wake up bright and early for a morning wildlife cruise. After exploring the oxbow lakes you’ll continue on to the local fishing village of Kampung Abai. In the afternoon you’ll take another cruise in search of more wildlife – in good weather you may be lucky enough to see firefly colonies.

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6-7
Tabin Wildlife Reserve
Wildlife
Today you're heading for the Tabin Wildlife Reserve, a protected area teeming with wildlife. After you’ve checked into your timber lodge you’ll be briefed on the birds, insects, and animals found here. In the afternoon you’ll trek from the Elephant trail to the active Lipad mud volcano, a hot spot for local wildlife. Spot animal footprints in the mud and try slathering some on your face – it’s said to result in a fine complexion! After dinner you’ll enjoy a night safari in the clear, dark sky of Tabin. The next day you’ll start with an early morning bird walk; Tabin boasts almost 300 different bird species. Next, you’ll trek through the lush green rainforest – teeming with plants and animals – to Lipad Waterfall where you can take a dip. In the afternoon soothe your weary feet with a Tabin Rainforest Foot Soak before you head off for a final night walk in search of sleeping birds, frogs, and nocturnal wildlife.

PLACES TO STAY
Lodges at Tabin Wildlife Resort, Borneo
Tabin Wildlife Resort
Sleeping in a humble lodge in the midst of a nature reserve, animal lovers will be in their element.

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8-9
Danum Valley
Wildlife
Today you’re off to one of the world’s most complex ecosystems – the thick virgin rainforest area of Danum Valley. Once you’ve checked into your lodge you can either relax or explore the surrounding trails and cross the 130-meter tall canopy walk. After dinner, you’ll board an open-top four-wheel drive for an exhilarating night tour. With a local guide, you might see anything from a leopard to frogs! The next day you’ll travel to the 200-year-old burial site known as ‘Coffin Cliff’ where you’ll enjoy spectacular views over the million-year-old jungle. Chill in the afternoon or join an optional activity like a private trek or river-tubing. In the evening you’ll head into the jungle on foot with a local guide for more animal spotting.

PLACES TO STAY
Sunrise,  Danum Valley, Borneo
Borneo Rainforest Lodge
If you want to immerse yourself in nature, Borneo Rainforest Lodge is the place to go.

Key Facilities
RestaurantSpaPrivate pools in some villas echo policies

10-14
Gaya Island
Beach
It’s time to head to the island paradise of Gaya Island where you’ll have a few days to relax. There are plenty of resort activities but the top place to be? In the sea. The marine life here is incredible and snorkellers can expect to see everything from the native walking catfish to sea snakes! Alternatively sign up to a cooking class, dine on delicious seafood or head to the island spa for a well-earned massage.

On day 14, it's time to pack your bags and head to the airport for your flight home.