Highlights
- Spot a stunning variety of tropical wildlife
- Hike in the rainforest and cruise the Kinabatangan River
- Experience life in the river villages of Danum Valley
- Stay in luxurious jungle eco-lodges
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Cruise on the Kinabatangan River | Abai |
| Day 2 | Explore the Kinabatangan River | Abai |
| Day 3 | Sukau and the Danum Valley | Danum Valley |
| Day 4 | Explore the Danum Valley | Danum Valley |
| Day 5 | Danum Valley | Danum Valley |
| Day 6 | Depart |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Cruise on the Kinabatangan River
Start your trip in the coastal Malaysian city of Sandakan or 16 miles inland in the town of Sepilok. From there you'll take a short boat ride on the magnificent Kinabatangan River to your lodge near the village of Abai. Along the way, you'll cross Sandakan Bay, passing by several fishing villages and Berhala Island, a former leper colony and military quarantine camp.
You'll arrive at your hotel in the afternoon. Settle in and have lunch, and then enjoy some leisure time before boarding a smaller boat for a wildlife cruise on the river. Enjoy the sunset from your boat, watching the fireflies sparkle as evening falls. After dinner back at the resort, go for a walk along the boardwalk with a headlamp or flashlight in search of nocturnal wildlife.
Day 2: Explore Kinabatangan River
Wake up early for a sunrise river cruise to Pitas Oxbow Lake. Keep an eye out for monkeys, tropical birds, and even pygmy elephants here. After enjoying a picnic breakfast, you'll spend time in the picturesque village of Abai and meet some of the locals for a glimpse into rural river life. Return to your lodge in the late morning and relax on the nature boardwalk. Later in the day, you'll set out on another cruise on the Kinabatangan River in search of its legendary wildlife. Expect to see orangutans, crocodiles, snakes, and endangered proboscis monkeys. Watch a beautiful sunset over the river and then return to the lodge for dinner.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 3: Sukau and the Danum Valley
Today you will make your way deep into the Bornean rainforest. But first, you'll take one last boat journey down the river to the village of Sukau. This section of the river is particularly packed with jungle flora and fauna, so keep your eyes peeled for any wildlife you might have missed the past two days! From Sukau you'll continue on to your rainforest lodge in the Danum Valley. As you travel, you'll see the landscape change from regenerating forests to completely untouched rainforests that have thrived for millions of years.
You'll arrive at your lodge in time for lunch. After you settle in, your guide will give you a brief introduction to the Borneo rainforest ecosystem and the different trails around the lodge. Then after dinner, you'll set out on a guided night safari and discover the rainforest's many nocturnal creatures.
Day 4: Explore the Danum Valley
Wake up to the calls of Bornean gibbons and start your day with a guided hike to a spectacular viewpoint and old tribal burial site, Coffin Cliff. Take a refreshing dip in the natural pool nearby before returning to your lodge for lunch. In the afternoon, you can choose from several optional activities, like guided jungle trekking or water tubing on the Danum River. After dinner, join your guide for a night walk on the nature trail.
Day 5: Danum Valley
This morning you'll go on an early nature walk before breakfast. Then, if you're up to the challenge, trek to the stunning Fairy Falls and Serpent Falls and cool off. Return to the lodge for lunch and spend the rest of the day at leisure. Pamper yourself at the spa, or if you'd like, go on a guided jungle hike along the Segama River.
Day 6: Departure
After one last optional early morning nature walk, return to the lodge for lunch. Then get ready to say goodbye to Borneo and all its fascinating creatures. Transfer to the airport in Lahad Datu for your onward flight.
Map
