Example Itinerary

Wild Borneo: Kota Kinabalu to the Danum Valley

Duration
7 days / 6 nights
Price Per Person
Interests
Wildlife, Amazing Landscapes, National Parks
Destinations
Malaysia

Escape the busy world and immerse yourself in nature when you embark on this seven-day Wild Borneo adventure. The itinerary takes you to lively Kota Kinabalu, natural Sandakan, lush Sukau and the jungle-covered Danum Valley. Experience a rare, untouched area exploding with exciting flora and fauna.

This itinerary is an example. It’s designed to inspire you and provide you with thoughtfully curated ideas. You can choose to do this exact itinerary or completely personalize it. All trips are 100% bespoke.

Highlights

  • Orangutans: Sandakan's orangutan rehabilitation center is the best place to learn about the plight of these critically endangered creatures, then watch the adorable babies play and be fed.
  • River Cruising: Drift silently along the Sukau River after dark to look for wild elephants and other nocturnal species drinking along the shore.
  • Predators: Gigantic monitor lizards stalk the forest floor, but you'll observe them at a safe distance from your balcony nestled amongst the treetops.

Day-by-Day

Day 1

Kota Kinabalu

The adventure starts in beautiful Kota Kinabalu - formerly known as Jesselton. The city rests on the picturesque tropical island of Borneo. The harbor is characterized by colorful boats, clear waters and soft, white sand. Explore your surroundings after your journey to stretch your legs a bit. Sleep in luxury at the high-end Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: This hotel is set in the backdrop of the breathtaking Malaysian gardens and Borneo’s mountainous landscape across crystal-clear sparkling waters, to truly give guests the tropical paradise feel.

History: The Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa is based in a region called Kota Kinabalu, in Borneo, which has a rich cultural heritage of natural wonders and rugged landscapes that have been millennia in the making.

Service: Guests will enjoy the Shangri-La’s famous five-star service, melded with Borneo’s warm and welcoming hospitality.

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Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Preferred Hotel

Day 2

Sandakan

Explore Borneo’s lush nature as you travel to Sandakan. The area is known for its orangutan rehabilitation center. This is a fantastic spot to catch baby orangutans being fed. Spend the morning observing these fascinating creatures at play. In the afternoon, visit the Rainforest Discovery Centre. This is ranked first and foremost in environmental education centers in the region. Walk amongst the treetops in a canopy tour. Look for lizards and birds scattered across the forest’s ground and skies. 

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About

A popular eco-tourism destination, Sandakan presents tourists with the unique opportunity to encounter a diverse range of rare flora and fauna at such sites as Selingan Turtle Island Park, Sepilok Orangutan Conservation Center, and Labuk Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary. Nestled in the heart of such attractions lies Sabah Hotel.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Sandakan
Sandakan

Day 3

Kinabatangan River

Leave Sandakan and travel to Sukau, an approximate three-hour drive away. Step aboard and leave the land for a bit as you take an afternoon cruise through Sukau on its stunning river. The surrounding forest pulses with wildlife. Take a shared night cruise to spot an entirely different slew of species, as the nocturnal animals poke their heads out into the fresh air. Spend the night at the multi-award winning eco-lodge, Sukau Rainforest Lodge.

Hotel Options
About

With colorful and exoctic wildlife on the doorstep, a stay at the Sukau Rainforest Lodge on the Kinabatangan River is an escape into Borneo’s verdant jungle, where the ecological balance is respected and sustained. Intrepid guests will enjoy early morning and late night boat tours on the river, looking out for the local inhabitants including pygmy elephants, monkeys and tropical birds.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Kinabatangan River
Kinabatangan River

Day 4

Kinabatangan River

Start the morning with another shared cruise - this time to the beautiful Oxbow Lake. Look for elephants, orangutans and other exotic species frolicking through the forest lining the lake. If time allows, spend some time this afternoon planting trees to help protect and enhance the local environment. Return to the Sukau Rainforest Lodge to relax in a natural setting.

Day 5

Danum Valley

Take a 4.5-hour-long drive through Lahad Datu - a beautiful, rustic environmental area that reaches the Danum Valley. This valley is a massive conservation area with relatively untouched forest areas. As recent as the early 1960s, this nature sanctuary was virtually inaccessible. This is because the entire valley is cut off from civilization by the vast surrounding primary forests. There are over 320 different species of trees in the area. Rest up at the Borneo Rainforest Lodge, after exploring your vibrant surroundings.

Hotel Options
About

Location: Luxurious accommodation in the heart of the Danum Valley Conservation Area – the Sabah’s largest protected Lowland Rainforest – means 43,800 hectares of tropical bliss.

Service: This accommodation has achieved numerous excellency awards thanks to its exceptionally high rankings on customer feedback forums. Notably, guests repeatedly commend staff for their attention to detail, which transcends the service standard norm.

History: Magnificently nestled in the center of a tropical paradise, guests can immerse themselves in the beauty of untouched nature.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Borneo Rainforest Lodge
Danum Valley
Danum Valley

Day 6

Danum Valley

Wake up to the calls of Borneo Gibbons and start your day with a guided trek to a viewpoint and burial site – Coffin Cliff. Take a short break by the natural pool for a refreshing dip before returning for lunch at the lodge. In the afternoon, go on optional activities such as guided jungle trekking, or weather permitting, a water tubing session down the Danum River. In the evening enjoy a night walk on the nature trail after dinner.

Day 7

Departure

Travel to Kota Kinabalu, where you will begin your journey home. As you step out of the rainforest, take with you the memories of a time spent in an area of the world very few get to see.

Why Remote Lands?

Exclusively Asia

With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.

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