Example Itinerary
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.• 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.
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.
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. Spend the evening relaxing at either Sepilok Nature Resort or Sabah Hotel.
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 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.
Start the morning with another 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.
Take either a 4.5-hour-long drive through Lahad Datu - a beautiful, rustic environmental area - or an early morning helicopter ride to reach 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.
A wildlife-lover’s haven - step into the rainforest and explore as you stroll through the Danum Valley. Pay the Danum Valley Field Center a visit, where you’ll have the opportunity to sit on a balcony to observe gibbons, orangutans and other monkeys in their natural habitat. Look for the Monitor Lizards - you may see the massive creature crawling around the forest floor. Return to the Borneo Rainforest Lodge for your final night before your journey home.
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.
Price is based on double or twin hotel room occupancy and includes accommodation, transfers, car/driver, English-speaking guide, activities and entrance fees, breakfasts and some casual lunches while touring. Flights and optional special activities will be quoted separately. Most personal expenses, including dinners, alcoholic beverages, spa treatments and gratuities can be paid on the spot while traveling. Prices may vary depending on season, choice of accommodation and other factors.
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.
With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, in the continent that our north American founders Catherine and Jay have adored and explored for decades, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.
An Asia-focused magazine brought to you by Remote Lands – a platform for adventure, luxury, and authenticity from experts and explorers around the continent.
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From the moment I happened upon the REMOTE LANDS website over a year ago, browsed the options, I knew that this would be well worth it. The entire staff is nothing less than professional with service that made us feel like royals.
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We have used some of the top rated travel specialists all over the world and, without question, Catherine Heald and Remote Lands are at the very top of the list!
