10 Day Borneo Discovery With Turtle Island Small Group Tour

Welcome to Malaysia.

On arrival into Kota Kinabalu, arrival transfers can be pre-booked.

This evening you will have your tour briefing, orientation walk of the surrounding areas and dinner (not included).

Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.

Just a 30-minute boat trip from Kota Kinabalu, is a tiny gem of an island with secluded beaches and clear waters to snorkel or explore on a kayak. Ara Dinawan Island is an exquisite addition to Sabah's natural marvels, boasting untouched and pristine beauty that is exclusive to its location. It is now considered one of the most stunning islands in Sabah, unspoiled and untainted by human interference.

Your boat will take you directly to the coral reefs where your experienced snorkelling guide will point out the best sport to see what’s lurking underwater. Alternatively, you can choose to take a kayak for a paddle through the crystal clear waters. This is the perfect island getaway for a day or a weekend for those looking for some peace and tranquillity to totally unwind and rejuvenate the senses.

Return to Kota Kinabalu by boat and spend the evening at your leisure.

After breakfast, you will drive to the foothills of Mount Kinabalu. En route, you will stop at local vendor’s shops for refreshment breaks and to also sample the local produce.

Your first stop will be Poring Hot Springs, a popular destination for locals on the weekend and public holidays. There is a canopy walk, butterfly garden and orchid garden which you will have time to explore. The canopy walk is a steep 15 min walk to the start of the canopy, but views are magnificent.

Continue onto Kinabalu National Park where you will meet an experienced guide who will take us along trails in Malaysia’s first world heritage site. There are a few different options depending on your fitness level and interest. The mountain and its surroundings are among the most important biological sites in the world, with over 800 species of orchid, 600 species of ferns, 326 species of birds, and is the richest place in the world for the Nepenthes insectivorous pitcher plants (five of the thirteen are found nowhere else on earth).

Return to Kota Kinabalu and have the evening at your leisure.

Today you will head into the countryside, approximately 1 hour from Kota Kinabalu, to explore the local customs.

Embark on a captivating excursion to explore the local community and their rich cultural heritage, fully immersing yourself in their customs and way of life. Experience a profound sense of tranquillity as you embrace the serene allure of Kiulu, with its breathtaking vistas of vibrant paddy fields, picturesque farms, rejuvenating woodlands, and undulating verdant peaks. This enlightening day trip will undoubtedly enthral you, leaving an indelible impression that will beckon you to return for further exploration.

You will stop by a local market to buy basic ingredients before we proceed to the location of your cooking class, guided by a local chef who will teach you how to prepare traditional Sabahan dishes. Here is where you will have lunch, enjoying your culinary masterpieces, along with other traditional Sabahan delicacies.

After lunch, feel free to dip into the cooling river water before we return to Kota Kinabalu.

This morning, you will be transferred to Kota Kinabalu Airport in time for your included flight to Sandakan.

On arrival into Sandakan, you will be transferred by road to the local jetty, in time for your boat transfer to Selingan Island, famous for its turtle hatchery. The boat transfer will take approximately 1 hour as you pass small fishing villages and bamboo fishing traps.

On Selingan Turtle Island, green turtles come ashore to lay their eggs every night of the year. In the afternoon, there's time for swimming, snorkelling or some quality time lazing about on the beach of this tropical island. Snorkelling gear is available for hire.

In the evening, be touched by the sight of giant green turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs under the moonlight and watch the researchers as they release protected hatchlings and guide them in their frantic dash to the ocean. Beware that this is a very delicate environment, and you must follow instructions from your leader and the local rangers to ensure minimal impact on the turtles.

You will spend tonight on the island.

Please note that a Single Supplement is not available on this night - solo travelers will be roomed with other solo travelers of the same gender.

After breakfast, take the return 1 hour boat trip to the mainland where you will commence your touring of Sandakan and its surrounding places of interest.

Visit Sandakan Memorial Park, which is adjacent to the site of the original Sandakan Prisoner of War (POW) Camp. The park commemorates the sacrifice and suffering endured by both Australian and British soldiers who were held by the Japanese as Prisoners of War between 1942 and 1945.

Next, you will visit the Puu Jih Shih Buddhist Temple, located on a steep hilltop where you can have a magnificent view overlooking Sandakan Bay and the Town Centre. From here, continue to one of the oldest churches in Sabah, St. Michael's Church where you can see a century old building where Christianity is preached.

You will also visit the Agnes Keith Museum to learn about life in the colonial days of Agnes & Harry Keith. Harry was the first conservator of the Forestry Department in Sabah and Agnes was the author of the three famous books called Land Below the Wind, Three Came Home and White Man Returns.

Stop at the nearby English tea house where you may have another spectacular view of Sandakan Nature City and have lunch before checking in at your hotel.

Spend the remainder of the day at your leisure.

Today you will visit one of the most popular locations in Malaysia - The Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. The centre was set up to help re-introduce these wonderful creatures back into the wild after a life of domestication or having been orphaned. There's also a short film about the orangutan rehabilitation process to watch in the reserve's Interpretation Centre.

From one animal to another, The Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Center is within walking distance. We will visit this wonderful new centre that is taking care of rescued Sun Bears that have spent many years mistreated and locked away in cages.

Return to the hotel where the rest of the afternoon is free to enjoy the hotel facilities.

Today you will journey into the heart of Borneo at Gomantong Cave. At this massive limestone cave, you can walk along the boardwalk in one of the two main cave complexes, observe skilled harvesters, and marvel at the rich wildlife, including bats, kingfishers, and wild orangutans. This adventure is packed with natural beauty and intriguing discoveries.

Transfer to your lodge for the next 2 nights.

Upon arrival at the rainforest lodge, check into your accommodation before having lunch. This afternoon, you will embark on your first river safari to view wildlife and birds in its virgin rainforest habitat. Arrive back at the lodge with time to freshen up before dinner.

Spend today fully immersed within Borean nature as you have early morning and evening river safaris.

The Kinabatangan River wildlife includes rarities such as the Bornean gibbon, Borneo pygmy elephant, orangutan and proboscis monkey with myriad species of birds that will keep you glued to your binoculars.

Tonight, you will have the chance to go on a nature walk around the lodge to spot nocturnal creatures.

Today, we say farewell to Borneo as you are transferred to Sandakan Airport (SDK), arriving at approximately 11am, in time for your departure flight.

Note:

Departure transfers are included as part of your package. You will be collected from your hotel at the appropriate time and transferred to the airport to meet your flight.

If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed.