Simply Sabah

On arrival in Borneo, you'll be met by your private guide, who will accompany you to your hotel.

Rise in time to see the orang-utans of Sepilok Sanctuary enjoy their breakfast feeding time. Sepilok is an area of protected primary rainforest and mangrove on mainland Borneo, and its orang-utan rehabilitation centre is known across the world for exceptional conservation work. The reserve protects 19 square miles of dense rainforest, and exists for the rehabilitation of orphaned and injured orang-utans. Apart from feeding times, when you are almost guaranteed a sighting, you can enjoy looking out for flashes of orange fur amongst the multitude of flora and fauna in the surrounding forests.

Continue your wildlife encounter at the nearby Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, built both to improve the welfare and rehabilitation of the Malayan Sun Bear, and raise awareness of the plight of this now protected species.

From Sepilok, you'll head to Sandakan Yacht Club Jetty for the cruise to your riverside lodge, passing Berhala Island with its prominent sandstone cliffs. After lunch at your lodge, set out to explore the river in an open-topped boat. Look for wildlife with the help of your guide, and with any luck witness the impressive gathering of fireflies that frequently lights up the dusk. Return to the resort for dinner before venturing out on a guided night walk on the boardwalk around the lodge, spotting for nocturnal wildlife.

Prepare to be woken early by the hooting calls of gibbons and hornbills! At least you'll be up in time for an early boat trip to spot the river’s colourful (and noisy) birds, and wildlife foraging on the riverbanks. After your own breakfast, spend some time learning about Abai village life, before heading upriver for more wildlife spotting and time relaxing on the deck of a second riverside lodge.

Meet the Tabin Wildlife Resort team for the journey into the reserve, where you'll start with a 20 minute trek through the rainforest to the Lipad Mud Volcano. Here you'll climb an observation tower to watch birds and animals getting their mineral fix, before returning to your lodge for dinner. Take in a quick presentation about Tabin’s wildlife and habitats, before heading out to search around the lodge for nocturnal wildlife and birds.

After breakfast, trek through the rainforest looking for fauna and flora, stopping off at the Lipad Waterfall, with plenty of time to relax and enjoy the water. Alternatively, stay at the resort and explore the surrounding forest, or simply relax and absorb the natural ambiance. Enjoy lunch at the lodge, followed by an afternoon at leisure to relax or trek. At dusk head out on a bird walk to observe some of Tabin’s diverse and colourful bird species. After dinner there will be another opportunity to search for nocturnal wildlife.

Take a flight from Lahad Datu to Kota Kinabalu where, on arrival, you will be driven to your chosen beach resort.

Lying just off the coast of Kota Kinabalu, the small island of Dinawan is largely covered in forest and surrounded by white sand beaches, clear water and coral reefs. Despite its relative accessibility the island sees fewer visitors and doesn’t get as crowded as other islands off the coast of KK, and the coral reefs are largely undamaged. Spend your day on Dinawan island, snorkelling and kayaking; jungle trekking and relaxing. A BBQ lunch is provided in a local restaurant.

Your day will be at leisure to relax on the beach and make the most of the hotel's facilities.

Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.