This trip takes you deep into the jungles of Borneo where you will be able to see a huge variety of wildlife and meet the people working to protect the rainforests and their most famous resident, the orangutan.
- Meet orangutans in Sepilok Forest Reserve
- Visit Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary
- Participate in a tree planting project
- Search for wildlife on a Kinabatangan River cruise
- Night walks & safari drives in the rainforest
- Take a dip in a refreshing waterfall
The tour begins with a visit to the orangutan and sun bear sanctuaries to witness these iconic species and learn about the people working to protect them. Visit Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary and experience the rainforest from above on a tree-top canopy walk. Cruise the Kinabatangan River searching for wildlife along the river banks and explore the jungle at night looking for nocturnal animals surrounded by the glittering of fireflies.
Next, you take part in a tree planting project before journeying to Tabin Wildlife Reserve for jungle treks, night safaris and a visit to a waterfall for a refreshing dip.
If you have time, you can choose to stop in Kuala Lumpur or spend some time on a beach near Kota Kinabalu.
Typical Itinerary
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Day 1: Fly to Sandakan
Take an overnight flight to Sandakan, arriving the following day.
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Day 2: Arrive in Sandakan
A representative will meet you on arrival and transfer you to your accommodation in Sepilok.
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Day 3: Orangutans, sun bears & proboscis monkeys
After breakfast, transfer to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre in time for the 10am feeding session. This is followed by a visit to the Sun Bear Conservation Centre and lunch at a nearby restaurant on the edge of the rainforest. This afternoon, visit Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary in time for the afternoon feeding, then visit the Rainforest Discovery Centre to experience the rainforest from above – 28 metres high in some places!
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Day 4: Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary
Explore the Kinabatangan River by boat in search of proboscis monkeys, birds, reptiles and other wildlife along the riverbanks. In the evening, search for nocturnal animals along the lodge’s boardwalk.
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Day 5: Tree Planting Project
Take an early morning wildlife cruise at nearby Pitas Lake for some bird watching before visiting Abai village to participate in a tree planting project.
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Day 6: Kinabatangan River
Head out on an early morning wildlife watching boat cruise on the lake, where there should be a different variety of species to see. After breakfast, a naturalist will take you out on a boardwalk to teach you about the area’s flora and fauna and the medicinal uses of the jungle plants. In the late afternoon, head out for a wildlife watching safari on the river. This is an excellent time to spot wildlife, particularly primates, in the surrounding trees.
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Day 7: Tabin Wildlife Reserve
Transfer to Lahad Datu and then continue deep into the Tabin Wildlife Reserve, an area of lowland rainforest that support some critically endangered wildlife species such as the Bornean pygmy elephant, clouded leopard and banteng (a rare species of cattle).
In the afternoon, enjoy a nature walk to Lipad mud volcano, which serves as a giant mineral salt lick for many of the local
After dinner, you have the option to join a night safari in search of the forest’s nocturnal wildlife such as samba deer, civet cats, leopards and slow loris as well as a stunning array of insects and frogs.
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Day 8: Lipad Waterfall
After breakfast, embark on a trek to Lipad waterfall, looking for wildlife along the way. Take a dip in the natural pool and on return to the resort, you may wish to relax your tired muscles with a special foot soak made locally.
After dinner, take another night safari in search of civet cats, clouded leopard and other nocturnal animals.
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Day 9: Fly back to UK or extend at a beach
Enjoy an optional last guided nature walk or leisurely breakfast and a refreshing swim in the river. Check-out and have lunch before a 1.5-hour drive back to Lahad Datu and your onward flight.
Choose to fly to Kota Kinabalu and stay at one of the beach resorts here, or stop off in Kuala Lumpur to see the Petronas Towers.
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Day 10: Arrive UK
Please note: This itinerary is simply a suggestion; we can tailor-make your trip so that it’s just right for you and your family.
Duration and Guide Prices
- Age Guide: 8+
- Itinerary Type: Tailor-made Holiday
When To Go
View dates and prices-
Easter
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Summer
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Oct
Our Tailor-made Holidays
Our tailor-made trip ideas can be adapted to suit your requirements. Contact our experts for a personalised itinerary.
Next Steps
Dates & Prices
Our trip ideas are flexible and can be offered during the date ranges below, on a date of your choice. To book, make a no obligation booking request with your preferred departure date or enquire to find out more.
| Daily Departures | Prices Per Person From
(Exc. Flights) |
Prices Per Person From
(Inc. Flights) |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | From | To | Duration | Adult price, excluding flights, from | Child price, excluding flights, from | Duration | Adult price, including flights, from | Child price, including flights, from | Options |
| 2026 | 1 Apr | 31 Dec | 8 days | £2,225 | £1,595 | 10 days | £3,745 | £2,845 | Book or Enquire |
| 2027 | 1 Jan | 31 Mar | 8 days | £2,025 | £1,465 | 10 days | £3,395 | £2,625 | Book or Enquire |
| 2027 | 1 Apr | 31 Dec | 8 days | £2,325 | £1,695 | 10 days | £3,775 | £2,895 | Book or Enquire |
For alternative dates, please contact us. We may be in the process of finalising further departures and are often able to tailor a holiday for you according to your own requirements.
Kindly note that we prepare our prices several months ahead of travel dates, and our flight-inclusive prices are provided as a general indication, based upon flight costs at the time of publication. Your quotation may vary, based upon the prices of flights (and the availability) at the time of your enquiry.