Itinerary
- Day 1
Kota Kinabalu
You'll arrive in Kota Kinabalu and have a welcome meeting at 5 pm at your hotel to meet your leader and other travelers. If you get there early, the Sabah State Museum is worth checking out, or you could head to nearby islands for a swim and snorkel. Before the meeting, wander down to the waterfront market to get a feel for the local scene and grab something to eat.
Optional Activities
- Visit Sabah State Museum
- Explore islands off Kota Kinabalu for swimming or snorkeling
- Wander the waterfront market for local grilled meat and fish
Landmarks/POIs Sabah State Museum Kota Kinabalu Waterfront - Day 2
Kota Kinabalu
This morning you'll try stand-up paddle boarding at Tanjung Aru Beach, paddling through hidden coves at your own pace while your guide fills you in on the marine life around you. After that, the day is yours to spend however you like around Kota Kinabalu. You could check out the markets, walk through the waterfront Kota Kinabalu City Mosque, or just relax and grab lunch somewhere.
Included Activities
- Stand-up paddle boarding at Tanjung Aru Beach
Optional Activities
- Stroll through the bustling markets
- Visit the waterfront Kota Kinabalu City Mosque
Landmarks/POIs Tanjung Aru Beach Kota Kinabalu City Mosque - Day 3
Ranau
Following breakfast, you'll head out to Poring Hot Springs for a walk through the rainforest canopy. Your guide will tell you about the hot sulphur springs that were developed back during World War II. You can take a dip in the natural rock pools or soak in the tiled pools, and if you're up for it, try the slippery rockslides. Later this evening, you'll settle into a reconstructed longhouse on a tea plantation where you'll spend the night.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Poring Hot Springs - Canopy Walk & Conservation Fee
- Scenic canopy walk through rainforest
- Natural rock pools bathing and soaking
Optional Activities
- Slide down the slippery rockslides
Landmarks/POIs Poring Hot Springs - Day 4
Kinabatangan River
A private bus takes you to Kampung Batu Puteh on the Kinabatangan River, where you'll meet your hosts from KOPEL, a local conservation group running a reforestation project. From there, you'll board a boat heading upriver to your jungle camp. In the afternoon, you'll go out on a sunset wildlife cruise to look for macaques, wild orangutans, and proboscis monkeys as the day winds down.
- Meals
- Dinner
Included Activities
- Meet KOPEL community leaders and learn about conservation work
- Afternoon Wildlife Cruise - Kinabatangan River
Landmarks/POIs Kinabatangan River Kampung Batu Puteh - Day 5
Kinabatangan River
The jungle wakes you up early with its natural sounds. After breakfast, you'll walk around the village to see how local people live. Then comes a hands-on traditional cooking class where you'll prepare ingredients and cook your own lunch. The afternoon is yours to chill out, play board games, or search for wildlife. After dinner, grab a headtorch and head into the jungle for a night walk to spot animals that come out after dark.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Traditional cooking class lunch), Dinner
Included Activities
- Morning Wildlife Cruise - Kinabatangan River
- Traditional cooking class with lunch
- Night Jungle Walk - Kinabatangan River
Optional Activities
- Afternoon wildlife spotting from camp
Landmarks/POIs Kinabatangan River - Day 6
Sepilok
A minibus ride takes you to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, which works to help orangutans return to the wild. You'll watch them from a viewing platform as they eat their supplementary diet and swing through the trees. Next, check out the nursery where young orangutans learn on specially built equipment. Before heading back, you'll also visit the Sun Bear Conservation Centre to see rescued bears.
Included Activities
- Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
- Sun Bear Conservation Centre
Landmarks/POIs Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre Sun Bear Conservation Centre - Day 7
Turtle Island
Leave your large bags at the hotel and take a speedboat to Turtle Island Marine Park, passing fishing villages and bamboo fish traps along the way. The day is open for relaxing on the beach or exploring underwater. When night falls, you'll watch giant green turtles come ashore to lay their eggs by moonlight, and then see researchers release the hatchlings toward the ocean. Follow your leader and the local rangers' instructions carefully to protect these fragile creatures. You'll spend the night on the island in basic accommodation.
Included Activities
- Turtle Night Nesting viewing
Optional Activities
- Relax on the beach
- Dive and explore the underwater world
Landmarks/POIs Turtle Island Marine Park - Day 8
Sandakan
Head back to the mainland this morning and return to Sandakan. The day is free to do what you want - relax by the pool, explore town, or visit nearby war memorials. Your leader can point you toward the best spots for a final group dinner this evening.
Optional Activities
- Relax by the pool
- Explore the town of Sandakan
- Visit nearby war memorials
- Final group dinner
Landmarks/POIs Sandakan War Memorial - Day 9
Departure
No activities are scheduled today. You're free to leave your accommodation anytime after check-out whenever suits you. If you'd like to stay longer, reach out to your booking agent before the trip.
