3-Day Borneo Tour Packages
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3 Day Tanjung Puting National Park Itinerary, incl. Kumai and Camp Leakey
The rich wildlife of Borneo unfolds over three days. Day one features river ecosystem observations, day two takes you to two orangutan stations with forest walks, and the final morning includes a return cruise to Kumai.
- Day 1
Pangkalan Bun to Kumai River Safari
Land at Pangkalan Bun airport and take a 30-minute taxi to Kumai port. Board your klotok (traditional river boat) in late morning. These wooden boats are simple but perfect for river travel. As you cruise up the Sekonyer River you'll watch the scenery change from mangroves to thick jungle. Late afternoon is the best time to spot proboscis monkeys near the riverbanks. A good tip is to bring binoculars and stay on the upper deck where it's quieter. You'll spend the night on the boat under mosquito nets. It's basic accommodation but sleeping in the jungle is an experience you won't forget.
- Day 2
Orangutan Encounters and Camp Leakey
The jungle wakes you early for a visit to Pondok Tanggui feeding station at 9 AM. Get there 15 minutes before feeding starts to grab the best viewing spot. The boardwalk path can be slippery from morning dew so wear shoes with good grip. After watching the morning feeding take a 2-hour cruise upriver to Camp Leakey, the oldest orangutan research station in the world. You'll usually see more orangutans at the afternoon feeding here. As one traveler put it: "The journey to Camp Leakey felt like going back in time—we saw several wild orangutans swinging through the trees right from our boat."
- Day 3
Kumai Return and Departure
Start your final day with an early morning cruise back to Kumai. The water is calmer at dawn and you might spot some last wildlife along the banks. The boat ride takes about 2 hours plus a 30-minute drive to the airport. Book an afternoon flight from Pangkalan Bun to give yourself extra time in case of river delays.
- Day 1
Kota Kinabalu to Kinabalu National Park
Leave Kota Kinabalu at 8 AM for the 2.25-hour drive to Kinabalu National Park. The UNESCO site sits at 1,623m elevation and features diverse zones from rainforest to alpine terrain. You'll arrive around 10:30 AM to watch the orientation video and take a guided walk through the mountain garden, which helps you adjust to the altitude. The late afternoon is perfect for exploring the nature trails near park headquarters. Store any extra luggage at your Kota Kinabalu hotel or at Park HQ for MYR 10 per bag. You'll spend the night in park accommodation to prepare for tomorrow's climb.
- Day 2
Ascent to Laban Rata
Start your trek early from Timpohon Gate (1,866m) to Laban Rata rest house (3,353m). Most people take 4-6 hours for this section. The trail is well-maintained but steep with rest stops every kilometer. You'll spot unique plants like the Kinabalu pitcher plant and native orchids along the way. Bring at least 2 liters of water and rain gear since afternoon showers are common. One climber shared: "The steps get very slippery when wet - trekking poles were invaluable especially after Layang-Layang shelter." Try to reach Laban Rata by 3 PM to rest before the summit push. The basic dormitory has hot showers to warm up. Get some sleep by 7 PM for your early start tomorrow.
- Day 3
Summit Attempt and Descent
Your day starts at 2 AM for the final climb. The pre-dawn trek is tough with temperatures below 10°C and rocky terrain including some rope sections. You'll need your headlamp. Most groups reach the summit (4,095.2m) around sunrise at 6 AM. Take the descent slowly as your legs will be tired. After breakfast at Laban Rata, continue down to reach park headquarters by noon. The drive back to Kota Kinabalu takes about 2 hours, getting you there between 4-5 PM.
- Day 1
Lahad Datu to Danum Valley
Your journey starts at Lahad Datu Airport, followed by a 2.5-hour drive to Danum Valley Conservation Area. Book your arrival flight before 9:00 AM to catch the only daily transfer at 9:30 AM. The road is unpaved and rough, so consider bringing motion sickness medication if needed. Pack quick-dry clothing and leech socks since rainforest humidity keeps regular cotton wet for hours. The Canopy Walkway runs 300 meters with heights up to 26 meters. If heights make you nervous, talk to your guide about alternative spots for wildlife viewing.
- Day 2
Danum Valley Exploration
Start your day at 6 AM to hear the morning gibbon calls. You'll trek to the Kadazan-Dusun burial site and Coffin Cliffs, which includes some steep sections. Wear sturdy hiking boots with good grip. River tubing in the afternoon helps cool off after your morning hike. Ask your guide about water levels first as it works best during dry season.
- Day 3
Final Morning & Departure
Join the optional early morning walk between 6:30-8:00 AM when wildlife is most active. Book your departure flight after 3:00 PM since the transfer leaves at 12:30 PM and takes about 2.5 hours to reach the airport.
