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 Pungiton Camp
Take the 7:30 AM coach from Kota Kinabalu's Sentral Bus Terminal to Keningau, a 2.5-hour journey. It's best to pack light and leave extra luggage at your KK hotel since you'll be traveling through remote areas. After meeting your local guide in Keningau, you'll take a river transfer to Pungiton Camp. In the afternoon you'll explore caves so bring water-resistant shoes with good grip for walking through underground streams. The caves feature impressive stalactite formations but watch your step on the slippery paths. At night you can stargaze in the pristine darkness, with amazing views of the night sky through breaks in the jungle canopy.
- Day 2
Batu Punggul and Romol Village
Start your day with a jungle trek to Batu Punggul, an 800-foot limestone pinnacle. Experienced climbers can reach the summit for spectacular views over the rainforest canopy but skip this if it's raining. After a picnic lunch by the river you'll head to MunorAulai Guesthouse in Romol Eco Village. Take an afternoon tour of local farms to learn about traditional Murut farming methods. In the evening you can try local rice wine and watch cultural performances. Remember to wear modest clothing out of respect for local customs.
- Day 3
Hidden Waterfall and Return
Your final day starts with a jungle trek to a secluded waterfall. Pack swimwear but be ready for basic trail conditions. You'll leave after lunch for Kota Kinabalu, arriving between 5-6 PM. If you're flying out book flights after 8 PM to account for possible delays on rural roads.
- 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.
