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Sunrise over Mount Kinabalu

Sabah Rainforest Safari

Example 8 Day Tour
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Start your 8-day trip in Kota Kinabalu with a city tour and a visit to the vibrant night market. Indulge in serenity on a coral island at Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, where vibrant coral reefs await your exploration. Travel to the foothills of Mt. Kinabalu, explore Kinabalu Park HQ, and visit the Kinabalu Geopark Gallery. Fly to Sandakan for a visit to the enchanting Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center. Cruise the Kinabatangan River, spotting diverse wildlife, and stay at the Sukau Rainforest Lodge. Enjoy river cruises, nature walks, and thrilling night safaris. Venture to Utan Rainforest Lodge in the Virgin Jungle Reserve. Experience river cruises, a sunset cruise, and night safaris. Visit the Cuckoo Hide, explore the Segama River, and enjoy the lodge’s amenities. Bid farewell to Lahad Datu after a memorable escapade.
Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation CenterOrangutansKota Kinabalu cityscape at nightFresh fruit displayed in the marketCloudy jungle of BorneoMount Kinabalu, Sabah. Highest mountain in Southeast Asia.Sunrise over Mount Kinabalu
Highlights
  • Discover Kota Kinabalu's vibrant night market
  • Relax on Tunku Abdul Rahman Park's coral island
  • Visit Kinabalu Park HQ to explore the cool montane forest
  • Witness the feeding of orangutans at Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
  • Cruise along the Kinabatangan River to spot Borneo's wildlife
  • Embark on a river cruise adventure to Segama River's mangrove forest
Places Visited
  • Asia
  • Borneo
  • Malaysia
  • Kinabatangan
  • Kota Kinabalu
  • Sabah
  • Sandakan
  • Sukau Rainforest Lodge
  • Utan Rainforest Lodge
Activity Level: Easy Active
Moderately active but not overly strenuous. This level includes activities like casual cycling, yoga, or excursions/activities that typically last 3-5 hours total each day.
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Full Itinerary

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Day 1: Arrive in Kota Kinabalu | Night Market

Upon arrival in Kota Kinabalu, you are greeted and transferred to your hotel. Experience a delightful evening city tour where you can immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the bustling night market, offering a variety of local spices, souvenirs, fruits, and vegetables. Wrap up the evening with a delightful dinner at a local restaurant before heading back to your hotel.

Day 2: Tunku Abdul Rahman Park

Spend a day enjoying the sun, sea, and sand on an offshore coral island. Begin by heading to the jetty for a 30-minute boat ride to one of the islands in Tunku Abdul Rahman Park for a day of relaxation on your own.

Note: The scheduled boat transfer to the island departs at 8:15 a.m. Please ensure you arrive at Marina Jetty no later than 8:00 a.m.

Embark on another boat transfer to your next island destination. Engage in snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters, surrounded by coral reefs and vibrant, colorful fish.

Return to the boat and head to Gaya Island for lunch before indulging in a swim or simply unwinding by the shore.

Conclude your day by departing via boat back to Kota Kinabalu in the mid-afternoon.

Day 3: Kota Kinabalu | Kinabalu GeoPark

Drive for 2 hours overland to the foothills of Mt. Kinabalu. Make a brief stop at the local market in Pekan Nabalu to stretch your legs and enjoy seasonal fruits. If the weather is clear, capture a stunning photo of the majestic Mount Kinabalu.

Proceed to Kinabalu Park HQ to tour the Kinabalu Geopark Gallery and Botanical Garden. If conditions allow, join a guided walk on one of the trails to discover the refreshing montane forest.

Drive back to Kota Kinabalu and relax in preparation for the following day.

Day 4: Sandakan | Sukau Rainforest Lodge

Begin your day bright and early as you head to the airport for a flight to Sandakan.

Upon reaching Sandakan Airport, proceed to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. Learn about their vital work through a captivating video presentation. Witness the feeding of orangutans and playful monkeys at the feeding platform. Don't miss the chance to observe adorable young orangutans in the nursery area.

After a delicious lunch, set off on a scenic 2.5-hour boat ride along the Kinabatangan River to Sukau Rainforest Lodge. Upon arrival, join an exciting late afternoon cruise to explore Borneo's diverse wildlife and bird species. Opt for a thrilling night river cruise to spot nocturnal creatures, an optional adventure for enthusiasts.

Return to the lodge for a refreshing break before indulging in a delectable dinner at Melapi restaurant. Conclude your day with a fascinating slide presentation and insights from a knowledgeable naturalist guide.

Day 5: Sukau Rainforest Lodge

Rise early for a morning river cruise up the Kinabatangan River to Kelenanap Oxbow Lake to observe more birds and wildlife. Return to the lodge for breakfast, then join a nature walk along the Hornbill and Attenborough Boardwalks with the in-house naturalist.

Enjoy some leisure time to explore independently or unwind by the lodge's inviting dip pool post-lunch.

Attend an enlightening Ape Talk at the newly revamped Ape Gallery, conducted by an in-house naturalist.

In the afternoon, explore the fascinating Gomantong Caves, the largest limestone outcrop in the Lower Kinabatangan, teeming with wildlife. For the daring, ascend the stairs to Simud Putih for a thrilling bat exodus viewing.

Conclude the day with a delightful dinner at Melapi Restaurant in Sukau Rainforest Lodge, promising a tranquil night ahead.

Day 6: Lahad Datu | Utan Rainforest Lodge

Leave early for Lahad Datu, embarking on a scenic 2.5-hour overland journey for a quick stopover for registration. The road continues for another 2.5 hours, leading you to the hidden gem, Utan Rainforest Lodge, nestled within the untouched Virgin Jungle Reserve of Sungai Kapur.

Experience comfort in one of the 14 air-conditioned rooms with ensuite bathrooms, heated showers, a covered restaurant, an open deck, a dip pool, a bar, and a gift corner (opening by July 1st).

Upon arrival, be greeted warmly with a detailed facility briefing, followed by a delicious lunch and a seamless check-in process.

Discover the rich biodiversity of Sungai Kapur's Virgin Jungle Reserve on a guided walk around the lodge. End your day with a captivating sunset river cruise, spotting wildlife, and enjoying the beauty of an estuary sunset. If conditions allow, marvel at the enchanting display of fireflies lighting up the night sky on your return to the lodge for dinner.

Explore the nocturnal world of the forest with a thrilling night safari drive after dinner for a chance to spot the elusive wildlife.

Day 7: Utan Rainforest Lodge

 Awaken to the harmonious sounds of gibbons and hornbills in the lush rainforest, setting the tone for an exciting day ahead. Enjoy a quick morning bite before embarking on a refreshing morning hike. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty as you visit the Cuckoo Hide to capture the essence of Borneo's endemic birds and the diverse bird species that inhabit the area. Return to the lodge to freshen up and indulge in a delectable breakfast at the restaurant.

Embark on a thrilling river cruise adventure along the coastline, exploring the Segama River and its captivating mangrove forest, weather permitting. Keep your senses sharp for wildlife sightings such as flying foxes, eagles, and dolphins.

Relax and rejuvenate at the lodge before a fulfilling lunch. Explore the information gallery, shop for souvenirs, enjoy premium beverages, and cool off in the dip pool.

As the day winds down, delight in a sumptuous dinner and take a night walk around the lodge to appreciate the serenity of the night. Keep an eye out for nocturnal creatures like civets, leopard cats, mouse deer, and moonrats that emerge under the moonlit sky.

Wrap up the day with a peaceful night's sleep at the lodge.

Day 8: Utan Rainforest Lodge – Lahad Datu | Return Home

  • 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch
Wake up to the enchanting symphony of the jungle and have a hearty breakfast. Utilize your free time at leisure and enjoy a delicious lunch before checking out.

Head to Lahad Datu for your late afternoon flight departure.

Accommodations

Sukau Rainforest Lodge

Utan Rainforest Lodge

Lobby
Pool
Lodge Deck

Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu

Fitness Center
Dining Area
Swimming Pool

Dates & Prices

My Preferred Start Date

Per person starting at
$1,854 2-3 travelers

Notes

Select a Date

Rates may vary based on current exchange rate.

Included
  • 7 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 5 Dinners
  • 7 Nights Accommodations
  • 1 Day Locally Hosted Guide Service
  • Accommodations as listed
  • Ground transportation as listed
  • Activities as listed
  • Meals as listed
  • Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
  • English Speaking Guide
  • This tour package rates include pick-up at Kota Kinabalu and drop off at Lahad Datu. Additional charge per person applies for pick-up and drop-off outside this area and pick up time may vary.
Excluded
  • Gratuities
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal Expenses
  • Flight costs (please request a quote)
  • Additional excursions during free time
  • Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
  • RM10 per room per night mandatory Tourism Tax in Malaysia collected by cash upon check-in.
  • Camera fee and items not mentioned
  • Domestic airfare (Kota Kinabalu(BKI) - Lahad Datu(LDU)

Map

When to Go

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.

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Beyond expectations! Then again we weren't sure what to expect. Lovely stay at the lodge, met other like-minded travelers (many had their trips planned by Adventure Life) and the owner was a gracious hostess. It felt like you were one happy family, visiting with a favorite aunt.
Nancy Sin

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