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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Initial deposit is 50%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days (10 weeks) prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
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.
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
TrustScore 4.9 | 210 reviews
TrustScore 4.9 of 5
Based on 210 reviews on
6 hours ago
Adventure Life couldn’t have provided a better travel experience, from the start of planning through the entire tip itself. The agents were very helpful and quickly responsive to our questions and needs. We were well taken care of and the trip was smooth sailing, both literally and figuratively. The cruise line, the hotel, and the extra excursions that Adventure Life provided were superb and without flawsThe price was reasonable when we compared the planned trip to what was offered by others. We would highly recommend both Adventure Life and Emerald Cruise Line to anyone interested in an enjoyable, relaxing, and informative travel experience.
Julie Mabel
1 day ago
I have travelled with Adventure Life previously and certainly eager to do it again. Kassandra made excellent and honest suggestions while taking the time to understand what was important to us.
Susan
2 days ago
They answered every question and concern that I had and put me at ease. Very excited for this once in a life-time trip.
Customer Tim
3 days ago
I am a returning client to Adventure Life and am very pleased with their commitment to put together a great trip. Clara replied and clarified to any and all questions we had.
Claire Palmer
5 days ago
Jessica was very responsive to my questions and never balked when I asked her to go back and find more options. She really worked hard to find the right cruise for us.