Borneo & Mt Kinabalu Encompassed - Malaysia
Want to see all of Sabah (seriously, like all of it)? Here are 17 days that'll check off every possible box you could hope to throughout this tropical paradise. Summit Kinabalu, explore the perfect island of Pulau Tiga (where they shot a season of Survivor), visit the inspiring Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre, and experience Mulu National Park. Don't come to Sabah without getting to see all of it. We got your ticket right here.
Day 1 Kota Kinabalu
Arrive at any time.
Day 2 Kota Kinabalu/Mount Kinabalu
Travel to Mt Kinabalu. Opt to hike the nature trails, or enjoy an excursion to Poring hot springs and a canopy walk with some free time.
Day 3 Mount Kinabalu
Head off to conquer Mt Kinabalu. During the first day's climb to Laban Rata, enjoy a packed lunch on the way. The hike can take from 5-7 hrs. Indulge in a buffet-style dinner then rest up for an early start to summit the mountain in the morning.
Day 4 Mount Kinabalu/Kota Kinabalu
Summit Mt Kinabalu (3-5hrs) and arrive in time for sunrise. Return to Laban Rata for a rest and to the park headquarters for lunch. Transfer back to Kota Kinabalu.
Day 5 Kota Kinabalu/Beaufort
After breakfast enjoy the seaside drive to Beaufort, a small colonial town of palm-oil plantations, white-water rapids, and interesting looking monkeys. Spot an array of wildlife from a river cruise on the Klias River.
Day 6 Beaufort
Catch the local train to Tenom and explore the scenic town. Visit the Murut Cultural Centre before returning to Beaufort by road. If you prefer, jump off the train early and opt out of the visit to Tenom to instead get your adrenaline pumping on a rafting tour.
Day 7 Beaufort to Mulu National Park
Depart to Menumbok port and take a private speedboat to Labuan. Fly to Miri and make your way to Mulu National Park. Opt for a night walk on the boardwalks surrounding park headquarters.
Day 8 Mulu National Park
Depart on an easy walk along the river to Wind Cave and Clearwater Cave. After a lunch stop, swim in the crystal clear waters emerging from the mountain. Opt to stop at Iban village's morning market to browse handicrafts by the Pena tribe, descendants from headhunters. Walk on the boardwalk to Lang Cave and Deer Cave before relaxing with a drink at the viewing area for the nightly emergence of 3 million bats.
Day 9 Mulu National Park to Pulau Sepangar
Before breakfast, opt to go on a two hour morning mist guided tour in Mulu NP on the worlds longest tree based canopy walk. Enjoy some free time before boarding a flight to Kota Kinabalu. On arrival, take a boat to the secluded Sepanggar Island covered in a lush tropical rainforest with white sand beaches and turquoise water. Stay the night in a lodge nestled on a hill hidden in the trees. Enjoy the spectacular view of the sea, the stars, and the Kota Kinabalu city lights from your balcony.
Day 10 Pulau Sepangar/Kota Kinabalu
Enjoy a relaxing morning on Sepanggar paradise island. Snorkel through the crystal clear water and follow the tropical fish to the colourful reefs. Opt to get a massage or try stand-up paddle boarding. If you are looking to pump some adrenaline try parasailing or jet skiing. Head back to the mainland in the afternoon and spend the evening in Kota Kinabalu as you please.
Day 11 Kota Kinabalu/Kundasang
Travel to the luscious and welcoming Mesilou Village tucked in the mountainous highlands. Stop at a local family-run farm to enjoy the views of Mt Kinabalu and see the different types of cold-climate vegetables and fruits. Afterward, meet the villagers and get to know each other over a traditional lunch. In the afternoon, visit two local farms before learning to cook custom recipes with the community. In the evening, enjoy a sumptuous dinner followed by a traditional Sabahan dance performance.
Day 12 Kundasang/Sungai Kinabatangan
Travel towards Sandakan and continue to the immersive jungle lodge on Kinabatangan River, Sabah's longest. After settling in, head out on a river cruise to experience the serenity of evening river life (keep your eyes peeled for birds and monkeys and crocodiles, oh my!). Enjoy dinner then opt for a guided night walk through the jungle.
Day 13 Sungai Kinabatangan
Begin the day with a river safari to witness the morning wildlife activity. After breakfast, visit the nearby oxbow lake with a professional guide and seek out proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants, macaques, and gibbons. Enjoy another river cruise for a second chance to spot more wildlife (you never know what you may see) before returning to the lodge for dinner.
Day 14 Sungai Kinabatangan/Sepilok
Depart in the morning and travel to Sepilok - a wildlife haven. Enjoy a visit to the orangutan rehabilitation centre and the adjacent sun bear conservation centre.
Day 15 Sepilok/Pulau Libaran
Transfer to Sandakan and continue by boat to Libaran Island, also known as Turtle Island because thousands of sea turtles return to nest each year. Take a guided tour of the island's turtle hatchery and learn about the turtle conservation program. Later, visit the local village and experience what life is like on the island. Opt to go snorkelling or kayaking with some free time.
Day 16 Pulau Libaran/Kota Kinabalu
After breakfast, depart Libaran Island and travel back to the Sandakan jetty. From the jetty, transfer to Sandakan airport for a flight to Kota Kinabalu. On arrival, enjoy a free afternoon to walk and shop at Jesselton Point, a waterfront district lined with shops and street food. Opt to visit the famous Filipino market or get a panoramic sunset view of Kota Kinabalu at the Signal Hill observatory.
Day 17 Kota Kinabalu
Depart at any time.
Reference : GAH
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