This 5D4N adventure blends the underwater magic of Blue Rings Reef with the untamed beauty of Danum Valley, offering the most immersive way to experience Sabah’s natural wonders. Begin with a day at sea, snorkelling among coral gardens, discovering birdlife on Pulau Tabun, and exploring a shipwreck reef before relaxing with lunch and hi-tea by the beach.
From there, journey inland to the luxurious Borneo Rainforest Lodge, where four days of guided treks, river tubing, canopy walks, and waterfall visits reveal the richness of one of the world’s oldest rainforests. With extra time built in, you’ll enjoy both structured activities and flexible leisure, giving you the chance to fully connect with the forest. Along the way, expert naturalist guides will help you spot wildlife, from orangutans and gibbons to hornbills and pygmy elephants. By night, the rainforest comes alive during guided walks and safari drives, offering encounters with elusive nocturnal species. This extended tour is perfect for travellers seeking a comprehensive, slow-travel immersion into Borneo’s reef and rainforest ecosystems.
BORNEO RAINFOREST LODGE
The award-winning Borneo Rainforest Lodge is beautifully situated along the Danum River within Sabah's largest protected Lowland Rainforest, the Danum Valley Conservation Area. This 43,800-hectare pristine rainforest is 130 million years old and home to an extraordinary variety of wildlife, including over 340 bird species, 124 mammals, 72 reptiles, 56 amphibians, and 200 plant species per hectare. The lodge, recognized for its excellence in eco-tourism, offers 31 individual chalets with fans and en-suite bathrooms, accommodating up to 60 guests on a full-board basis, ensuring an intimate and exclusive experience.
The closest town to the Danum Valley Conservation Area is Lahad Datu, located on Sabah's southeastern coast. It is accessible by road from Sandakan, Tawau, and Kota Kinabalu, with daily flights from Kota Kinabalu via MASWings. The journey from Lahad Datu to Borneo Rainforest Lodge covers 97 km and takes about two hours. The first 15 km follows a paved road along the Lahad Datu-Tawau Highway, after which you’ll continue on an 82 km gravel road in Silam leading to the lodge.
MOUNT SILAM
Mount Silam, standing 884 metres above sea level, is an unspoiled natural wonder within the Silam Coast Conservation Area (SCCA) in Lahad Datu. The mountain is home to rare orchids, towering dipterocarp trees, and unique wildlife, including the Silam Crab (Lepidothelphusa silamensis)—an endemic freshwater species found only in its highland streams.
Perched on Mount Silam’s slopes is Menara Kayangan, or the ‘Tower of Heaven’, a 30-metre-tall observation deck offering breathtaking panoramic views of Darvel Bay and beyond.
BLUE RINGS REEF
As one of only two double-ringed marine sinkholes in the world, Blue Rings Reef is a geological marvel and one of Sabah’s best-kept secrets. Unlike bustling dive sites elsewhere, this secluded paradise remains virtually untouched, offering a tranquil and awe-inspiring underwater experience. The reef’s unique twin rings form a dramatic underwater landscape filled with vibrant coral formations, schools of pelagic fish, dramatic drop-offs, and thrilling swim-throughs. Whether you’re snorkelling or diving, BRR promises an unforgettable glimpse into one of nature’s most fascinating aquatic formations.
PULAU TABUN
Pulau Tabun is a small, uninhabited island hiding a unique ecological wonder—it serves as a nesting ground for the rare Philippine Megapode (Megapodius cumingii), known locally as the ‘Tambun’ bird.
Unlike most birds, the Tambun bird doesn’t incubate its eggs with body heat. Instead, it buries them deep in warm, sandy soil or volcanic ash, relying on geothermal energy for incubation. If you're lucky, you might spot these elusive birds scurrying along the shores, making Pulau Tabun a must-visit for birdwatchers and nature lovers.
JAPANESE SHIPWRECK AT PULAU BAIK
This 60-meter-long cargo vessel met its fate in the early 1980s while en route from Lahad Datu to Japan, laden with timber logs. A fierce storm forced the crew to pump water aboard for stability, but a crucial oversight left the pumps running, ultimately causing the ship to capsize. The wreck was later maneuvered closer to Pulau Baik, where it now lies partially submerged, with its bow resting at 24 metres deep and its stern at just 5 metres below the surface. Over time, this forgotten vessel has become a vibrant artificial reef, drawing schools of fish, curious divers, and history enthusiasts eager to explore its ghostly remains.
TUMUNONG HALLU BEACH
Tumunong Hallu Beach is a pristine coastal retreat where golden sands meet the emerald waters of the Sulu Sea. Whether you prefer to take a dip, snorkel, or simply unwind, this tranquil spot offers the perfect setting to bask in the sun and enjoy the peaceful ambience.
