DS03 - 6D5N Wildlife Safari & Resort Retreat

6D5N Wildlife Safari
& Resort Retreat

Borneo’s amazing bucket list destination for nature seekers

Introduction

Explore Sabah's East coast without breaking a sweat on a river cruise along the Kinabatangan River afterwhich venture into the illusive and intricate cave systems of Gomantong Cave. View the feeding time of Orang Utans at the Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre or test your luck at spotting Bornean-endemic birds at the Rainforest Discovery Centre. Complete your adventures with a premier dining cruise experience on board North Borneo Cruises to witness Sabah's sun-sational sunset!

  • 6-Day Itinerary
  • Starts in Sandakan Town & ends at Kota Kinabalu City.
  • Standard Service Level
  • Affordable Tourist-Class accommodation & comfortable transport.
  • Grade : Leisure - Suitable for any fitness level.
  • Tour Type : Couples, family or big group.
  • Average Group : Maximum of 20 Pax per group.


What's Included

All transport between activities to activities & destinations, Professional Guide throughout the tour, meals according to tour booked & comfortable accommodation, Orangutan visit, morning & evening rivercruise, optional jungle trekking activity & lastly relax on a sunset cruise.


Tour Highlights

  • Sepilok Nature Resort
  • Sukau Bilit Rainforest Lodge
  • Sepilok Orangutan center
  • Kinabatangan River Cruise
  • Oxbow Lake
  • Gomantong Caves
  • Rainforest Discovery Centre
  • North Borneo Cruises
6D5N Wildlife Safari & Resort Retreat
Day 01 D

Sepilok Nature Resort

Pick up from Sandakan airport/hotel and transfer to Sepilok Nature Resort. Check in to the rustic lodge, and you are free on your own for the rest of the day.

SDK Airport - Sepilok Nature Resort Van 30 mins 16.6km

Overnight Sepilok Nature Resort.

Day 02 B / L / D

Gomantong Cave + Sukau + Kinabatangan River Cruise

First up, explore the intricate chamber system of Gomantong Cave, located within the Gomantong Forest Reserve. It is the largest bird’s nest cave in Sabah, home to millions of bats and swiflets.

Sepilok Nature Resort - Gomantong Caves Van 1 hour 43 mins 91.4km

Gomantong Cavees - Sukau Bilit Rainforest Lodge Van 40 mins 23.5km

Hop on a boat and cruise down the river heading to your next overnight destination, Sukau Bilit Rainforest Lodge. After settling in, the real adventure starts. A river cruise awaits you, where you can spot endemic Proboscis Monkeys, wild Orangutans, leaf monkeys, gibbons and macaque, even the rare Borneo Pygmy Elephant. At 1900hrs, dinner at the lodge restaurant. After dinner, you can go for a complimentary night safari cruise where you can spot nocturnal animals, crocodiles and birds.

Overnight Bilit Rainforest Lodge.

Day 03 B / L / D

Oxbow Lake

Wake up to the call of Gibbons and Hornbills at 6am. Relish in an early morning cruise on the Oxbow Lake for some bird-watching and tranquil moments amidst the lush wilderness. You will return back to your forest lodge in the late morning for lunch and leisure time on your own. More wildlife spotting in the evening by the Sukau Kinabatangan River Bank. Or go trekking instead.

Overnight Bilit Rainforest Lodge.

Day 04 B / L / D

Sepilok Orangutan Centre + Rainforest Discovery Centre + (Flight) Kota Kinabalu

After breakfast, check out and proceed to Sepilok Orangutan Centre (2.5hrs journey) situated in the Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve. To learn more about their Orangutan rehabilitation mission and vision, we insist you watch a short documentary at the Nature Education Centre. Feeding time! Trek ten minutes through the rainforest on wooden plank walks to witness the feeding of the orang utans at 10:00hrs.

Sukau Bilit Rainforest Lodge - Sepilok Orangutan Van 2 hours 106km

Transfer to Rainforest Discovery Centre for an intimate look at the unique and exciting Borneo’s Rainforests. Visit the exhibition halls, stroll through the Plant Discovery garden, and explore the Nature Experience program.

Sepilok Orangutan - RDC Van 10 mins 1.9km

About Rainforest Discovery Centre: The Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC) is a one-stop centre to getting to know the uniqueness and importance of conserving Borneo’s rainforests, guaranteed to satisfy curious minds. Walk the canopy walkways and get a chance to spot an array of bird species and wildlife unique to Sabah, Malaysian Borneo.

Transfer to Sandakan Airport for your flight to Kota Kinabalu (ETD 1810hrs / 1900hrs).

RDC - SDK Airport Van 30 mins 16.4km

SDK Airport - KKIA Flight 40 mins

Upon arrival in Kota Kinabalu, transfer to Sutera Harbour Resort - Magellan Sutera for check in. Free & Easy for the rest of the evening.

Overnight at Sutera Harbour Resort - Magellan Sutera.

Day 05 B / D

Free and Easy + North Borneo Cruises - Sunset Dinner Cruise

Free and Easy day to discover the charms of Kota Kinabalu, on your own during the day. Alternatively, you can opt to spend the day snorkeling or diving off the islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman Park! Enquire with your Travel Consultant to add this tour to your itinerary.

KK Hotel - Marina Office Van 10 mins 3.5km

4.30 - 4.45PM - Your tropical evening on the North Borneo Cruise begins at Sutera Marina Jetty. Get ready to become acquainted with the charms of Kota Kinabalu on a whole new level.

4.50PM - All aboard! Your evening unfolds along the sultry sun-tinged South China Sea, cruising pass the islands and water villages that dot Sabah’s west coast.

You are free to wander around the vessel. Panoramic ocean views, warmth of the setting sun and gentle sea breeze grace the upper-deck while a live band serenades the ethnic themed air-conditioned restaurant below with acoustic favorites.

5:30PM - Dinner will be served buffet style. Time to sink your teeth into Sabah’s most sought after culinary experience.

As the sun sets and the stars come out, Kota Kinabalu’s coastline now comes alive with dazzling city night lights. The North Borneo Cruise will glide across the Waterfront as you indulge in dessert or your next glass of wine.

7.00PM - Your rendezvous at sea comes to an end. You will disembark from the cruise at the Sutera Marina Jetty.

Marina Office - KK Hotel Van 10 mins 3.5km

Day 06 B / L

Departs Kota Kinabalu (Or Extend Tour)

Time to say goodbye to the wild side of the world! Upon check out, transfer to the airport and take your flight out from Sabah.

KK Hotel - KKIA Van 15 mins 7.8km

Dossier Disclaimer

Amazing Borneo Tours has taken great care in compiling this Tour Itineraries document and all information is provided in good faith. The information provided is subject to change and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured at time of print is considered as correct at that time. Our main focus is to provide you with an unforgettable experience yet changes may occur due to unforeseen circumstances like climate changes, political turbulence or improvement due to client input or research by ourselves.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Tour Itineraries to be reviewed before departure in case of any changes that may affect your plans.

Itinerary Disclaimer

It is our intention to adhere to the route as published on our website and in or Tour Itineraries. There is though a certain amount of flexibility build into our itinerary and on occasion it might be necessary or desirable to make alteration. Our published itinerary is brief, as we don't always know where our journey will take us. Our travel style and the regions we visit can be unpredictable, which might force us to make changes to the route. The Tour Itinerary is a general guide for the tour and regions and any mentioning of specific destinations, wildlife or activities cannot be guaranteed to be visited or encountered. Travel times are approximate and subject to vary due to local circumstances.


Important Notes


Group Leader Description

Throughout your tour with Amazing Borneo tours you are accompanied by professional guide who are a registered & a licensed tour guide in Malaysia. To make your travel more at eased, they are equiped with first aid emergency responce, assist you on your accomodation, transportation, meals & tour arrangements. They are a ready walking encylopedia for you to storm your interest on Sabah's culture, tradition, history, political, sosio-aspect, religion, race, celebration, flora & fauna & etc.

Group Size Notes

Max 20 pax


Meals Included

5 Breakfast, 4 Lunches, 5 Dinner

Meals

It is important to eat regular meals to ensure your body gets the energy it needs to go for day to day activities. During the 10 days trip, be prepared experience variety of local cuisine from desserts, to the wild vege of borneo, to the traditional local meal and if it's your lucky day, u might even get to try some of the exotic cuisine such as "Bbq Wildboar" or the famous pickles ""hinava", "tuhau" or "bambangan" that may be available during your tour.


Transport

Comfortable van & coach. Boat for islands & river cruise. Walk or hike.

Domestic Flights

All local flights will be arranged by Amazing Borneo Tours provided that we have all the necessary information of your passport to process for your flight tickets. Internal flight tickets will be given to you prior to the flight departure.

Solo Travellers

We take pleasure in attending to solo travellers who wish to join with other travellers and share the transportation & accomodation at fair price. Single travellers will be paired with another solo traveller with the same sex throughout the tour. Some may arrange for their own privacy for accomodation which can also be arranged at a single trip price.


Accommodation

Hotels/Guesthouses & jungle lodge.

My Own Room Exceptions

If you have booked for "My Own Room" option throughout your tour, you will received your own single accomodation for all night stops.

About Accommodation

The accomodation used on this tour will vary greatly from place to place. Unlike what you used to back home, some may just be a very simple guesthouse/hotels. Some nights will be spent in twin or triple-share hotels, other nights in cool and quirky hostels in multi-share dorms. The accomodation used will be clean, comfortable and in a good location. There are times way there may only be shared toilet facilities and showers. Staff can occasionally demonstrate less than perfect customer service. As accomodation is in short supply, especially during peak seasons.


Joining Instructions

If you have arranged in advanced for your arrival transfer in Kota Kinabalu International Airport, you will be welcome by our local tourist guide waiting for you at the gate with a paging board. There will be three different arrival gates you may encounter, either International, Domestic (within Malaysia), Domestic (within Sabah Only). Please wait at your arrival gate for our tourist guide to meet & greet you. In case if you are not able to locate our representative, you may directly call our Local Support Line +6012-827 2009.

Please note that Day 1 is an arrival day and no activities will be commencing for that day other then your welcoming meeting. So you may arrive at any time of the day.

Arrival Complications

We don't wish for your to have any problems, or complications for your booked tour but if by any reasons that you are unable to commence your tour as scheduled, do contact your Local Tourist Guide the soonest possible so that they may assist you with the issue. If by any chance that you are not able to reach the Local Tourist Guide, you may also direct with our Support HotLine +6012-827 2009 or your Tour Consultant for assistance.

Emergency Contact

If there is unexpected situation or problems occur that you are in need to contact us, do directly contact our Support Team Hotline. Should they be any complications to reach the hotline number given, you may also contact directly with your Tour Consultant.

AIRPORT TRANSFER
If you have purchased domestic flight through Amazing Borneo Tours, the transfer is included in the cost of your tour.

Should there be any changes of your flight schedule within 48 hours of your scheduled arrival time, you are advised to update with your tour consultant. We will do our best to rearrange your arrival transfer as best as we could. Our Tourist Guide will be meeting you at the arrival hall. Any delays more than 30minutes after you have exited the arrival hall, please contact with our Support Team Hotline.

Support Team Hotline
+6012-827 2009


1. SAFETY & SECURITY

Malaysia is genereally very safe, even more so in a group. Reasonable precaution is advised; do not bring valuable jewellery or watches (even fakes can catch the eye of a thief), do not walk by yourself at night, heed your tour guuide's advice and always keep an eye and a hand on your camera and bags in public places. Amazing Borneo Tours cannot accept responsibility for any valuables left in safe deposits in hotels or in our vehicles.

2. PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

Malaysia's Public Holidays is subject to it's own calender year. These dates may be modified as official changes are announced by the Malaysian Government, so please check back regularly for updates.

3. ACCOMODATION

It is important to note that that accomodation in Borneo tend to be quite different to other areas of the world you may travelled in. It will vary from place to place. There will be some nights where you will have to spent in twin or triple-share hotels, other nights in cool and quirky guesthouse or of a lower standard than normal.

4. RAMADAN

Ramadan, a month-long festival, falls in the ninth month of the month of the islamic calendar and last 29-30 days. Muslims fast every day for its duration and most restaurants will be closed until the fast breaks at dusk. Nothing (including water and cigarettes) is supposed to pass through the lips from dawn to sunset. Non-muslims are exempt from this, but should still refrain from eating or drinking in public as this is considered very impolite. Working hours are decreased as well in corporate world. Exact date of Ramadan depend on local astronomical observations and may vary somewhat from country to country. Ramadan concludes with the Festival of Eid- al-Fitr, which may last several days, usually three in most countries.

What to Bring

Pack only what is necessary for the tour as you will be on the move for each daily tour. We recommend using a backpack for your convenience, or a medium-size suitcase if you prefer. A daypack is also essentials for your convenience during the trekking other than for carrying daily items. It will be at your own responsible to carry your own luggage. You are to be prepared to carry your own luggage up and down stairs, on and off transportation, and to hotels when elevators, bellboy or porters are not available.

Checklist

Essential Items:
  • Headlamp (Compulsory)
  • Poncho
  • Medicinal Items (Diarrhoea remedy, pain killers, travel sickness tablets & etc.)
  • Suitable Footwear (Trekking or running shoes with good grip)
  • Personal Toiletries
  • Daypack (Used for daily tour excursions)
  • Comfortable Walking Shoes / Sandals
  • Universal Adapter
  • Sunblock
  • Insect Repellent
  • Hat / Cap
  • Binoculars
  • Camera (Extra Memory Card)
  • Cash, Credit or Debit Card
  • Mouth Mask
Documents:-
  • Flight Info (Required) (Printout of e-tickets may be required)
  • Insurance Info (Required) (With photocopies)
  • Passport (Required) (With photocopies)
Conservative Dress:
* Modest clothing that covers knees and shoulder (long pants, long skirts, shirts that cover shoulder)


Additional Info


Optional Activities

Night Cruise or Jungle Trekking


Laundry

Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge or ask your Tourist Guide where the closest laundromat is. There are some guesthouse do not have laundry facilities. You may do or have to do your own laundry from time to time.


Visas and Entry Requirements

According to Malaysia's Immigrations Department, a visitor should fulfill the following requirements to enter Malaysia:

  1. Valid Passport or Travel Document (At least 6 months validity)
  2. Valid Visa
  3. Valid Return Travel Ticket and Suffiecient Funds
  4. Not Classified as a Prohibited Person
  5. Completion of the Arrival/Departure card

VALID VISA
Foreign nationals who require a Visa to enter Malaysia must apply and obtain a Visa in advance at Malaysian Representative Office before entering the country.

A visa is and endorsement in a passport or other recognized travel document of foreigner indicating that the holder has applied for permission to enter Malaysia and that permission has been granted.

Foreign national who require a Visa to enter Malaysia must apply and obtain a VIsa in advance at any Malaysian Representative Office abroad before entering the country.

Visa which has been granted is not absolute guarantee that the holder will be allowed to enter Malaysia. The final decision lies with the Immigration Officer at the entry point.


Spending Money

Malaysia uses the Ringgit Malaysia. There are no 1 and 2 cent coins in Malaysia, so expect your prices is rounded up or down a tiny bit. You will find cash machines in most of the city & town areas, but it is advised to keep some cash with you in case of emergency, optional activities, tipping or unexpected situations. Some remote areas may not have such facilities to obtain or change money.

Emergency Fund

It can be difficult to obtain cash or find money changer at remote areas, so please ensure you obtain enough cash to cover some meal that are not included in the tour as well as for any optional excursions before you travel. Local operators do not accept any notes that are marked or torned and you may have difficulty exchanging these notes elsewhere in Malaysia. So, please check your cash carefully at the point of purchase. While bank cards provide a very good way to access funds overall, it is not recommended to rely on them as your sole source of funds as cash machines do not always work and may not be available in remote locations. We recommend to prepare atleast RM100 daily cash for emergency purpose.

Tipping

In Malaysia, tips are not expected, not even in restaurants as service is always included. If you feel you have received excellent service or someone really has gone out of their way to help you, feel free to tip - the recipient is normally pleased. But if your tip is declined, don't push it.


Health

No pre-existing medical conditions or disability exist which may prevent active participation in the tour. Persons suffering from medical conditions or disabilities will contact us before making a booking to discuss requirements.

The person making the booking confirms that he/she has full authority to enter into a contract on the basis of these conditions on behalf of all persons named on the booking and confirms that all such persons are fully aware of and accept these conditions. The person confirms that he/she is at least 18 years old and has full authority to enter into a contract.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is compulsory if you travel with us. We strongly advise comprehensive insurance that will cover personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and lost of luggage and personal effects. Depending on the reason for the cancellation, you may be able to reclaim the cancellation charges (less any applicable excess) under the terms of your insurance policy. Cancellation charges in excess of the amount already paid to us by the time of cancellation, applies only to the booking at that time and cannot be transferred or added on to as a part paryment for another booking. We reseve the right to waive cancellation fees in case of family emergencies. We should be notified immediately if this is the case by telephone as well as in writing.


A Couple of Rules

Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking Marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towrads everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. the exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our Tourist Guide has the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.

Local Dress

Malaysia is hot and humid, so you need to dress comfortably. It's a modern nation with a mix of ethnic groups and religions. Majority Muslim, with Buddhist, Taoist, Hindu, Christian and Sikh -- all of whom have their own acceptable dress standards for men and women.

There is no specific dress code for visitors in the capital, Kuala Lumpur.

You'll see Malaysian women wearing a scarf or veil over their hair, some wearing loose clothing that covers them entirely, as well as women in skirts, fitted tops and heels.

Wearing T-shirts or short-sleeve shirts with long pants, calf-length dresses that also cover your shoulders or skirts that drop below the knee will help you minimise sunburn, keep cool and feel culturally comfortable. If visiting mosques and temples (Hindu & Sikh), you may be required to wear a scarf over your hair and wear a long skirt instead of pants. Places of worship popular with tourists, such as Kota Kinabalu State Mosque & City Mosque may have "robes" for tourist to rent or lend.

Remember, too, many places of worship require visitors to remove their footwear, so wear shoes that slip on and off easily.