DS06 - Best of Sabah Adventure 10 Days

Best of Sabah Adventure
10 Days

Best tour destination for adventure

Introduction

Set off on a romantic adventure on board North Borneo Crusies, the first premier dining cruise experience of its kind in Sabah, for spectacular views of the sunset on the high seas or venture up North to Kudat where the Tip of Borneo will show you how the South China Sea and Sulu Sea meet in a sloppy embrace. Watching busy bees at work at Honey Bee Farm or get some insight at the Gong-making village before having a traditional meal prepared by the Rungus Tribe. Tick Mount Kinabalu off your bucketlist and ease aching muscles at the Poring Hot Springs. Spot exotic wildlife from the comfort of a river cruise along the world-renowned Kinabatangan River, adopt an Orang Utan at Sepilok or spend a relaxing day exploring the quaint Sandakan town!

  • 10-Day Itinerary
  • Starts in Kota Kinabalu City & ends in Sandakan Town.
  • Standard Service Level
  • Affordable Tourist-Class accommodation & comfortable transport.
  • Grade : Leisure - Suitable for any fitness level. Light walking & hiking.
  • Tour Type : Couples, family or big group.
  • Average Group : 2 Pax or more depending on individual physical fitness.


What's Included

All transport between activities to activities & destinations, Professional Guide throughout the tour, meals according to tour booked & comfortable accomodation, visit to the tip of borneo, honey bee centre, gong making village & enjoy Rungus Tribe local cuisinie for lunch. Also get to climb Mt Kinabalu & thereafter enjoy sulphur spring, cave visit at Gomantong, access to Orangutan Sanctuary & sight-seeing at Sandakan Town.


Tour Highlights

  • 2D1N Mount Kinabalu Climb
  • Kudat - Northern Tip of Borneo
  • Kinabalu Park
  • Poring Hot Spring
  • Canopy Walk
  • Nabalu Handicraft Market
  • Gong Making Village
  • Sepilok Orangutan
  • Gomantong Cave
  • Ox-bow Lake
  • Kinabatangan River Cruise
  • Sandakan City
  • North Borneo Cruises - Sunset Dinner Cruise
Best of Sabah Adventure - 10 Days
Day 01

Arrival in Kota Kinabalu

Welcome to Kota Kinabalu! On arrival at Kota Kinabalu International Airport (advisable to arrive after 1200 hrs), you will be transferred to your tour hotel by our airport shuttle. The timing will be based on your flight arrival time. This afternoon is yours to relax and settle in. Later, meet our representative and fellow passengers for a short briefing about the tour expectations.

KKIA - KK Hotel (Check-in) Van 15 mins 7.8km

Day 02 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.

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 03 B / L / D

Kota Kinabalu + Kudat - Northern Tip of Borneo + Rungus Long House

Check out from KK City hotel and depart for Kudat. Arriving Kudat, cruise on over to the Northern Tip of Borneo, also known as Tanjung Simpang Mengayau which means 'lingering junction' as it is here that the South China Sea lingers and meets the Sulu Seas flowing from the east. Take a stroll on the lavish expanse of white sand that comes complimentary with a breath-taking view of dramatic rocky outcrops. The northern most tip of Borneo is graced with wide publicity through popular mass media from the 2003 book entitled KUDAT.

KK Hotel - Tip Of Borneo Van 3 hours 30 mins 182km

Proceed to the Bavanggazo Village for a longhouse visit. Built entirely using local materials, it is home to the Rungus people community, a sub-tribe of the indigenous Kadazandusun. Observe their very own unique bead work, lifestyle and costumes. Lunch will be served Rungus style.

Tip Of Borneo - Rungus Long House Van 1 hour 44.6km

Moving forward to the sweet sticky business of bees at the Borneo HoneyBee Centre. Get a feel of what actually goes down at the honey farm and ofcourse, a taste of raw honey straight from the comb!

Rungus Long House - Borneo Honey Bee Centre Van 35 mins 23.6km

Borneo Honey Bee Centre - Rungus Long House Van 35 mins 23.6km

Day 04 B / L / D

Kudat + Nabalu Market + Kinabalu Park

Depart to Kinabalu National Park. A 1 ½ hour of scenic drive through picturesque landscapes of mountainous roads that wind along the Crocker range. Along the way stop by Nabalu Market, where the native residents gather to sell local produce such as hand-crafted souvenirs, home-grown vegetables and fruits. Mingle with the locals and don’t forget to capture some good shots of Mount Kinabalu from the viewpoint platform!

Kudat - Nabalu Town Van 2 hours 20 mins 126km

Nabalu Town - Kinabalu Park HQ Van 20 mins 13.1km

The temperature cools on arrival in Kinabalu Park. Enjoy the breeze as you get to know the blossoms of Borneo along the trails of the Botanical Garden. If the day is clear, you may even spot a majestic view of Mount Kinabalu, the highest mountain between the New Guinea and Himalaya. Kinabalu Park boasts an estimate of 4,500 species of plants which include 1,500 species of orchids, 77 of which are endemic to Kinabalu. The park also supports a whooping 289 species of birds and 290 different types of butterflies.

Day 05 B / L / D

Kinabalu Park Headquarters + Timpohon Gate + Ascent Mount Kinabalu + Panalaban

Depart to Kinabalu Park HQ. Upon arrival, all necessary registrations and fees will be done by your guide, this includes assigning your mountain guide and applying for ID Tags. You will then be dropped off at the starting point, Timpohon Gate with your mountain guide.

Kinabalu Park HQ - Timpohon Gate Van 15 mins 4.3km

The first half of your hike is a 6km trek up to Panalaban, and depending on your fitness level it may take 4 – 5 hours with rest-stops and toilets along the way. As you ascend in an elevation of 1,300meters, the landscape morphs from a dense tropical rainforest in lowlands to mossy-alpine vegetation in higher elevations. Don’t forget about the fascinating orchids and pitcher plants along the way.

Make it to Panalaban Base Camp (3,272m) and check into your accommodation. There will be a buffet Dinner at Laban Rata restaurant. Lights out at 8pm, rest well for the ultimate adventure in the morning.

Day 06 S / B / L / D

Summit Low's Peak + Descent Mount Kinabalu + Kundasang

Rise and shine at 0200hrs for supper. Continue the second half of your Mt. Kinabalu climb, don’t forget your head torch. Depending on your speed and If the weather permits, you will be able to witness the crack of dawn from above the clouds.

Descend back to Panalaban Base Camp for breakfast before checking out. Make your way to the base of the mountain, usually taking up to 3 - 5 hours where upon arrival your driver will be waiting for you at the start of the trail.

Timpohon Gate - Kinabalu Park HQ Van 15 mins 4.3km

Kinabalu Park HQ - Kundasang Hotel Van 15 mins 6.6km

Day 07 B / L

Kundasang + Poring Hot Spring + Treetop Canopy Walk + Sandakan

Depart for another interesting wonder, the Poring Hot Spring. At approximately 47 kilometers from Kinabalu Park, Poring Hot Spring got its name from the tall bamboo plant that is abundant in that area. At this natural hot spring that is believed to have curative powers, soak your senses in sulfur-rich waters.

Kundasang Hotel - Poring Hotspring Van 55 mins 32.8km

For a magnificent view of the rainforest, the canopy walk, suspended 43 meters above the lush tropical jungle of Borneo holds a length of 157 meters that will give you plenty of time to take in all the beauty it has to offer. A 30 minute hike is all it takes to witness the natural wonder.

Hit the road again, this time to the gateway of wildlife wonders, Sandakan.

Poring Hotspring - Sandakan Town Van 5 hours 227km

Day 08 B / L / D

Gomantong Cave + Kinabatangan River Cruise

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.

Sandakan Hotel - Gomantong Cave Van 2 hours 112km

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 Orang Utans, leaf monkeys, gibbons and macaque, even the rare Borneo Pygmy Elephant.

Gomantong Cave - Kinabatangan River Jetty Van 45 mins 28.9km

Kinabatangan River Jetty - Kinabatangan Resort Boat 15 mins

Day 09 B / L / D

Morning Cruise to Oxbow Lake or Jungle Trek

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 bat the Sukau Kinabatangan River Bank.

Day 10 B / L

Sepilok Orangutan + Sandakan City Tour + Depart Sandakan (Or Extend Tour)

Meet the fuzzy Orangutan fellas at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. To learn more about their Orangutan rehabilitation mission and vision, we insist you watch a short documentary at the Nature Education Centre - Feeding time! Get on the boardwalk all through the lowland rainforest to the feeding platform.

Kinabatangan Resort - Kinabatangan River Jetty Boat 15 mins

Kinabalu River Jetty - Sepilok Orangutan Van 2 hours 15 mins 111km

After lunch, continue the journey and proceed for Sandakan City Tour. Visit various landmarks and historical points in Sandakan, once known as the "Little Hong Kong." The landmarks include:-

  • Puh Jih Syh Buddhist Temple which offers a panoramic view of Sandakan Bay situated on the hilltop Tanah Merah.

    Sepilok Orangutan - Puh Jih Syh Temple Van 30 mins 23.4km

  • Sandakan Central Market, the most amazing variety of fresh seafood and agricultural products.

    Puh Jih Syh Budhist Temple - Sandakan Central Market Van 18 mins 5.6km

  • The Sim-Sim Water Village where houses are all built close to the water surface while observing the fascinating view of the sea.

    Sandakan Central Market - Sim Sim Water Village Van 15 mins 5.5km

After 8 days exploring the wonders of Borneo, we bid safe journeys and bitter-sweet farewell as you fly out to your next destination.

Sim Sim Water Village - Sandakan Airport Van 29 mins 14.1km

** Choice to extend tour to Diving in Lankayan & Semporna, or enroute to Danum Valley & Tabin Wildllife Reserves for more wildlife encounter. Please consult our sales consultant for your perfect vacation.

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

9 Breakfast, 8 Lunches, 7 Dinner, 1 Supper

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:
  • Fleece Top / Sweater
  • Headlamp (Compulsory)
  • Gloves
  • Poncho
  • Medicinal Items (Diarrhoea remedy, pain killers, travel sickness tablets & etc.)
  • Suitable Footwear (Trekking or running shoes with good grip)
  • Personal Toiletries
  • Double zip-lock plastic for waterproofing
  • Daypack (Used for daily tour excursions)
  • Small Travel Towel
  • Jacket / Wind breaker
  • Winter Hat
  • Refillable water bottle (0.5litre - 1litre)
  • Energy Bar (Chocolates, nuts, biscuits & etc)
  • Thick Socks
  • Comfortable Walking Shoes / Sandals
  • Universal Adapter
  • Shirts/Tshirts
  • Sunblock
  • Insect Repellent
  • Extra change of clothes
  • Swimwear
  • Hat / Cap
  • Binoculars
  • Camera (Extra Memory Card)
  • Cash, Credit or Debit Card
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.