8D7N Borneo Eco-Tour: Sepilok Orangutan, Kinabatangan, Bilit, Danum Valley, and Gaya Island Resort (Budget)

Upon arrival at Sandakan Airport, you will be picked up and transferred to your Sandakan accommodation for check-in. 

The rest of the day is yours to spend at your leisure, in preparation of the upcoming week’s adventures. 

After breakfast, check out and transfer to Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre to learn about the conservation efforts being carried out at the centre, followed by up-close encounters with these fascinating creatures. 

Explore the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, a rescue and rehabilitation facility where you can witness and learn about the world’s smallest bears. 

Transfer to Bilit Jetty and take a boat ride to Bilit Rainforest Lodge, an eco-lodge located on the banks of Lower Kinabatangan River, thoughtfully designed to blend into its rainforest surroundings. 

Check-in and have lunch at Bilit Rainforest Lodge. 

Enjoy an evening river cruise along the Kinabatangan River, spotting wildlife such as Proboscis Monkeys, rare bird species, and possibly Pygmy Elephants. 

After dinner, participate in a complimentary night safari cruise to spot nocturnal animals and birds. 

Choose between an early morning river cruise or a jungle trek at Kelenanap Oxbow Lake for opportunities to see an array of bird species and Bornean-endemic wildlife including proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants, and more. 

After breakfast and some leisure time, embark on another river cruise in the afternoon. The second longest river in Malaysia, Kinabatangan River boasts a diverse ecosystem and is a prime hotspot for wildlife encounters. 

After dinner, you may retreat to your lodge for the night. 

After breakfast, check out and transfer 2 hours overland to Lahad Datu, then another 2 hours to Danum Valley Conservation Area (4 hours total journey). This conservation area is home to a 130-million-year-old primary rainforest, with over 500 species of mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians co-existing in this pristine tropical ecosystem. 

Check-in at Danum Valley Field Centre (DVFC) and have lunch. 

At the same time, you may wish to consult with your guide on your activities while at Danum Valley. Your itinerary at DVFC is customisable and can be tailored according to your interests. 

Enjoy an introductory walk around the centre, spotting wildlife such as resident orangutan, red leaf monkeys, and hornbills. 

After dinner, embark on a 4x4 night safari drive to observe nocturnal wildlife (weather permitting). 

Rise early in the morning for nature and wildlife observation with your guide. Keep an ear out for the sounds of gibbons singing as they swing through the trees! 

After breakfast, the morning is yours to spend at your leisure. You may explore the trails around the centre or cross the nearby canopy bridge, an excellent spot for observing wildlife along the riverbanks. 

After lunch, go on another trek to discover more of the ancient rainforest’s flora and fauna. There are several trails you can explore around the centre, some more challenging than others. Trust your guide’s recommendations on what trails are suitable for your fitness level. 

After dinner, join a night walk with your nature guide to spot nocturnal creatures like civets, slow lorises, tarsiers, moonrats, clouded leopards, and more (weather permitting). 

Rise as early as 0430hrs for an early morning 4x4 drive to Bukit Atur – to watch the sun rise over the forest canopy – or a morning walk with your guide. 

After breakfast, check out and transfer to Lahad Datu Airport for your flight to Kota Kinabalu. 

From Kota Kinabalu, take a boat transfer to Gaya Island Resort. 

Check-in and enjoy the resort amenities and dinner at one of the resort's restaurants. 

Enjoy a luxurious breakfast and the rest of your day at your leisure. 

Choose from a range of recreational activities, including visiting the Marine Centre, guided snorkelling, and exploring nature trails (at additional cost). 

Relax at Spa Village (at additional cost) and dine at the resort. 

After lunch, check out and return to the mainland. 

Transfer to Kota Kinabalu International Airport for your flight – your tour ends here.