Sabah Wildlife Adventure

- A Secret Retreats journey -
7 Days / 6 Nights
from 3,500 USD /person

 

ITINERARY BOOK
 


This journey has been personally designed by Lionel,
the author of this journey, who has made Borneo his home since 2005.

All our itineraries have generally been constructed on the basis of the rooms that have the most charm or best view, and not necessarily the first prices, nor the most expensive suites.
We can of course adjust according to your request.

Highlights of the Journey:

  • Rich biodiversity of Borneo’s wild forests
  • Multiple transportation modes (boat, 4WD, trekking)
  • Deep immersion into the heart of the Borneo jungle
  • White sandy beaches to unwind after your Sabah jungle safari

Kinabalu Park, Malaysia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Sabah, is a key highlight of this 7-day Sabah wildlife tour. Home to over 5,000 vascular plant species and nearly 90 lowland mammal species, the park offers an unforgettable encounter with Borneo’s unique ecology. Towering at 4,095 meters, Mount Kinabalu is one of Southeast Asia’s highest peaks. From forest trails to river safaris, this Borneo wildlife adventure takes you deep into pristine landscapes—on foot and by boat. Along the way, encounter rare endemic species, vibrant birdlife, and primates in their natural jungle habitat.


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Your Journey Day by Day

from 3,500 USD /person for 7 Days / 6 Nights

based on 2 people sharing the same room

 

 
Day 1 : Sandakan Airport – Kinabatangan River (arrival -/ L /D )
Upon arrival at Sandakan Airport, transfer to the Sandakan Yacht Club Jetty for a boat ride to your lodge in Abai, Kinabatangan. Depart at 12:30 PM for a 1.5-hour journey across Sandakan Bay, passing Berhala Island and traditional fishing villages.
Arrive at the lodge around 2:30 PM. After check-in and lunch, enjoy a briefing about the lodge and your upcoming Kinabatangan River cruise experience.
At 4:30 PM, enjoy local banana fritters and coffee before setting off on a smaller boat to explore the Kinabatangan River, one of the richest wildlife corridors in Borneo. Spot proboscis monkeys, hornbills, and crocodiles as the sun sets. At nightfall, observe fireflies lighting up the riverside before returning for dinner. Later, join a guided night walk along the boardwalk to look for nocturnal wildlife.

Birds of the Kinabatangan River: Storm Stork, hornbills, pittas, trogons, kingfishers, Malaysian blue flycatcher, red-bearded and blue-throated bee-eaters, lesser adjutant, Wallace’s hawk eagle, and more.
HOTEL: Kinabatangan Wetland Resort (Chalet Deluxe)
Day 2 : Kinabatangan River – Danum Valley (B/L/D)
Wake early for a sunrise cruise at 6:00 AM toward Oxbow Lake. This is one of the best opportunities to witness wildlife in its natural habitat, including orangutans and pygmy elephants. Return to the lodge for breakfast at 9:30 AM. At 10:30 AM, embark on a boat journey to Sukau Village. From there, travel overland to Lahad Datu and continue by 4WD into the Danum Valley, arriving at the Borneo Rainforest Lodge. This 5-hour journey transitions from regenerating forests to some of the oldest rainforests on Earth. Upon arrival, check in, meet your guide, and enjoy an introduction to the surrounding jungle. After dinner, join a night safari to observe nocturnal species.

Birds at the Danum Valley: Bornean bristlehead, hornbills, trogons, kingfishers, blue-headed and banded pittas, great argus, crested fireback pheasant, roul roul, wren-babblers, and more.
HOTEL: Borneo Rainforest Lodge (3 options: Standard/Deluxe/Premium)
Day 3 : Danum Valley (B / L / D)
Awaken to the distinct calls of gibbons echoing through the rainforest canopy. After breakfast, set out on a guided walk to a scenic viewpoint known as Coffin Cliff, home to ancient burial remnants hidden deep in the jungle. Pause for a refreshing swim in a nearby natural pool before returning to the lodge for lunch. Later in the day, enjoy optional activities such as a guided rainforest trek or—weather permitting—a tubing session along the Danum River. Conclude the evening with a guided night walk along the lodge’s nature trail.
Exploring Danum Valley offers a rare opportunity to experience one of Borneo’s most ancient and untouched rainforests up close.
HOTEL: Borneo Rainforest Lodge (3 options: Standard/Deluxe/Premium)
Day 4 : Danum Valley – Kota Kinabalu – Kinabalu Park (B / L / - )
Depart early (around 6:00–7:00 AM) to Lahad Datu Airport for your flight to Kota Kinabalu (MAS LD–KK, Dep. 11:10 AM – Arr. 12:05 PM). Upon arrival, travel approximately three hours by road to Kinabalu Park, Sabah. After check-in, relax and enjoy a restful evening in the cool highlands of Borneo.
HOTEL: Kinabalu Park (Suite or Lodge)
Day 5 : Kinabalu Park – Manukan Island (B / L / - )
Begin the day with panoramic views of Mount Kinabalu. Enjoy a guided walk along trails at the mountain’s base and explore Kundasang’s lively local markets. After lunch in a nearby village, continue to Poring for a canopy walk. If in bloom, you may catch a rare glimpse of the Rafflesia—the world’s largest flower.
Return to Kota Kinabalu in the afternoon and take a 30-minute speedboat ride to Manukan Island. Upon arrival and check-in at the resort, enjoy a peaceful evening by the sea.
This island escape provides the perfect contrast to your Sabah jungle safari, offering space to rest and recharge after days of adventure.
HOTEL: Manukan Island Resort (Hill or beachside room)
Day 6 : Manukan Island Resort (B / - / - )
Enjoy a full day of leisure on Manukan Island. Snorkel, dive, or try various water activities like the banana boat. Relax on the white sandy beach and reflect on your Borneo wildlife adventure.
HOTEL: Manukan Island Resort (Hill or beachside room)
Day 7 : Manukan Island Resort – Kota Kinabalu departure (B/-/-)
Spend your morning at leisure before your transfer to Kota Kinabalu International Airport for your onward flight.

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To help you pack... Comfortable light clothing for hiking and walking, binocular, comfortable walking shoes including strap-on sandals, drybag (for camera storage etc), rainjacket or poncho, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, hat...

Your Accommodation on this Asia Travel Itinerary



Kinabatangan Wetland Resort

Borneo Rainforest Lodge

Sabah Wildlife Adventure

7 Days / 6 Nights
from 3,500 USD /person

based on 2 people sharing the same room

 



The total price includes:
6-night accommodation on a bed & breakfast basis in the hotels detailed in the itinerary.
All meals as mentioned in the program
All transfers by private air conditioned car
All other transportation by boat used for travel...
Local English-speaking guide for all visits mentioned in the program .
Government taxes currently in force (VAT, etc...)

The total price does not include:
Other meals that are not included in the program.
Drinks, personal expenses, tips and gratuities.
Travel insurance
International & Domestic Flights (separate quotation will be provided at the time of booking if needed)
Visa if needed (Please make sure your passport is valid for 6 months beyond your departure date)
Optional: River Cruise, Nightwalk safari, water activities at Manukan Island Resort


This Secret Journey was designed in cooperation with Lionel and Sticky Rice Travel (License 1017824-D)

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THIS JOURNEY

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