Itinerary Details
The following itinerary is for your inspiration. Our experts will customize your own tour according to your interests, schedules, hotel tastes and budget. All can be tailor-made!
You Can
- Extend/cut down length
- Adjust activities to your interests
- Change a hotel
- Everything you want
Day 1 - Welcome to Kota Kinabalu
Today you will fly to Kota Kinabalu. Kota Kinabalu is a hustling and bustling city situated strategically on the West Coast of the Malaysian state of Sabah. Locals here often refer to Kota Kinabalu as ‘KK’ in short. KK is also the gateway to one of Southeast Asia’s tallest mountains, Mount Kinabalu. Apart from KK’s majestic beauty, be spoiled for choices as KK also offers a wide range of food selection. On arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel in ‘KK’ and the rest of the day is at leisure.
Day 2 - Kota Kinabalu Islands Hopping
Journey to Malaysia's two beautiful islands: Sapi and Manukan. First, take a boat to Manukan Island for its crystal clear turquoise seas and vivid greenery. The island is ready to welcome you with arranged recreational facilities: picnic zones, changing rooms, tables, and more – so you can enjoy the water and white sandy beach in full. After a delightful barbecue lunch, head over to Sapi Island where you will have loads of free time to enjoy kayaking, ride a banana boat, go jet skiing, and more. If you are looking for a safe way to explore the underwater world, try Sea Walking, a new sport that allows you to explore the ocean without the need for scuba diving classes.
Day 3 - Mt Kinabalu Sunrise & Poring Hot Springs
Rise around 2 am in order to catch the sunrise at the summit of Mt Kinabalu (4095 meters). It's difficult walking, but you'll feel a huge sense of achievement once you make it. The view from the summit is incredible – the jungles of Borneo in one direction, the South China Sea in the other, making every inch of the climb worthwhile. Be warned though, the temperature can change very quickly up on the mountain, so bring clothes for all weather conditions.
The climb from Laban Rata to the summit takes 2-4 hours and, due to the altitude, can be hard going even for the very fit. The first section from Laban Rata is along man-made steps passing through vegetation. Once clear of the tree line, you will be walking up a series of wooden steps all the way to the final checkpoint at Sayat Sayat.
After witnessing the morning sunrise, return to Laban Rata for a well-earned breakfast, and then descend the mountain (approximately 3-6 hours) to enjoy a rewarding lunch at the bottom. Once you are down from the mountain you will continue on to Poring Hot Springs by car (approximately 1 hour).
Day 4 - Fly to Sandakan
Enjoy your free time until your guide comes to escort you to the airport for your onward flight.
Today you will fly to Sandakan. On arrival, your private guide will accompany you for your hotel check-in.
Day 5 - Encounter with Native Wildlife
Spend a day getting up close to some of Borneo’s incredible native wildlife on this must-see tour for animal lovers. Explore Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre for orphaned orangutans. Stroll down the boardwalk through the rainforest and see them feed on the platform. Visit Lab Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary to see these indigenous monkeys in their natural habitat, before going to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre. That’s not all: other stops include a hilltop Puu Jih Shih Buddhist Temple with panoramic views and the vibrant Sandakan Central Market.
Day 6 - Head to Selingan Turtle Island
Start your 2D1N Selingan Turtle Island Trip. Our guide will pick you up from your hotel lobby or Sandakan Airport at around 10:00 am. At 10:45 am, your 2D1N Selingan Turtle Island Trip begins. It will take an approximately one-hour boat ride from the jetty to turtle Island, which lies 40km north of Sandakan in the Sulu Sea off Sabah’s east coast. Selingan Turtle Island is the main nesting area for Green Turtles and Hawksbill Turtles.
Upon arrival, check in to your basic accommodation and have lunch. Free at own leisure. After dinner, be prepared, a park ranger will alert you if there are turtles come ashore to lay their eggs. You can witness the collecting of eggs from the nesting site, planting them in the hatchery, and also take part in the release of baby turtle hatchlings.
Accommodation
- 3 Nights in Un-known
- 3 Nights in Sandakan
What's included
Carefully selected accommodation with breakfast
Accommodation based on two people sharing (for each person not sharing a room, the single supplement will be added)
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Well screened Hotels
Handpicked hotels with good service and spacious room.
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Super nice location
Downtown location with convenient transportation and many good restaurants nearby.
All mentioned internal flights, trains, and cruises
Private & air-conditioned vehicle with ample space
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Best-time flight
No early get up. No late arrival.
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Better seats
Select seats for you as spacious as possible, such as exit row or bulkhead with more legroom.
All meals specified in the itinerary
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Satisfying food
Your special request on food can always be satisfied, no matter it relates to religion or medical purpose!
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Local specialities
Traditional local food is delicious and its specialities are worth searching out with our local guide!
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Little snack
Wanna try authentic local snack? Please follow us!
Bottles of drinking water and cold towels per guest per day
24/7 helpline while you are travelling
All excursions specified in the itinerary
All entrance fees specified in the itinerary