Malaysia: Sabah Adventure

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.

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. 

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).

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.

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.

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.

Breakfast and check out. At 0700 hrs, take an hour boat ride return to Sandakan.

Tour end. Transferred to the airport or your respective hotel.