top of page

BORNEO WILDLIFE  TOUR 

​

Tour to be led by Expert Herpetologist Rowland Griffin from Indigo Expeditions.

 

This is an epic wildlife tour taking in some of the very best natural sights that Malaysia & Borneo have to offer. From the waters of the Sulu Sea in Sandakan and magnificent mangrove forests to the incredibly biodiversity of Sabah - there is a stunning array of wildlife to be found here, from rare one-horned rhinos and pgymy-elephants, to proboscis monkeys, orangutangs, to an incredibly rich diversity of reptile species found throughout the region, including king cobras, reticulated pythons, flying snakes, pit vipers, cat snakes and much more.

DAY 1

Arrival in Kota Kinabalu. Transfer to the Grandis Hotel.  Check in and free at leisure. Accommodation at Grandis Hotel, Superior Bay View Room.

 

DAY 2

Breakfast at the hotel. Check out.

Depart for a two-hour drive to Kinabalu Park, nominated by UNESCO as a World Heritage site. Enjoy the spectacular mountain scenery as you drive through the Crocker Range to the Park Head Quarters. We shall stop at local fruit and handicraft stalls enroute. The Kinabalu Park is home to Mt. Kinabalu, the highest mountain in Malaysia which towers majestically at 4095 m (13431 feet). It is a botanist paradise - Home to over a thousand varieties of wild orchids, Rhododendrons, insect eating plants and much more. At the park, join a trail walk in the unique mountain rainforest to get a first hand impression of the Park and its unique flora before visiting the Mountain Garden with its collection of orchids and plants that are unique to Kinabalu. Follow on yet another

trailwalk though Kinabalu’s Lower Mountain Forest. Enjoy Dinner. Free at leisure and overnight. Accommodation at Kinabalu Park, Hill Lodge.

​

DAY 3

Wake up before dawn. Follow your local tour guide along one of the many trailwalks in search of reptiles and amphibian. Return for breakfast. Check out.

Transfer overland on a 5-6 hours drive to Sandakan passing by small villages and palm oil estates. Upon arrival check in at the Four Points Sheraton.

Accommodation at Four Points Sheraton, Deluxe Room.

 

DAY 4

Breakfast at the hotel. Check out. Meet at the Hotel Lobby in Sandakan or Sandakan Air port. Proceed overland to the Gomantong Caves (about 2-hour ride), passing oil palm plantation and villages, Explore this fascinating cave, which is home to millions of swiftlets, bats as well as snakes. The swiftlet’s nests are collected for the famous Chinese Bird’s nest soup. Continue on to Bilit and check into your lodge. Lunch at the lodge and in the afternoon, take a boat cruise along the Kinabatangan River in search for Proboscis monkeys and other forms of Wildlife. Return to the lodge for dinner.

Note: Boat transfer and river cruise by boat is always on shared basis / join in.

Accommodation at BILIT RAINFOREST LODGE, twin bedded room with attached bathroom.

 

DAY 5

Early morning, proceed to the Ox-Bow Lake to observe wildlife and experience the early morning river ambience of the longest river of Sabah. And also a short jungle trek along the lake while searching for more wildlife. Then, return to the lodge. Rest of the day, free to enjoy the natural surroundings. Late afternoon, proceed on another river cruise to search for wildlife. Return to the lodge for dinner.

Note: River cruise by boat is always on shared basis / join in.

Accommodation at BILIT RAINFOREST LODGE, twin bedded room with attached bathroom.

 

DAY 6

Early morning, proceed to the Ox-Bow Lake to observe wildlife and experience the early morning river ambience of the longest river of Sabah. And also a short jungle trek along the lake while searching for more wildlife. Then, return to the lodge. Rest of the day, free to enjoy the natural surroundings. Late afternoon, proceed on another river cruise to search for wildlife. Return to the lodge for dinner.

Note: River cruise by boat is always on shared basis / join in.

Accommodation at BILIT RAINFOREST LODGE, twin bedded room with attached bathroom.

 

DAY 7

Breakfast at the lodge. Check out. After breakfast, transfer overland to Lahad Datu and Tabin Wildlife’s office for registration.

Note: All visitors have to sign an indemnity waiver. Transfer to Lahad Datu to Tabin Wildlife is without a guide. Driver only! Dusk drive is on join in basis.

Drive from Lahad Datu to Tabin Wildlife Reserve on gravel road for about one and a half hour. After registration, you will be briefed to pack the items needed for your night out at Lipad mud volcano. Check into an attractive timber lodge at Tabin Wildlife Resort, which comes complete with private balcony,

air conditioner, ceiling fan and hot water shower, a welcome luxury in the forest. Nestled within the rainforest beside the Lipad river, this lovely setting is home to a surprising variety of birds, insects and small mammals, even right beside the buildings of the resort. Discover the rich variety of jungle herbs, some endemic, used for generations by local folks for the treatment of various ailments. Spend the rest of the day at leisure or stroll in the resort’s vicinity to enjoy nature at its best. Visit to Trogon Hall gallery for information about the conservation of Tabin Wildlife Reserve and briefing on birds, insects and animals that is found in this area. (For guest check in before 11:00am). In the evening, a dusk drive to look out for more nocturnal wildlife & birds coming out to look for food during this time of the day . After dinner, enjoy a CD/Slide presentation on Tabin’s natural wonders.

Accommodation at Tabin Wildlife, twin bedded chalet.

​

DAY 8

Breakfast at the Lodge. You may opt to take up a dawn drive to look out for wildlife that is active at this time of the day (not included in package/RM80.00 per person) or join the early morning bird walk to discover some of Tabin’s rich collecti on of almost 300 bird species. After breakfast, a drive to the core area for animal spotting and for photo session before trekking through the lush green rainforest known for its rich diversity of plants and animal species to visit Lipad Waterfall. Take a dip in the natural pool and enjoy a natural and refreshing shower under the waterfall. Alternatively explore the surrounding vegetation or just relax. Lunch followed by a short break. Embark on your journey to the mud volcano. After trekking through the jungle for 20 minutes,

arrive at the elevated bare area of the mud volcano. Try to identify the multitude of animal footprints belonging to different wildlife. The adventurous can try the effects of the volcanic mud, said to be responsible for a fine complexion. Return to the lodge for dinner. Free at leisure and overnight.

Note: Observation Tower at the Mud Vulcano is closed for maintainance.

Accommodation at Tabin Wildlife, twin bedded chalet.

 

DAY 9

Breakfast at the Lodge. After breakfast, stroll to the nearby Rock Pool or wander along the river where groups of macaques and other small mammals can sometimes be seen. Choose to take a dip in the river or simply listen to the sound of nature, or spend the morning at leisure. In the afternoon you may wish to try out the Tabin Rainforest Foot Soak made with a natural blend of tropical herbs that help relax tired muscles after jungle treks. Dinner followed by a night safari to look out for nocturnal wildlife and birds. Remember to look up at the clear, dark sky of Tabin, identify the constellations above you and make a wish or two.

Note: Observation Tower at the Mud Vulcano is closed for maintainance.

Accommodation at Tabin Wildlife, twin bedded chalet

.

DAY 10

Breakfast at the lodge. Free at leisure. Check out and transfer to Lahad Datu Airport.

Recommended flight, -: MH 3015, LDU – BKI, 11:10/12:05 . Please book a suitable connecting flight home.

Arrival in Kota Kinabalu and connect with flight home

 

OR  OPTIONAL 4 NIGHT EXTENSION (SUPPLEMENTAL CHARGE) transfer to Shangri La’s Rasa Ria Resort. Check in and free at leisure.

Note: Standard check in time is 1500 hrs.

Accommodation at Shangri La’s Rasa Ria Resort, Deluxe Sea View Room.

 

DAY 10

Arrival in Kota Kinabalu and transfer to Shangri La’s Rasa Ria Resort. Check in and free at leisure.

Note: Standard check in time is 1500 hrs.

Accommodation at Shangri La’s Rasa Ria Resort, Deluxe Sea View Room.

 

DAY 11-13

Breakfast at the Resort. Free at leisure.

Accommodation at Shangri La’s Rasa Ria Resort, Deluxe Sea View Room.

 

DAY 14

Transfer to airport for flight home

 

 

 

10d/9n  Tour GBP £2295 per person sharing  (subject to change and availability)  

​

14d/13n  Tour GBP £2725 per person sharing (subject to change and availability) 
 

 

Services included

  • Accommodation in shared twin room with air-condition (AC) and private bathroom

  • Meals as stated in the programme B= breakfast, L= lunch, D= dinner

  • All entrance fees for the places as mentioned in the program

  • Transfers and tours with local English-speaking guide in private air-conditioned vehicles.

  • Package includes GST 6% (Good and Service Tax)

  • domestic airfare as specified

  • Expert Herpetologist Tour Leader - Rowland Griffin

 

Services excluded

  • International airfare to (quoted separately, if requested)

  • Optional tours

  • Surcharges for other language guides

  • Personal travel insurance

  • Personal expenditure, such as drinks, souvenirs, laundry, camera fees, communications, postage, gratuities etc.

  • Meals and services other than mentioned in the programme

  • Drinks with meals

  • Early check-in and late check-out at hotels, if not mentioned in the programme

 

 

 

 

 

 

bottom of page