BORNEO DISCOVERY: RAINFORESTS, WILDLIFE & REMEMBRANCE

After breakfast, we meet our local guide and travel into Sandakan for a day of discovery. Our first stop is the Puu Jih Shih Buddhist Temple, perched high on a hilltop with magnificent views across Sandakan Bay. We then visit the Agnes Keith House, the beautifully restored colonial home of the American author who penned Land Below the Wind in 1939. Now a museum, it offers a fascinating glimpse into life in British North Borneo and displays period furnishings, photographs, and stories of the Keith family. Enjoy lunch at the nearby English Tea House, a charming colonial-style residence set amid lush gardens with sweeping views over the town and bay. After a memorable day exploring Sandakan’s heritage, we return to the hotel for dinner and a relaxing evening.

After a leisurely breakfast, we travel up to the Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary, located in the centre of the mangrove along the coastal land near Samawang Village. From platform B we not only get to see Proboscis Monkeys, but we also have a good chance of meeting the Silver Leaf Monkey and Oriental Pie Hornbills. We view these unique primates that are not found elsewhere in the world, providing us with an exhilarating and memorable experience. After lunch at the Sepilok Forest Edge Restaurant, we visit the Rainforest Discovery Centre and learn about the rainforest and its exotic flora and fauna. Experience the canopy walkway that gives an incredible view of the treetops and overview of the rainforest as well as its unique flora and fauna. Freshen up before dinner at the hotel.

We wake to the calls of Long Tail Macaque and birds searching for food. After breakfast we head back up to Sandakan to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. Founded in 1964, the centre helps once captive, injured or abandoned Orangutans learn to climb and fend for themselves in the wild, so they may return to the forest. We then proceed to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC) founded in Sabah, Malaysia in 2008 as a two-stage effort to provide for the care, rehabilitation, and release of orphaned and captive sun bears, as well as address the lack of knowledge and awareness of this little-known bear both in Malaysia and internationally. Back at the hotel there will be time to relax and prepare for dinner.

After breakfast, have your luggage ready and meet your driver and guide for the journey back into Sandakan. We begin with a visit to the Sandakan Memorial Park, a peaceful garden setting that commemorates the history of the site and provides thoughtful interpretation of its significance. Late morning, we travel overland to Bilit Jetty (approx. 2–2.5 hours). Upon arrival, we take a short boat ride across the river to Bilit Rainforest Lodge, where we enjoy a welcome drink, briefing, and lunch. The afternoon is at leisure to relax before gathering for afternoon tea. At 4:00pm, we board our Kinabatangan River wildlife cruise, gliding along the waterways in search of proboscis monkeys, hornbills, gibbons, rare birdlife, and — if we are lucky — pygmy elephants. Dinner is served at the lodge this evening, followed by time to unwind and enjoy the tranquility of the rainforest.

Lodge: Bilit Rainforest Lodge, Kinabatangan River for 1 night

This morning, you may choose to join an optional early morning river cruise along the Kinabatangan River in search of more Bornean-endemic wildlife. Mid-morning, we depart the Kinabatangan and travel back to Sandakan Airport for our afternoon flight to Kota Kinabalu. Upon arrival, we transfer to our luxurious Marriott Hotel Kota Kinabalu, beautifully positioned along the waterfront and within easy reach of the city’s central retail outlets and lively local markets. After settling into our rooms, we gather for a drink at the hotel’s Rooftop Bar, taking in the panoramic sunset views over the South China Sea before sitting down to dinner.

Hotel: Marriott Hotel, Kota Kinabalu for 4 nights

Depart early this morning for a scenic journey into Borneo’s lush interior, travelling through paddy fields, small villages, and winding mountain roads. Our first stop is the Sabah Tea Plantation, one of Malaysia’s last certified organic tea estates. Enjoy a guided tour to learn about the tea-growing and harvesting process before sitting down to lunch overlooking the sweeping valley views.

This morning, we depart for the Mari Mari Cultural Village, set in a peaceful forest setting away from the bustle of Kota Kinabalu. Here we step back in time to learn about the traditional lifestyles and customs of Borneo’s indigenous tribes. Enjoy a guided tour through the traditional houses, with demonstrations of bamboo cooking, fire-making, blowpipe skills, and cultural dances, with opportunities to participate along the way. Lunch is served at the village before we return to the hotel for a relaxing afternoon at leisure. Dinner is served at the hotel this evening.

Board the nostalgic North Borneo Train for a scenic journey through villages and countryside, with refreshments on board and a local lunch included. Return to the hotel in the early afternoon for a rest. This evening, enjoy a spectacular Sunset Dinner Cruise, with stunning coastal views, live entertainment and a delicious buffet dinner.

Enjoy the morning at leisure before checking out at midday. We transfer to the airport and begin our journey home. Upon arrival in Perth, your drivers will be waiting to transfer you home.