5-day itinerary focusing on wildlife, river cruises, and island experiences in Sabah, Malaysia. This plan will guide you through unique experiences and attractions with specifics to enhance your adventure.
Day 1: Arrival in Sandakan and Transfer to Sepilok
Morning: Arrival in Sandakan
- Arrival: Fly into Sandakan Airport (SDK), the gateway to Borneo’s rich wildlife. Aim to arrive in the morning.
- Transfer to Sepilok: A 20-minute drive from Sandakan will bring you to Sepilok, where you’ll be staying at a lodge near the wildlife centers. Recommended lodges include:
- Sepilok Nature Resort: Offers comfortable chalets set in lush surroundings.
- Sepilok Jungle Resort: Known for its close proximity to the orangutan sanctuary.
Late Morning: Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
- Orangutan Feeding:
- Time: Feeding sessions are typically at 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM.
- Experience: Observe semi-wild orangutans as they swing through the trees to the feeding platforms. This is an excellent opportunity to see these magnificent creatures up close.
- Educational Centre: Learn about orangutan conservation efforts and the challenges they face in the wild.
Afternoon: Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre
- Visit Time: After lunch, head to the Sun Bear Conservation Centre next door.
- Highlights: See the world’s smallest bear species, the Bornean sun bear, in a semi-wild environment. Learn about their rescue and rehabilitation.
Evening: Night Walk in Sepilok
- Night Walk: Some lodges offer guided night walks in the forest. This is a great chance to spot nocturnal wildlife like tarsiers, flying squirrels, and various insects.
- Dinner: Enjoy a meal at your lodge, where local and international dishes are typically served.
Day 2: Kinabatangan River Wildlife Experience
Morning: Transfer to Kinabatangan River
- Travel: After breakfast, drive to the Kinabatangan River area (approx. 2 hours).
- Check-In: Stay at a lodge along the river such as:
- Sukau Rainforest Lodge: An eco-friendly lodge with excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.
- Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge: Offers river-facing rooms and guided tours.
Late Morning: First River Cruise
- Morning River Cruise:
- Departure Time: Around 10:00 AM.
- Wildlife: Spot proboscis monkeys, orangutans, hornbills, and crocodiles. The river is teeming with wildlife, and the morning is a prime time for activity.
Afternoon: Jungle Trek
- Guided Jungle Walk:
- Duration: 1-2 hours.
- Experience: Trek through the rainforest with a guide who will point out various plants, insects, and possibly pygmy elephants if you’re lucky. The walk provides insight into the rich biodiversity of the area.
Evening: Sunset River Cruise
- Evening River Cruise:
- Departure Time: Around 4:30 PM.
- Wildlife: This cruise focuses on spotting wildlife as they become more active during the cooler evening hours. Look out for the unique proboscis monkey settling down for the night.
- Dinner: Return to the lodge for dinner. Lodges usually offer buffet-style meals with a variety of options.
Night Safari:
- Night Safari: After dinner, embark on a night safari by boat. This is a chance to see nocturnal creatures like owls, bats, and possibly even a wild cat.
Day 3: Kinabatangan River – Continued Exploration
Morning: Early Morning River Cruise
- Sunrise Cruise:
- Departure Time: 6:00 AM.
- Wildlife: Early morning is ideal for spotting rare birds, orangutans, and other wildlife as they start their day. The mist over the river at dawn adds a magical touch to the experience.
Late Morning: Ox-Bow Lake Visit
- Ox-Bow Lake:
- Experience: Visit an ox-bow lake, a unique ecosystem where you might spot pygmy elephants, various bird species, and more. The boat will take you deeper into the jungle, away from the main river.
- Breakfast: Return to the lodge for breakfast after the morning cruise.
Afternoon: Leisure and Guided Walk
- Leisure Time: After lunch, relax at the lodge, enjoy the views, or participate in an educational talk about the local wildlife and conservation efforts.
- Guided Nature Walk: Another option is a guided nature walk along the lodge’s trails. The guides will help you spot smaller creatures, insects, and learn more about the flora.
Evening: Final River Cruise
- Evening Cruise: Your last river cruise offers another chance to see animals in a different light. The guides often take different routes to maximize your wildlife viewing opportunities.
- Dinner: Enjoy your final dinner at the lodge, reflecting on the day’s sightings.
Day 4: Transfer to Danum Valley – Heart of Borneo
Morning: Travel to Danum Valley
- Travel: Depart early for a drive (approx. 4-5 hours) to Danum Valley. This pristine area is one of the most important conservation sites in Malaysia, with undisturbed primary rainforest.
- Check-In: Stay at Borneo Rainforest Lodge, an exclusive lodge offering a luxurious stay in the heart of the rainforest.
Late Morning: Introduction to Danum Valley
- Orientation Walk:
- Duration: 1-2 hours.
- Experience: A guided walk around the lodge area to get acquainted with the surroundings. The biodiversity here is astounding, with a high chance of seeing orangutans, gibbons, and various bird species.
Afternoon: Canopy Walk
- Canopy Walkway:
- Experience: Explore the 300-meter long canopy walkway suspended high above the ground. This is one of the best ways to see the forest’s birdlife and possibly spot primates moving through the trees.
Evening: Night Safari or Night Walk
- Night Safari: After dinner, embark on a night drive safari to spot nocturnal wildlife such as civets, leopard cats, and flying squirrels. Alternatively, join a night walk with a guide to explore the forest on foot.
Day 5: Full Day in Danum Valley
Morning: Guided Trek
- Morning Trek: After an early breakfast, embark on a guided trek to Coffin Cliff and Viewpoint. The trek is moderately challenging but rewarding with stunning views over the valley. Along the way, learn about the medicinal plants, insects, and other wildlife.
- Duration: 3-4 hours.
- Highlights: Along the way, visit an ancient burial site and enjoy panoramic views of the jungle canopy.
Afternoon: River and Forest Exploration
- River Tubing: Enjoy a relaxing river tubing session down the Danum River. It’s a great way to cool off after a morning of trekking.
- Leisure Time: Relax at the lodge or take another guided walk through the surrounding trails. The lodge often organizes talks or videos about the local wildlife and conservation efforts.
Evening: Final Night Walk
- Night Walk: One last night walk to catch any nocturnal wildlife you might have missed. The guides are adept at finding the more elusive creatures that only come out after dark.
Additional Details:
- Packing Tips:
- Clothing: Lightweight, quick-drying clothing is essential. Long sleeves and pants are recommended for jungle walks to protect against insects.
- Footwear: Sturdy, comfortable hiking boots or shoes with good grip are necessary for trekking. Bring sandals for river activities.
- Gear: Binoculars for wildlife spotting, a good camera with a zoom lens, insect repellent, and a reusable water bottle.
- Health and Safety:
- Vaccinations: Ensure you have the necessary vaccinations, including those for tropical diseases. Consult with a travel health professional.
- Insect Protection: Use DEET-based insect repellent and consider wearing insect-repellent-treated clothing.
- Travel Insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance is recommended, covering adventure activities like trekking and river cruises.
- Wildlife Etiquette:
- Respect Wildlife: Maintain a safe distance from all animals. Do not attempt to touch or feed any wildlife.
- Guided Tours: Always follow your guide’s instructions. They are knowledgeable about animal behaviour and the best ways to observe them safely.
This itinerary is tailored to maximize your wildlife viewing opportunities in Sabah’s most biodiverse areas. Each day is packed with guided activities and exploration, ensuring you get the most out of your trip to Borneo’s wilderness.
