+44 (0)20 8741 7390 A stunning journey through some of Sarawak s most spectacular landscapes, this thrilling family adventure is filled with natural and cultural highlights, taking you from the city of Kota Kinabalu and into Sepilok and the wildlife rich ecosystems of Kinabatangan and Tabin. Journeys end sees you on the beaches of Gaya Island to take in the islands marine ecosystems and pristine beaches. Arrive in Kota Kinabalu and head into the countryside to stay in a farmstay. Walk through the villages and stunning landscapes before taking part in harvesting local produce from the farms to be prepared by your gracious hosts. Learn how to cook the food of the region, blow a dart pipe, make handicrafts and sieve rice. This incredible adventure then continues to Sepilok to meet the orphaned orangutans at the Orangutan Sanctuary. Then it is on to you lodge along the Kinabatangan river, where you will have a chance to enjoy boat safaris, visit the local Orang Sungai people and witness fireflies dance above the waters. It is then on to Tabin for more safaris through the rainforest before finally reaching your villa on Gaya Island, a paradise ideal for kayaking, snorkelling and relaxing on the beach. HIGHLIGHTS: Harvest your own lunch and cook with your hosts at the farmstay Visit the Orangutan Sanctuary in Sepilok Go on boat safaris down the Kinabatangan River Stay in Tabin Wildlife Resort and go in search of wildlife Spend three nights in a Villa on the gorgeous Gaya Island TOUR INCLUDES: 2 domestic flights 3 nights five star island resort, 5 nights lodge, 1 night four star hotel and 2 nights farmstay 9 breakfasts, 6 lunches and 7 dinners Accompanied by an experienced English speaking local guide. Private basis Private driver and vehicle Sightseeing programme including all entrance fees Private guided transfers to and from all airports *Please note the prices shown are per person and based on four persons sharing two twin or double room
ITINERARY DAY 1: KOTA KINABALU On arrival you will be met and driven to the countryside with a short stop at Tamparuli Suspension Bridge and the nearby local market, passing the scenic view of the Kiulu Valley. Enjoy traditional lunch and in the afternoon, proceed for leisurely village walk which will offer you stunning landscapes of the scenic valley as you pass the local school, lush paddy fields and a hanging bridge. After dinner, have a meeting with the local people about the village history and folktales before retiring to bed. (D) DAY 2: KOTA KINABALU After breakfast, take a refreshing walk to visit the local farm and garden. Try your hand at rice planting and net fishing. Picking your own lunch will give a true farm to table food experience. Afterwards, head back to the kitchen for the opportunity to interact and be taught directly by local resident cooks while they prepare you a locally grown lunch. Rest watching a demonstration of cultural activities such rice sieving, blow pipe, handcrafts making, playing the musical instruments and traditional games. (B,L,D) DAY 3: KOTA KINABALU - SANDAKAN - SEPILOK You will have the opportunity this morning to wash in the nearby river and be cleansed by nature. You will be collected and transferred to Kota Kinabalu Airport for your flight to Sandakan. On arrival in Sandakan, you will be met by your local guide and taken to the Sepilok Nature Resort. (B) DAY 4: SEPILOK - KINABATANGAN (ABAI) You have the opportunity to visit the Orangutan Sanctuary this morning or relax in the lodge. You will then be driven to the Sandakan Jetty to board a shared boat cruise to the village of Abai, passing through a landscape alive with monitor lizards, serpent eagles and crocodiles. Upon arrival at your lodge, enjoy lunch before setting off for an afternoon river expedition in search of wildlife in an opentopped river boat. You might get the opportunity to photograph wild Orangutans, Pygmy elephants, Proboscis monkeys and other wildlife. If the weather is good, you should be able to see and photograph fireflies at a very challenging low-light condition. After dinner, you shall take a night stroll along the boardwalks on a lookout for nocturnal animals and interesting insects. (B,L,D)
DAY 5: KINABATANGAN (ABAI - SUKAU) After breakfast there is a chance to explore the nature board walk around the lodge area. Check-out and transfer to Sukau by shared boat. Every year, monsoon rains flood Malaysian Borneo's Kinabatangan River basin, filling jungle waterways and nourishing the habitats of some of the planet's most unusual species: wild orangutans, pygmy elephants, and proboscis monkeys. This evening, meander along the Kinabatangan with your local guide to spot the nocturnal activity along the river. Returning to the resort, enjoy dinner before meeting the resort's naturalist for an informative talk and presentation on the river. (B,L,D) DAY 6: KINABATANGAN (SUKAU) After an early wake up call, embark on a morning river cruise in search of waking wildlife and birds which are most active in the morning, on the way to the Danau Pitas Ox-Bow Lake. The area is known for its herd of Asian elephants. Continue to visit the local fishing village, Kampung Abai where you can interact with local Orang Sungai people and observe the daily activities in this tiny fishing village. Return to a full breakfast and then set off for another cruise up the Kinabatangan River to Menanggul River in search of wildlife. Return for a candle light dinner and slide show conducted by the naturalist guide. After dinner, enjoy a night safari cruise spotting nocturnal animals, crocodiles and birds. (B,L,D) DAY 7: KINABATANGAN (SUKAU) - LAHAD DADU - TABIN Departing Kinabatangan this morning, you will drive to Tabin via Lahad Datu which will take approximately 3 hrs. Check into the charming timber bungalow of Tabin Wildlife Resort, set amongst the rainforest alongside the Lipad River. In the afternoon, a short trek brings you to the Lipad mud volcano which serves as a mineral salt lick for wildlife, where you can try to identify any animal footprints and walk up the observation tower. After dinner, enjoy a slide presentation on Tabin's uniqueness, followed by a night safari to look out for nocturnal wildlife and birds. (B,L,D) DAY 8: TABIN 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. 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. (B,L,D)
DAY 9: TABIN - LAHAD DATU - KOTA KINABALU - GAYA ISLAND You have the morning to further explore the rainforest before being driven overland to Lahad Dadu for your late afternoon flight to Kota Kinabalu. On arrival in Kota Kinabalu, you will be met by your local guide and taken to the Bunga Raya Resort on Gaya Island for a three-night stay. (B) DAY 10: GAYA ISLAND Bunga Raya Island Resort is set on a coral reef island just off the coast of Borneo. A secluded island hideaway, the resort is tucked away on a tranquil and hidden bay framed by crescent shaped white sand beach on one side and the centuries old virgin jungle on the other. Spend your days relaxing on the beach or taking part in the resorts numerous activities. Included in your stay is use of the kayaks and paddle boards, as well as entrance fees to the Gayana Marine Resort. (B) DAY 11: GAYA ISLAND Another day exploring the island or simply relaxing in your villa. (B) DAY 12: GAYA ISLAND - KOTA KINABALU You will be transferred to Kota Kinabalu for your flight home. (B)
ACCOMMODATION GAYA ISLAND BUNGA RAYA RESORT Bunga Raya Island Resort is set on a coral reef island just off the coast of Borneo. A secluded island hideaway of 47 timbered villas, the resort is tucked away on a tranquil and hidden bay framed by crescent shaped white sand beach on one side and the centuries old virgin jungle on the other. Each private villa is rough hewn and hand-crafted by local tradesmen, terraced into the hillside reflecting the traditional simplicity of the Borneo architectural style, blending seamlessly with the comforts and needs of the most sophisticated and discerning luxury traveller. Private balconies offer jaw dropping vistas of the beach below and the South China Sea beyond. Villas range from simple timbered dwellings, steps from the beach, to opulent 3 bedroom, multi-level units with wrap around decks and indulgent private plunge pools. A dedicated hilltop spa, with exotic private spa pavilions, blends the very finest of Traditional Asian and Western treatments which capture restorative powers of indigenous plants and oils. KINABATANGAN (ABAI) KINABATANGAN WETLANDS RESORT Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort is a gem located in Abai, a quieter area of the Lower Kinabatangan Floodplain, about an hour s boat ride from Sandakan harbour. If you are looking for something exclusive and away from the main tourist hotspots of Sukau and Bilit, Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort is the place to go. The resort is surrounded by secondary forest reserves, and is located within beautiful nipah and mangrove vegetation. Apart from the river cruises, you can spend time relaxing and observing nature from your chalet, a myriad of birds and monkeys, such as silver leaf langurs, maroon langurs, hose langurs, and wild orangutan are regularly spotted within the area. Raised boardwalks are available for night walks and morning strolls. NB, Please be careful on the boardwalks as they can be slippery after rain. KINABATANGAN (SUKAU) SUKAU RAINFOREST LODGE The lodge has recently been awarded status as a National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World, one of only 25 in the world, and the only one in Southeast Asia. It is the only lodge that uses electric motor on all river boats, and has a great range of facilities for such a remote area (it is the only lodge with a plunge pool and has relaxing and well designed communal areas). Aside from the excellent wildlife spotting the resort offers foot massage, nightly wildlife talks by the in-house expert, and has some lovely trails to explore from the lodge. KUCHING
GRAND MARGHERITA On the banks of the Sarawak River with views of the colourful Malay Village the Grand Margherita Hotel is a five star hotel with modern amenities. Being in the heart of the city's business, entertainment and shopping districts and not far from Kuchings main tourist attractions it is in a brilliant location. The rooms are modern with state of the art facilities and the amenities in the hotel include high speed internet access, an outdoor pool and fitness centre. The Chinese restaurant found within the complex is popular with both locals and guests alike. SANDAKAN SEPILOK NATURE RESORT Within walking distance from the world-famous Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre, deep in a forest of tropical orchids and towering trees, this charming resort combines modern comforts with traditional style. Its twin bedded chalets provide en suite bathrooms, air conditioning and lake or jungle views, whilst the surrounding gardens boast over 150 species of Asian orchid. The lovely wooden resort restaurant provides a fusion of local and western cuisines overlooking the rainforest canopies. TABIN NATURE RESERVE TABIN WILDLIFE RESORT Tabin Wildlife Resort has a spectacular setting amongst the rainforest in eastern Sabah. The reserve holds extraordinary diversity and is a dedicated area for the breeding of wildlife and birdlife, including the Borneo pygmy elephant. The accommodation consists of 20 spacious riverside lodges. Ten overlook the river and ten are slightly further away on the steep hillside, each with private balcony, airconditioning and a fan, and a private bathroom, The Sunbird cafe serves simple western and local cuisine - depending on how busy the lodge is, this will be buffet or a la carte. Add waterfalls, mud-volcanoes, trekking, specialised bird-watching, dawn drives and night walks into the equation, and Tabin offers a truly outstanding addition to any Borneo itinerary. ULU AI NANGA SUMPA LONGHOUSE Set on the banks of the river next to the native longhouse, Nanga Sumpa Longhouse is a basic traditional wooden lodge that provides simple, clean lodgings, with mats, mosquito nets and mattresses. The 17 rooms can sleep two or four people, and the shared bathrooms include western style toilets. There is no hot water, so only cold showers are avialable. Also, there is no regular electricity, so lighting is provided by oil lamps. Local meals of fresh jungle vegetables prepared by the lodge kitchen are eaten in a communal dining area. This is a living example of an Iban Community, who have successfully embraced a form of respectful, low-volume tourism where they are able to blend their traditional way of life with the benefits of contemporary living that comes with this form of sustainable eco-tourism. It has proved to be economically beneficial to all of the local community as the income is split equally between the twenty-three families.
Wild Frontiers Adventure Travel Ltd Tel +44 (0)20 8741 7390 Email info@wildfrontierstravel.com Website wildfrontierstravel.com