Sabah Nature Explorer is a short but intense journey through the renowned natural wonders of the Malaysian state.
In Selingan Island you will have the rare opportunity to see marine turtle nesting, and at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre you can come face to face with Borneo Orangutans.
After that, you will venture deep into the heart of unspoiled nature along the Sabah’s longest river, the Kinabatangan River, before continuing to the beautiful tropical rainforest of Danum Valley Conservation Area.
Upon arrival in Sandakan you will be met at the airport and transferred to Sim Sim jetty to board the boat to Selingan Turtle Island. Selingan has been designated a national park to protect the newly laid eggs and vulnerable hatchlings from predators. The journey to the island will take approximately one hour.
On arrival check into at the lodge and spend the rest of the day at leisure. You can relax on the beach or explore the tropical island’s surrounding.
After dinner, standby at the Cafeteria. Wait for Park Ranger’s signal before proceed in a small group to witness a marine turtle laying the eggs on the beach and the release of the baby turtle into the sea (turtle sightings can never be guaranteed).
Overnight at the lodge Turtle island
LUNCH | DINNER
Early morning head back to the mainland and proceed to Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre for up-close orangutan encounter.
Walk 10 minutes through the rainforest on wooden boardwalk to witness the feeding of orangutans from the platform in the forest.
Continue to the outdoor nursery where the juvenile and baby orangutans are taught the skills they need to survive in the forest.
Proceed to Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre where the world’s smallest bears are kept and rehabilitated.
After Sepilok venture on a 2-day wildlife safari on the Kinabatangan River. First, you will be taken to Sim Sim jetty to board the boat to Abai Jungle Lodge. Enjoy a relaxing 1-hour cruise, journeying up the river. Upon arrival check into your lodge on the riverbank and then enjoy lunch.
Late afternoon head out on a safari cruise on the Kinabatangan River. At dusk, you may have the chance to see proboscis monkey and other wildlife than the area is famed for.
Before dinner you will experience a night cruise to witness the glittering fireflies on the mangrove trees.
Overnight at the Abai Jungle Lodge
BREAKFAST | LUNCH | DINNER
Wake up early and embark on a river cruise to the Pitas Lake in search of wildlife species that are significantly active during pre-dawn or early morning hours.
The rest of the morning is at your leisure to explore the rainforest on a boardwalk located behind the lodge or visit the village of the native “orang sungai” people and take part in a tree planting project.
After lunch head further up the river to Sukau. Switching lodges gives you a great chance to see more wildlife.
Upon arrival at the lodge head out on another safari cruise on the Menanggul River, a tributary of the Kinabatangan River.
Overnight at the Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge
BREAKFAST | LUNCH| DINNER
Early morning transfer to Danum Valley Conservation Area office in Lahad Datu (about 2-hour drive). Then after registration continue to Borneo Rainforest Lodge (about 2.5-hour drive).
Enjoy the changing landscape of the regenerated forest to virgin rainforest of a million years old.
Borneo Rainforest Lodge is nestled in the heart of Sabah’s largest protected forest, alongside the Danum River.
The entire Danum Valley Conservation Area is a primary rainforest, which means it has never been logged before and is completely untouched.
After a brief orientation and lunch, proceed for a guided walk along the Nature Trail for an introduction to the rainforest ecosystem.
In the evening see a slide presentation on Danum Valley Conservation Area, then join a night safari on an open-air truck. Using a powerful spot light the guide will point out nocturnal species.
Overnight at the Borneo Rainforest Lodge
BREAKFAST| LUNCH | DINNER
Rise early this morning and enjoy a whole day in the beautiful Danum Valley. Start your day with the Canopy Walkway, a rope-style bridge built 26 meters above the forest floor. The view is magical. In the early mornings, mist hangs over the rainforest, forming a white veil from which only the tallest treetops emerge.
After breakfast hike to View Point Trail and Kadazandusun Burial Site. Stop along the trail to admire the variety of flora and fauna and spectacular views.
On the way down, enjoy a refreshing dip in the natural Jacuzzi pool.
After lunch (if weather permits) enjoy an extended hike to look for orangutan, birds and other wildlife along nature trails or go for a relaxing Water Tubing session down the Danum River.
As darkens falls, proceed for a guided night jungle walk in search of nocturnal species.
Overnight at the Borneo Rainforest Lodge
BREAKFAST | LUNCH | DINNER
This morning enjoy a short jungle walk. After lunch, check out and transfer to Lahad Datu airport.
BREAKFAST | LUNCH
This trip covers a lot in 6 days. It’s the best way to see the nature of Sabah and allows you to encounter wildlife in the wild.
