When it comes to adventures, activities and wildlife few places can compete with Borneo. The Sabah region is the base for our holiday which has been designed to show off the best that Borneo has to offer in a truly active way.

Your journey starts in Kota Kinabalu. There are RIB rides around tropical islands, snorkelling trips, mountain biking adventures and rock climbing to be enjoyed here as well as some wonderful accommodation and food.

Then it’s into the tropical rainforests for memorable encounters with some of the world’s most endangered species which are indigenous to Borneo’s rainforests.

You’ll have the chance to get close to Proboscis monkeys and orangutans in sanctuaries as well as in the wild. There will be rainforest boat trips where you may spot the Borneo pygmy elephant as well as gibbons and abundant wildlife; you’ll also visit the spectacular Gomantong Caves.

Back in Kota Kinabalu you’ll have the chance to scuba dive and then go jungle rafting. You can then either wave farewell, or for a further challenge you can make an attempt on the summit of Mount Kinabalu.

Day 1: Arrival and transfers
Today you will descend into Kota Kinabalu International Airport where a guide will be waiting to transfer you to your wonderful waterfront accommodation, a short drive away. You have this evening to yourselves so you can relax and settle into your surroundings before the adventure begins tomorrow.

Day 2: Fast island RIB ride and snorkelling
There is no better way to become acquainted with the tropical waters of Borneo than to spend the day exploring the stunning islands and coral reefs that sit just off Kota Kinabalu. You will have a thrilling rib ride around the islands before lunch. In the afternoon there is a guided snorkelling trip where you can introduce yourself to some of the aquatic wildlife.

Day 3: Mountain Biking
Today you will explore the villages and spectacular countryside that surrounds Kota Kinabalu with your guide. This will provide an insight into the local culture and just how friendly the Malaysian people are. You will travel on front suspension mountain bikes on a route which is tailored to your group. This may include gravel tracks and quiet country roads and potentially the chance to try some jungle routes – quite an experience and very muddy!

Day 4: Rock climbing experience
Your guides today are the best in the Borneo climbing business and they’ll take you to their indoor climbing wall for initial instruction and practice routes. You’ll get to hone your techniques before heading to an outdoor rock face in the afternoon for a real climbing experience. For those who fancy an attempt at Mount Kinabalu this will be an ideal warm up.

Day 5: Flight to Sandakan
This morning you will wave goodbye to the coast and take the short flight to Sandakan. Be sure to try and get a window seat to get the views of Mount Kinabalu as you fly past.

On arrival you will be transferred to Sepilok and your delightful lodge accommodation on the edge of the Orangutan Sanctuary. You will have access to the swimming pool at a nearby resort and there will be time to relax in your beautiful chalet before tomorrow’s adventures.

Day 6: Rainforest Discovery and Orangutan Rehabilitation Sanctuary
Today encapsulates the essence of Borneo in terms of nature and wildlife. First you will explore the Rainforest Discovery Centre with a guide. There are many trails to explore as well as the thrilling canopy walkways which allow you to get up close to some of the biggest trees you are ever likely to see. It’s a fascinating place.

After lunch in a local restaurant you will head to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Sanctuary where you will see the afternoon feeding session. The sanctuary is world renowned for its efforts to save this magnificent animal through rehabilitating orphaned orangutans. You will see a video on the work that is done here before the feeding. The orangutans are able to come and go as they please so there is no guarantee of a sighting but close encounters are frequent.

Day 7: Gomantong caves and a night on the edge of the jungle
The Gomantong Caves are most well known for the harvesting of the swift’s nests each year. The harvest occur only 4 times a year and is closely managed but the caves remain truly spectacular on every visit. The sight of the birds, bats and creepy crawlies that inhabit the caves is truly something you won’t forget.

From Gomantong you’ll have lunch and then it is on the Kinabatangan River for a night in the Kampung Bilit secondary jungle.

You will check into your simple jungle lodge accommodation and your rainforest encounter begins with a late afternoon boat trip on the river. The boat trips are guided by specialists who seem to have an unfathomable ability for spotting wildlife. You will see spectacular bird life but there is the potential to see many types of monkey, gibbons and the occasional crocodile. You may even be graced by a sighting of a wild orangutan.

After dinner you head off with your guide for a night walk in the jungle. The forest takes on a very different appearance after dark. Tonight you’ll sleep surrounded by the sounds of the jungle.

Day 8: Rainforest boat trip, tree planting and Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary
After early morning refreshments you will head back out on the boat for another attempt to spot some of the rainforest inhabitants. The proboscis monkey is a likely sighting as well as macaques and leaf monkeys. You may even be one of the few who witness the newly discovered Borneo pygmy elephant.

You’ll return to the lodge for breakfast after which you’ll be asked to take part in the lodge’s tree planting programme where you can help in the conservation of this unique environment.

It’s now time to check out and head back to Sepilok. En route however you will stop off to experience yet another wildlife encounter that is unique to Borneo. The Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary will allow you to experience these rather bizarre looking monkeys at close quarters.

You’ll check back into you lovely lodge for your last night surrounded by the rainforest.

Day 9: Return to Kota Kinabalu
Today you’ll be transferred to Sandakan Airport for your return flights to Kota Kinabalu where you will return to your seafront hotel.

Day 10: Underwater experience
This morning you will be driven to the pier to meet the dive boat. You have three options. For those who are qualified divers you can participate in a leisure dive. If you’ve never dived before, but fancy a go, you can do a discover scuba diving experience (amazing for the non diver). Lastly for those who prefer to stay on the surface there is more snorkelling to be had. You’ll have lunch on one of the islands and get to fully experience the underwater world – a spectacular array of corals and aquatic life (possibly even sea turtles and sting rays) is waiting.

Day 11: Jungle rafting
The Kiulu River lies in the foothills inland from Kota Kinabalu. This is a grade 1-2 river and so it is ideal for families and perfect for a really fun last day. You will have a private guide for your tour and after instruction you will take to the river for a very entertaining trip downstream alongside stunning rainforest and small villages.

Lunch will be served and you’ll return to Kota Kinabalu late afternoon. There will be time to relax before you head out with your local representative for a farewell dinner.

Day 12: Depart of extend your stay
Today it is either time to wave goodbye to Borneo or extend your stay. We can arrange a relaxing island break or arrange for you to climb the majestic Mount Kinabalu, a true challenge but a wonderful experience.