Overview
No animal is a better ambassador of the island of Borneo than the Bornean Orangutan. Join us as we not only explore the forests that the orangutan, and other animals and birds, call home, but we also meet and learn from the heroes that are helping to conserve this rich wildlife.
You'll be greeted upon your arrival at Sandakan Airport by our friendly Guide and Captains. Get acquainted before we make our way to Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre where you'll learn about the plight of the Orang Utan and see firsthand the conservation efforts. We proceed to watch a video show about the plight of the Orang Utans and the rehabilitation efforts ongoing at the Centre. Walk ten minutes through the rainforest on wooden boardwalks to witness the feeding of the orang utans at 1000hrs then we continue to the newly completed enclosed nursery area for young orang utans. If the Orang Utans are feeling particularly friendly, you may even get the chance to get up close to the Orang Utan so be sure to hang onto your belongings. Thereafter visit the Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre to learn about conservation of the world's smallest bear
After lunch, we head to the Sandakan jetty where we'll embark on a Borneo Eco Tours speedboat for a 2½ hours boat journey up the Kinabatangan River to the multi awards winning Sukau Rainforest Lodge. Don't worry as the ride is not choppy and it won't be just boat ride as there will be opportunities along the way to view wildlife and birds, and if you're lucky, even the shy Bornean Pygmy Elephants. Cool down with a refreshing drink and cold towel upon arrival while our friendly manager helps you check-in. Take a few moments to savor afternoon tea before we head out into the wild on your first river safari
Every boat is equipped with eco friendly outboard engines (used along the main river where the current is strong) and electric motor (used during wildlife viewing in the small tributaries) in search of wildlife and birds. Take loads of photographs as the wildlife extravaganza puts on a show. If you don't see a Proboscis monkey on your first river cruise, ask for a FREE Night Cruise on us! Return for a solar heated hot shower after sunset before enjoying a candle light buffet dinner overlooking the mighty river. Be sure to try on our in-house Sarongs (local wear) which is cooling and helps keep away any mozzies. Dinner is followed by a slide show and interpretation by our in-house naturalist guide. Stay overnight at the Sukau Rainforest Lodge Superior room
An early morning call at 0530hrs to catch the rainforest waking up is in store. If conditions are just right, you might even wake to a surreal heavenly experience shrouded in mists. After a light breakfast, we embark on a morning river cruise in search of waking wildlife and birds which are most active in the morning on our way to the Kelenanap Ox-Bow lake. Return to a full breakfast awaiting you, taking the time to just immerse yourself in the surroundings
After breakfast, proceed for an educational walking tour along the lodge's Hornbill Boardwalk with our in-house naturalist after which you'll have some time to relax. If you're itching for more activity, we have many optional activities on offer like a pampering Foot Spa treatment, Batik Painting for the family, our Dip Pool and various other leisure activities. There is also a different free activity everyday so be sure to ask us. After afternoon tea, we head out onto the river once again in search of more wildlife. Breathe in the rainforest and capture the moments as we return at sunset from our final river cruise. Candlelight dinner and overnight at Sukau Rainforest Lodge Superior room
We take an early morning river cruise along the Menanggol River by silent electric motor in search of wildlife, waking to the cacophony of the rainforest before returning for a full breakfast. We have time to relax or enjoy one of our optional activities. In the late afternoon, we make a 27 km overland journey to the Gomantong Cave. Traverse to the Gomantong Caves on a 15 minute boardwalk trail through the rainforest, and we might be able to sight the "Man of the jungle"! We'll spend our time exploring the cave and its surroundings until sunset, when you'll be overwhelmed by the exodus of over two million bats heading out for the night, swiftlets coming in to nest as well as raptors (eagles) swooping in and preying on the bats. Return to Sukau Rainforest Lodge Superior room for overnight stay
After breakfast, return to Sandakan by boat. Enjoy a quick lunch before we proceed to the airport for the 1430hrs flight to Kota Kinabalu. For those who are taking the evening flight, we'll have time to visit the Rainforest Discovery Centre which has an impressive information center. Take a birds eye-view of the centre from the canopy walkway and tower before exploring the botanical gardens, home to various species of flora including orchids and agricultural plants. For those interested, we then proceed to the Sandakan Memorial Park which is a memorial built to remember lost POWs during World War 2. Return to the Sandakan airport for your evening flight
Highlights
Included
- Tours and transfers Accommodation
- Meals as specified Entrance fees
- Flight by plane Flight and transfer to the hotel | English speaking guide
Video
Location
Stories
Ladakh
North India, the land of Ladakh, looks as though it was made for birdwatching and photography.
Gir National Park Gujarat
Sometimes it is not just the species spotted but also the amazing moments. Some of our guests had the unique opportunity to witness the mating of Asiatic Lions in the Gir Forest, truly a special moment.
Delhi
Surajpur is an amazing wetland close to the nation’s capital. Apart from being one of the monsoon homes for the Bristled Grassbird, it is also home to another sought-after species: the Bengal Bush Lark.
Rajasthan
One advantage of living near the birding hotspot of Bharatpur is that you can see some amazing birds, like the graceful Sarus Crane, in your backyard during this lockdown