Spend two weeks in an idyllic jungle paradise where wildlife opportunities abound, as you tick Borneo off your bucket list.
Your holiday begins in Sandakan, where you'll get your first taste of the island's diverse wildlife with visits to a local sanctuary and the Rainforest Discovery Centre. Meet the region's unusual proboscis monkeys. You'll also visit the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and the Sun Bear Conservation Centre, home to the smallest of the world's ursine species.
Head further into the jungle for a two-night stay on the bank of the languid Kinabatangan River. A cruise along its waterways gives further insights into the creatures that call this region home and a sailing on the Pitas Oxbow Lake offers a great opportunity to view pygmy elephants and the local monkeys in their natural habitats.
Spend two nights in the Ranau district and journey into the mountains for Kinabalu Park in search of more animal sightings and spend some time at the Poring Hot Springs, where you can take a dip in the therapeutic waters.
Your adventure ends in Kota Kinabalu, where you'll spend five nights at your leisure. You may choose to laze by the pools or on one of the white-sand beaches, or partake in more active pursuits such as golf or water sports. Alternatively, return to Kinabalu National Park to explore the botanical gardens and nature trails. Visit the vibrant markets for local food and crafts or experience indigenous culture at the Mari Mari Cultural Village.
* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a twin room, subject to availability and based on 2 November 2026 departure date from London Heathrow. Various departure dates are available, please call for details. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement applies. Deposit £445pp. Offers are not valid in conjunction with any other offers or promotions. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of TS Travel Ltd and Newmarket Holidays ABTA V7812. ATOL protected 2325. ABTOT 5509.
Fly from London Heathrow on your overnight flight to Sandakan, Borneo. Upon arrival, meet your local guide and transfer to the Sabah Hotel for a two-night stay. A welcome dinner is included at the hotel this evening.
Join your tour manager this morning for an included visit to the Rainforest Discovery Centre. A guided walk will take you along raised platforms on the rainforest floor, past fragrant orchids and colourful tropical flora. Head up slowly into the canopy where you'll have a bird's eye view of this wonderful environment. With luck, you may catch a glimpse of the rhinoceros hornbill or perhaps even a swinging orangutan looking for some wild fruit!
The tour will then continue to the remote Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary. Observe the unique proboscis monkey, while walking across the hanging platforms. Look out for the distinctive males, who have pot bellies and large dangling noses, as well as silver leaf monkeys and macaques. Lunch will be enjoyed at a local restaurant afterwards.
This evening, join an optional night walk back at the Rainforest Discovery Centre in search of nocturnal wildlife. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, with an experienced park ranger and a 'spotter' at the helm. Be led through the darkness, seeking out rare species that you wouldn't normally get a chance to see during the day. Keep an eye out for flying squirrels, sleeping kingfishers and slow loris monkeys.
Today, the highlight is a visit to the world-renowned Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, dedicated to the protection of the species that is closest to our own. Watch the feeding of the primates and stroll through the forest on the marked trails, before visiting the equally fascinating Sun Bear Conservation Centre, where the smallest of the world's ursine species live in protected open-air enclosures. Observe these creatures from one of the viewing platforms before having lunch at a local restaurant.
Later, head further into the jungle for a two-night stay on the bank of the languid Kinabatangan River, at the Borneo Natural Bilit Resort, with its hardwood walkways and its riverside cabins. After arriving, you'll set off on a two-hour boat river cruise with a guide, spotting wildlife like orangutans, monkeys and birds as you go.
Awaken early to the sounds of the jungle, and spend another day discovering its wonders. Cruise to Pitas Oxbow Lake to watch monkeys and pygmy elephants at play, and enjoy a second exciting afternoon cruise followed by a guided tour around the nearby village. The best chances to spot the Pygmy elephants are from March to October in the dry season.
Transfer to your hotel in the Ranau district for a two-night stay amongst pristine nature, surrounded by the breathtaking landscapes of Kundasang and Mount Kinabalu.
Spend the morning exploring the tea plantation and learn about the product of rainforest tea before journeying to the famous Poring Hot Springs. Enjoy an included lunch at a local restaurant, before spending an afternoon at the springs, where you can take a dip in the therapeutic waters and explore the jungle trail of walkways through the rainforest canopy.
Please note: the walk up to the rainforest canopy at Poring Springs will cover uneven terrain and is unlikely to be suitable for those with limited mobility. It is optional and there are plenty of other activities here to enjoy should you find this too much.
Journey deep into the UNESCO-listed Kinabalu National Park this morning. A forested paradise home to several unique species of orchid, 5,000 species of plants, over 300 types of resident and migratory birds, as well as 100 species of mammals, amphibians and reptiles. Enjoy a scenic hike through moderate elevation, before pausing at the park's headquarters, with its beautiful Mountain Garden Collection. Continue to the Shangri La Rasa Ria Resort.
Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure at the resort, perhaps spent lazing by the pools or on the beach, indulging in a spa treatment or two, enjoying the selection of water sports or perhaps a round on the championship golf-course (activities payable locally).
Please note: Throughout your time in Kota Kinabalu, you'll have a representative only during transfers and excursions, not on leisure days. A 24/7 contact number will be provided for emergency use during your time here.
Enjoy a sumptuous day at leisure at the resort, or join the optional Mari Mari Cultural Village excursion.
During the excursion, get a fascinating glimpse and gain insights into the history, lifestyle and culture of the indigenous Borneo tribes with the help of a local guide. Sample traditional food and drink before watching a performance and enjoying an included lunch. Five ethnic tribes call this village home, and live, for the most part, as they did hundreds of years ago.
Spend another relaxing day at leisure, with a selection of dining options and the attractions of Kota Kinabalu.
Another free day awaits, with time to explore your surrounds or make the most of the hotel's facilities.
Another free day awaits, and you'll have more time to finish your holiday the way to you want to. If you haven't already, why not stop at the hotel's expansive putting green for a round or two of golf or take a stroll around the area's verdant nearby lakes?
It's your last full day in Borneo, and you'll have one last chance to cross any remaining activities off your wish-list. If you're keen for more wildlife-spotting adventure, venture into the hotel's onsite Rasa Ria Nature Reserve, a 64-acre site which is home to more than 90 bird species, reptiles and colourful plant life. Alternatively, you can venture into Kota Kinabalu for some self-guided exploration.
This afternoon, after breakfast and a leisurely morning at the hotel, check out and head to the airport for your overnight return flight to London Heathrow.
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* From price is per person, based on two people sharing a twin room, subject to availability and based on 2 November 2026 departure date from London Heathrow. Various departure dates are available, please call for details. Price and itinerary correct at time of print but may be subject to change. Single supplement applies. Deposit £445pp. Offers are not valid in conjunction with any other offers or promotions. Travel insurance is not included and should be taken out at time of booking. Images used may not reflect your actual tour experience. This holiday may be sold through other selected brands. Tour is operated by and subject to the booking conditions of TS Travel Ltd and Newmarket Holidays ABTA V7812. ATOL protected 2325. ABTOT 5509.