Hike untouched jungles in search of orangutans in the world’s oldest rainforest

If you crave something new—and lots of it—head to Borneo. It’s hard to top more than 1,200 species of orchids, the oldest rainforest in the world, and at least 44 species of endemic mammals (Bornean orangutans, clouded leopards, Asian pygmy elephants, the Sumatran rhinoceros, and the Bornean gibbon, to name a few). From the top of Mt. Kinabalu we’ll watch the sun rise over Borneo’s sprawling rainforests, mountain woods, and mangrove jungles. This trip is for adventurous MTS travelers—our 12-day journey includes challenging treks through jungles and mountain terrain, as well as travel by boat and land vehicles. We’ll spend nights in remote eco-lodges, and have a chance to visit a local forest restoration project. We’ll soak up some sun at Borneo’s beautiful beaches, and take canopy walks through untouched Danum Valley. Always on the lookout, of course, for the region’s most well-known resident—the endangered Bornean orangutan.

Activities

11 days of exploring rainforest by foot, boat, and vehicle; 2 days of optional strenuous hiking (max. 13,700') to Mt. Kinabalu.

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Watch the sunrise over Danum Valley as the clouds part and the forest comes to life
• Experience an untouched primary rainforest and its wildlife (including orangutans)—by day and night
• Observe animals by boat as they come to cool off and sip the Kinabatangan River at dusk
• Ascend to the top of Mt. Kinabalu—the view will take your breath away!

Duration: 12 days Start Location: Sandakan End Location: Kota Kinabalu

BRIEF Itinerary

• 

  Day 1 : Sandakan, Sabah

  Arrive in Sandakan, Sabah.

• 

  Day 2 : Sepilok Forest Reserve

  Morning drive to Danum Valley, where we'll begin exploration of the rainforest. (5 hours driving, 2 hours hiking)

• 

  Day 3 : Danum Valley

  Spend the day exploring the valley, including a hike to waterfalls, and enjoy a night safari.

• 

  Day 4 : Danum Valley

  Another day to explore the valley.

• 

  Day 5 : Danum Valley

  Hike to see the ancient Kadazanduzun burial site.

• 

  Day 6 : Kinabatangan River

  Drive to Kinabatangan River for a river cruise to our eco camp.

• 

  Day 7 : Tungog Eco Camp

  Visit the forest restoration project and learn about the rainforest and plant trees.

• Day 8 : Poring Hot Springs

  This morning, we take a boat back to jetty and drive to Poring Hot Springs. Poring is located on the foothills below Mt. Kinabalu. We'll walk to our jungle camp located on a river. (3 1/2 hours driving)

• 

  Days 9 - 10 : Mt. Kinabalu or Poring

  Optional hike and overnight to the summit of Mt. Kinabalu (13,435') or explore Poring and the surrounding area.

• 

  Day 11 : Kota Kinabalu

  Rest day to enjoy the beach.

• Day 12 : Fly home

  Depart Kota Kinabalu.

• The Nak Hotel

  Sandakan

  The Nak Hotel is a boutique style hotel in the heart of the city with nice rooms and a beautiful rooftop restaurant.

• The Borneo Rainforest Lodge

  Danum Valley

   The Borneo Rainforest Lodge is a 5 star resort with private bungalows, beautiful views from each room, and a soaking tub on the lanai.

• The Tungog Eco Camp

  Kinabatangan river

  The Tungog Eco Camp is situated along an oxbox lake with three huge viewing decks on the lake. Each bungalow is built 1 story off the ground with basic, but comfortable beds. Each bed has a mosquito net attached to it. In your bungalow, you will feel like you have the jungle to yourself.

• Lupa Masa (Forget Time) Jungle Camp

  Poring Hot Springs

  The Lupa Masa (Forget Time) Jungle Camp is situated on beautiful rushing mountain rivers. There are open aired rooms that face the beautiful rivers.

• Shangi La's Rasa Ria Resort

  Kota Kingabalu

  Shangri-La's Rasa Ria Resort is the premier luxury resort in Kota Kinabalu that offers the best of Sabah in a lush, 400-acre tropical setting beside exquisite Pantai Dalit Beach.

Properties shown are representative of the accommodations we use on this trip, may not be inclusive of all accommodations we use, and are subject to change.

Expert leadership is the key to an exciting, unforgettable experience. Our trips feature gifted leaders for whom leading trips is a true vocation. Besides showing you wonders you’d never find on your own, they make sure everything runs smoothly and safely without a hitch. They are knowledgeable about all aspects of your trip, and take great pleasure in sharing their insights with you. More than just guides, they positively elevate your experience by being teachers, companions, and the best of friends. You’ll be in good hands with them every step of the way.

photo credits: ©Charles Ryan