Borneo Trekking Holiday

Introduction

Although sightings of Orangutans in the wild are rare, we can provide you with a holiday that will offer the highest potential of seeing them, but as a back up, also include a trip to Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, where you are guaranteed to see Orangutans preparing to go back into the wild.

Most of our clients interested in Orangutans tend to want a holiday that not only incorporates Orangutans but also offers so much more in the way of other wildlife, scenery, and experiences. At the heart of the holiday though will be Orangutans, but surrounding that the other experiences are very much bespoke to each client. On the following page, you will find details of typical places of interest and activities, just to give you an idea, but please do contact us to discuss exactly what you'd like from an Orangutan holiday experience.

The island of Borneo combines tropical rainforest, pristine white sandy beaches, and rare exotic wildlife with ancient cultures and tribes, along with great golf and world class dive sites.

Borneo is home to the independent kingdom of Brunei, and parts of Malaysia and Indonesia. Borneo’s main highlights are centred on the Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak, which are full of one off experiences. No itinerary would be complete without a visit to see the native Orang-utans at Sepilok and witnessing the hatching of turtles on Selingan Island.

For the more adventurous a hike up Malaysia’s highest peak Mount Kinabalu and a visit with one of the hospitable native tribes could be just the thing - please find further information on the Itinerary tab.

Why not top off these unique experiences with indulgent relaxation on one of Borneo’s quiet, beautiful beaches?

Overview

We tailor-make all holiday itineraries to Borneo. Only part of the trip includes visits to see the Orangutans, which we usually combine with a beach, rainforest, or spa stay, plus a city extension in Kuala Lumpur.

A typical holiday to Borneo could include any of the below highlights...

Mount Kinabalu National Park

Here you can spend three nights in the cabins. At 4,101 metres, this mountain is a spectacular granite landmark and the highest peak between Myanmar and New Guinea. Staying in the moist evergreen forests on its high slopes and in the company of a private guide, you will have a unique opportunity to search for its numerous plant, bird and mammal species. Large mammals are few, but you will see an interesting range of small squirrels and flora including literally hundreds of orchid species. At higher altitudes, look out for the endemic Kinabalu Friendly Warbler and Mountain Blackbird, as well as Blue Earthworms or the Giant Kinabalu Red Leech.

Sepilok

Sepilok Orang-utan Rehabilitation Centre is responsible for reintroducing numerous orphaned Orangutans back into the wild. You will be able to witness the afternoon feeding of the Orang-utans. Gentle and shy by nature and with their habitat fast disappearing, sighting of Orang-utans in the wild are rare. However, one place you are guaranteed of seeing them is Sepilok . Visits are restricted and you will only be allowed to spend one night here.

Seligan Island

Transfer to the coast for the short boat ride to Selingan Island. A stay on this beautiful island gives you the opportunity to swim and snorkel by day. By night you will be able to watch Green turtles lay eggs on the beach and help assist the release of baby turtles to the sea.

Kinabatangan River

The 560 kilometre long Kinabatangan River, and Sukau Rainforest Lodge, are situated within the Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary. The lodge accommodates 40 guests in twin-bedded en-suite rooms, each with a fan and mosquito netting. Heavily influenced by Malaysian architecture, the lodge is raised from the ground on wooden stilts. Explore the area by boat and on foot, on the look out for Storm's Stork and Wrinkled Hornbill, as well as the remarkable Proboscis Monkey (a bizarre Bornean endemic) and wild Asian Elephant.

Danum Valley

Transfer by road to the Danum Valley and Borneo Rainforest Lodge, stopping at the Gomantong Caves en-route, home to literally millions of swiftlets and bats. Spend 3 nights at Borneo Rainforest Lodge which accommodates up to 60 guests in 28 twin-bedded rooms in 23 chalets, each room having an en-suite bathroom and balcony. Explore the forest on foot, via its many trails, in the company of a local guide. An impressive 275 species of birds and 110 mammals have been recorded in the Danum Valley Conservation Area, which covers 438 square kilometres of lowland rainforest - the best accessible primary rainforest in Asia. Wildlife includes Sabah's ten species of primate (including Orangutan), Asian Elephant, Banteng, Sumatran Rhinoceros, Clouded Leopard, Marbled Cat, Flat-headed Cat and Malay Sun Bear. More common species include Bearded Pig, Lesser, and Greater Mouse-deer, the endemic Bornean Yellow, and Bornean Red Muntjac, and Sambar.

 

Itinerary

Sabah Naturewatch

This active adventure holiday to the jungles of Malaysia combines a visit to the Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre in Sepilok with a trek up South East's Asia's highest mountain, with a beach stay at the end for some rest and relaxation.

Orang Utans, Monkeys & Canopy Walk

Sabah is brimming with wildlife, much of which is unique to this part of Asia. You will stay in a jungle lodge at Sepilok, your base for jungle walks and orang utan watching. You will also explore the Kinabatangan River around Sukau, where you can hope to see proboscis monkeys in the treetops. At Poring Hot Springs you can bathe in the naturally heated waters and take a canopy walk through the heights of the rainforest.

Mount Kinabalu

You will head into Kinabalu National Park and take the mountain trail up through the forest. Eventually you will reach the mountain hostel which affords spectacular views across the forest and up to the peaks above. Next morning, you have the option to make a pre-dawn ascent to the summit of Mount Kinabalu. Returning to the coast, you will spend time at the beach and travel by boat to the idyllic island of Manukan for some relaxation, swimming and snorkelling in the clear blue waters.

The Mount Kinabalu climb is graded moderate/strenuous as far as Laban Rata, and the summit climb is graded as strenuous; you should be fit and some preparation is advisable.

You can choose to remain at Laban Rata, or if you wish to opt out of the whole climb, you can arrange with your tour leader to stay at the bottom of the mountain (own expense.

Some of the trip highlights include...

• Sepilok - Visit Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre.
• Sukau - Visit Ox bow lake; jungle walks and cruise to see Proboscis monkeys.
• Kinabalu National Park - Canopy walk and Poring hot springs.
• Mt Kinabalu - Opportunity to climb South East Asia’s highest mountain.
• Manukan Island - Pristine beaches, snorkelling and nature trails

Day 1: Join tour Kota Kinabalu

Arrive Kota Kinabalu, check in to hotel. Known locally as KK, Kota Kinabalu is a burgeoning city with a blend of Malays, Europeans and Chinese: the result is a unique mixture of architecture, culture, high technology and ancient traditions.

Overnight in a Comfortable Hotel

Day 2: Fly to Sandakan; drive to Sepilok and visit the Orang Utan sanctuary.

Today the group drive to the airport and fly to Sandakan. From here you will make the short drive to Sepilok and the Orang Utan sanctuary before continuing onto your jungle resort. Sepilok is home to the largest of the three Orang Utan rehabilitation centres in the world. Covering over 4000 hectares of forest, the centre was established in 1964 to rehabilitate captured, injured or abandoned apes. So far about 100 ‘wild men of the forest’ have been brought to the centre, and there has been a remarkable success with up to 75% having returned to the jungle. The animals are taught how to make nests and how to survive in their natural habitat. About twenty regularly come to feed though not always at the same time. Visits are planned to the centre in time for feeding when, along with the permanent members, pregnant mothers who otherwise live in the jungle, often come to supplement their diet and return after the birth of their young. (Please note you will be charged 10R to bring your camera into the sanctuary area).

Overnight in a Lodge including Breakfast

Pick & Mix

As well as suggested holiday itineraries, Medway Travel are delighted to be able to also create bespoke holiday experiences that are tailored to your exact wishes.

If you have particular places of interest in mind that you would like to incorporate within your next holiday to Malaysia, just contact one of our experienced travel consultants with your wishes and allow us to put together the ideal arrangements for you.

For inspiration of what Borneo has to offer, you may like to look over the details below. All of the following tours and excursions can be "picked and mixed", so once you have chosen which excursions/tours you most fancy, contact us and we will design the most time and cost effective itinerary for you.
 

Poring Hot Springs and Kinabalu Park

Visit Poring Hot Pprings, Kinabalu National Park and enjoy the tropical rainforest walk and the forest canopy walkway. Later take a trip to the Kinabalu Exhibition Centre and the mountain garden.

Sarawak Swamp and Dolphin Cruise

Observe reptiles, mud skippers, crabs, shellfish and monkeys in their natural habitat. See the Bako black and red mangrove trees, a Malay fishing village and hopefully Irriwaddy dolphins.

Wild Men of Borneo

A full day trip starting with an early morning flight from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan and transfer to the Sepilok Orang-utan Sanctuary for a guided walk to the feeding platform. In the afternoon, visit a local market and a Chinese temple before your return flight to Kota Kinabalu. On occasions, subject to flight schedules, the afternoon programme may be substituted with a city tour of Kota Kinabalu on your return. Lunch is included.

Blue Lagoon Adventure

A chance to take a step back in time with an escorted visit to a Borneo Iban tribe. A thrilling river boat journey will take you to their traditional longhouse set in a stunning location. Truly an experience of a lifetime.

Brunei

A chance to visit the Sultan of Brunei’s homeland and its cultural heritage, graceful people, natural beauty and to experience the opulent Empire Hotel at an excellent price!

Mount Kinabalu Climb

For the more energetic, the challenging climb of Mount Kinabalu on this escorted tour will stay in your memory for years to come. Although demanding at times, this exhilarating climb is rewarded with some amazing and unforgettable views.

Mulu Caves Experience

Enjoy possibly the largest caves in the world. Experience weird and wonderful rock formations and the thrill of witnessing thousands of bats flying from the caves as the sun slowly sets. The caves are said to be the largest in the world, even large enough to hold 37 jumbo jets! One of the natural wonders of Borneo and definitely not to be missed.

Sandakan Wildlife Adventure

Take a “walk on the wild side” during this escorted trip of a lifetime. Experience the river wildlife and see the orang-utans in the famous Sepilok orang-utan Sanctuary.

Turtles and Orang-utans

An escorted tour to witness turtles in their natural habitat, laying eggs and perhaps have the opportunity of releasing a newly hatched turtle. Then onwards to Sandakan to meet the “Wild men of Borneo”.


You may also like to consider a relaxing beach stay at the end of your holiday, for which we can provide you with many options.

Essential Information

Weather

The weather in Malaysia is tropical without extremely high temperatures. Days are very warm and often humid, while nights are fairly cool. The main rainy season in the east runs between November and February, while August is the wettest period on the west coast. East Malaysia has heavy rains (November to February) in Sabah and in Sarawak. However, it is difficult to generalise about the country's climate, as rainfall differs on the east and west coasts according to the prevailing monsoon winds (northeast or southwest). Average daytime temperatures in Kuala Lumpur are around 27°C (82°F) year round.

　

Passports and Visas

British nationals do not need a visa to enter Malaysia as a visitor. You will normally be given permission to stay for three months on arrival.

Visitors require a minimum of six months validity on their passports to visit Malaysia.

　

Health

You should seek medical advice from your GP before travelling to the Borneo and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date.

　

Insurance

We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions from the policy, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake whilst on holiday. Medway Travel can provide you with a quote for this –  please contact a member of the Leisure team or use our Online Insurance Quotation System