Borneo’s nature and wildlife & beach holiday on Gaya Island

Today marks the beginning of your adventure to Borneo. Your journey starts from your selected airport, with connecting flight(s) along the way.

You’ll arrive in Sandakan, located on Borneo, the world’s third-largest island. Most of the island is Indonesian in the south, while the small nation of Brunei sits between the two Malaysian states, Sabah and Sarawak, in the north – both of which offer a treasure trove of spectacular nature and wildlife experiences.

Upon arrival, your driver will be waiting to transfer you to your lodge in Sepilok. Here, you can refresh yourself with a dip in the pool as you settle on the edge of the rainforest before enjoying dinner overlooking the lush surroundings.

Today, your travel adventure truly gets underway as you set out to explore Borneo’s remarkable rainforests, giving you superb opportunities to encounter the island’s fascinating wildlife, including orangutans, sun bears, proboscis monkeys, and flying squirrels.

Your first stop of the day will be the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, where you’ll be driven by your driver after breakfast. Here, one of the tour’s absolute highlights awaits, as you come face to face with Borneo’s most famous residents: the orangutans. These great apes—so similar to us in so many ways—are a compelling reason to visit Borneo, and with good cause. Few experiences are as captivating as observing a species that feels like a more primitive reflection of ourselves.

During your visit, you’ll be introduced to the centre’s admirable work rescuing, rehabilitating, and preparing orangutans for reintroduction into their natural habitat. You’ll have the chance to watch the orangutans as they return to the centre in the rainforest reserve during feeding sessions, offering you a rare glimpse into their social hierarchy.

Leaving the world of orangutans, you’ll head next door to the Sun Bear Conservation Centre to encounter the sun bear. This is the smallest bear species in the world, easily recognised by its short, jet-black fur and the bright, crescent-shaped marking on its chest—reminiscent of a rising sun, which is how it got its name. The centre plays a pivotal role in the effort to ensure these sun bears have a future in Borneo’s rainforests, preserving their natural habitat for generations to come.

Back at the lodge, you’ll have a few leisurely hours to unwind before it’s time to rediscover your adventurous spirit later in the evening. You’ll be driven a short distance to the Rainforest Discovery Centre to explore and learn about the awe-inspiring biodiversity of the rainforest. Here, a knowledgeable guide from the centre will lead you along the well-maintained trails of the Kabili-Sepilok reserve. With their torch and wealth of experience, your guide will help you spot some of the rainforest’s fascinating nocturnal creatures as they stir to life. If luck is on your side, you might catch a glimpse of flying squirrels, gentle slow lorises, or charming tarsiers up close.

After an exhilarating stroll through the darkness, it’s time to return to the lodge for a good night’s sleep.

Leaving behind the lush jungle, you’ll be taken to the town of Kundasang, perched right next to Mt. Kinabalu and offering front-row views of Southeast Asia’s highest peak. Sit back and enjoy the verdant scenery flashing past your window, or take a quick nap during the drive, which takes around 5 hours.

En route, you’ll stop at a tea plantation offering stunning views across the rolling hills. Here, you’ll have the chance to enjoy a spot of lunch before continuing on to Kundasang. On the horizon, you’ll catch glimpses of Southeast Asia’s highest peak, Mt. Kinabalu, gradually drawing closer. Watching the majestic mountain loom ever nearer is an experience in itself.

You’ll arrive at your hotel late in the afternoon, where you can stretch your legs and soak up the beautiful alpine surroundings before rounding off the day with a delightful evening meal.

You will begin your day with a wholesome breakfast in the tranquil surroundings at the foot of Mt. Kinabalu. Savour the aroma of freshly brewed coffee as the gentle morning sun lights up the dramatic mountain scenery.

Afterwards, you’ll be collected from your hotel for a short drive to the UNESCO-listed Kinabalu National Park, which tempts visitors with its lush botanical gardens, soothing hot springs, and treetop adventures.

Upon arrival at Kinabalu Park, you’ll have the chance to immerse yourself in the park’s rich diversity of plants and wildlife, boasting more than 4,500 species of flora and fauna. You’ll be guided along the 700-metre trail that winds through the park’s botanical gardens, where you’ll learn about birdlife, rhododendrons, insects, orchids, and carnivorous plants.

Your journey will then continue to the picturesque surroundings of Kinabalu’s Poring Hot Spring. Here, you can relax in the mineral-rich thermal pools, renowned for their soothing and therapeutic properties, or take to the heights on the Canopy Walkway – offering a thrilling walk among the treetops, with breathtaking views over the rainforest. There’s ample time to settle down at one of the nearby restaurants serving delicious lunches, before your guide leads you to the remote Kipungit Waterfall. Here you can embrace the tranquillity or take a refreshing dip in the natural pool at the base of the falls.

After an eventful day exploring Sabah’s remarkable landscapes, you’ll return to your hotel in Kota Kinabalu, enriched with unforgettable new experiences.

As evening falls, Kota Kinabalu transforms into a culinary hotspot, just waiting to be explored. The city comes alive with vibrant restaurants and bustling street food stalls, where you can savour everything from freshly caught seafood to authentic Malaysian specialities.

The morning is yours to enjoy as you wish. You might like to unwind by the hotel’s inviting pool or head out into the lively streets of Kota Kinabalu to experience the city’s modern metropolitan vibe, with excellent shopping centres and cultural highlights such as the beautiful city mosque.

Early in the afternoon, you’ll be collected from your hotel and driven through lush landscapes and charming villages towards the Klias River. This river winds its way through a large nature reserve brimming with dense mangrove forests. Upon arrival at the village jetty, you’ll be welcomed with coffee, tea, and traditional Malaysian cakes and biscuits before your river adventure gets underway.

Step aboard a small boat and sit back as you drift through the tranquil mangroves. As you glide peacefully along, there’s a real chance of spotting some of Borneo’s fascinating wildlife. Keep an eye out for quirky proboscis monkeys, colourful birds, monitor lizards, and—if luck is on your side—a crocodile lurking near the water’s edge.

As your appetite begins to build, you’ll cruise back to the jetty, where an authentic Malaysian buffet awaits. By now, night has fallen, and an extraordinary experience is still ahead – another boat trip on the river to witness the mesmerising sight of thousands of fireflies illuminating the water like living fairy lights. It’s a magical experience you’ll remember for years to come.

After an unforgettable few hours surrounded by Borneo’s incredible wildlife and natural beauty, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel in Kota Kinabalu.

After exploring the bustling streets of Kota Kinabalu, it’s time to slow the pace and unwind on the idyllic paradise of Gaya Island, the largest of five islands in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park located just off Borneo’s north-western coast.

Gaya Island is just a short boat ride from the mainland, offering stunning scenery and powder-soft sandy beaches. Once you’ve checked in at your resort, you can look forward to a relaxing afternoon by the pool or on the beach, enjoying the gentle breeze and the soothing sounds of the sea.

In the evening, you may wish to dine at one of the resort’s restaurants, where you can enjoy a culinary experience surrounded by tropical scenery.

Your days on Gaya Island are wrapped in tranquillity and relaxation. There are no scheduled activities during your stay, so how you choose to spend your time is entirely up to you.

You might want to grab your snorkel and spend time in the crystal-clear waters, home to vibrant coral reefs and incredible marine life just a few strokes from the shoreline. The beach also invites you to simply unwind, stretch out with a good book and soak up the peaceful seaside atmosphere.

Despite the island’s modest size (15 km2), it boasts an extensive area of lush rainforest, which you can explore with the resort’s nature guide along well-kept jungle trails. Here, you’ll discover surprisingly diverse wildlife, including proboscis monkeys, bearded pigs, and flying squirrels.

Your evenings on Gaya Island can be topped off with freshly caught fish or seafood at one of the resort’s restaurants. Afterwards, take some time to reflect on your many travel experiences beneath the shimmering, starlit sky.

It’s time to say farewell to Gaya Island and Borneo, but you’ll be taking home memories from your adventure that will last a lifetime.

Well ahead of your flight, you’ll be collected from your resort and taken by boat back to Kota Kinabalu. From there, you’ll be driven to the airport for your journey back to Europe, with connecting flight(s) along the way.

You’ll arrive at your selected airport after an unforgettable tour.