Wild Borneo

- A Secret Retreats journey -
7 days / 6 nights
from 3,880 USD /person

 

ITINERARY BOOK
 


Lionel Longeau, the author of this journey, who has made Borneo his home since 2005.

All our itineraries have generally been constructed on the basis of the rooms that have the most charm or best view, and not necessarily the first prices, nor the most expensive suites.
We can of course adjust according to your request.

Highlights of the Journey:

  • The Iban and Dayak tribes and their longhouses.
  • Meet the ‘old man of the woods’ and see the orangutans in their natural environment.
  • The Semenggoh Orangutan Rehabilitation Center.
  • The Danum Valley
  • Land and water safaris
  • Diversity of wild forests

This program is an incursion into the heart of different types of Borneo Forests – walking in the preserved primary forests of Batang Ai where endangered orangutans, multiple mammals and more than 200 species of birds thrive in the lush vegetation, by boat through the mangroves where the Proboscis monkeys jump from tree to tree all with its Hornbills flying over the Santubong Estuary at any time of the day and perhaps the chance to observe some crocodile sunbathing on the bank of the river as well as some Irrawaddy Dolphins showing their tails and nose on Santubong estuary. The Danum Valley where endangered orangutans, gibbons, multiple mammals and more than 200 species of birds thrive in the lush vegetation, by boat through the mangroves where the Proboscis monkeys jump from tree to tree all with its Hornbills flying over the Kinabatangan river at any time of the day and perhaps the chance to observe the Pygmy Elephants strolling the along the banks, venture in 4x4 on the tracks crossing this luxuriant nature. Nocturnal walks in the macro world and reptiles. We have selected the nicest lodges located at the very center of these nature reserves.


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Your Journey Day by Day

7 days / 6 nights from 3,880 USD /person

based on 2 people traveling together and sharing the same room

 

 
This program can be arranged with a flight from Kuala Lumpur or Singapore, as an extension from journey across the peninsula like The Tales of Malaya instance.
Day 1 : Arrival Kuching - Santubong (-/-/-)
Upon arrival at Kuching airport, we will welcome you at the arrival gate and before getting to our property, let’s venture into a walking discovery of Kuching’s old buildings and historical monuments. The trail is perfect for history buffs to learn more about the city, its beginnings, and the legacy of the White Rajah. Structures built in the 18th Century include British Colonial buildings, temples and old shop houses standing along the trail as a reminder of Kuching’s past.
Some of the most iconic buildings along the heritage trail are the Kuching Waterfront, Tua Pek Kong Temple, Carpenter Street Old Shop Houses, General Post Office, Colonial Buildings, India Street, Brooke Dockyard, Open Air Market, Golden Dome Mosque, Museum Grounds.
After this walk, we will finally take the direction of your charming property located on the coast of the peninsula of Santubong (45-60mn drive).
Check-in then the rest of the day is free. No arrangement for meals.
HOTEL: Cove 55 (Garden Room)
Day 2 : Gunung Gading National Park (B/L/-)
Today after breakfast, you will enjoy a day away in the deep jungle of Gunung Gading National Park, hike and explore some trails in chase of the world’s largest flower, the Rafflesia, which can grow up to 1m in diameter, if we are lucky to find one. Gunung Gading also has some enjoyable walks and a challenging jungle trek. Depending on you, we can arrange 2 to 5km walk. The Waterfall trail offers the shortest walk, winding its way up through the forest past a series of waterfalls.
Back to the hotel for the rest of the day.
HOTEL: Cove 55 (Garden Room)
Day 3 : Bako National Park (B/L/-)
After your breakfast and a rather early wake up, you will leave around 8am for the Bako National Park, this small peninsula is located 45min-1h by van from your property. This conservation area offers surprising geological characteristics forming small juices coming out of the sea and its rocks composed of multiple layers of harmonious colors with its jungle which took its source and its roots there. During this first hike which will take you to the heights of Bako and its various types of forest - open your eyes the proboscis monkey, the silverleaf, could show themselves without forgetting the monitor lizards, wild boars, of course tropical birds, insects in series, without forgetting pitcher plants (Nephentes). In total, the trek can be 2 to 7km, depending on you. After this day you return to your property to enjoy the rest of your evening free to relax.
HOTEL: Cove 55 (Garden Room)
Day 4 : Kuching - Sandakan Airport - Kinabatangan River (B/L/D)
Early wake up (around 3:30am), check out and breakfast box, you will drive to Kuching airport to catch your morning flight Kuching- Kota Kinabalu -Sandakan. Private Van Pick up from Sandakan Airport transfer to Sandakan Jetty .At 12pm depart from Sandakan Yacht Club to Kinabatangan Wetland Resort by join-in boat (about 2hrs).
Check in and settle down.
At 3pm, join-In afternoon Safari River Cruise (to explore wildlife).
Back to the Resort before dark and dinner served at the lodge To add more thrill, you can also add a join-in Night Safari River cruise (surcharge applies).
HOTEL: Kinabatangan Wetland Resort (Deluxe Chalet)
Day 5 : Kinabatangan River – Gomatong Forest- Danum Valley (B/L/D)
Early wake up and join-In Sunrise River Cruise on Kinabatangan River. Back to the resort for breakfast (around 9am), then proceed to your check out. At 10:30 am transfer by boat (join-in transfer) from Kinabatangan Wetland Resort to Sukau Jetty then you will embark on a Private Van to Lahad Datu Borneo Rainforest Lodge Office. On the way we will stop at Gomantong Caves and Forest Reserve to explore the cave system “home” to millions of bats and swiftlets. The Danum Valley hosts migrating elephants, some rare clouded leopards and this is where orangutan are released from rehabilitation and can be spotted in their natural environment. Wild Maroon Langur and macaques can we spotted and often seen. Then you will take back the road to Lahad Datu, where you will change vehicle. A quick picnic local lunch will be served before embarking into a Private 4WD transfer to Borneo Rainforest Lodge.
Check-in at Borneo Rain Forest Lodge and free time to rest.
Dinner at the Lodge.
After dinner you can join a 4WD night safari or a night walk in the jungle. (Depending on availability, in small group with a guide naturalist)
HOTEL: Borneo Rainforest Lodge (Standard Jungle Room with Fan)
Day 6 : Danum Valley (B/L/D)
Get up early to take part in morning walks before breakfast. If you're feeling active, head out to Fairy Falls & Serpent Falls before returning to your property for lunch. After lunch, spend the rest of the day at your leisure or go on a guided hike along the Segama River. Having your own guide, after explaining in detail the experience you want to live and spending most of the time with the Orangutan and other wild animals that you can spot, you can adjust your itinerary from day to day according to your desire of adventure.
All meals at the lodge.
HOTEL: Borneo Rainforest Lodge (Standard Jungle Room with Fan)
Day 7 : Danum Valley - Lahad Datu Airport (B/-/-)
Get one more opportunity to explore the rainforest of Danum Valley with a join-in Wildlife walk at sunrise time before heading back to the lodge for your breakfast. Then proceed to your Check Out and depart for a Private 4WD transfer to Lahad Datu Airport for your flight back to Kota Kinabalu.

Extension to the beach of Manukan Island, or for more adventures in Sabah.
Don’t forget to pack in your bag:
- very flexible ultra trail type walking shoes with large spaced lugs (avoid rigid walking shoes because you will often have tramp feet).Example of trail shoes adapt Nike Pegasus trail;
- light and comfortable clothes for jungle walks (the perfect set for jungle walks are lycra leggings, high hiking/football socks, swimming shorts, light t-shirts, cap or hat);
- a waterproof bag (for your passport, mobile phone, camera and other important paper);
- a kway/raincoat or similar a sweater for the evenings as the temperatures can drop;
- basic toiletries, first aid kit, your own medicine/treatment, sunscreen cream, mosquito spray;
- cash;
- a camera (if you have a 24-150mm lens for landscape, portrait and macro photos, and a 200-500mm lens for all animal and bird photos;
- a pair of binoculars;
- headlamp for each participant.

Your Accommodation on this Asia Travel Itinerary


Wild Borneo

7 days / 6 nights
from 3,880 USD /person

based on 2 people traveling together and sharing the same room

 


The total price includes:
Accommodation on a bed & breakfast basis
Some meals as indicated in the program
All activities as mentioned in the itinerary
Nature and animal trek in the parks of Gunung Gading & Bako
Wildlife experience by boat on the Kinabatangan river,
Exploration of the Danum Valley
All road transfers with vehicles with Air Conditioner (for road transfers) and boat transfers when available
English speaking guide

The total price does not include:
VISA – Most country do not need visa for Malaysia, but we recommend you to check when you issue airtickets. Please make sure your passport is valid for 6 months beyond your departure date.
Other meals that are not included in the program.
Drinks, personal expenses, tips and gratuities.
Options and other activities not included in the program.
Repatriation Insurance and Travel insurance (recommended)


This Secret Journey was designed in cooperation with Axys Travel (License 1017824-D)

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