Borneo Family Adventure - Jungles & Beaches

From Jungle Camping & Sublime Beaches to Some Outstanding Wildlife, a Borneo Family Adventure – From £1,955* Per Person, Excluding International Flights

*Based on 2 adults sharing a twin or double and 2 children (under 12).

Day 1
On your first day you will be met upon arrival at Kota Kinabalu airport and transferred to the Shangri-la Tanjung Aru Resort. Here you will have the rest of your day at leisure as the anticipation builds for your family wildlife adventure.
Overnight: Shangri-la Tanjung Aru Resort – Deluxe sea-facing room - Located close to the centre of Kota Kinabalu, this hotel has a private beach with views out to the nearby Coral Islands

Day 2
Relax for the day, making the most out of the hotel facilities and private beach, or head into engaging Kota Kinabalu centre for some sightseeing, wonderful shopping or a nice meal. This is a great way to get the family excited about their upcoming adventures, introducing them to Borneo, with a wonderful contrast of beach and city.
Overnight: Shangri-la Tanjung Aru Resort (B)

Day 3
Today you will depart Kota Kinabalu and enjoy a culturally enlightening day as you head towards Borneo’s most northern tip, Kudat. Along the way you will pass through intriguing villages, some of which are famous for their gong making. You may stop at Kota Belud for the local market (or tamu, open on Sundays) to practise your bargaining skills, surrounded by the colourful & dusty mix of hawkers, vendors, hagglers, locals and tourists as they barter, share stories and purchase local produce, such as bison.

The evening with be spent in the local Rungus Longhouse with the Rungus tribe, an engaging treat to share stories, learn about each others cultures, and party with the tribe – be wary of the rice wine, it can be a bit on the strong side…
Overnight: Rungus Longhouse – the chance to overnight in a traditional longhouse; simple but clean and comfy lodging (B/L/D)

Day 4
Today you will have the privilege of visiting Miki’s village. Living in a village at the foot of Mt Kinabalu, where 3 rivers bring down crystal waters from the mountain to the land, Miki is a Borneo native we work with to preserve the environment and develop a sustainable tourism project run by and for the benefit of indigenous people. Having almost made the mistake of cutting down the entire forest for commercial fresh water ponds, Miki now provides wonderfully authentic experiences for guests as you explore the surroundings. Starting with a short hike to Miki’s for refreshments, spend the day trekking with him, or his brothers, across mountain ranges, through rice fields and primary forest as you gain an understanding of the land and get to know the local culture, beliefs and environment.
Overnight: Miki’s Survival Camp – After crossing mountain streams and passing some spectacular views, you will set up for the night in Miki’s Camp. His helpful team will help you build your camp before you spend a unique night out in the jungle, with the sounds of the forest to keep you company. (B/L/D)

Day 5
Waking up to the sounds of the jungle is a unique experience – one you and your family won’t forget – and an exhilarating way to start the day! You will transfer to Poring today, where you can relax and explore your new accommodations, or head out to the Poring Hot Springs; therapeutic pools and tubs of hot steaming sulphur springs that have been channelled, from where marked trails lead off to small waterfalls and caves.
Overnight: Poring Jungle Lodge – Located amongst the foothills of Mt Kinabalu, the Poring Jungle Lodge features well appointed and comfortable rooms and access to the hot springs – a great way to unwind and relax after the strains of your trek (B/L/D)

Day 6
Spend the day at your own leisure, follow a network of walkways through the nearby rainforests or the 150 metre long canopy walkway, or head to the waterfalls.
Overnight: Poring Jungle Lodge (B/L/D)

Day 7
Transfer by land to Bilit at Ulu Kinabatangan, where you will find one of the best opportunities to see orang-utans in the wild and will spend the next 2 days.
Overnight: Myne Resort Lodge - rustic but comfortable accommodation with en-suite bathrooms (B/L/D)

Days 8, 9
On the banks of the Kinabatangan River, there is the second highest density of orang-utans in Borneo and such a high density of wildlife in this small area it is almost comprehensible as you traverse the Kinabatangan River. You will spend the next two days exploring by foot or boat the mangroves and rainforest; meet the entertaining proboscis monkeys, orang-utans, crab-eating macaques and wild elephants, as well as a myriad of bird species, from rhinoceros hornbills to the endangered storm hawks. There are lots of reptiles and amphibians, from crocodiles and monitor lizards to tree snakes, and Sumatran Rhinos have been spotted, although this is fairly rare, you might be lucky!
Overnight: Myne Resort Lodge (B/L/D)

Day 10
This morning you will be transferred to Sandakan, then on to Sepilok, where you’ll have time to rest, then, if you’re feeling up to it, trek 10 minutes on wooden planks to witness the orang-utans being fed at the sanctuary. Sepilok Orang-utan Sanctuary looks after previously captive Orang-utans, through poaching, deforestation etc, and re-habituates them to their surroundings so they can be released back into the wild, fully capable of supporting themselves. Food is deliberately bland to encourage them to forage for themselves, however feeding time is still wonderful to see and rather amusing at that.
Overnight: Sepilok Nature Resort - hidden amongst the lush green tropical forests of Borneo, these timber bungalows offer the traveller every comfort after a day in the forest. Hot baths are a welcome comfort, as are the Orang-utans that you will often find on your veranda in the morning. Views over the lake through the swirling mists are an added pleasure to be enjoyed (B/L/D)

Day 11
You’ll have an early start this morning and transfer by road to the jetty, then across the ocean to Lankayan Island by boat, approximately 2 hours. Feast on a sumptuous lunch on your arrival, then spend the rest of the day relaxing, or arranging how you’re going to spend the next few days on this idyllis island.
Overnight: Lankayan Island - private chalets located on the beach (B/L/D)

Days 12, 13
Lankayan is excellent for diving and snorkelling, with bright marine life and tame currents, from March to May you may have the option of joining the whale sharks for a swim! Alternatively one can relax on the beach, swim & paddle around, hire sea kayaks or go windsurfing. We’re aware that each family is different, on Lankayan Island you can do as much or as little as you like…
Overnight: Lankayan Island (B/L/D)

Day 14
Say your goodbyes to sandy paradise and tropical waters as you transfer back to Sandakan and catch your internal flight to Kota Kinabalu in time for your international flight back home (B)