Borneo Active (trip)

Borneo Active

  • Malaysia
  • Active & Adventure
  • Volunteer Vacations
Malaysia, Asia

from £1,195* per person10 DaysMay, July-October
Boutique accommodations Exertion level: 3
Operator: Inspired Escapes 15 people max

Conquer Mt Kinabalu, witness Orangutan in the wild, hop on a river safari, involve yourself in rebuilding homes for local tribes, and fall sleep to the sounds of the rainforest.

This is the kind of adventure that beats you with one hand and soothes you with the other. The climb to the summit of Mount Kinabalu, peaking at 13,435 ft. will test your strength, spirit and sometimes even your sanity. But rest assured, the view at sunrise will reside in your memory long after the bites and bruises have disappeared. The wildlife in Borneo is as exotic as it is wild. We will take you to the Sepilok Orang-utan Rehabilitation Centre to meet the Pongo Pygmaeus, which is the species of Orangutan native to the island. You’ll observe them during their happiest - feeding time - but also learn about the dangers they face from deforestation, palm oil plantations and hunters.

This centre is world famous, and seeing how lovingly these animals are cared for gives hope for the sustainability of their future. Hope is a central part of this Borneo adventure. You will experience that first-hand as we join Habitat for Humanity in a dynamic community project to build homes for local tribes in Borneo.

No great adventure is complete without time to reflect, and Borneo offers plenty of opportunity for that. This experience also allows you to sit back as we take the reins, taking you on a leisurely river safari down the Kinabatangan River to Sukau. Spot proboscis monkeys, wild orangutans, hornbills in flight, and if you’re lucky, get close to the elusive pygmy elephants of the island. Rest and relax at a wonderful award-winning eco-lodge on the banks of the great river with the ancient rainforest of Borneo as your backyard.

You will stay at a 4 star hotel in Kota Kinabalu. In Kinabatangan, you will sleep in the award-winning Sukau Rainforest Lodge along Sabah's longest river. And at the project, you will be staying at Horizon Hotel.

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Locations visited/nearby

Malaysia, Asia

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Itinerary

Day 1: ARRIVAL IN KOTA KINABALU - On arrival at Kota Kinabalu Airport, meet your guide and transfer to Horizon Hotel (4 star) for the night.Arrival in Kota Kinabalu

Day 2: FOOTHILLS OF MT KINABALU - Today we will drive 2 hours overland (88 km) to the foothills of Mt. Kinabalu at 5,000 feet. We will make a short stop at roadside stalls at Nabalu market to savour local fruits in season. Visit the Education Centre and Mountain Garden. Temperature at the park is around 14°C - 25°C. Stay overnight in Kundasang.

Day 3: START THE TREKKING - Today we will transfer to Timpohon Gate at 6,000 ft (1,828m) to start the 4-6 hour trek with a mountain guide to the overnight accommodation (dormitory style), with common bathroom and restaurant at Laban Rata at 10,700 ft (3,261m). Do not forget to look around for some of the flowers and pitcher plants along the trail. Temperature is around 5°C - 10°C.

Day 4: REACH THE SUMMIT OF KINABALU - Today we will start our ascent at 3 am to reach the summit at 13,435 ft (4,095.2m) in time for the sunrise at 6 am. Witnessing sunrise from this point is unforgettable. After taking some pictures to remember this moment, we'll return to Park HQ for late high tea and at 1430hrs, transfer back to Kota Kinabalu. Overnight at Horizon Hotel – Superior City View.

Day 5: FREE DAY – Today is free for your leisure. Overnight at Horizon Hotel – Superior City View.

Day 6 - 7: VOLUNTEER AT LOCAL PROJECT - This morning you will be picked up from Horizon Hotel, and proceed to the Habitat for Humanity site to volunteer on a home building project. Meet the locals you are actually helping. Return to Horizon Hotel for overnight.

Day 8: SANDAKAN – SUKAU RAINFOREST LODGE - This morning you'll be picked up from Horizon Hotel and transfer to Kota Kinabalu Airport for departure for Sandakan Airport. On arrival at Sandakan Airport, we'll transfer to world famous Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. We'll walk through the rainforest on wooden boardwalks to witness the feeding of the orangutans at 10am. Afterwards we will watch an informational video about the centre. After lunch, we'll transfer to Sandakan jetty for a boat journey to the multi award-winning Sukau Rainforest Lodge along Sabah's longest river, Kinabatangan.Take a river cruise in search of wildlife and birds. Spot proboscis monkeys, wild orangutans, hornbills in flight, and if you’re lucky, get close to the elusive pygmy elephants of the island. Enjoy a candle lit dinner overlooking the riverbank followed by slide show and interpretation by naturalist guide. Stay overnight at the Sukau Rainforest Lodge.

Day 9: SUKAU RAINFOREST LODGE - Today we'll take a 6am morning river cruise up the Kinabatangan River to Kelenanap oxbow lake to view more birds and wildlife. After breakfast we'll proceed on an educational tour along the lodge’s Hornbill Boardwalk with our in-house naturalist. In the afternoon, we will continue up the river to witness more wildlife on the banks. Stay overnight at the Sukau Rainforest Lodge.

Day 10: SANDAKAN & DEPARTURE - After breakfast, we will return to Sandakan by boat. After lunch we'll proceed to the airport for the flight to Kota Kinabalu. For those taking the evening flight, we will have a chance to visit Rainforest Discovery Centre. Experience a bird's eye view of the centre from the canopy walk and hanging bridge, explore the botanical garden, home to various species of flora. Proceed to Sandakan Memorial Park for a short visit before taking the flight – recommended ETD 1900hrs. 

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