A Malaysian Island Animal Adventure

Your world travel adventure has begun! As you descend into Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA), absorb the stunning views of its rainforest and beaches. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by a local guide who will transfer you to your accommodation where you can settle into your new home for the week. 

You’ll have the rest of the afternoon to explore the delicate ecosystem that surrounds you. Enjoy a relaxing view of the rainforest from your balcony or take a short walk through a jungle path. In the evening, you will regroup to indulge your taste buds in a traditional Borneo cuisine, including grilled fish, fried rice, noodles, and local vegetables. Take this time to get to know your guides and ask lots of questions about your schedule ahead!

Venturing into the deep jungle, you will arrive at the oldest orangutan conservation center in the world. Walk along tree-top bridges to get a bird’s eye view of these bright orange animals in their natural habitat. Learn how the staff work to protect the orphaned primates and ensure their safe transition back into their natural habitat. After getting up close with orangutans, you’ll head to a local Malaysian restaurant for lunch. 

You’ll spend the afternoon in Sandakan’s local market – a perfect location to buy souvenirs. Then, you’ll visit the Puh Jih Shih Buddhist Temple to learn about Chinese architecture and influences. Explore the attraction and take in the hilltop views of Sandakan Bay.

After a hearty breakfast, depart your lodge to drive two hours south to Kota Kinabalu, enjoying the view as you pass by paddy fields, plantations, and native houses. When you arrive, enjoy light refreshments and lunch, which will be served in a traditional village house. You’ll likely spot a couple of proboscis monkeys swinging among the vines. Next, your boat cruise departs. You’ll spot many riverside residents, such as monitor lizards, exotic birds, tree snakes, and crocodiles. As the darkness creeps in, enjoy a natural light show of fireflies! Enjoy dinner on the boat before arriving back on land. 

Be sure to ask your guide about the endangered wildlife species in these jungles, and what actions need to be taken to protect them.

Another day, another adventure! Today you’ll make your way to Kinabalu Poring Hot Springs and National Park. During WWII, the Japanese created the Poring Hot Springs, which is now a favorite retreat for locals. Take a dip in the open air bathtub which is believed to have curative powers. Next, build up the courage to complete the Treetop Canopy Walkway. Thirty meters above ground, take in stunning views of Borneo from this suspension bridge.

Toot toot, all aboard! Today, you will board the North Borneo Railway train to experience nostalgia and romance as you step back into the 1900s. Locals once used this refurbished train as regular transport to Sabah, but today the train will pass rural Malaysian landscapes and the South China Sea. You’ll also stop at the trading town of Kinnaras and the Tien Shi Temple where you can take the time to explore its shops and foothills. As the train continues through the Kawang Forest Reserve, you’ll finally arrive in Papar. Enjoy dinner and engage with residents as you absorb the smells and sounds of this city before riding back to your lodge.

You’ll get an early start as you to travel to Usukan Cove Lodge, which is the passage to Pandan Pandan Island. Enjoy breakfast and refreshments as you ride to the island for reef snorkeling and underwater sea walking, and an up-close experience with Borneo’s marine life. Enjoy a BBQ lunch followed by a coral transplanting demonstration, traditional net catching demonstrations, and a kayaking tour. You’ll head back to the lodge for dinner.

Your final morning will consist of an early breakfast by the jungle with your guides. After packing, you will be transported to the local airport to fly home. We hope you immensely enjoyed this exotic adventure, and perhaps you learned some valuable information to bring home as well. We hope to see you again soon!