Best of Borneo

Gaya Island

Transfer to Gaya Island, which is only accessible by boat. Surrounded by coral reefs and mangroves with a forested interior, Gaya is perfect for a spot of diving or beach lounging. There’s plenty to do here - walk the forest trails with a naturalist guide, take a yoga class under a tree canopy, learn about the indigenous tribes, or perhaps try out deep sea fishing. Various animals call the island home, so look out for proboscis monkeys, hornbills, mouse deer, pangolin and bearded pigs and over 600 bird species. If wildlife is your thing, head down to the Marine Ecology Research Centre (MERC) and discover the world beneath the waves. Highlights include the maternity tank, filled with pregnant seahorses.

Kota Kinabalu

Head on to Kota Kinabalu where you’ll stay right on the coast, just a short drive from the city. Venture into town and browse the atmospheric night markets or stay closer to home and discover the local nature such as the rafflesia, the largest flower in the world, in Kinabalu National Park. Being by the sea, you can also try out various water sports such as jet skiing, parasailing, banana boating, windsurfing and paddle boarding. Dive beneath the waves and discover the corals and anemones, or if you’re lucky, a turtle or a reef shark.

Mt. Kinabalu

Climb to the 4095 metre peak of Mount Kinabalu, a two day trek requiring a reasonable level of fitness, but no prior experience. Start off in the lush jungles and plunging waterfalls of the lower slopes, and even though the track is not too strenuous at first, take your time and save your energy, because later, as the trail gets steeper, a few scrambles are involved. Spend the night on the mountainside in your resthouse before an early start on the second day in order to reach the summit by sunrise. Leave the foliage behind and climb the rocks with the aid of a fixed rope for the final push to the top - you’ll feel on top of the world. Soak up the views, feel proud of your achievements, and then head all the way back down again.

Kota Kinabalu

Return to Kota Kinabalu for a night to refresh and relax your tired muscles. Perhaps head direct to your hotel’s spa!

Kinabatangan

Board your flight to Kinabatangan where it’s all about the wildlife. Go in search of orangutans at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, home to around 70 of these great apes who live freely on the reserve. Seeing them interact in their natural habitat is a truly magical experience – don’t forget your camera! Back at your jungle lodge, trek the rainforest and cruise the Menanggol River in search of proboscis monkeys and macaques, and look out for birds including hornbills and kingfishers.

Danum Valley

Head overland on jungle roads to the Danum Valley Conservation Area, filled with pristine forest and home to 340 bird species, 124 mammals and 200 species of plant. Enjoy a canopy walk at 26 metres for a bird’s eye view of the trees. Back on floor level, look out for the intriguing pitcher plants. Enjoy a morning jungle trek and take a look at the Kadazandusun burial site, known as Coffin Cliff. Finish off your hike with a swim in one of the many pools. Put your adventure hat on in the afternoon for a tubing session down the Danum River and a night jungle trek.

Pantai Dalit Beach

Kick back on the soft white sands of Pantai Dalit and soak up the views of Mount Kinabalu in the distance. Surrounded by tropical forest, Pantai Dalit is an idyllic spot perfect for a relaxing few days. There’s an 18-hole golf course if you are so inclined, or you could try horse riding, deep-sea fishing or visiting the orangutan interpretation centre. Maybe just watch the sun set over a cocktail or three. You can also take a bicycle to local markets and villages, rent a hydrobike, watch the fireflies dance or even go ziplining in the jungle. Water sports abound, with jet skiing, ocean kayaking, parasailing and windsurfing to name but a few.

Kuala Lumpur

Fly on to Kuala Lumpur and explore the intriguing Batu Caves. Vibrant KL is Malaysia’s capital, and a fine place to finish your Journey. Take the lift up to the observation deck on the Petronas Towers and see the city stretching into the distance, a sight that’s especially impressive at night. If you want your final jungle fix head to Bukit Nanas, a patch of rainforest in the heart of the city. Or you could just hit the shops and enjoy the fabulous Malaysian flavours in the restaurants. Take a trip to the intriguing Batu Caves just outside town, cavernous grottoes filled with shrines and an inquisitive troupe of monkeys.