Nature’s Diversity in Malaysia
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Highlights:
From vibrant waterways to jungles teaming with wildlife, this suggested program encourages you to explore the natural wonders of Malaysia. See Orangutans and sun bears as you make your way to the Kinabatangan River where your naturalist points out unique medicinal plants.
Utilize 4WD jeeps to enter and explore a 1,000,000 year old forest in the Danum Valley and reward your hands-on research with some pampering at a five star resort on Gaya Island. This program strongly suggests the perfect trip for the adventurous traveler who enjoys creature comforts as well.
From vibrant waterways to jungles teaming with wildlife, this suggested program encourages you to explore the natural wonders of Malaysia. See Orangutans and sun bears as you make your way to the Kinabatangan River where your naturalist points out unique medicinal plants.
Utilize 4WD jeeps to enter and explore a 1,000,000 year old forest in the Danum Valley and reward your hands-on research with some pampering at a five star resort on Gaya Island. This program strongly suggests the perfect trip for the adventurous traveler who enjoys creature comforts as well.
SKU:
Explore: The diverse nature of malaysia
Customizable Itinerary - 14 Days (from $4,678 / person)
Day 1: Depart USA
Today you board an aircraft to take you across the Pacific and the beginning of your adventure.
Day 2: En Route
As you cross the Pacific you will pass the International Date Line and technically lose a day but you will regain it on your return to the USA
Day 3: Welcome to Malaysia
You arrive in either Kuala Lumpur or Singapore where one of our representatives will meet you and assist in your connection to your flight to Sandakan on the Island of Borneo. Upon arrival you will be met by one of our guides and a driver who will take you to the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. Have an early dinner as you watch the sun set on Sandakan Bay Dinner
Day 4: Orangutans and Sun Bears
Arise early for breakfast and then visit the Central Market with its wide assortment of exotic produce and fresh seafood. You then depart to Sepilok with your first stop at the Sepilok Orangutan Reserve where you are in time to watch the early feeding of these gentle primates as they move to rehabilitation and back to the wild. Afterwards you visit the Sun Bear Conservation Centre. These delightful bears get their name from the markings on their chest like a sunrise. After your visit you check into the Nature resort and have lunch. In the afternoon you embark on a Plant Discovery Walk which features herbs and plants used in traditional medicines. Nestled high in the rainforest canopy is a 260 foot high walkway that stretches over 900 feet and offers the opportunity to view some of the 300 bird species that call this home. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5: A Cruise on the Kinabatangan River
After breakfast you can visit the Proboscis Sanctuary for a morning feeding and then return to Sandakan stopping at the memorial to the British and Australian troops held prisoner at the POW camp by the Japanese. Continue to Sandakan Pier for a journey along the longest river in Borneo. With eight species of hornbill, Bornean pygmy elephants, over 300 bird species and ten species of primates, this area’s biodiversity is among the finest in the world. After arriving in the afternoon, check into your villa and take time to relax. In the evening, meander along the Kinabatangan River alongside a local guide who will point out some of the area’s nocturnal inhabitants as they descend from their hiding places high in the trees. You then return to the resort and enjoy dinner Breakfast and Dinner
Day 6: Exploring the River Valley
Rise early with the birds and head out for a cruise to Kelenanap Oxbow Lake. This crescent-shaped lake was created when the meandering path of the main river strayed so far that its loop got cut off from the main tributary. The stillness of the lake and its relative protection provides a haven for animals and plants that is unique from the nearby river ecosystem. Return to the resort for breakfast before taking an informative walk with the resort’s naturalist. In the late afternoon watch the river activities of the local primates. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 7: Gomantong Caves and the Danum Valley
In the morning you are driven to the intricate limestone system known as the Gomantong Caves. After a short walk you reach the two main accessible caves. Within the caves the ancient tradition of collecting solidified swiftlet saliva for ‘Bird’s Nest Soup’ is still carried out, although only under strict licensing and on a sustainable basis. The area around the caves is thick rainforest where, on occasions, wild orangutans can be seen. This area is also home to around two million bats and the opportunistic bat hawk. Return to the main road until you reach Lahad Datu where you have lunch before entering the thick virgin rainforest area of Danum Valley, one of the world’s most complex ecosystems. Upon arrival at the Borneo Rainforest Lodge you are taken on a late afternoon walk along the trails and the 400 feet tall and 900 feet long canopy walk high up in the 130 million year old rainforest which is literally humming with jungle sounds. After dinner you board one of the open 4WD vehicles for an exhilarating night spotlighting tour. Accompanied by a local guide who shines a light into the jungle looking for nocturnal animals like samba deer, civet cats and, occasionally, leopards. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 8: Exploring the Danum Valley
The morning chorus of the jungle is a cacophony of sounds ranging from birds to primates, such as the gibbon. Taking a packed breakfast you travel to a 200 year old Kadazandusun Burial site known as “Coffin Cliff” along the viewpoint trail. The end of the trail results in spectacular views over an ocean-like million year-old jungle. The return journey includes a trip to waterfalls for a refreshing dip with the added benefit of nibbling fish. After lunch you have free time to go tubing on the river or doing some trekking among the trails. In the evening you venture into the jungle on foot along with your guide where the jungle will reveal an array of wildlife including insects. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 9: Kota Kinabalu
After breakfast you make the return journey to Lahad Datu where you board a flight for Kota Kinabalu. Upon arrival in Kota Kinabalu or ‘KK’ as it is affectionately referred to, you are met by a guide and driver and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the afternoon is left open for you to walk around the city from your centrally located hotel. Take a stroll in the late afternoon to the lively Filipino market, explore the lively fish market and take a walk along the waterfront in time for sunset. Breakfast and Lunch
Day 10: The Speed Boat to Gaya Island
You have some free time in the morning before being transferred to the Jesselton Jetty where you board a speed boat for the short trip to Gaya Island. Upon arrival you are transferred to your villa nestled in the woods and overlooking the sea. Breakfast
Days 11 & 12: At Leisure on Gaya Island
You have two full days to relax and enjoy the activities on the island. It could be snorkeling, enjoying the beach, swimming in the clear blue water of simply relaxing by the pool. It will also give you time to review all your images and the great experiences you have enjoyed Breakfast
Day 13: Return to USA
In the afternoon you will take the speed boat back to Kota Kinabalu where we will meet you and take you to the airport which will begin your journey back to the USA Breakfast
Day 14: Arrival in the USA
Having regained your lost day on the return flight you arrive back in the USA and home.
Today you board an aircraft to take you across the Pacific and the beginning of your adventure.
Day 2: En Route
As you cross the Pacific you will pass the International Date Line and technically lose a day but you will regain it on your return to the USA
Day 3: Welcome to Malaysia
You arrive in either Kuala Lumpur or Singapore where one of our representatives will meet you and assist in your connection to your flight to Sandakan on the Island of Borneo. Upon arrival you will be met by one of our guides and a driver who will take you to the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. Have an early dinner as you watch the sun set on Sandakan Bay Dinner
Day 4: Orangutans and Sun Bears
Arise early for breakfast and then visit the Central Market with its wide assortment of exotic produce and fresh seafood. You then depart to Sepilok with your first stop at the Sepilok Orangutan Reserve where you are in time to watch the early feeding of these gentle primates as they move to rehabilitation and back to the wild. Afterwards you visit the Sun Bear Conservation Centre. These delightful bears get their name from the markings on their chest like a sunrise. After your visit you check into the Nature resort and have lunch. In the afternoon you embark on a Plant Discovery Walk which features herbs and plants used in traditional medicines. Nestled high in the rainforest canopy is a 260 foot high walkway that stretches over 900 feet and offers the opportunity to view some of the 300 bird species that call this home. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5: A Cruise on the Kinabatangan River
After breakfast you can visit the Proboscis Sanctuary for a morning feeding and then return to Sandakan stopping at the memorial to the British and Australian troops held prisoner at the POW camp by the Japanese. Continue to Sandakan Pier for a journey along the longest river in Borneo. With eight species of hornbill, Bornean pygmy elephants, over 300 bird species and ten species of primates, this area’s biodiversity is among the finest in the world. After arriving in the afternoon, check into your villa and take time to relax. In the evening, meander along the Kinabatangan River alongside a local guide who will point out some of the area’s nocturnal inhabitants as they descend from their hiding places high in the trees. You then return to the resort and enjoy dinner Breakfast and Dinner
Day 6: Exploring the River Valley
Rise early with the birds and head out for a cruise to Kelenanap Oxbow Lake. This crescent-shaped lake was created when the meandering path of the main river strayed so far that its loop got cut off from the main tributary. The stillness of the lake and its relative protection provides a haven for animals and plants that is unique from the nearby river ecosystem. Return to the resort for breakfast before taking an informative walk with the resort’s naturalist. In the late afternoon watch the river activities of the local primates. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 7: Gomantong Caves and the Danum Valley
In the morning you are driven to the intricate limestone system known as the Gomantong Caves. After a short walk you reach the two main accessible caves. Within the caves the ancient tradition of collecting solidified swiftlet saliva for ‘Bird’s Nest Soup’ is still carried out, although only under strict licensing and on a sustainable basis. The area around the caves is thick rainforest where, on occasions, wild orangutans can be seen. This area is also home to around two million bats and the opportunistic bat hawk. Return to the main road until you reach Lahad Datu where you have lunch before entering the thick virgin rainforest area of Danum Valley, one of the world’s most complex ecosystems. Upon arrival at the Borneo Rainforest Lodge you are taken on a late afternoon walk along the trails and the 400 feet tall and 900 feet long canopy walk high up in the 130 million year old rainforest which is literally humming with jungle sounds. After dinner you board one of the open 4WD vehicles for an exhilarating night spotlighting tour. Accompanied by a local guide who shines a light into the jungle looking for nocturnal animals like samba deer, civet cats and, occasionally, leopards. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 8: Exploring the Danum Valley
The morning chorus of the jungle is a cacophony of sounds ranging from birds to primates, such as the gibbon. Taking a packed breakfast you travel to a 200 year old Kadazandusun Burial site known as “Coffin Cliff” along the viewpoint trail. The end of the trail results in spectacular views over an ocean-like million year-old jungle. The return journey includes a trip to waterfalls for a refreshing dip with the added benefit of nibbling fish. After lunch you have free time to go tubing on the river or doing some trekking among the trails. In the evening you venture into the jungle on foot along with your guide where the jungle will reveal an array of wildlife including insects. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 9: Kota Kinabalu
After breakfast you make the return journey to Lahad Datu where you board a flight for Kota Kinabalu. Upon arrival in Kota Kinabalu or ‘KK’ as it is affectionately referred to, you are met by a guide and driver and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the afternoon is left open for you to walk around the city from your centrally located hotel. Take a stroll in the late afternoon to the lively Filipino market, explore the lively fish market and take a walk along the waterfront in time for sunset. Breakfast and Lunch
Day 10: The Speed Boat to Gaya Island
You have some free time in the morning before being transferred to the Jesselton Jetty where you board a speed boat for the short trip to Gaya Island. Upon arrival you are transferred to your villa nestled in the woods and overlooking the sea. Breakfast
Days 11 & 12: At Leisure on Gaya Island
You have two full days to relax and enjoy the activities on the island. It could be snorkeling, enjoying the beach, swimming in the clear blue water of simply relaxing by the pool. It will also give you time to review all your images and the great experiences you have enjoyed Breakfast
Day 13: Return to USA
In the afternoon you will take the speed boat back to Kota Kinabalu where we will meet you and take you to the airport which will begin your journey back to the USA Breakfast
Day 14: Arrival in the USA
Having regained your lost day on the return flight you arrive back in the USA and home.
