After all the planning and preparation the wait is finally over! Today we board our overnight flight to Kota Kinabalu to begin our Borneo program.

Meals:  Nil

On arrival in Kota Kinabalu our team will be waiting and transfer you to your hotel for check in. We have a full safety and trip briefing before we start exploring the highlights of this vibrant city. Tonight we will enjoy our first Malaysian meal at a welcome dinner. Overnight Klagan hotel

Meals:  L,D

This morning we have breakfast and head out on the 5 hour drive to Sandakan. Here we will stop at the Kundasang War Memorial dedicated to the British and Australian soldiers who died in the Sandakan POW camp during their death marches to Ranau. We then embark on a exploration of the historical and cultural iconic sights in the area. This afternoon we will have a project orientation. Overnight Elopura Hotel

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we have early breakfast, checkout and make our drive to Sukau to start our cultural immersion program. Borneo is known for their diverse culture, and one of the main ethnic groups comes from a tribe known as the Suku Kaum Sungai, also known as the “People of the River.” We settle into our nature lodge and enjoy a traditional local cuisine from the village. After lunch, we join the local village community of the gentle Orang Sungai (River People). We will join a village and tribe orientation and join a number of cultural activities in the surrounding jungle. The activities may include such programs as the Seni Silat (Indigenous Martial Art), Seni Tari (traditional dance), traditional craft and carvings. The Orang Sungai are known for Bird’s Nest Supply, we will also take part in learning of the process and importance of birds nest. We will join a Hornbill conservation program and nursery work as well as working with the local community creating fishing nets. Overnight Greenview Lodge

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we will join a local forest restoration program before we spend the rest of the day exploring the magnificent scenery of the Kinabatangan River and mangrove forest. The Kinabatangan is the second longest river in Malaysia and is known for its high biodiversity and excellent wildlife spotting opportunities. We will explore this area collecting data and identifying animal and plant species. We hope to spot the Proboscis Monkey, Pygmy Elephant, Gibbons, Orangutans, Macaques along with hundreds of bird species. We learn of the many conservation efforts afoot in this protected area. Tonight we will venture out on a night safari as we witness the forest coming to life! Overnight Greenview Lodge

Meals:  B,L,D

We rise early this morning for our short drive to Sepilok. Sepilok is a natural paradise and one of the best places in the world to see the Orangutan in its natural habitat. It is home to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, the Borneo Sunbear Centre and the Borneo Rainforrest Discovery Centre. On arrival, we head to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center, the first orangutan sanctuary in the world. This facility is one of only four orangutan sanctuaries worldwide, providing medical care for orphaned and confiscated orangutans as well as dozens of other wildlife species. Over at the center, we will get the opportunity to observe and appreciate the orangutans and understand their life cycles and the intricate biodiversity roles that they have. We will also learn and understand more of the underlying threats to the habitat and wildlife. We assist the center with enrichment and welfare programs to help improve the playground and area area the Orangutans live and play in their daily life. Orangutans need to be able to climb and maintain some physical fitness whilst in a pre-release enclosure. This afternoon we head to the Borneo Lowland Rainforest introduction at the Rainforest Discovery Center. We will take part in an extensive learning about the great forest and wildlife surrounding us. We will learn more about the various plant and animal species and navigate through the dense forest to observe nature at its best! After lunch we head out on a jungle walk through the canopy and stop at observations tower. The tree top canopy walk towers 30mtrs above the ground and stretches for over 350mtrs. It gives you a wonderful birds eye view of the jungle tree tops and wildlife in the park. This afternoon we join a night jungle walk. Overnight Sepilok nature lodge

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we will spend our time at the Borneo SunBear Centre. Malayan sun bears are the smallest bears in the world and are only found in Southeast Asia. These bears continue to be threatened by forest degradation, illegal hunting for bear parts and poaching to obtain young cubs for pet trade. The results of these threats has caused young sun bears found to be living in unnatural captive conditions in Sabah, with no access to outdoor areas. There are currently 42 rescued ex-captive sun bears residing at the BSBCC. The facility includes large forest enclosures to provide a natural environment suited to the needs and welfare of the sun bears and facilitate their rehabilitation back into the wild. Our program will include participation in the bears welfare program as well as the nursery for endangered species. Tonight we head out for a special farewell dinner at the Sim Sim floating village. Overnight Sepilok nature lodge

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we have breakfast and say goodbye to our lodge hosts as we head out on the drive to Sandakan. Here we will stop at the local central markets to see goods being traded and maybe try your hand at some bargaining. We then travel to the airport for your flight back to Melbourne connecting through Kuala Lumpur

Meals:  B,L

Your program finishes arriving into Melbourne at approximately 08:10 in the morning

Meals:  Nil