On arrival in Kota Kinabalu you will be met by our experienced guide and taken to your centrally located hotel. Here we will have a full trip and safety briefing as we discuss all aspects of your journey. We then head out for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant in Kota Kinabalu. Overnight Kota Kinabalu Hotel

Meals:  D

Today we explore the cultural and historical highlights of Kota Kinabalu and surrounds. First we discover the traditions and customs of North East Borneo's 5 main tribes, and uncover the rich heritage of Sabah's cultural tapestry at Mari Mari Cultural Village. We are able to immerse ourself into the vibrant mosaic of Sabah's culture. From the skilled farmers and traders of Dusun and Rungus to the resourceful hunters and fishermen of Lundayeh, the adventurous cowboys and sea gypsies of Bajau, and the legendary warrior tribe of Murut, each group contributes to the vibrant cultural tapestry of Sabah. Immerse yourself in the timeless essence of these traditions, connecting with the past and present, and witness the remarkable blending of history and contemporary life. We continue onto the handicraft markets where we can barter for goods and enjoy a local restaurant meal. Overnight Kota Kinabalu Hotel

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we will engage in a number of cultural traditional activities with the local tribes people including Batik painting, Roti Canai and Tarik cooking, Rubber Tapping and Jungle trekking. Overnight Kota Kinabalu Hotel

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning you will be picked up from your hotel in Kota Kinabalu for your transfer to Kinabalu Park. En-route we will have a short stop at Nabalu to savor the local fruits and to bargain prices for the handicrafts that the villagers sell. It is a 2-hour drive to the Park, and on arrival there will be a guided walk before having the afternoon at leisure to look around the forest at the base of the mountain. The unique flora of the area, including numerous species of rhododendrons and orchids. There is said to be more than 2,000 flowering plants in the forests of Kinabalu. Our accommodation tonight will be in dorm rooms

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we rise for breakfast and head to the Park HQ to register for the climb. We will meet our mountain guide and run through a full safety briefing and apply for your ID TAG. Remember to wear your ID TAG at all times. We then head to the starting point – Timpohon Gate– where your journey and quest to the summit of Borneo’s highest mountain begins! The climb will take approximately 4-5 hours. The trek will pass by different vegetation zones from oak and chestnut to mossy and eventually to alpine type of vegetation. Arrive and check into one of the assorted Laban Rata accommodations at 3272 m (9816 ft) above sea level, in the late afternoon. Buffet Dinner at Laban Rata restaurant and overnight. Accommodation: Laban Rata Hut – Dormitory bunk beds with shared bathroom

Meals:  B,L,D

Today is an exciting day. We wake up around 2 am and have a light supper to begin with and depart for your journey towards the summit of Mount Kinabalu. The trek up to the Low's Peak at 4,093 m (12,279 ft) will test your fitness and determination. Depending on the speed of trekking, you might be able to experience the glorious sunrise over the majestic Mt. Kinabalu if the weather permits (7 hours approximately). Descend back to Laban Rata for a late breakfast and climb check out. Trek down to Timpohon Gate for transfer back to the Kinabalu Park Headquarters to collect your well earned Certificate of Achievement. A buffet lunch will be served at the Balsam restaurant in Kinabalu Park. We then transfer back to Kota Kinabalu City and enjoy a celebration dinner.

Meals:  B,L,D

Today is a rest day to relax and explore after our summit day yesterday. Overnight Kota Kinabalu Hotel

Meals:  B

After breakfast we drive to Poring Hot Springs. On arrival at Poring Hot Springs we will explore the many jungle trails where we can observe wildlife on the canopy walkway, 33 m (100 ft) above the forest floor. After lunch you can take a dip in one of the soothing, steaming hot mineral springs set in the beautifully landscaped gardens. This afternoon we will enjoy a trek to a local waterfall . Driving distance: 126 km (79 mi)

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we rise for lunch and pack our gear for the drive to our nature lodge at Sepilok. The ride should take around 4 1/2 hours and we will make stops for snacks and toilet breaks. 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 will have time to check into our rooms and explore the incredible nature surrounds. We then will have a in country briefing and project orientation to go over our program for the next 10 days. We will then enjoy a delicious local Sabahan cuisine. Overnight Sepilok nature lodge

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning is super exciting as 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 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. We will help get a chance to aid with nesting material and enclosure enrichment such as tires, barrels, flexible rubber-ropes and other toys can be used to increase activity levels of the orangutans. During the afternoon we depart for our 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! We can walk on the jungle walk through the canopy and stop at observations tower. The tree top canopy walk towers 30 m (90 ft) above the ground and stretches for over 350 m (1050 ft). It gives you a wonderful bird’s eye view of the jungle tree tops and wildlife in the park. Overnight Sepilok nature lodge

Meals:  B,L,D

Over the next 2 days we join the second part of our conservation work and service program. 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. Overnight Sepilok nature lodge

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we embark on a trek in the Virgin Jungle Reserve to see this magical area first hand and to learn of its current predicament. Home to tropical highland forests, lowland forests and lowland mangrove swamps this ancient forest is a vitally important area once known as the lungs of South East Asia. Despite being one of the largest and oldest forests in the world much of the lowlands rainforest is being wiped out due to intense deforestation. with much of its carbon rich peatlands being destroyed the effects are threatening to the community, environment and endangered wildlife. We learn about the current state of the forest and the good work that several NGO groups to help protect this wilderness area. Overnight Sepilok nature lodge

Meals:  B,L,D

Today is a rest day after our challenging Kabilli trek. We can enjoy the great facilities and relax by the pool at our jungle lodge and explore the surroundings. Overnight Sepilok nature lodge

Meals:  B

Today we drive to Sakau, our jump off point to the famous Kinabatangan River, one of the best places in South East Asia to view wildlife in it's natural habitat. Today we will have a full day exploration through 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 village lodge

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. Overnight village lodge

Meals:  B,L,D

Hornbills are large, charismatic birds and there are 45 species worldwide, 8 of which can be found here in Borneo. The name ‘hornbill’ comes from their casque (a hollow protuberance on the top of their bill); this casque has a different form and colour in each species. We participate in a hornbill conservation program helping create nesting boxes for the hornbills to nest. We will also join with the local community to participate in a conservation tree planting wildlife corridor program. Overnight village lodge

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we have breakfast and say goodbye to our lodge hosts as we head out on the short drive to Sandakan. Here we will stop at the local central markets to see goods being traded. We will then join the heritage house walk to understand the various historical and cultural iconic sights in the area. Many of the stops include historical structures built in the 18th century that had survived during the WWII bombing. This afternoon we drive back to Sandakan for our overnight stay.

Meals:  B,L,D

We pack up and get ready to head home today. We say our last goodbyes and make sure to capture one last group photo before checking in for our departing flight.

Meals:  B