Monkeying Around the Island

1. 1–2

   Days 1–2

   Fly from UK to Kota Kinabalu and Transfer to River Camp

   Meals included: lunch and dinner

   Fly from the UK to Borneo before a connecting flight to Kota Kinabalu where we meet our Trip Leader. After a 90 minute bus ride, we reach the river camp at Rangalau where we spend our first night in Borneo; already immersed in the incredible wildlife and environment the island has to offer. Freshen up with a swim in the river before falling asleep in a hammock by the river and the noises of the jungle.

2. 3

   Day 3

   White Water Rafting, Cultural Show and Local Village Experience

   This morning we embark on a 15km long white water rafting experience! The Kiulu River runs through the Kiulu Valley and jungle and includes gentle rapids to test our skills. Afterwards, we will be welcomed by a much needed BBQ of local delights. In the afternoon, we drive to Kiau Village where we spend the night with local Dusun families. During the evening, we will enjoy a cultural show to learn more about their traditions and have the chance to hear stories from locals about their way of life.

3. 4

   Day 4

   Jungle Hike and Camp

   Today, we learn how to survive in the forests of Borneo! During a 4.5 hour trek, our Trip Leader will teach us the survival techniques which indigenous people have developed to allow them to thrive in the Bornean jungle as well as pointing out the amazing array of flora and fauna this environment has to offer. As night falls, we will head out for some frog hunting and listen to their croaking orchestra. Once more we will sleep in hammocks, the perfect way to become true explorers of the jungle

4. 5

   Day 5

   Kinabalu Park Orchid Garden and Kudasang

   All meals included

   We start our day with a 2-3 hour walk back out of the jungle, making the most of our new survival skills as we go. We are then be transferred to Kinabalu Park to visit the beautiful Orchid Garden. From here it is not far to transfer to our hostel near Kudasang where we stay this evening. In the afternoon, we visit the Kudasang War Memorial, which is dedicated to the British and Australian soldiers who died in the Sandakan POW Camp on their death marches to Ranau. Afterwards, we enjoy a stroll through the local market.

5. 6

   Day 6

   Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre

   All meals included

   Today we rise early to travel to the famous Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. Upon arrival, we will be introduced to the centre by a video presentation. After lunch, we head down to the viewing platforms to watch Borneo's famous inhabitants, orangutans, enjoy their lunch! After marvelling at these majestic creatures we spend the night in a hostel in Sepilok.

6. 7–8

   Days 7–8

   Danau Girang Field Centre

   All meals included

   This morning, we travel by bus and boat to the Danau Girang Field Centre. This is a collaborative research and training facility, managed by Sabah Wildlife Department and Cardiff University, which aims to mitigate the loss of the Asian biodiversity. The Centre hopes to do this by establishing effective conservation strategies to enable the viable existence of tropical species, in highly fragmented landscapes, and is an incredible opportunity for us to see first hand the work which biologists do to conserve the delicate ecosystems of the planet. Our itinerary for the second day will depend on the activities at the Centre and could include a river cruise, a night walk or spending time with the scientists. If a trip to Danau Girang Field Centre is not possible we could go to Danum Valley Field Centre in Lahad Datu.

7. 9

   Day 9

   Kota Kinabalu

   All meals included

   Today we travel by land, boat and air back to Kota Kinabalu after saying farewell to the researchers we have met. Upon arrival, usually around 4pm, we have the late afternoon free at our disposal to explore and/or relax.

8. 10

   Day 10

   Tropical Island Day

   All meals included

   After the wonders of the Bornean jungle, we now have the chance to experience the beautiful sea and coral reefs off Kota Kinabalu. Once on the island, there is an abundance of beautiful beaches and forest treks for us to enjoy for the day. We will also get stuck in with an ‘Environment Clean Up’ and help to clear waste from some of the coastline.

9. 11–12

   Days 11–12

   Depart Kota Kinabalu

   All meals included

   We say goodbye to our new friends for the journey home to the UK.

Itineraries can change with the seasons, local conditions and your group's needs. Ask us and we'll tailor it.