Trek and Project Expedition

1. 1–2

   Days 1–2

   Depart UK, fly overnight and arrive in Sandakan on day 2

   Meal included: dinner

   Fly from the UK to Sandakan where we meet our local STC Expedition Leader and transfer to our accommodation in Sepilok. We spend our first night in Borneo here; already immersed in the incredible wildlife and environment the island has to offer. After freshening up and a welcome briefing, we visit the Rainforest Discovery Centre for an evening walk before tucking into our first traditional meal.

2. 3

   Day 3

   Sepilok Orangutan and Sun Bear Sanctuaries

   All meals included

   We rise early to travel to Sepilok to visit the Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre and the famous Orangutan Sanctuary where a video presentation introduces us to the centre, after which we walk down to the viewing platforms to watch the orangutans enjoy their dinner and gain an understanding of the work Sepilok does and the plight of these amazing creatures.

3. 4–5

   Days 4–5

   Danau Tungog Eco-Camp; Wildlife cruises, treks & tree planting

   All meals included

   Over the next two days we explore the jungle along the riverside. The Kinabatangan River is the second longest river in Malaysia and the wildlife along its banks is acknowledged by experts to be the most varied and easily accessible wildlife in all of Southeast Asia. The area we visit contains some of Borneo’s highest concentrations of wildlife. We take cruises at different times of the day, a night walk, and take part in a tree-planting activity. We also spend time learning about the MESCOT Initiative, which focuses on protecting the forest habitat, wildlife, and biodiversity of the Lower Kinabatangan while preserving the livelihood of the local population. On the cruises we hope to see the famous proboscis monkey, saltwater crocodiles, macaques, maroon langur, Bornean gibbon, and if we are really lucky, wild orangutans.

4. 6–9

   Days 6–9

   Kinabatangan Project

   All meals included

   We transfer to the Bilit community on the Kinabatangan River. Here we complete a sustainable and ethical community project and go on wildlife cruises along the river. Previous projects have involved constructing prawn and fish traps, helping with planting seedlings to reforest areas of local land, and assisting with maintenance. We may also spend some time at the village school to allow the local students a chance to practise their English and play sports together. During the project we stay with a local family in a traditional homestay. This is an opportunity to gain a true understanding of what day-to-day life is like in rural communities in Borneo. It is basic but warmly welcoming.

5. 10

   Day 10

   Journey to Kota Kinabalu

   All meals included

   We say goodbye to our new friends and travel to west Sabah, approx. 7–8 hours. This is an interesting journey, passing through towns and smaller villages where we stop for lunch along the way. There is a noticeable difference in landscape as we drive across northern Sabah, from thick jungle to miles of deforestation. On arrival we check in to our accommodation and set off to explore the sights of Kota Kinabalu.

6. 11

   Day 11

   Tropical Island Day

   All meals included

   We have the chance to enjoy the beautiful sea and coral reefs of Kota Kinabalu. To reach our tropical island paradise we take a boat from Jesselton Point jetty in KK to the nearby islands. This is a day of pure relaxation. After arriving on our island we swim, snorkel, and enjoy the abundance of marine life.

7. 12

   Day 12

   Tuaran Day – Mountain bike ride

   All meals included

   A 45-minute transfer takes us to the start of the day’s mountain biking adventure. Our ride takes us through the heartland of the Dusun people. We cycle through small villages, jungle plantations, and onto the coastal plain where we stop for lunch at Tuaran town, close to the Chinese Pagoda. It is a great way to see more of everyday life in Borneo.

8. 13

   Day 13

   Jungle hike, rainforest living & frog hunting

   All meals included

   After breakfast, we board the bus to Kiulu for a day focused on learning to survive in the forests of Borneo. On our trek, our guide teaches us survival techniques and points out the amazing array of flora and fauna of Borneo. As night falls we head out for some frog hunting and fall asleep to the sounds of the jungle in our hammocks.

9. 14

   Day 14

   Jungle trek – day two

   All meals included

   We venture deeper into the rainforest, approx. 4–5 hours of trekking. Our guides continue teaching us survival skills and sharing their knowledge of the local flora and fauna and its uses in food, medicine, construction, utensils, and more.

10. 15

    Day 15

    Jungle trek – day three

    After another interesting hike, getting to know our guide really well by now, we sleep soundly in hammocks by the campfire.

11. 16

    Day 16

    White water rafting

    All meals included

    We swap our bikes for rafts today. The Kiulu River runs through the stunning Kiulu Valley and is gentle, safe and fun. This afternoon we relax, swim (if water level permits) and have lunch at Rangalau camp, before returning to Kota Kinabalu for the evening.

12. 17

    Day 17

    MERC visit, overnight Kota Kinabalu

    All meals included

    We turn our attention to the sea and coral reefs of Kota Kinabalu and visit the Marine Ecology Research Centre (MERC) off the coast. We are met on arrival by MERC staff for a briefing and take a tour of the site. We learn about their research focuses, including successfully producing all seven species of giant clams found in Malaysian waters.

13. 18

    Day 18

    Conservation snorkelling

    All meals included

    Our focus is the coral reef ecosystem and why coral reefs are important. We learn about threats impacting the existence of coral reefs and what we can do as individuals to help protect them.

    We return to Kota Kinabalu for dinner and to enjoy our final night in Borneo.

14. 19–20

    Days 19–20

    Depart Kota Kinabalu, arrive UK

    Meal included: breakfast

    We have most of day 19 to explore Kota Kinabalu and its colourful markets, the waterfront, and the city mosque. There is also a walk from the clock tower up to a scenic viewpoint which offers stunning panoramic views of the city and coastline. We then catch our flight back to the UK, arriving on day 20.

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