Experience overview
Start with a two-night stay in the capital city of Kota Kinabalu. Spend a day at the superb Gaya Island, the biggest in Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park. The island provides superb diving and snorkeling, gorgeous beaches, and wonderful hiking trails. Travel north of Kota Kinabalu for a night's stay in the Kutad District, home of the Rungus people-this area is particularly lively at the Sunday market. Travel onwards to Mt Kinabalu National Park, for two days of exploring, including the Poring Hot Springs. Return to Kota Kinabalu for your flight to Sandakan, from where you will travel by boat to Selingan Turtle Island for a night. Visit Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary before visiting the Gomantong Caves, where bird's nests are harvested. Next, take a river cruise along the Melanggul River, with its many birds and plants. Spend two nights at a riverside lodge that is a superb base for morning and evening wildlife observation. The following morning, cruise to Ox-bow Lake, and spend the day reveling in the natural splendor of the area. Return to Sandakan the following day after a final morning cruise along the river.
Highlights
- Discover Maeklong Railway Market & Damnoen Saduak Floating Market
- Chef’s Table at Blue Elephant
- Northern Thai Style Cooking Class at Baan Book Pratana
- nteract with Elephants at Patara
- Explore Phi Phi Island & Bamboo Island by private speed boat
Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket
Culinary highlights
Beach holidays
Exotic islands
Sample Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Kota Kinabalu (City tour);
Day 2: Gaya Island (Snorkeling & hiking);
Day 3: Travel to Rungus Longhouse (visit Kota Belud Sunday Market;)
Day 4: Travel to Kota Kinabalu National Park & Poring Hot Springs;
Day 5: Morning birdwatching, exploring park; afternoon return to Kota Kinabalu;
Day 6: Fly to Sandakan, travel by boat to Selingan Turtle Island;
Day 7: Travel to Sandakan, visit Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary, on to Sukau, cruise along Melanggul River to Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge;
Day 8: Morning birdwatching, Ox Bow Lake;
Day 9: Morning river cruise, Afternoon return to Sandakan for departure