Days 1-3
Kuala Lumpur
Arrive in the bustling capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, where old and new meet with a vibrant culture and plenty of things to see. The street food is incredible and China Town cannot be missed. Head for Jalan Alor, the most renowned and popular street food road in Kuala Lumpur. It's known for its vibrant atmosphere, bustling nightlife, and a wide variety of Malaysian and Southeast Asian dishes.
Another popular option is Jalan Petaling in Chinatown, offering a different experience with its market atmosphere and diverse food vendors. The Petronas Towers, Kampung Baru and Bangsar Sunday Market are amongst other things to experience during your time in Kuala Lumpur.
Hotel Stripes Kuala Lumpur offers the perfect base from which to explore the city, located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, this five-star hotel connects guests to the pulse of an urban neighbourhood, close to the main business hub, which features some of the city’s greatest local food, art galleries, shops and legendary landmarks. After a day of exploration, Man Tao, the hotel’s rooftop pool and bar offers a superb view of Kuala Lumpur’s skyline and is the ideal place to relax and enjoy a cocktail at sunset.
Overnight: Stripes Hotel, Kuala Lumpur or similar (breakfast included).
Day 4
Sandakan
Today you'll join the Borneo Wildlife Adventure tour. Upon arrival in Sandakan, you will be transferred to your resort. The rest of the day is free at your leisure.
Dinner included.
Overnight: MY Nature Resort or similar.
Day 5
Sepilok
Today you will visit the sensational Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary, where you'll watch the feeding of the orangutans via the feeding platform. A rehabilitation centre for injured or orphaned orangutans, this is a really memorable experience as you can see the fantastic work they do to rehabilitate the orangutans and get them back into their natural habitat.
You’ll enjoy a stroll through the Tropical Lowland Dipterocarp Forest of Borneo, plus a visit to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre.
Afterwards, you’ll board a boat to Abai for a delicious lunch at Abai Jungle Lodge. Soon you’ll embark on a lovely cruise to the best part of the Kinabatangan River to watch the sunset and see the fire flies. Dinner will be back at the lodge.
Overnight: Abai Jungle Lodge or similar (breakfast, lunch and dinner included).
Day 6
Abai - Sukau
Wake up early for a scenic river trip to the Pitas oxbow lake to discover gorgeous wildlife. Afterwards, you’ll have some time at leisure before transferring to the Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge by boat. Enjoy lunch, and then have some free time at leisure. In the late afternoon, you’ll enjoy another river cruise.
Overnight: Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge (breakfast, lunch and dinner included).
Day 7
Sandakan to Gaya Island Resort
After breakfast, you’ll have an overland return to Sandakan for your ongoing flight (Flights must be after 2pm).
Breakfast and lunch included before departure.
On arrival back in to Kota Kinabalu you will be met and transferred to the jetty, where your boat awaits to take you to the stunning Gaya Island Resort for 7 nights of rest and relaxtion in this incredible location.
Prepare to be captivated by Gaya Island Resort, a serene sanctuary set on a lush tropical island within the protected waters of Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. Nestled between ancient mangrove forests and the sparkling shores of Maloham Bay, this stunning retreat blends seamlessly into its wild, natural surroundings.
The resort’s elegant, stilted villas are thoughtfully positioned along the hillside, offering breathtaking views - either across the emerald canopy of the mangroves or toward the majestic peak of Mount Kinabalu. Inside, each villa is a spacious haven, combining modern comfort with subtle Bornean charm - perfect for unwinding in peace and privacy.
Here, the natural world has never been so accessible; try to catch a glimpse of the shy proboscis monkeys on guided jungle trails, embark on mangrove kayaking tours, enjoy amazing diving excursions or visit the resort’s very own on-site wildlife and marine centres for turtle rescue, wildlife rehabilitation and conservation led by their resident marine biologist and naturalist.
Indulge in a spot of pampering at Spa Village Gaya Island, set amidst lush mangroves with spa programmes that reflect the cultural healing traditions of Sabah's many indigenous people or simply take a quick 5-minute speedboat ride to the resort’s private second beach, Tavajun Bay, and relax on its white sandy beach soothed by the sound of lapping waves.
At its heart, Gaya Island Resort is a celebration of traditional luxury with a strong sense of place. From its use of locally sourced materials to its deep commitment to sustainability and wildlife conservation, every detail reflects the beauty and spirit of Borneo. This is more than just a resort - it’s an experience that stays with you long after you’ve left the island.
Overnight: Gaya Island Resort or similar (breakfast included).
Day 8 - 13
Gaya Island Resort
Relax at the resort.
Day 14
Time to leave and either head back home or extend your journey further.
