Sabah Itinerary

Day 1 Flight into Kinabalu Airport (BKI). Transfer to Seaside Inn or Syabas Beach Resort at Kinarut, Kinabalu. Both family run, right by the sea and very pleasant. Good modern rooms at the Seaside Inn or separate luxury chalets at Syabas with en suite bathrooms, air-conditioning and private balcony, new swimming pool and small restaurant overlooking the beach and islands.

Day 2 - 5 at Kinarut (Seaside Travellers Inn/Syabas Resort); from here you can make your own choice of day trips (self-guided and arranged by the local staff) to:

Travel to Sandakan by air (7 a.m. flight!) - Discovery Tours staff will meet you on arrival at Sandakan airport and these 3 days are all inclusive of flights, transport, meals and river cruises.

Discovery tours will meet you and whisk you away to the Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary in time for the 10:00 am feeding. There is also a video presentation and mini-museum/info centre all well worth seeing. Lunch is included before the 2 hours drive over rough roads to Sukau on the Kinabatangan River (560 km and second longest in Borneo).

Evening wild life cruise on the river; this is one of the best places in Borneo to see a lot of the unique animals (such as the Proboscis monkey and even the Asian elephant); there is masses of bird life, especially the indigenous Hornbills.

Overnight in their riverside cabin with a good supper thrown in. Second day, early start to catch the morning rush of wildlife down to the river. Two hour river cruise with guide; lazy midday at the river lodge and afternoon start for the second evening cruise.

Final day, optional early morning river trip and then start drive back towards Sandakan, stopping at the Guomontong Caves to witness bird nest gathering techniques. Afternoon City Tour of Sandakan, former capital of Sabah, which will include the magnificent Chinese Temple high up above the city and the heart rending War Memorial to the 2000 Australian Prisoners-of-War the Japanese forced marched through the jungle towards Mt Kinabalu and who all died along the way, save six.

A good trip enjoyed by all! Return flight to Kinabalu in the evening (and on to Miri if booked (BH3)). Optional boat trip to Turtle Island is on Day 1 if booked (extra cost). Overnight in twin-share cabins on the island and night watch of hatchling release to the sea and chance to witness the Green Turtles egg-laying on the beach. Then continue with Sepilok and Sukau itineraries above.

Day 9 and Day 10 At Seaside Inn/Syabas Beach Resort, Kinabalu. Swimming, kayaking, tennis, badminton or just a "cool" time!

Day 11 - 13 Visit to Kinabalu Mountain (and climb it?) - 3 day trip using private transport, private mountain lodge at "Sonny's Village" first night (and second night for non-climbers, who can explore Mesilau Resort and Poring Hot Springs). Climbers stay at Laban Rata rest house at 11,000 feet. This is a mountain refuge hut and is noisy with basic facilities, but includes hot meals and showers, dormitory type accommodation. Non-climbers stay at Park level (5000 feet).