Classic Touring
Max Group Size 35
Flight Choices
All Breakfasts
Day 2 Kota Kinabalu
Flying to Kota Kinabalu via Kuala Lumpur, arriving today. Kota Kinabalu is the capital of Sabah, one of two Malaysian states on the exotic island of Borneo and our base for the next three nights. Tonight, gather with your fellow travellers to enjoy a sumptuous Malaysian welcome dinner and a performance of traditional Sabah dancing.
Day 3 Kota Kinabalu
Today you will be picked up from the hotel and driven into beautiful countryside in the region of Kiulu for a scenic bicycle ride. Instructors will brief you before departure. After some leisurely riding, take a break at Dusun House in Tombung Village, and let the friendly host welcome you while enjoying light refreshments. Visit their farm to experience rubber tapping and its process, as well as sharing life stories and local delicacies. The bicycle ride ends at the riverside where lunch served, then relax or take a refreshing dip in the river.We return this afternoon, where you have the opportunity to join our optional evening Sunset cruise. Get ready to become acquainted with the charms of Kota Kinabalu on a whole new level. Your evening unfolds along the sultry sun-tinged South China Sea, cruising pass the islands and water villages that dot Sabah’s west coast. You are free to wander around the vessel. Panoramic ocean views, warmth of the setting sun and gentle sea breeze grace the upper-deck while a live band serenades the ethnic themed air-conditioned restaurant below with acoustic favorites. As the sun sets and the stars come out, Kota Kinabalu’s coastline now comes alive with dazzling city night lights. The North Borneo Cruise will glide across the Waterfront as you indulge in dessert or your next glass of wine.Day 4 North Borneo
Today our adventure takes us towards the north of the island, travelling past vast oil palm and coconut plantations en route to Bavanggazo. This traditional village is home to the indigenous Rungus tribe, and several families here live in a traditional wooden longhouse, built on stilts. We'll step inside to experience this communal lifestyle, and we'll also see demonstrations of local crafts including basketry and beadwork. Next we'll call at the villages of Gombizou and Sumangkap, to experience gong-making and bee-keeping.
Back at your hotel, enjoy a relaxed evening. Perhaps you'll choose to head out to the night market with your travelling companions.
Day 5 Kinabalu National Park
Kinabalu National Park is home to a huge variety of flora and fauna native to Borneo, including several hundred species that are found only in the park itself. We'll explore on our included guided nature trek along one of the many trails, and also catch a glimpse of Mount Kinabalu, which is South East Asia's highest peak. After a stop at Poring Hot Springs, where we can take a dip in the soothing waters, perhaps take a thrilling walk more than 40 metres up in the canopy of the Menggaris tree – the 'King of the Forest' – for fantastic views.
Day 6 Sandakan
Enjoy scenic views of the Kundasang highlands as we travel by road to Sandakan. We'll stop for lunch in a restaurant before we visit Sandakan Memorial Park. This was built in honour of the Prisoners of War who died in the Sandakan Death Marches during the Second World War.
Day 7 Abai
Borneo is one of two places in the world where the endangered orangutan still lives in the wild, and we'll visit the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre to observe man's closest relative and enjoy a walk in the tropical lowland forest. We'll also head to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre to see these endearing animals, also known as honey bears, whose numbers are dwindling due to deforestation and poaching.
After lunch, we'll transfer to the jetty in Sandakan, from where we'll cruise up to the Lower Kinabatangan River Sanctuary. This wonderful journey takes us on the Sulu Sea and through magnificent mangrove forests. On arrival in Abai, we'll check in at the Abai Jungle Lodge, where later this afternoon we'll head off on a river cruise to search for wildlife. As the sun begins to set we'll enjoy a cup of coffee on board, and as it gets darker we'll watch fireflies twnkling in the night sky.
We'll return to the hotel for dinner, after which we'll set off on another exciting cruise. This time we'll head through the jungle, with an expert nature guide telling us about the sights and sounds we experience.
Day 8 Abai
Wake up to the wonderful sounds of the rainforest before starting your explorations with a cruise to the Pitas lake to observe wildlife. We'll head back to the hotel for breakfast, after which we're invited to join a tree-planting project with the locals in Abai village, where the villagers will treat us to a simple lunch.
Back at the lodge perhaps take time to explore the boardwalk behind the lodge, you may be lucky and spot wild orangutan, silver leaf monkeys and many other types of wildlife. We'll round off the day with further cruise to see what types of wildlife we can spot.
Day 9 Sukau
During a free morning at the lodge, perhaps join some of your travelling companions and head off to explore your surroundings – stilted paths up to 800 metres long stretch into the forest, and animals often venture quite close.
After lunch, our wildlife search continues as we cruise up river to our next destination, Sukau, for an overnight stay. This area was visited by the highly respected naturalist and broadcaster Sir David Attenborough and his TV crew, who filmed here in 2011. We'll follow in his footsteps as we look for primates, in particular orangutans, as well as pygmy elephants and exotic birds – some of the world's most spectacular species are resident in Borneo.
After checking into our lodge, we'll take to the water again to enjoy wonderful views and search for exotic wildlife.
Day 10 Sandakan
Today we depart Sukau by land and make our way back to Sandakan. You can then spend the rest of the day at leisure. This evening we'll gather together to enjoy a farewell dinner.
Day 11 Singapore
After breakfast we'll say farewell to Sandakan and transfer to the airport for our flight to Singapore via Kuala Lumpur. Modern Singapore was founded in 1819 by Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles. Established as a British trading post, the island went from strength to strength and today old colonial buildings sit alongside soaring modern skyscrapers on a patch of land no bigger than the Isle of Wight. On arrival we'll transfer to our hotel and enjoy a welcome drink, before setting off this evening on an included tour of Singapore after dark. Explore the city's largest and most vibrant market, Bugis Village, before hopping on board a 'trishaw' and relaxing as the driver pedals us to enjoy a sample of the famous Singapore Sling, created in 1915. Our evening comes to an end at the Marina Bay Sands, home to SkyPark which towers some 200 metres above the city and offers stunning night-time views. We'll also enjoy a beautiful water show set against the dazzling Marina Bay harbour.
Day 12 Singapore
Around 5 million people from an eclectic mix of cultures live in Singapore and today we'll discover more about three of the city's major ethnic neighbourhoods. First we'll head to Chinatown, a fabulous blend of old and new where traditional medicinal halls sit alongside modern shops, bars and restaurants. We'll wander the streets and admire the breathtaking Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum before exploring Sri Mariamman Temple, the oldest Hindu temple in Singapore. Our next stop is Kampong Glam, Singapore's Malay district where we'll visit the must-see Sultan Mosque with its impressive golden dome. There's time to browse the stalls selling handmade perfumes and traditional Malay dresses on Arab Street before we head to Little India, where we'll experience vibrant culture, bustling food courts and unique shopping areas.
Day 13 Singapore
Today you can choose to explore independently , maybe visit the spectacular Gardens by the Bay where two immense structures house the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome conservatories. Step inside and you'll discover the fragrant multi-coloured Flower Field, the world's tallest indoor waterfall and the incredible Supertree Grove, where a suspended walkway 22 metres above the ground offers spectacular aerial views of the gardens. This evening we gather together and enjoy a farewell dinner.
Days 14 & 15 Singapore to UK
Enjoy a day at leisure before transferring to the airport for an evening flight back to the UK via Kuala Lumpur, arriving on day 15.
