Insights of Borneo + Gayana Beach

Orangutan, Sepilok

For the perfect ending to your tour of Borneo, why not spend four extra nights at the fabulous and pioneering Gayana Eco Resort, resting on the edge of lush jungle forest? The resort cleverly combines luxurious hotel life with the protection and regeneration of the surrounding coral reef. Stay in one of 52 over water villas which take in serene views of the lagoon, jungle and Mount Kinabalu; and spend your days relaxing by the pool, snorkelling, and even planting coral.

Your Itinerary

DAY 1: Depart UK.

DAY 2: Arrive Kota Kinabalu.

On arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. The capital of Sabah State, Kota Kinabalu (popularly known as 'KK') is one of the fastest developing cities in Malaysia and boasts a beautiful waterfront, facing the South China Sea.

DAY 3: Kota Kinabalu - Danum Valley.

Early this morning, transfer to the airport for your flight to Lahad Datu. On arrival you will be met by our representative and drive through the Danum Valley Conservation Area to your rainforest lodge. This afternoon listen to a guided introduction to the surrounding forest as you walk the nature trails around the lodge. Sprawling over 438 square kilometres of undisturbed land, the Danum Valley boasts one of the richest conservation areas in the world. Avid birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts will appreciate the view of the Valley’s spectacular rainforest from the tree top canopy walkway. Spanning almost 300 metres and linked by viewing platforms situated halfway up enormous dipterocarp and mengaris trees, the walkway affords breathtaking views of the surrounding virgin jungle and offers a peek into the abundant bird life in the forest canopy. After dinner at the lodge, weather permitting, go in search of nocturnal animals on a night drive through the forest. (L, D)

DAY 4: Danum Valley.

Your exploration of the lush and verdant Danum Valley continues today with a morning trek to the Segama and Tekala Trails accompanied by an experienced naturalist. Look out for wildlife - Danum Valley is home to 300 species of birds and a plethora of reptiles, amphibians and mammals; including the clouded leopard, Borneo pygmy elephant, Sumatran rhino and sun bear. You may also see some of Borneo's famous primates, including the enchanting orang-utan and charming proboscis monkey. In the afternoon, join a trek along the Sapa trail, or spend the time at leisure. This evening there is another chance to spot nocturnal wildlife, on foot this time (weather permitting). (B, L, D)

DAY 5: Danum Valley - Sukau.

This morning affords a final chance to trek through the Danum Valley on the Sabandil or Hornbill trails. Alternatively, take the morning to relax at the jungle lodge and take in the sounds and scents of the surrounding forest. After lunch, depart for Sukau via Lahad Datu. The evening is free to settle into your new lodge, nestled on the banks of the Kinabatangan River. (B, L, D)

DAY 6: Sukau.

Rise early this morning, to the call of birds, insects and animals before taking a cruise on the Kinabatangan River. The river is best viewed at dawn and sustains one of the world's richest ecosystems; it is one of just two known places in the world where ten species of primates can be found. As well as orang-utans and proboscis monkeys, you may even sight an Asian elephant or Sumatran rhinoceros amongst the thick forest or at the water's edge. Continue up the river to Kelenanap Ox-Bow Lake to watch for birds and other wildlife, before returning to your lodge for breakfast. This morning, you will have the unique opportunity to help the Borneo Nature Lodge contribute to a wildlife corridor by planting seedlings bought from a nursery in Sukau, run by Kinabatangan Orang-utan Conservation Project. The seedlings are specifically chosen for their suitability for local wildlife including orang-utans. Enjoy a free afternoon, before taking an evening cruise along the river to search for more flora and fauna. (B, L, D)

DAY 7: Sukau - Sandakan - Kota Kinabalu - Mount Kinabalu.

Another early morning departure sees a real highlight of your trip - a visit to the Sepilok Orang-utan Rehabilitation Centre, situated in the Kabili-Sepilok Forest. Learn about the rehabilitation of young or strayed orang-utans before taking a board walk through the lowland rainforest to a viewing platform where you will witness the feeding of orphaned orang-utans - a once in a lifetime experience. These charismatic and endearing creatures have been looked after by the centre since 1964; today roughly 25 live in the nurseries and around 70 in the surrounding reserve. Afterwards, continue to the airport for your afternoon flight to Kota Kinabalu. On arrival head to Kundasang, stopping en route at the Nabalu Native Market. (B, L, D)

DAY 8: Mount Kinabalu - Kota Kinabalu.

After breakfast depart for Kinabalu Park, renowned for its diverse flora and fauna and home to majestic Mount Kinabalu. Spend some time at the visitor's centre and mountain garden before heading to the Poring Hot Springs and canopy walkway. If you are lucky, you may even see one of the famous rafflesia flowers in bloom. This afternoon, journey back to Kota Kinabalu. (B, L)

DAY 9: Kota Kinabalu.

Today is free for your own activities. You may wish to simply relax at your resort, taking advantage of the facilities; or explore Sutera Harbour and the surrounding area. (B)

DAY 10: Kota Kinabalu - Gaya Island.

Transfer to the ferry terminal this morning, for a short ride to Gaya Island and your hotel, Gayana Eco Resort.

DAY 11 to 13: Gaya Island.

Enjoy three full days to relax on Gaya Island.

DAY 14: Gaya Island - Kota Kinabalu - UK.

Take the ferry back to Kota Kinabalu this morning, then transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK.

DAY 15: Home landing in the UK.

Gayana Eco Resort

Set over the water on the edge of Gaya Island's lush rainforest, the Gayana Eco Resort strikes a perfect balance between luxury and ecology and is the ideal destination for a secluded island getaway.

Location: On Gaya Island, with regular ferries to and from Kota Kinabalu.

Facilities: Alu Alu Seafood Restaurant; Macac Restaurant; Latitude Lounge; infinity pool; spa; on-site Marine Ecology Research Centre with giant clam and coral reef propagation programme; kayaking; snorkelling; jungle trekking; fish feeding; coral planting.

Price includes: Bed & breakfast in a double or twin room with private facilities; air conditioning; TV & DVD player; coffee maker; safe; internet access.

Insights of Borneo + Gayana Beach 12 nights

Availability and our best prices for all dates
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Earlier 2012 Later
Sep Thu 20 Oct Thu 04            
London Heathrow

Departure Times

22:00 Malaysian Airlines

Departure Times

22:00 Malaysian Airlines
             

Insights of Borneo + Gayana Beach 13 nights

Availability and our best prices for all dates
Select the number in your party and accommodation options. Then select your holiday from the grid.

Earlier Dates Date Depart From Price from PP   Later Dates
  20 Sep 2012 London Heathrow

Departure Times

22:00 Malaysian Airlines
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Insights of Borneo + Gayana Beach

Price from £2815.00

Holiday Highlights

  • Kota Kinabalu Kinabalu Park, Poring Hot Springs
  • Danum Valley Nature trails, tree top canopy walk, nocturnal animal watching
  • Sukau Kinabatangan River, Kelenanap Ox-Bow Lake, seedling planting
  • Sepilok Orang-utan Rehabilitation Centre

Departures from

  • London Heathrow

Departures between

20 Sep 2012 to 04 Oct 2012

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NO HIDDEN EXTRAS: All prices shown include ALL compulsory charges (Fuel Supplement, Air Passenger Duty & Flight Supplement where applicable). Book with confidence: We are members of ABTA and all our air-inclusive holidays are financially protected by the Civil Aviation Authority under the ATOL scheme

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