The Greatest Land You've Never Heard Of
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Overview
Try not to indulge in too much ikan panggang (stingray – a local delicacy here) because at the end of this trip we’re taking you on a two-day hike to the top of South East Asia.
(Was Sabah Close Up)
Itinerary
Day 1 - Kota Kinabalu
**PLEASE NOTE: This trip will operate under a revised itinerary, for more information please see the 'What to Know' section or contact us.**
The locals have finally settled on calling it KK, after previous name-changes included Deasoka (below the coconut tree), Singgah Mata (pleasing to the eye) and Api-Api (fire!).
- Arrive in KK and get to know the area
- Perhaps visit the Sabah Museum and the State Mosque
- Why not escape the hustle and bustle of Kota Kinabalu and take a walk up Signal Hill, which offers great views over the city
Day 2 - Sepilok
Meet the rellies today at Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. They’ll tug on your heartstrings then spend half an hour picking their noses. They’d fit right in at home.
- Visit the Sepilok Orang-utan Rehabilitation Centre
- View rare orangutans swinging freely in the trees, especially around feeding time
- Spend a night at a lodge in Sepilok
Day 3-4 - Kinabatangan River
Stay with a local family for a night. We’ll take a dusk cruise up the Kinabatangan River and if you’re lucky you might spot a wild orangutan or an elephant.
- Head overland to an area known as Sukau
- Visit the MESCOT Eco-Tourism initiative to learn more about the project
- Spend a night in an authentic camp hut
- Stay with a local family near The Kinabatangan river
- Observe the variety of wildlife in the area - this is a nature lover’s paradise
- Take a boat ride along the river - the perfect vantage point from which we can marvel at the peaceful wilderness.
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 5 - Mesilau
Time for a few stats: Mesilau has 4,500 species of plants, 289 species of birds and 290 types of butterflies. Numbers are for nerds but that’s pretty darn impressive.
- Drive to Kudasang and the Mesilau Nature Resort
- Take the opportunity to explore the surrounding area - home to an estimated 4,500 species of plants, 289 species of birds and 290 different types of butterflies
Breakfast | DinnerDay 6-7 - Mt Kinabalu climb
No joke – this is a really hard climb. It’ll take us a few days to trek the 4095m, but it’s worth it to reach the highest point in South East Asia. Views stretch from the jungles of Sabah on one side to the South China Sea on the other. Soak your bones at the Poring Hot Springs on the way down.
Day 6
- Start the trek and walk five to six hours to the hut at Laban Rata
- Hike through tropical rainforest into alpine terrain
- Take in the diverse array of plant life long the way, such as orchids, rhododendrons and pitcher plants
- Be lucky to see the Rafflesia - the largest flower in the world
Day 7
- Commence the ascent to the summit very early in the morning (about 2:30am)
- Aim to reach the top before sunrise
- Experience awe-inspiring views from the summit at Low’s Peak - with the jungles of Sabah on one side and the South China Sea on the other
- Return to Gunting Lagadan and head to the Laban Rata hut for a well-earned breakfast before continuing the descent to the base
- Take an optional excursion to the Poring Hot Springs and perhaps take an interesting walk along a canopy walkway, located high in the treetops, or visit to a tropical garden
Breakfast | Lunch | DinnerDay 8-10 - K K
They know their stuff down on the KK waterfront. You pick the biggest, fattest, tastiest looking bit of seafood and they’ll cook it to your liking.
Days 8-9
- Stay on the edge of Kinarut seashore for a few nights
- Enjoy time at your leisure to laze by the pool or perhaps hire a canoe for a paddle on the pristine waters off the South China Sea
Day 10
- Reluctantly leave the beach side retreat and return to the hotel in Kota Kinabalu
- Spend some more free time doing more sightseeing of the city
Breakfast -
What to Know
What's Included
An experienced local tour guide, and there will be the services of local site guides at some sites. All transportation, accommodation, sightseeing and meals as indicated. The flight from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan is included and will be provided locally.
Not Included
- International flights, arrival and departure transfers, departure and airport taxes, visas, all other meals, all optional tours or activities during free time, transfers outside of the tour program, travel insurance, tips and items of a personal nature.
Safety Information
*** DUE TO CURRENT DFAT WARNINGS THIS TRIP WILL OPERATE UNDER A REVISED ITINERARY ***
In March armed insurgents from the Sulu group laid siege upon the Lahad Datu area of Sabah (South East Coast). The Malaysian military responded with an air strike and artillery bombardment, ending the siege. The Malaysian government is presently conducting a “mopping up” operation against the armed intruders. In response, DFAT has proceeded to issue “Do Not Travel” travel advice to the Kinabatangan area including Sandakan, in light of this, we are required to provide an alternative itinerary.
Therefore the tour will now follow the below itinerary: Day 2: Monday Accommodation: Shangri-La – Kota Kinabalu Itinerary: Drive out to Rasa Ria Orangutan Sanctuary (subject to availability). Visit Mari Mari Cultural Village
Day 3: Tuesday Accommodation: Shangri-La – Kota Kinabalu Itinerary: River Cruise on the Garama river – search for probiscus monkeys
Day 4: Wednesday Accommodation: Lupa Masa Jungle stay Itinerary: Today we embark on an adventure and head to the rainforest. It’s a short 1.5 km walk along muddy trails to a basic eco lodge in the heart of primary rainforest. We will learn some basic survival skills and have time to swim in the crystal clear water of a nearby river. In the evening we go for night walk to spot some local wildlife
Day 5: Thursday Accommodation: Mesilau – Kota Kinabalu Itinerary: Walk back to poring hot springs visit the springs for a swim, optional Kundasang War Memorial and prepare for the climb which begins tomorrow.
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Map
Map Itinerary
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Dates
Trip Dates and Prices
Start Date – End Date Trip Status Price 09 Jun 2013 - 18 Jun 2013 7+ Request US $1,935 Book Now 04 Aug 2013 - 13 Aug 2013 5 Available US $1,715 Book Now 01 Sep 2013 - 10 Sep 2013 7+ Available US $1,715 Book Now 29 Sep 2013 - 08 Oct 2013 7+ Available US $1,715 Book Now 27 Oct 2013 - 05 Nov 2013 7+ Available US $1,935 Book Now 24 Nov 2013 - 03 Dec 2013 7+ Available US $1,935 Book Now 22 Dec 2013 - 31 Dec 2013 7+ Available US $1,935 Book Now 05 Jan 2014 - 14 Jan 2014 7+ Available US $1,935 Book Now 19 Jan 2014 - 28 Jan 2014 7+ Available US $1,935 Book Now 02 Feb 2014 - 11 Feb 2014 7+ Available US $1,935 Book Now 16 Feb 2014 - 25 Feb 2014 7+ Available US $1,935 Book Now 02 Mar 2014 - 11 Mar 2014 7+ Available US $1,935 Book Now 16 Mar 2014 - 25 Mar 2014 7+ Available US $1,935 Book Now 30 Mar 2014 - 08 Apr 2014 7+ Available US $1,935 Book Now 13 Apr 2014 - 22 Apr 2014 7+ Available US $1,935 Book Now 27 Apr 2014 - 06 May 2014 7+ Available US $1,935 Book Now 11 May 2014 - 20 May 2014 7+ Available US $1,935 Book Now 25 May 2014 - 03 Jun 2014 7+ Available US $1,935 Book Now 08 Jun 2014 - 17 Jun 2014 7+ Available US $1,935 Book Now 22 Jun 2014 - 01 Jul 2014 7+ Available US $1,935 Book Now 06 Jul 2014 - 15 Jul 2014 7+ Available US $1,935 Book Now -
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What to know
A good level of fitness is required for the climb. You will trek on hilly terrain, generally on well-defined paths, walking between 3-8 hours per day.