| HIGHLIGHTS: Kota Kinabalu - Sandakan - Kinabatangan River - Miso Walai Homestay - Mesilau - Mount Kinabalu
This state is renowned for its tropical rainforest, diversity of its flora and fauna and magnificent coral reefs. On our 10 - day adventure, we see highly endangered orang - utans living in the forest at Sepilok and proboscis monkeys by the banks of the Kinabatangan River. We also embark on a spectacular climb to the top of South East Asia's highest mountain - Mount Kinabalu, as well as enjoy swimming and snorkelling amidst coral reefs.
Day 1 Kota Kinabalu. Your trip begins today with your arrival in Kota Kinabalu. There are no activities planned for today, so you are free to settle in and do your own exploration of Sabah's capital city. Kota Kinabalu is located on the edge of the South China Sea and overlooks a beautiful cluster of coral - fringed islands. Its location is quite striking, set against a backdrop of the Crocker Range with the granite peaks of Mt Kinabalu in the distance. The population is a unique blend of European, Malay and Chinese cultures, with a recent influx of Filipino. There are many optional things you can do in your free time such as visiting the Sabah Museum, with its collection of tribal and historical artefacts, and the State Mosque, an outstanding example of contemporary Islamic architecture. Alternatively you could escape the hustle and bustle of Kota Kinabalu and take a walk up Signal Hill, which offers stunning views over the city. Make sure you are back at the hotel for your pre - departure briefing this evening.
Day 2 Sandakan. This morning we fly to Sandakan, a town situated at the mouth of a picturesque bay. The Sandakan Memorial Park was the site of a former Japanese POW camp and a visit there showcases the grim episodes of World War II - something that has become known as the Sandakan 'Death Marches'. We continue to the nearby Sepilok Orang - utan Rehabilitation Centre. One of only four orang - utan sanctuaries in the world, it was established in 1964 and today covers an incredible 4,000 hectares. The orang - utan is the only species of great ape found outside Africa. A mature male has an impressive arm span of 2.4 metres and weighs up to 100 kilograms Injured and orphaned orang - utans and those previously illegally - kept as pets are brought to the sanctuary, which aims to rehabilitate them so that they can return to their habitat in the wild. We get to view these rare apes swinging freely in the trees, especially around feeding time. We spend a night at a lodge in Sepilok.
Day 3 - 4 Kinabatangan River - Miso Walai Homestay. We head overland to an area known as Sukau. On arrival we visit the MESCOT Eco - Tourism initiative to learn more of this fascinating project. The Kinabatangan is Sabah's longest river and one of the best places in South East Asia to observe wildlife. Our accommodation for our stay here is a home stay program with a local family. This is the perfect base from which we can observe the astonishing variety of wildlife in the area - this is truly a nature lover's paradise The river is flanked by corridors of tranquil rainforest, which is home to the unique proboscis and leaf monkeys as well as orang - utan and macaques. Giant squirrels, marbled cats and elephants are also present, but very rarely seen. We enjoy a boat ride along the river - the perfect vantage point from which we can marvel at the peaceful wilderness.
Day 5 Mesilau. Today we take the drive to Kudasang and the Mesilau Nature Resort located at 2,000 metres above sea level and at the foot of Mt. Kinabalu. We have the opportunity today to explore the surrounding area which is home to an estimated 4,500 species of plants, 289 species of birds and 290 different types of butterflies as well as world's largest pitcher plant, the "Nepenthes Rajah" which grows in abundance here. Please note that the accommodation standard in the hut can be basic (dormitory - style).
Day 6 Mount Kinabalu. At 4,101 metres, Mount Kinabalu is the highest mountain in South East Asia (not including the island of New Guinea). The climb to the summit on the Mesilau trail is tough going, so you will need a good level of fitness. Physical preparation before your tour is highly recommended and will enable you to be in better shape to conquer the mountain. We start our walk in the morning and it takes us about five to six hours to ascend to our hut at Laban Rata (3,353 metres). The trail is well defined as we walk from a tropical rainforest to a more temperate one and finally up to alpine terrain, with stunted bushes. An interesting and diverse array of plant life can be seen along the way, such as orchids, rhododendrons and pitcher plants. If we're lucky we may even see the Rafflesia - the largest flower in the world. Mount Kinabalu is also a bird - watcher's paradise, with over 280 species of birds recorded. Gunting Lagadan is situated at the tree line of Mount Kinabalu and the temperature here can be very cold. Please note that the accommodation standard in the hut can be basic (dormitory - style). You can buy meals at the cafe in the guesthouse, but unfortunately hot water in the showers is in short supply and frequently runs out Please see the list under 'Luggage' for suggested clothing. (Additional note: We repeat that the trek to the summit of Mount Kinabalu is quite challenging and a good level of fitness is required. Any prior physical preparation is a definite advantage. Those not wishing to walk to the top can remain behind in the hostel and enjoy a sleep - in).
Day 7 Mount Kinabalu. We commence our ascent to the summit very early this morning (about 2:30am). It usually takes two to three hours to reach the top and our aim is to make it there before sunrise. A head torch and warm clothing are essential, as it will be quite cold. Combined with the altitude factor, this climb can be quite tiring. On a clear morning, you will find your efforts well worthwhile, as once you reach the summit at Low's Peak the views are absolutely awe-inspiring - with the jungles of Sabah on one side and the South China Sea on the other. After taking in the magic moment we return to Gunting Lagadan and head to the Laban Rata hut for a well - earned breakfast, before continuing our descent to the base. In many ways, this downhill walk is probably the hardest part During our time we also have the opportunity to take an optional excursion to the Poring Hot Springs. The bathing pools themselves are in poor condition, but optional activities here include an interesting walk along a canopy walkway, located high in the treetops, or a visit to a tropical garden.
Day 8 - 10 Kota Kinabalu. We return to Kota Kinabalu and upon arrival are transferred to our accommodation located right on the edge of Kinarut seashore. The next few days are at your leisure to laze by the pool or, for the more energetic, perhaps hire out a canoe for a paddle on the pristine waters off the South China Sea. The choice is yours The tour concludes after breakfast on Day 10.
This is an incredible adventure that encompasses the best Sabah has to offer. 10 day tour departing Kota Kinabalu. 3 nights accommodation in a guesthouse. 1 night accommodation in a mountain hut. 3 nights accommodation in hotels/guesthouses. 2 nights accommodation in a jungle lodge. 5 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 4 dinners.Gecko's expert English-speaking local tour guide throughout the tour, and local site guides at some sites.Visit to Sandakan Memorial Park - the site of a former Japanese POW camp.Orang-utan encounter at Sepilok Orang-utan Rehabilitation Centre.Kinabatangan River a boat cruise in search of wildlife.Visit to Mesilau Nature Resort and ascent of Mount Kinabalu via the Mesilau trail.Time at a beach-side retreat on Kinarut's seashore.Local flight from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan
Ask about our great airfaresConditions Valid for sale until 31 December 2012.Price is per person twin share with some multi share.Airfares other than local flight from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan are not included.Additional conditions may apply, please enquire for further details.Prices shown are fully inclusive of taxes. Additional levies, government charges and other applicable fees may apply and are beyond our control.Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply depending on date of travel.Payments made by credit card will incur a surcharge. Prices shown are for payments made by cash in store or Bpay.These prices are a guide to the best price and are subject to change without notice.Prices are subject to change without notice, due to matters outside our control, such as adverse currency fluctuations, fuel surcharges, taxes and airfare increases, please enquire for further details. |
