13D12N Nature Adventure in Sabah Borneo tour itinerary - An epic escape into Borneo's wild heart

Welcome to Kota Kinabalu—Sabah’s buzzing coastal capital and your gateway to Borneo's epic wilderness.

Upon landing, your journey begins with a comfortable ride to your hotel. After check-in, unwind or venture out.

The KK Waterfront offers a stunning sea breeze walk, especially at sunset. Wander through night markets, sip on local coffee, or try Sabahan seafood dishes at a local eatery.

Rest well—your adventure has only just begun.

Day 1: Arrival in Kota Kinabalu - Touchdown in tropical bliss

Kickstart your adrenaline with Kiulu River rafting!

These gentle Grade I–II rapids are ideal for beginners and those who want a fun, splashy ride through lush paddy fields and rural villages.

Prefer something more thrilling? You can opt for Padas River (Grade III–IV), but we recommend saving your legs—Mount Kinabalu awaits.

After rafting, enjoy a hearty local lunch before heading back to Kota Kinabalu.

Freshen up and relax or explore the lively Filipino Market nearby.

Day 2: White water rafting at Kiulu River - Ride the rapids!

Day 3: Begin your Mount Kinabalu climb – Into the misty mountains

The real adventure begins.

Set off early to Kinabalu Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

As you begin your climb, you'll witness dramatic shifts in ecosystems—from dense lowland rainforest to moss-draped cloud forests.

The trail is well-marked and invigorating. Along the way, spot orchids, pitcher plants, and chirping mountain birds.

By late afternoon, you’ll reach Laban Rata Resthouse (3,272m).

Rest, refuel, and sleep early—tomorrow, you conquer the summit.

It’s summit day.

Rise at 2 a.m. and climb under starlight toward Low’s Peak (4,095m).

Reaching the summit at sunrise is unforgettable—clouds beneath you, orange hues above, and a fierce sense of achievement within.

Descend back to the base, where a warm meal and certificate await.

After lunch, you’ll be driven 4–5 hours across Sabah to Sepilok in Sandakan.

Check into a jungle resort—like Sepilok Nature Resort or Forest Edge Resort—and breathe in the rainforest air.

You've earned this.

Day 4: Summit glory & Overland to Sepilok – Rainforest calls

Today, you'll meet Borneo’s iconic red-haired residents at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. Witness feeding time and learn how the centre reintroduces rescued apes into the wild.

Right next door, the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre offers more rare wildlife sightings.

After lunch, it’s off to the Kinabatangan River. Go by boat if you can—the journey doubles as a wildlife safari.

Check into your riverside lodge, then head out at dusk for your first river cruise. Keep your eyes peeled for crocodiles, hornbills, and the quirky-nosed proboscis monkeys.

Day 5: Orangutans & Kinabatangan River – Into the Wild

Rise with the sun for a morning cruise.

The Kinabatangan ecosystem is one of Southeast Asia’s richest: pygmy elephants, kingfishers, and macaques could all make an appearance.

Between cruises, join a nature walk with a guide or simply relax in a hammock with rainforest sounds all around.

After dinner, embark on a night walk where the forest comes alive in an entirely different way.

Think glinting spider eyes, snoozing birds, and the echo of distant gibbons.

Raw. Magical. Unforgettable.

Day 6: Jungle cruise & night safari – Wild days and wilder nights

After breakfast, it’s time to journey into one of Borneo’s most sacred rainforests—Danum Valley.

The 4-hour overland drive takes you deep into the jungle, arriving at Borneo Rainforest Lodge, where luxury and wilderness meet.

After check-in, stretch your legs with a warm-up walk through the forest.

Maybe even take a dip in the river. In the evening, venture out for a guided night drive or nature walk.

Danum’s forest is thick, alive, and full of secrets.

Expect the unexpected.

Day 7: Enter Danum Valley – Into the primal forest

Today’s yours to fully explore this 130-million-year-old rainforest.

Start with a canopy walk 26 meters high, where you’ll be eye-level with birds, monkeys, and maybe even flying squirrels.

Join a guided trek to Coffin Cliff—a Kadazan-Dusun burial site—with panoramic views at the top.

Along the way, spot wild orchids, endemic birds, and if you’re lucky, a wild orangutan.

Cool off in natural pools or enjoy tubing down the river.

Tonight, another night walk offers a new cast of forest creatures.

Day 8: Discover Danum Valley – Walk the canopy, trek the wild

Your final day in Danum lets you truly soak in the beauty of this untouched paradise.

Go on a morning hike to spot early risers—red leaf monkeys, hornbills, or even gibbons swinging overhead.

Venture deeper into the forest trails, where the air is cool, the light golden, and the sounds otherworldly.

Pause by a hidden waterfall or cool off in a crystal-clear stream.

The lodge’s expert guides bring every rustle and birdcall to life.

In the afternoon, unwind with birdwatching or enjoy a quiet moment with Sabah tea overlooking the river.

This is nature, pure and unfiltered.

Day 9: Danum Valley deep dive – Full immersion

Say goodbye to the forest as you depart Danum Valley and head to the coast.

It’s a 4-hour drive to Semporna, where you’ll board a 45-minute speedboat to Kapalai.

The scene shifts dramatically—from emerald green to ocean blue.

Kapalai isn’t quite an island, but a sandbar with luxury chalets perched on stilts above shallow turquoise waters.

Check into your overwater villa and exhale.

Watch reef sharks from your balcony, and sleep with the sound of the sea below.

Day 10: Journey to Kapalai – From jungle to sea

Wake up to sun-kissed waters teeming with marine life.

Today’s all about exploring the underwater world.

Grab a mask and snorkel right off your deck, or head out on a guided dive trip. Expect to see turtles, schools of jackfish, nudibranchs, and maybe even a reef octopus.

Don’t dive? No worries—snorkeling here is world-class.

Back on the deck, enjoy fresh seafood lunches and dreamy afternoon naps.

Life doesn’t get better than this.

Day 11: Snorkel & dive in Kapalai – Ocean playground

It’s your final full day, so take it slow.

Savor a sunrise coffee as fish swirl below.

Lounge in a hammock, snorkel among vibrant coral gardens, or explore more dive sites.

Let the ocean wrap you in calm.

Capture every moment, from golden skies to crystal waters. This is the kind of place that stays with you.

Note: If you’re flying the next day, avoid diving today for safety.

Day 12: Final ocean indulgence – One last dip

Depart Kapalai by boat back to Semporna, then transfer to Tawau Airport.

You’ll leave with a camera full of memories, a heart full of stories, and a soul forever changed by Borneo’s raw beauty.

From mountains to mangroves, from jungle to reef, this 13-day nature adventure is more than a trip—it’s a reconnection to something wild, ancient, and profoundly beautiful.

END OF TOUR.

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Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey through the wild heart of Sabah, Borneo—where every day is crafted for discovery, wonder, and connection with nature.

From misty mountain peaks to river safaris and overwater retreats, this 13-day tour itinerary is designed to thrill without overwhelming—perfectly balanced for the curious traveler who craves meaning with adventure.

Inspired? Let’s turn this dream into your next adventure. Get in touch with us today.

Day 13: Farewell Sabah – The end of a wild love affair

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