Convening with Nature ( The Classic Midlife-Moon )

📍 Sandakan Airport to Sepilok (17km) 20 min

After meeting with the guide and driver at Sandakan Airport transfer by private minivan to Sepilok. Arriving in the late afternoon, there are plenty of optional activities available to fill the space of the day. Ask the travel consultant to add one of these to the itinerary if desired. Alternatively, take some time to rest at the resort after checking in.

Overnight Sepilok Nature Resort.

Inclusions:

📍 Sandakan Jetty to Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort by boat: 2hrs Cruise times: PM – 16:00 Cruise duration will depend on wildlife spotting: approx. 2 hours

08.00 Eat a hearty breakfast at the hotel and stroll over to the Sepilok Orangutan Reserve for an informative video presentation on the aims and achievements of this award-winning rehabilitation centre. At 10:00 the first feeding of the day occurs – the boardwalks will be crowded so arrive early to gain a better vantage point. After the first feeding, walk to the adjacent Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, established in 2008 to provide rehabilitation to rescued sun bears and to increase awareness on the plight of these wonderful creatures.

11.30 Transfer from Sepilok to Sandakan Yacht Club Jetty for a boat transfer to the Kinabatangan River. This two-hour boat journey passes by local villages and lush rainforest.

13.00 Arrive at the lodge, check in and enjoy lunch. The Local guide will conduct a briefing on the upcoming activities and advice on recommended gear. Time in the afternoon to relax.

16.30 Late in the afternoon, hop on a riverboat for a cruise up the Kinabatangan River in search for wildlife - most notably, the proboscis monkeys which is endemic to Borneo. Other fauna is likely to be spotted in the Lower Kinabatangan Reserve includes elephants, hornbills, gibbons, and many birds. 

Return to the lodge for dinner before mid-evening take a stroll along the boardwalk on a lookout for nocturnal animals and interesting insects.

Overnight at Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort 

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Cruise times: AM – 06:30, PM – 16:00. EVE – 20:00 Cruise duration will depend on wildlife spotting: approx. 2 hours

06.00 Rise early in the morning along with the birds and other animals of the river for a cruise to Kelenanap Oxbow Lake, a crescent shaped lake that formed when the river’s meander became so wide that it cut itself off. The stillness of the lake and relative protection provides a haven for animals and plants making for an ecosystem that’s completely distinct from that of the river.

08.30 Continue to visit the local fishing village, Kampung Abai. Interact with local Orang Sungai, river people and observe daily activities in the fishing village.

10.00 Return to the resort for breakfast and the rest of the day is at leisure before heading out in the late afternoon to watch the river activities of many primate species that become active during this time. The afternoon is a particularly advantageous time to spot wildlife and the light is perfect for photography.

16.30 Set off for another afternoon cruise in search of the mangrove specials, river sceneries, village landscapes and more wildlife. In good weather, there is a possibility to see firefly colonies which are found at certain parts of the river. Cruise back to KWR for dinner at the common area.

20.30 After dinner, take a night river safari on a look out for target species.

Overnight at Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort to Sandakan Jetty by boat: 1.5hrs Sandakan Jetty to Airport (26km)

07.00 After breakfast a chance to explore the nature board walk around the lodge area.

10.00 Check-out from hotel and return to Sandakan by boat.

11.30 Arrival at Sandakan Jetty for onward journey.

PLEASE NOTE: Onward flights to be booked from 14.00hrs

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast