This safari is mostly on (or under) the water.
Just say the word 'Borneo', and you'll smell rainforests, imagine exotic wildlife and feel the chill of headhunters. In fact, the power of Borneo is such that even people who couldn't find it on a map still want to go there. Do you want to experience Borneo?
If you do, then our BORNEO SAFARI tour may be just the ticket. After the success of our KRUGER SAFARI tour, TravelMaven decided to create a follow-up that offers much of the same thing, unspoiled nature and exotic wildlife, but in a different part of the world.
Borneo is the fourth largest island on earth, with its territory divided amongst three nations: Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei. Our tour focuses on the Malaysian province of Sabah, the home of wild orangutans and some of the best coral reef diving in the world.
We are also pleased to offer two add-ons that will appeal to two very specific groups, divers and mountain climbers. Even better, these can be added individually or stacked.
ADD-ON #1: PADI Diving Course: Those wanting to become licensed scuba divers can add two more days on Mabul Island to take their Open Water Course and then spend a day diving on the local coral reefs. If you've always wanted to be a licensed scube diver, this is your chance.
ADD-ON #2: Climb Mount Kinabalu: For many, a visit to Borneo would not be complete without a chance to climb the largest mountain in Malaysia. Guests will spend two days on the mountain, overnighting at the summit lodge before reaching the summit at sunrise.
TOUR DETAILS
LAND PACKAGE: $4,880
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: $1,420
TYPE: Active Sightseeing
HOTELS: Various (4, 3 & 2 star)
GROUP: Max 12 guests
DURATION: 14 days (12 hotel nights)
This Land Package price is based on double occupancy, quoted in Canadian dollars. It is guaranteed once a 20% nonrefundable deposit is received.
DAILY AGENDA
DAY 0 (Sat Nov 15) Depart Toronto
This Land Package does not include trans-Pacific flights, but good connections are available through Seoul (afternoon departure) or Taipei (midnight departure).
DAY 1 (Sun Nov 16) Arrive in Kota Kinabalu
Arrival times will vary. Taipei flights arrive in the afternoon; Seoul flights arrive about midnight. In all cases, Barry will meet guests at the Kota Kinabalu airport.
Kota Kinabalu
DAY 2 (Mon Nov 17) Recovery Day in KK; Welcome Dinner (B,D)
This day will be flexible. Basically, guests will have time to relax around the hotel pool and explore the markets along the waterfront. In the evening, the group will enjoy their Welcome Dinner.
DAY 3 (Tue Nov 18) Mari Mari Cultural Village (B,L)
After breakfast we will drive half an hour to the Mari Mari Cultural Village for tour and lunch. After returning to the hotel mid-afternoon, guests have a free evening.
Mari Mari Cultural Village
DAY 4 (Wed Nov 19) Island Hopping Boat Tour (B,L)
We will enjoy a boat tour of the islands off the Kota Kinabalu coast, stopping for lunch along the way. Guests can join Barry for dinner in the nearby market.
DAY 5 (Thu Nov 20) Fly to Sandakan; Rainforest Discovery Centre (B)
After breakfast and check-out, we will head to the airport to catch our flight to Sandakan, where we will take a 'walk in the clouds' in the Rainforest Discovery Centre.
Rainforest Discovery Centre
DAY 6 (Fri Nov 21) Selingan Turtle Island (B,L,D)
This day features a very special overnight visit to a wildlife sanctuary island 40 minutes off the East coast. While there, we will learn about turtle habitat, witness giant Green Turtles laying eggs on the beach and the experience the release of baby turtles into the ocean.
DAY 7 (Sat Nov 22) Orangutan Centre & Sun Bear Centre (B,L,D)
After leaving Turtle Island early, we will visit the Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre. Afterwards, we will drive to Hornbill Lodge to begin our two day river safari.
Selingan Turtle Island
DAY 8 (Sun Nov 23) Kinabatangan River Safari (B,L,D)
This day is sure to be a highlight, with two outings exploring the Kinabatangan River looking for wild orangutans, proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants and many species of hornbills. Guests will also have the chance to take two jungle walks during the late morning and early evening.
DAY 9 (Mon Nov 24) Gomantang Caves, Mabul Island (B,D)
After breakfast and check-out, we will visit the Gomantang Caves before making the long drive south to Semporna, where will take a one-hour boat ride to Mabul Island, home to some of the most spectacular coral reed diving and snorkelling in the world.
Kinabatangan River Safari
DAY 10 (Tue Nov 25) Scuba Junkie Mabul Beach Resort Day #1 (B,L,D)
Imagine going to a dive camp for two days. While here, we will enjoy the 'underwater' part of this safari with snorkelling outings in the morning and afternoon. Those taking the PADI Open Water course will begin in the water on this day.
DAY 11 (Wed Nov 26) Scuba Junkie Mabul Beach Resort Day #2 (B,L,D)
There are likely to be three sub-groups on this day. The first will enjoy a second day of snorkelling, the second will sign up for a Discover Scuba Diving one-day program (extra fee), while the third will continue with their 3-day PADI Open Water course.
Scuba Junkie dive & snorkel outing
DAY 12 (Thu Nov 27) Depart Mabul Island, return to Kota Kinabalu (B)
Most guests will depart Mabul Island after breakfast to travel by boat/bus/airplane to Kota Kinabalu. Upon arrival, we will return for one night to the hotel where we began. Those taking the Open Water course will remain on Mabul Island for 2 more nights.
DAY 13 (Fri Nov 28) End of tour (B)
Guests will head to the nearby airport depending on their flight departure times, arriving back in Toronto either much later that day or on Saturday.
Scuba Junkie wharf, Mabul Island
PADI Open Water Diving Course Add-on Option
Those who've signed up for the PADI course will remain on Mabul Island for 2 additional nights. This will allow for completion of the 3-day course, as well as extra day to make a real dive on nearby coral reefs. Please note, participants must also complete an online course before arrival in Borneo. Afterwards, guests will continue back to Kota Kinabalu as per the regular program.
PADI PACKAGE: course, hotel, meals & extra dive day: $1,090 (single supplement: $160)
Scuba Junkie wharf, Mabul Island
Climb Mount Kinabalu Add-on Option
Those who've signed up to climb Mount Kinabalu will add two nights at the end of our group tour. When others depart for the Kota Kinabalu airport, climbers will be picked up for a two day climb of this 4000m giant, overnighting at the summit lodge before reaching the peak at sunrise on day two.
MOUNTAIN CLIMBERS PACKAGE: all-inclusive for 2 days: $1,140 (single supplement $240)
Mount Kilabalu