Sabah Close-up

10 days - from $1550

This is an incredible adventure that encompasses the best Sabah has to offer. 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.

Highlights

• Kinabatangan River wildlife cruise
• Mount Kinabalu climb
• Sabah's capital Kota Kinabalu
• Sepilok Orang-utan Rehabilitation Centre
• UNESCO World Heritage-listed Mount Kinabalu National Park

Itinerary:

Day 1: Kota Kinabalu2: Sandakan3-4: Kinabatangan River - Miso Walai homestay5: Mesilau6: Mount Kinabalu (Laban Rata)7: Mt.Kinabalu (base)8-10: Kota Kinabalu

What's It Like?

Gecko's adventures offer authentic experiences and a genuine alternative to backpacking. Our trips are designed for younger travelers on a budget but do include the entrance fees to the ‘must see’ sights while not wasting your money on unnecessary frills. Itineraries utilize public transport and basic twin share accommodations in small locally owned hotels, the occasional multi-share, or simply floor space in a jungle or village hut. Many trips involve some physical activity, the occasional long traveling day and you will need to carry your own bags. On camping trips, meals are freshly prepared by our camp cook, but expect to put up and take down your tent, and assist with camp chores. On all trips we only use local tour leaders who are passionate about their homeland. This is travel, grassroots style - basic but rewarding.

Included:

• 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, including an overnight stay in a lodge.

• Miso Walai home stay by Kinabatangan River, including a boat cruise in search of wildlife.

• Visit to Mesilau Nature Resort and ascent of Mount Kinabalu via the Mesilau trail, with overnight accommodation in basic huts (dormitory-style).

• Time at a beach-side retreat on Kinarut’s seashore.

• Free time to explore Kota Kinabalu.

• Local flight from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan.

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.