Borneo Discovery Escorted Tour
Borneo Discovery Escorted Tour
Borneo Discovery Escorted Tour
10 Days Starting in Sandakan and ending in Kuching
Visiting: Sandakan, Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort, Kinabatangan River, Kota Kinabalu, Kundasang, Kuching, Sarawak Cultural Village
Tour operator:
Tour code:
TRPH-1230
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
10 - 16
Age range:
35-79
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Vegans
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Art Galleries & Museums, Boat/Cruise Excursion, Sightseeing, Trekking
Tour Overview
Embark on the Borneo Discovery Escorted Tour and immerse yourself in the natural and cultural wonders of Borneo. Get up close with Orangutans at the Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre and marvel at Sun Bears at the Sun Bear Conservation Centre. Explore the lush Kinabatangan wetlands and stay at a jungle lodge, waking up to the calls of gibbons and hornbills. Discover the vibrant culture and cuisine of Kota Kinabalu, and enjoy the sophisticated charm of Kuching, from Chinese temples to carpenter shops. This small group tour offers a unique blend of wildlife encounters, cultural experiences, and breathtaking landscapes, all while staying in high-quality 4-star accommodations.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Sandakan Arrival (D)
Location: Sandakan
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Sabah Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner
On arrival you will be met by our driver and transferred to your hotel.After check in the rest of the day is yours to explore Sandakan.In the evening, meet in the hotel lobby and you will be taken out for your Welcome Dinner. Overnight at Sabah Hotel.
Day 2 : Sandakan – Sepilok – Sunbear – War Memorial (B,L)
Location: Sandakan
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Sabah Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
You will be picked up from your hotel at 8.00 am and travel to the Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre. At this Centre, observe man's closest relative, "the Orang Utan", being rehabilitated to become wild in their natural habitat and experience a walk in the Tropical Lowland Dipterocarp Forest of Borneo. Witness the feeding of Orang Utan at 10.00am at the feeding platform and visit the Orang Utan Nursery. You will then move on to the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre which has managed to improve the living condition of the rescued sun bears and encouraged their natural behaviours in the 2.5ha enclosed forest.After lunch, visit the Sandakan War Memorial Park. Learn the history of World War II in Sabah and witness the wartime relics and remains. After your return to the hotel the rest of the day is yours at leisure. Overnight at Sandakan.
Day 3 : Sandakan – Kinabatanga Wetlands (B,L,D)
Location: Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort
Accommodation: Resort
Accommodation Name: Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Check-out of the hotel by 11.00am when you will be transferred to Sandakan Yacht Club Jetty for your boat at 12.00pm, for the journey to the Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort in Abai. During the 1.5 hr cruise you will see views of the different types of vegetation found along Sabah’s mighty Kinabatangan River, birdlife and wildlife.Check-in upon arrival at Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort. During your luch break your skipper will conduct a briefing on the upcoming activities and advise you on recommended clothing.After an afternoon refreshment, you will set off for the afternoon river expedition in search of wildlife. There will be opportunities to see wild Orang utans, pygmy elephants, proboscis monkeys and other wildlife (however, sighting of wildlife is not guaranteed).As you head back to the resort, capture amazing shots of the river landscape at dusk. If weather is good, you should be able to see and photograph fireflies at a very challenging lowlight condition. After dinner, take a night stroll along the boardwalks on a lookout for nocturnal animals and interesting insects. Return to chalet and overnight at Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort.
Day 4 : Kinabatanga Rivers (B,L,D)
Location: Kinabatangan River
Accommodation: Resort
Accommodation Name: Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
At 6.30am, join the early morning cruise to observe more wildlife and birdlife. Cruise to the nearby ox- bow lake, Danau Pitas, to explore the area while you enjoy your packed breakfast snack while admiring the natural surroundings. Afterwards visit the local fishing village, Kampung Abai where you can interact with the local Orang sungai (indigenous tribe living along the river) and observe the daily activities in this tiny fishing village. Return to KWR Resort for breakfast and enjoy some leisure time before setting off for another late afternoon cruise in search of the mangrove species, river scenery, village landscapes and more wildlife. Cruise back to KWR for dinner.Afterwards, take the night river safari on a lookout for our target species. Return to the lodge for overnight.
Day 5 : Kinabatanga Rivers – Sandakan (By Boat) – Kota Kinabalu (By Flight) (B,D)
Location: Kota Kinabalu
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hyatt Regency Kota Kinabalu
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast, you are free to explore the nature board walk around the lodge area before checking out at 10.00am, and returning to Sandakan by boat. During the 1.5 hr cruise you will pass fishing villages along the coast and have a good chance to photograph Sandakan town from the seafront. From the jetty, you will be transferred to Sandakan airport for your departure flight to Kota Kinabalu. Arrive in Kota Kinabalu and transfer to your hotel to check-in and rest as the remainder of the day is at your own leisure. Dinner will be at your hotel. Overnight Hyatt Regency Kota Kinabalu.
Day 6 : Kota Kinabalu – Kundasang – Kota Kinabalu (B,L)
Location: Kundasang
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hyatt Regency Kota Kinabalu
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
At 8.30am, meet in the hotel lobby and travel by coach to Kundasang. The road leading to the Kinabalu Park is dotted with rustic villages and carefree people selling fresh farm produce, handmade products, or home cooked delicacies. A visit to Kampung Kiau, will give you the opportunity to mingle with the Dusun natives at Kg and experience a different way of life and perspective. Take a short village walk and then a short trek up to a viewing point. Enjoy a local lunch and experience the coffee. After lunch travel to a pineapple farm run by ladies who are committed to the production process which is divided into four products: pineapple juice, pineapple jam, sweet chutney and anchovy chutney. Return to Kota Kinabalu and overnight Hyatt Regency Kota Kinabalu.
Day 7 : Kota Kinabalu – Mari - Mari Cultural Village – Kota Kinabalu City (B,L)
Location: Kota Kinabalu
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Hyatt Regency Kota Kinabalu
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast, meet in the hotel lobby and travel to the Mari Mari Cultural Village for a tour. Mari Mari Cultural Village offers glimpses into the lives of Sabah’s rich culture with its distinctive houses, costumes and traditional skills of five major Sabah’s ethnic groups; Dusun, Rungus, Lundayeh, Bajau, and Murut. Enjoy a delectable fusion of cuisines for lunch then in the afternoon, you will visit the landmarks of Kota Kinabalu city. See places of interests in the city centre such as the Wisma Tun Mustapha (Sabah Foundation Building), University of Sabah, State and City Mosque and the Sabah Museum for the historical and cultural aspects of the indigenous people. Enjoy a brief stop at Signal Hill for an awesome bird's eye view of the city skyline and nearby islands and there will be a chance to stop at a handicraft market if time permits. Transfer back to the hotel after your tour. Overnight at Hyatt Regency Kota Kinabalu.
Day 8 : Kota Kinabalu – Kuching (B,L)
Location: Kuching
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Pullman Kuching
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Check-out from the hotel and transfer to Kota Kinabalu Airport for your departure flight to Kuching. Upon arrival at Kuching Airport, you will have a meet and greet by our local representative then enjoy a Kuching City Tour. There are many historical buildings in the city including the Square and Round Towers, the colonial Courthouse, General Post Office, Fort Margherita and the Astana. Visit the Cat Monument, City Hall, and the Tua Pek Kong– oldest Chinese Temple in the city. Thereafter, drive through quaint Malay kampungs (villages), explore the center of the city passing through the colourful India Street and traditional shop houses. Transfer to your hotel, check-in and the rest of the day is at leisure. Overnight Pullman Kuching
Day 9 : Kuching – Sarawak Cultural Villages (B,L)
Location: Sarawak Cultural Village
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Pullman Kuching
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast meet in the hotel lobby and proceed to Sarawak Cultural Village. Sarawak Culture Village is a unique award–winning living museum offering an excellent introduction to local cultures and lifestyles. It is located at the foothill of the legendary Mount Santubong, fronting the South China Sea. The village is also called the “Living Museum” because people live in the houses and create their handicraft and traditional snacks onsite. The Village has seven representative ethnic houses including –Bidayuh Longhouse, Iban Longhouse, Hut Orang Ulu Longhouse, Melanau Tall House, Malay House and Chinese Farmhouse. You can observe the lifestyle, arts, craft, games, foods, clothes and music of seven major cultures of Sarawak. Enjoy yourself with a fascinating performance of the multi–culture dance in village’s own theatre.Return to Kuching afterwards. The rest of the day is at your own leisure.Overnight Penan Pullman Kuching.
Day 10 : Depart Kuching (B)
Location: Kuching
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast you will have leisure time until your pick-up and transfer to Kuching Airport for your onward departure flight.
What's Included
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Meals
Welcome & Farewell DinnerA Unique & Varied Dining ExperienceFull Breakfast Daily; Selected Lunches and Dinners as per itinerary
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First-Class Service
24/7 local assistance and travel guidanceAirport Meet-and-Greet welcome service with the local tour guideEscorted small group departure with minimum 10 GuestsA unique "local-host" experience exclusively offered by Tweet World Travel
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Accommodation
Stay at excellent hand-selected high-quality 4-star accommodation in central location or adjacent to monuments or strategically at the edge of a wilderness.
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Sightseeing
Entrance fees at monumentsAll local government fees & taxesCruising excursionsWildlife safari on Kinabatangan RiverLocal host experienceVisit Sandakan Memorial Park to pay tribute to the fallen allied soldiers during World War 2Comprehensive sightseeing as per itinerary
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Transportation
Internal flights within the tour in the economy cabinArrival and departure airport transfers in private air-conditioned vehiclesAll touring in air-conditioned vehiclesA sit-in-coach transfer from Sandakan pier to the airportLocally based professional drivers
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Tour Guide & Tour Leader
English-speaking local tour guides who live and breathe the destination – they will bring your itinerary to lifeFor a group of more than 10 people, on top of local tour guides, we will provide an experienced tour director. He or she will oversee your entire journey, accompany you every day and connect you to the people, places and encounters in a way you’ll never forget.
What's Not Included
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Insurance
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International Travel
Mode of Transport
Internal flights within the tour in the economy cabin, arrival and departure airport transfers in private air-conditioned vehicles, all touring in air-conditioned vehicles, a sit-in-coach transfer from Sandakan pier to the airport, and locally based professional drivers.
Accommodation
Stay at excellent hand-selected high-quality 4-star accommodation in central locations or adjacent to monuments or strategically at the edge of a wilderness.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of wildlife can I expect to see during the Kinabatangan River expeditions?
During the Kinabatangan River expeditions, you may see wild Orangutans, pygmy elephants, proboscis monkeys, and other wildlife. However, sightings of wildlife are not guaranteed.
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What activities are included at the Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre?
At the Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre, you will observe Orangutans being rehabilitated to become wild in their natural habitat, experience a walk in the Tropical Lowland Dipterocarp Forest of Borneo, witness the feeding of Orangutans at the feeding platform, and visit the Orang Utan Nursery.
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What cultural experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes visits to the Mari Mari Cultural Village and Sarawak Cultural Village, where you can learn about the lives, costumes, and traditional skills of Sabah’s and Sarawak’s ethnic groups. You will also visit historical buildings in Kuching and experience the local culture and cuisine in Kota Kinabalu.
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides excellent hand-selected high-quality 4-star accommodation in central locations, adjacent to monuments, or strategically at the edge of a wilderness.
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Are there any night activities included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes a night stroll along the boardwalks at Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort to look for nocturnal animals and interesting insects, as well as a night river safari to look for target species.
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What kind of meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes a welcome and farewell dinner, a unique and varied dining experience, full breakfast daily, and selected lunches and dinners as per the itinerary.
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes internal flights within the tour in the economy cabin, arrival and departure airport transfers in private air-conditioned vehicles, all touring in air-conditioned vehicles, a sit-in-coach transfer from Sandakan pier to the airport, and locally based professional drivers.
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What kind of support and service can I expect during the tour?
The tour provides 24/7 local assistance and travel guidance, an airport meet-and-greet welcome service with the local tour guide, and an escorted small group departure with a minimum of 10 guests. For groups of more than 10 people, an experienced tour director will oversee the entire journey.
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What historical sites will I visit during the tour?
You will visit the Sandakan War Memorial Park to learn about the history of World War II in Sabah and witness wartime relics and remains. In Kuching, you will visit historical buildings such as the Square and Round Towers, the colonial Courthouse, General Post Office, Fort Margherita, and the Astana.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Founded in 2012, the Tweet World Travel Group is an Australian-owned corporation and one of the country's leading wholesalers for Worldwide River Cruises, Tour Operators, and Travel Technology Providers. With headquarters in Adelaide, South Australia, the company has a wide reach, with local operational offices throughout Asia.
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Are there any health requirements or vaccinations needed for the tour?
Ensuring your health and well-being during your tour is of utmost importance to us. Many destinations may have specific health requirements or recommended vaccinations to help protect both you and the local population from potential health risks. To determine the health requirements or vaccinations needed for your chosen tour destination, we strongly advise consulting with a medical professional or a travel health clinic. They have access to the latest information about health risks in different regions and can provide personalized recommendations based on your medical history and the specific areas you plan to visit. Additionally, some countries may require proof of certain vaccinations, such as yellow fever, before granting entry. It's essential to research and adhere to these requirements to ensure a smooth and hassle-free travel experience. If you have any concerns or questions about health requirements for your upcoming tour, feel free to reach out to our team. While we can offer general guidance, we always recommend consulting with a medical professional for personalized health advice tailored to your needs and travel plans. Your health and safety are paramount, and we want to ensure that you're well-prepared and informed before embarking on your journey.
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How can I provide feedback or reviews about the tour experience?
We highly value your feedback and reviews about your tour experience. Your insights help us continuously improve our services and create exceptional travel experiences for our clients. Here are a couple of ways you can provide feedback: 1- Tweet Trip App: If you've downloaded our Tweet Trip App, you can often find a section dedicated to providing feedback or reviews. This streamlined approach ensures that your thoughts are directly communicated to us for consideration. 2- Online Form: We may send you an online feedback form via email after your tour concludes. This allows you to share your thoughts, suggestions, and comments about your experience conveniently. 3- Hard Copy: If you prefer a more traditional approach, some tours may provide a hard copy feedback form that you can fill out and hand over to your tour guide or agency representative. When providing feedback, consider sharing both positive aspects that you enjoyed and constructive criticism that can help us enhance our services. Here are some points to consider: Your overall satisfaction with the tour. The quality of accommodations, transportation, and activities. The professionalism and knowledge of your tour guide. Any challenges or issues you encountered. Suggestions for improvement. Any standout moments or experiences. Your feedback is instrumental in our commitment to deliver exceptional travel experiences. We appreciate your time and honesty in sharing your thoughts with us. Whether you choose to provide feedback through the Tweet Trip App, an online form, or a hard copy, rest assured that your input will be carefully considered to continually elevate the quality of our services.
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Tweet World Travel requires a minimum deposit of 30% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 65 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of tweet world travel charges.
Up to 65 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 64 days before tour starts: Forfeit 55% of booking price.
At 39 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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