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Experience Kuala Lumpur the vibrant capital of Malaysia, where modern skyscrapers blend seamlessly with colonial charm and lush greenery. Visit iconic landmarks that showcase the unique blend of history and modernity making it one of Southeast Asia’s most fascinating cities. Borneo is bursting with culture and wildlife. Explore the rainforests which are full of wildlife and home to half of all the known plant and animal species in the world. Cruise along the Kinabatangan River to discover the array of wildlife that live along the banks. Visit an Orangutan Sanctuary and the Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre to learn about the rehabilitation process and how the animals are reintroduced back into the wild.
Fitness Levels
A reasonable level of fitness is required for this tour. Tours will involve getting on and off coaches, walking around sites, sometimes on uneven ground, and climbing steps. On several days there will be sightseeing on foot for extended periods of time.
Inclusions
Return international flights from Adelaide in economy class
Domestic flight from Sandakan to Kota Kinabalu
7 nights superior hotel accommodation
3 nights lodge accommodation
20 meals
Sightseeing per itinerary with applicable fees
Travel by air-conditioned coach
Services of local professional English-speaking drivers/guides
Gratuities to travel director, coach drivers and local experts
Pre departure function and tour documentation
Escorted from Adelaide with a Phil Hoffmann Travel host
Itinerary
Day 1 | 17 Aug 2025, Sunday - Depart Adelaide | Arrive Kuala Lumpur
Travel from Adelaide to Kuala Lumpur. In the bustling capital of Malaysia, expect streets lined with colourful food stalls, friendly locals and fast-paced energy flowing throughout the city. On arrival transfer to the hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
Stay: Ibis Kuala Lumpur City Centre (Standard) or similar
Day 2 | 18 Aug 2025, Monday - Kuala Lumpur
Today visit iconic landmarks like the Petronas Twin Towers, the King's Palace, and the National Monument. Explore cultural gems such as the Batik Centre, National Museum, and National Mosque. Marvel at the architectural beauty of the Sultan Abdul Samad Building and Merdeka Square. Continue your journey with a visit to the limestone hills of Batu Caves, where 272 steps lead up to the sacred Hindu temple cave, housing the shrine of Lord Murugah. Explore the museum cave filled with images of deities and murals from Hindu scriptures. (B,L)
Stay: Ibis Kuala Lumpur City Centre (Standard) or similar
Day 3 | 19 Aug 2025, Tuesday - Sandakan
After breakfast this morning transfer to the airport for your flight to Sandakan. On arrival transfer to the hotel enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. In the evening, enjoy a delightful dinner at the English Tea House, set amidst lush gardens and surrounded by nature, or in a charming heritage building with elegant interiors. After dinner, transfer back to hotel for the night. (B,D)
Stay: Sabah Hotel or similar
Day 4 | 20 Aug 2025, Wednesday - Kinabatangan River
After breakfast visit the Sandakan Central Market and experience the local culture, fresh produce, handicrafts and unique souvenirs like handmade jewellery, batik and traditional crafts. Next visit the Puu Jih Shi Temple, a peaceful hilltop sanctuary offering both spiritual tranquillity and stunning panoramic views of Sandakan and the surrounding islands. After travel by boat to the Kinabatangan Wetlands Resort. Sitting on the banks of the Kinabatangan River, the resort offers access to local wildlife. This afternoon, enjoy a wildlife river cruise. Wild elephants seldom reveal themselves, but crocodiles, macaques, wild orangutan, proboscis monkeys, hornbills and kingfishers can sometimes be seen. Enjoy dinner at the resort before heading back out for a night-time wildlife walk with a headlamp, in search of interesting nocturnal animals and insects. (B,L,D)
Stay: Kinabatangan Wetland Resort (Feature Stay) or similar
Day 5 | 21 Aug 2025, Thursday - Kinabatangan River
Early this morning cruise along the river as the sun rises, enjoying light refreshments on board while you search for birds and wildlife. Keep an eye out for long tail macaques and pig tail macaques, then return to the resort for breakfast. This afternoon, take another river cruise, exploring small tributaries by boat. In the evening, enjoy a night-time cruise and look out for nocturnal animals. (B,L,D)
Stay: Kinabatangan Wetland Resort (Feature Stay) or similar
Day 6 | 22 Aug 2025, Friday - Sepilok
Today return to Sandakan by boat, and transfer to Sepilok. En route, stop at the Sandakan War Memorial, to learn about the city’s history while standing on the grounds of the former Japanese Prisoners of War camp. After visit the Rainforest Discovery Centre, to experience the treetop walkways, and learn more about the flora and birdlife of Borneo. (B)
Stay: Sepilok Nature Lodge or similar
Day 7 | 23 Aug 2025, Saturday - Sepilok
This morning visit the Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary. Established to help reintroduce these wonderful creatures back into the wild after a life of domestication or being orphaned, this sanctuary offers a unique opportunity to witness conservation in action. From the viewing platform, watch the orangutans as they swing into view and observe young orangutans as they learn how to climb a specially constructed jungle gym in a new nursery. Afterwards, visit the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre. Here, rescued sun bears, many of whom have endured years of mistreatment, are given a second chance at life. Learn about the rehabilitation process and how they are reintroduced back into the wild. Later transfer to the Sandakan Airport for your flight to Kota Kinabalu. On arrival transfer to hotel. (B)
Stay: Hotel Grandis or Similar
Day 8 | 24 Aug 2025, Sunday - Kota Kinabalu
Today explore Sabah’s capital. Visit some of the famous landmark such as Sabah Floating Mosque— with its iconic dome. Puh Toh Tze Buddhist Temple, known for its traditional architecture and the towering statue of Kuan Yin, Goddess of Mercy and Kota Kinabalu’s tallest landmark, the Yayasan Tower, an impressive 30-story building. Later learn about local culture at the Sabah Museum, with its Heritage Village showcasing traditional homes. After, visit the Handicraft market for souvenirs and local treats. Enjoy a local lunch then transfer to hotel. The rest of the day is free at leisure. (B,L)
Stay: Hotel Grandis or Similar
Day 9 | 25 Aug 2025, Monday - Kinabalu National Park
Today travel into the unspoiled wilderness of the World Heritage-Listed Kinabalu National Park and enjoy the cool mountain air and take in views of the stunning Mount Kinabalu. A guided walk through the Botanical Garden will showcase the park’s rich plant and wildlife diversity, including rare orchids and pitcher plants. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before returning to hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. (B,L)
Stay: Hotel Grandis or Similar
Day 10 | 26 Aug 2025, Tuesday - Kota Kinabalu
Today visit the Mari Mari Cultural Village. In the village, traditional huts showcase each tribe’s unique culture with interactive activities—from blowpipe shooting, rice[1]wine tasting to crafting warrior vests from tree bark. You can even try the 'Lansaran,' a traditional trampoline-like platform. Experience Borneo’s spirit through a live ethnic dance, including the Murut Tribe's captivating 'Magunatip' bamboo dance. End your visit with a buffet lunch of exotic Sabah dishes before returning to your hotel for a free afternoon. This evening, enjoy a “farewell” group dinner. (B,L,D)
Stay: Hotel Grandis or Similar
Day 11 | 27 Aug 2025, Wednesday - Kota Kinabalu
After breakfast today, enjoy a late check out. Transfer to airport to begin your journey home via Kuala Lumpur. (B)
Day 12 | 28 Aug 2025, Thursday - Adelaide arrival
Dates/Pricing
Package Departs
Twin Share
Per Solo Traveller
17 August 2025
$7,799pp
$8,999pp
*Prices are based on per person twin share, correct as of 31 December 2024.
Booking terms and conditions apply.
*
Term and conditions apply: All pricing subject to change and availability. Advertised prices are per person twin share unless stated otherwise. Offers may be withdrawn at any time. Itineraries are subject to change. Booking Conditions and Phil Hoffmann Travel Schedule of Professionalism* applies. Please speak to your Phil Hoffmann Travel Consultant for more information.
