Sabah - the land beneath the wind

Itinerary

Day 1 Kota Kinabalu

Experience the frontier charm of Kota Kinabalu, an intriguing city sandwiched between virgin jungle and the sultry South China Sea.

Day 2 Dusun Village

Travel to the base of Mt Kinabalu, where the rock monolith looms above the village. Learn all about the spiritual and social ties that the Dusun have with the imposing Mt Kinabalu at a village homestay.

Days 3-4 Mt Kinabalu

Gain more insight into the Dusun on a guided walk around the village before travelling to the Mt Kinabalu National Park, where there is free time to relax or warm up with a stroll on nature trails through a beautiful lowland tropical forest. Fuelled by fresh mountain air and stunning views, scale the slopes of Mt Kinabalu. It's a challenging climb but take your time and enjoy the region's remarkable array of flora and fauna. The park and mountain boasts an extraordinary variety of plant life, including over 1,000 species of orchid and an amazing pitcher plant.

Days 5-6 Poring Hot Springs

Wake early to catch sunrise at the summit of Mt Kinabalu. The final ascent is tough, with a rope to help you along the very steep parts, but the view from the top is stupendous. Scramble down for a well-deserved breakfast then travel to Poring for a soothing soak in steaming hot springs afterwards.

Days 7-8 Kinabatagan Jungle Camp/Homestay

Get ready for a jungle adventure, journeying through palm oil plantations en route to Kinabatagan. Enter the steamy rainforests to see how the locals contribute to its conservation. Spend a night in the jungle amid hornbills, macaques and proboscis monkeys to truly soak up the amazing surrounds. Next night, be invited into a traditional Malay village for a privileged view of a unique culture. Accommodation may be basic but the chance to interact with friendly locals is a very special experience.

Day 9 Sandakan

Bask in the liveliness of this busy commercial centre, home to historic Chinese temples and a charming, island-studded bay.

Day 10 Turtle Island

A speedboat will rush you past fishing villages and bamboo fish traps on the way to Turtle Island. Be touched by the sight of giant green turtles coming ashore to lay their eggs. Enjoy being on a tropical island and swim, snorkel or simply laze on the beach.

Day 11 Sepilok Orangutan Reserve

The impish smiles and soulful eyes of Borneo's 'wildmen' will melt your heart on our visit to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre.

Days 12-13 Kota Kinabalu

Appreciate the impressive collection of tribal artefacts at the Sabah Museum or marvel at a fine example of Islamic architecture at the State Mosque.