 |
|
| » |
|
| » |
|
| » |
|
| » |
|
| » |
|
| » |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
Home > Destinations > Specialty Trips > Exploratory Travel > Untamed Borneo Adventure
Untamed Borneo Adventure
Venture into the last vestiges of truly untamed tropical rainforest with some of the richest biodiversity on Earth, and then relax, snorkel and dive in the crystalline waters of the Celebes Sea, one of the world's more pristine tropical marine habitats. Based from well-appointed ecolodges and accompanied by expert naturalist guides, we fly, travel by 4WD and venture by boat up coastal rivers teeming with endemic wildlife of the Malaysian state of Sabah. We visit the Sepilok Orangutan Center and spend several days walking through 130 million year old primary forests of the Kinabatangan River Sanctuary and the Danum Valley Conservation Area. By day and by night we hike and explore forests brimming with ficus, ferns, flowers and fungi while spotting rare and endangered wildlife including orangutan, silver leaf monkeys, wild elephant, flying frogs, giant squirrels, tarsiers, resident hornbills and a host of other exotic forest creatures. Out of the jungle we make our way to relax and rejuvenate at a small island ecolodge off the Western Malaysia coast. Throughout our journey well enjoy the incredible cuisine that the cultural melange of Malaysia has to offer.
Return to
Borneo with our intrepid explorer and Program Director Jeff Stivers on Wildland's 25th Anniversary Adventure October 14-24, 2012. With Jeff as an escort, we'll visit one of the world's most bio-diverse rainforest teeming with exotic flora
and fauna. Divers and snorkelers, explore one of the world's best dive
sites - Pulau Sipadan Island.
For a sense of the landscape of the Sabah region of Borneo, watch the video montage below, featuring bear biologist Siew Te Wong, whose conservation work at BSBCC will be included in the forthcoming feature film Beartrek.
DAY 1 : KOTA KINABALU
Arrive in Kota Kinabalu, the largest city in the state of Sabah, where we are met and transferred to our accommodation. The rest of the day is at leisure to watch the sun dip below the calm waters of the Indian Ocean or to take a stroll along the wharf and sample freshly caught seafood grilled up at the Philippine night market. Overnight Tanjung Aru Resort. Note: It is necessary to depart the US 1-2 days prior to Day 1 of the itinerary. It's often less expensive and more convenient to fly into Singapore and overnight 1 night before continuing on to Kota Kinabalu.
 | | | Siew Te Wong and a sun bear cub on the grounds of the sun bear conservation centre | |
DAYS 2-3 : ABAI
This morning we take an early morning flight from Sandakan Airport to Abai, where we spend the morning at the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center. Located within the Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve and surrounded mostly by virgin tropical lowland Dipterocarp forest, the Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Center was created for the rehabilitation of orphaned baby orangutans whose parents had been killed as a result of contact with humans at logging sites and plantations and through illegal hunting. We visit the free roaming area feeding platform to witness these furry men of the forest as the approach close-up providing unencumbered photographic opportunities.
Located on the same grounds is the newly formed Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC). This organization was founded by Malaysian bear biologist Siew Te Wong in 2008 as a two-stage effort to provide for the care, rehabilitation and release of orphaned and captive sun bears, as well as address the lack of knowledge and awareness of this little-known bear both in Malaysia and internationally. The center is not yet open to the public and much of the infrastructure is still under construction. We have arranged for a private tour and lecture by Wong (when on-site), where we will observe and interact with the bears currently rehabilitating at the center.
Departing Sandakan by boat we cruise to the Lower Kinabatangan River Sanctuary. Our journey up the Kinabatangan River, Sabahs longest, famous for its high concentration of wildlife, takes us from the coastal waters of the Sulu Sea through brackish mangrove forests and into the dense interior forests. If we are lucky, we may see wild elephant and a wide variety of other denizens, including orangutans, proboscis monkeys and any of the eight species of resident hornbills known for their large, colorful and uniquely shaped beaks. Arriving in time for lunch at the Abai Jungle Lodge, there is an opportunity to explore an 800 meter long stilted trail system through the forest prior to embarking on a night cruise in search of nocturnal wildlife. The darkness of night reveals a spectacle of fireflies lighting up the trees on the rivers edge.
On our second day, we take an early morning river trip to a nearby oxbow lake. This is an excellent location for observing the local troop of Proboscis monkeys. The lodge has a very close working relation with the local Orang Sungai villagers who share their traditions as part of our cultural experience in this region. The village of Abai lies just across the river and will host us for a truly authentic lunch of fresh water prawns (Udang galah), pandan flavored rice, and local steamed greens (lang long). Here well have the opportunity to join in their tree planting project, an effort in conjunction with the World Wildlife Fund to create a continuous wildlife corridor along the banks for the Kinabatangan River. Logging activities and the agricultural development of the palm (for palm oil) has choked off existing wilderness areas near the river, hemming in the wildlife and in some instances isolating them away from the river. Overnight Abai Jungle Lodge. [BLD]
DAY 4 : DANUM VALLEY
Today we depart early boat trip upriver to Sukau (1.5 hrs), stopping to spot hornbills and other wildlife along the route. On arrival at Sukau, we head out by 4 x 4 vehicle to the famous Gomantong Caves. Its about a 30 minute walk through the rainforest to the entrance of the caves, giving us a great chance to spot orangutans and silver leaf monkeys in the leafy treetops. Upon entering the caves and looking up into the stunning cathedral of stone its evident what is responsible for the pungent smell: bats and swiftlets nest in the upper recesses and their excreta support a diverse and complex food chain. Local communities also have a strong cultural and economic affinity to the caves: in season they collect birds' nests using bamboo ladders and poles. The nests are made from the saliva of swiftlets and are the main ingredient in the famous Chinese delicacy and aphrodisiac birds nest soup! From the caves we depart for Lahad Datu (30 min) where we take lunch in a local restaurant before continuing on to the Danum Valley Conservation Area (3 hours). Overnight Borneo Rainforest Lodge. [BLD]
DAYS 5-7 : DANUM VALLEY
Far removed from human habitation and palm oil plantations, the Danum Valley is renowned for its rich biodiversity of flora and fauna. Covering 43,800 hectares, the Danum Valley Conservation Area is recognized as one of the worlds most complex ecosystems, lying within the upper reaches of Sabahs second largest river, the Segama, and its tributaries. Fanning buttressed Dipterocarp trees dwarf the nearby chalets, rising nearly 230 feet in the air and comprising nearly 90% of the conservation area. This pristine rainforest is also home to more than 340 species birds, 124 species of mammals, 72 species of reptiles, 56 species of amphibians and a staggering 200 species of plants per hectare.
During the days we are in Danum available activities include:
- Hike to a panoramic overlook of the forest, and swim in a swirling natural pool.
- Explore the conservation area on guided nature walks with experienced resident naturalists through undisturbed riverine and lowland Dipterocarp forest.
- Explore and photograph the rainforest and abundant birds of the canopy on the 170 meter long hanging bridges walkway.
- Take a night drive in search of nocturnal wildlife.
- Watch the sunrise and the forest come to life from the weather station, situated on a promontory overlooking the entire Danum Valley.
- Visit the Danum Field Centre to learn about ongoing conservation projects and scientific research.
- Enjoy evening wildlife video and slide presentations by your naturalist guides.
- Take in a jungle wildlife hike along the escarpment with panoramic views over the wild orangutan habitat.
- Take advantage of the opportunity for extensive wildlife photography.
Overnight at the Borneo Rainforest Lodge. [BLD]
DAYS 8-9 : KAPALAI
Departing from Danum Valley we drive to the town of Semporna and then on to the harbor of Tawau (4.5 hrs). The short boat ride on the Celebes Sea passes small fishing outposts on the way to the remote Sipadan-Kapalai Dive Resort, atop its sturdy stilts on the shallow sandbanks of the Ligitan Reefs. Planned and built as an airy and comfortable private village with no land in sight, this is the perfect location to relax and gaze over the brilliant turquoise sea which stretches to the infinite horizon.
The world famous dive site of Sipadan Island is easily reached from the resort as are other local favorites such as Mabul, Kapalai or the Ligitan reefs. Today is at leisure to take advantage of the wonderful diving and snorkeling that this location has to offer, or simply relax on your private balcony and enjoy the serenity and unparalleled marine vistas. Overnight Sipadan-Kapalai Dive Resort. [BLD]
Note: SCUBA is an optional activity that is not included in the trip
cost but may be arranged through the resort. In order to obtain the
proper permits for diving at Sipadan Island you must notify us at least
30 days in advance of your departure date.
DAY 10 : KOTA KINABALU
This morning is at leisure to take a final swim or snorkel in the clear waters near your chalet. In the afternoon we transfer to Tawau Airport for our afternoon flight to Kota Kinabalu. Overnight Tanjung Aru Resort. [BL]
Note: SCUBA diving is not allowed this morning due to your afternoon flight.
DAY 11 : DEPARTURE
Transfer to the airport in Kota Kinabalu to catch your departing flight extend your adventure in Malaysia. [B]
Need more information?
Contact us at (800) 345-4453 or
| - Prices, Departure Dates and Included Services - |
Days: 11 | Grade: II (click for grades definition) | 2012 Price: From $4895 per person | | | | | 2012 Departure Dates | 2013 Departure Dates | | | Mar 18 - Mar 28, 2012
Apr 15 - Apr 25, 2012
May 27 - Jun 6, 2012
Jul 15 - Jul 25, 2012
Aug 14 - Aug 24, 2012
Sep 9 - Sep 19, 2012
Oct 14 - Oct 24, 2012
(and on request) | (Available upon request) |
|
| | | Included: All guided tours and excursions. English-speaking naturalist guides. Airport-hotel transfers, land and sea transportation. Regional flights: (Kota Kinabalu/Sipadan and Tawau/Kota Kinabalu). 10 nights hotel accommodation as indicated. Entry permit and parks fees. Meals as indicated [B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner]. Wildland Adventures travel consultation and pre-departure services.
| | | Not Included: International Airfare: (USA/Kota Kinabalu/USA).Tips and gratuities. SCUBA permit fees for Sipadan and snorkeling or diving equipment. Airport departure taxes. Drinks, alcoholic beverages, and meals other than listed above. Personal expenses for extra services, optional activities, or changes in your itinerary for reasons beyond our control. Travel insurance for trip cancellation, medical services, or evacuation. Any other items not mentioned above.
| | | Trip Notes: It is necessary to depart the US 1-2 days prior to Day 1 of the itinerary. It's often less expensive and more convenient to fly into Singapore and overnight 1 night before continuing on to Kota Kinabalu. | |
|
