Start Location: Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
Finish Location : Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
Country : Borneo
Group Size : 2 to 16
Trip Style : Signature
Joining Point
Hotel Dreamtel
Address: 5, Jalan Padang, Bandaran Berjaya, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
Phone: +60 88 240 333
Airport Arrival Transfer Included Only available On The First Day Of Your Trip
Finishing Point
Hotel Dreamtel
Address: 5, Jalan Padang, Bandaran Berjaya, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
Phone: +60 88 240 333
Airport Departure Transfer Included Only available On The Last Day Of Your Trip
Essential trip information
Travel across pristine forests and serene islands where the natural world is the order of things. Colours blend and leap out at you in the form of different flowers while the eye gets a constant workout in trying to gauge the movements of endemic primates that swing by – sometimes stealthily and sometimes with verve. Listen to the cackle of Silver Leaf Monkeys punctuating the odd call of a Hornbill. Bats and birds flit in and out of limestone caves and further out towards the sea, turtles hatch their eggs in a daily ritual. Witness these and experience more with a sense of privilege for having spent a slice of life in Borneo.
DAY 1
KOTA KINABALU
Hello and welcome aboard! Once you’ve made it to your accommodation with a little help from our representative kick back and enjoy your day. Wander around Kota Kinabalu if you have the time but if you want to take it easy that’s fine too because you’ve got another day here at the end of the tour. Be sure to meet your tour leader at the hotel at 6 pm to talk out a few formalities and then sink your teeth into some of the local food immediately afterwards.
Accommodation: Hotel Dreamtel or similar
Included Activities: Nil
Included Meals: Nil
Optional Activities: Sabah Museum entrance fee - MYR15
DAY 2
KINABALU NATIONAL PARK
Step into Malaysia’s best know National Park this morning, its skyline dominated by the Kinabalu Mountain that rises 4095 metres to stab at wisps of clouds and graze a piece of the sky. Considering that the park has an estimated 4,500 species of plants, our obvious starting point is the Botanical Garden, a veritable treasure chest housing the sinister and carnivorous Pitcher Plant as well as 1500 varieties of Orchids, 77 out of which are endemic to Kinabalu. Wash your cares away at the Poring Hot Spring in a soothing sulphur bath after your visit to the gardens. Complete your day by skimming along the treetops on a Canopy Walkway whilst trying to maintain that air of graceful dignity as you go about it.
Accommodation: Sabah Tea Cottage or similar
Included Activities: Sabah Park, Botanical Garden, Poring Spring, Canopy Walkway
Included Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Optional Activities: Kundasang - War Memorial - MYR10
Day 3
KINABALU NATIONAL PARK
Catch the heady aroma of freshly picked leaves as you start the day with a visit to a tea factory whilst simultaneously learning the ropes of what goes into making a good brew. With your head abuzz with some newly acquired knowledge, clamber on board your private vehicle and drive deeper into the jungle to make it to the edge of the Kinabatangan River. Kick back for a moment after lunch at your lodge and as the sun begins to hang low, throw a leg over a riverboat, settle down comfortably and scan the river banks for wildlife as you go on an evening cruise down the river.
Accommodation: Kinabatangan Wildlife Lodge or similar
Included Activities: Tea Factory, Evening Cruise
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Optional Activities: Nil
DAY 4
KINABATANGAN RIVER
Wake up early to the sounds of the forest as you gear up for a repeat of last evenings adventure. Only this time you get to watch the river wake up to the changing light. Listen to the stir of silver-tailed macaques and proboscis monkeys as they limber up and skip among the trees while keeping your eyes peeled out for the stately orangutans and pygmy elephants that watch your progress from their forest cover. Indulge yourself in some culinary lessons or walk the length of some jungle trails for the rest of the day. Put in a night walk for good measure to see the jungles nocturnal inhabitants brush off the day and go about their business in the dark.
Accommodation: Kinabatangan Wildlife Lodge or similar
Included Activities: Morning Cruise, Evening Cruise
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Optional Activities: Cooking Class, Hiking, Batik Painting, Night Walk.
DAY 5
SANDAKAN
Journey overland to Gomantong after breakfast and take an exploratory step into the interiors of its fascinating limestone caves teeming with swiftlets and bats that get occasionally arrested by a shaft of light filtering from yawning gaps above. At ground level, walk past the army of cockroaches and other insects that feed off the guano and when the seasons’ just right watch the locals collect the droppings from the walls to collect it for soup. Leave for Labuk Bay thereafter, a mangrove haven that acts as a sanctuary for Proboscis Monkeys. Slow Lorises, Otters, and Hornbills rove through the forests here while Silver Leaf Monkeys swing and spring so close to the viewing platforms that you can almost reach out to touch them.
Accommodation: Sabah Hotel or similar
Included Activities: Gomantong Caves, Labuk Bay Sanctuary
Included Meals: Breakfast
Optional Activities: Nil
DAY 6
SANDAKAN/SEPILOK
Learn about the rehabilitation process of orangutans at Sepilok, the largest orangutan rehabilitation centre in the world. Following a 20-minute documentary about the programme – the primary purpose of which is the reintroduction of orphaned orangutans in the wild – enter the tropical rainforest to watch these primates feed at the behest of park officials. Step into the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre next as well as the Rainforest Discovery Centre, the latter involving a trudge across a length of 150 metres long canopy walkway that offers a unique perspective of the lush rainforest from 25 metres above ground.
Accommodation: Sabah Hotel or similar
Included Activities: Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, Sun Bear Conservation Centre, Rainforest Discovery Centre
Included Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Optional Activities: Nil
DAY 7
TURTLE ISLAND
Following breakfast, step out of the mainland and head for Turtle Island. Spend a lazy afternoon here or go traipsing around the surrounding islands as you wait in anticipation for the night show. Hawksbill turtles and green turtles arrive enmasse and crawl ashore like an army invading some secret base under the cover of darkness. While turtles generally return to hatch eggs on the same beach where they were born, depending upon the season and other variables, the Turtle Island is the only place in the world where they arrive every evening without breaking pattern (the exact hour being an exception) to nest. Bear witness to this phenomenon and to the rituals of hatchlings being released back to the sea.
Accommodation: Turtle Island Chalets or similar
Included Activities: Conservation Park and Hatcheries
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Optional Activities: Nil
Day 8
LANGKAH SYABAS
Return to the mainland this morning and visit the Sandakan Memorial Park, established to commemorate the fallen soldiers who succumbed to one of the most tragic events that were perpetrated in this part of the world during the Second World War. Learn about and contemplate upon the stories of the horrific Sandakan Death March and of those who died during a similar march to Ranau. Take a flight out to Kota Kinabalu after your visit here and then transfer to Langkah Syabas Resort for your overnight stay.
Accommodation: Langkah Syabas Resort or similar
Included Activities: Sandakan War Memorial
Included Meals: Breakfast
Optional Activities: Nil
DAY 9
LANGKAH SYABAS
Bask in your own private paradise at Dinawan Island, a private resort surrounded by the clearest of waters and views of Mount Kinabalu that looms over in the distance. Choose to while your time away here on sun deck chairs or go snorkeling and scuba diving. Strike out for a plain old swim, go sea boarding or even kayaking until you’re hungry enough to clean out the seafood buffet at lunch. And when the day draws on towards late afternoon return to your accommodation at Langkah Syabas with a full heart.
Accommodation: Langkah Syabas Resort or similar
Included Activities: Visit to Dinawan Island
Included Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Optional Activities: Nil
DAY 10
KOTA KINABALU
Compress and even revisit the knowledge you’ve perhaps acquired over your days spent in Borneo by visiting the Mari Mari Cultural Village. Located away from the city the village serves as a museum with a view to preserve the regions culture. Observe a life far removed from modern conventions and trappings and step into a world where starting a fire, making blowpipes and tattoo piercings were a norm. Understand the belief systems, legends and stories of the various tribes and participate in a lost world that strives to keep itself alive by revealing itself to the world at large. Return to your hotel after a traditional lunch at the village itself and chase it down with a final dinner together back at your resort.
Accommodation: Dreamtel Hotel or similar
Included Activities: Mari Mari Cultural Village
Included Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Optional Activities: Nil
DAY 11
Departure day.
It’s time now to bid farewell to your tour leader and new friends but not without a backpack full of memories. Departure transfers are included on the day.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Itinerary disclaimer
Itinerary Changes
The itineraries for One World Adventures are updated on a regular basis during the year, reflecting the current situation in each of our destinations and customer feedback. Information that forms the Essential Trip information may vary from your initial booking and it is vital that you read and review the information provided before your departure. This will provide you with the latest information. Your itinerary may change once you’re in the country- as a result of transport schedules, changes in weather conditions, public holidays and varying local conditions. To ensure our guests have the best experience, the scheduled activities in each location may vary in order and time depending on the season travelled. Your tour leader will inform you of any changes once on the trip.
Optional Activities
Our optional activities selected have been popular with past guests and are listed in the itinerary. This list is only some of the activities you can enjoy and should be used as a guide only to what is available. Prices are for entry only and do not include transport to and from the sites or local guides. Prices are approximate and the activities are subject to availability. Some activities maybe on a join-in basis. It is not possible to participate in all the activities listed due to the limited time in each destination. Planning ahead and choosing the activities that suit you is highly recommended.
Pre-booking recommendations for activities will be noted in the Special information listed in the daily itinerary. Usually, activities can be organized independently on the day or alternatively inform your tour leader and they can assist you make the arrangements.
We have assessed and sighted the credentials and safety of the operators chosen for medium and high risk activities and work closely with them. As such, medium to high risk activities not listed in the itineraries (that may be less expensive) are not recommended as we cannot guarantee there quality or safety. Therefore, our staff or tour leaders will not assist you with organizing these activities. It is at your own risk and discretion if you decide to participate in activities not listed in the itinerary.
Feedback
We value the important feedback received by our past guests. All feedback is read and improvements to our itineraries and destinations are made. Share your experiences and let future guest gain valuable insight into One World Adventures. www.oneworldadventures.com/feedback
Emergency Contact Information and Issues.
Our aim is to provide the best possible experience for your holiday. Due to the nature of travel and the places we visit, not everything will always go to plan. If issues arise on your tour, please inform your tour leader or local representative so we can try and rectify the issue at the time. This will help mitigate any negative impact on the rest of your trip.
Unfortunately, a resolution to the problem may not be achieved to your satisfaction- in this event please inform your tour leader that you wish to speak to their direct manager.
We recommend guests provide online feedback within 30 days of finishing your trip, acknowledging that it is very difficult to provide practical assistance once the trip is completed. Letting us know at the time allows us to try and resolve any issues promptly.
Passport
International travel requires a valid Passport with at least six months validity. Your passport details are required for the completion of your booking. It is important that you ensure that the name on your passport matches exactly the name on your booking and airline tickets. Contact us immediately if they do not so errors can be corrected.It is highly recommended that you carry copies of the main passport pages and other important documents with you and also leave copies with family or friends in case required.
Visas
All visa requirements are the responsibility of the traveller. Changes to entry requirements may change at any time and therefore, it is import that you check your government’s foreign travel advisories as well as Consular websites for all countries that you are travelling to. This is important so you have the most up to date information that is specific to your nationality and circumstances.Whilst COVID-19 restrictions are in place other sources of visa information available on line may not be up to date or valid.
Once you have booked your trip it is your responsibility to research visa requirements, obtain the necessary documents, now the processing time and application needed for the visas for all countries you are visiting. Visas can take several weeks to process. You can apply directly through a consulate or a booking consultant can advise on a visa processing service.
MALAYSIA:
Most nationalities do not need visas to visit Malaysia as a tourist for up to three months. Please check with your relevant Malaysian embassy or consulate.
Health Screening
If you are unwell before travelling, please stay at home. Contact us to make alternative arrangements.
If you are displaying any symptoms or have any health concerns at this time, we will follow the advice of local health authorities to determine whether medical assistance, isolation or further action is required.
Food and Dietary Requirements
Experiencing the different and amazing foods of the places we visit during your tour is part of the experience in travelling. Not all meals are included in the tour price and this allows for flexibility in choice. Choice of where, when and with whom you want to eat with. Your tour leader can provide some recommendations of places to eat and this allows for better budgeting for you.
Please advise any dietary requirements. Our group meals provide an opportunity to try many dishes as well as enjoy the company of your fellow guests.
Accommodation
Accommodation during the tour may vary- some may be basic and simple with shared bathroom facilities-some with cold water. Air-condition rooms are available. Some countries experience daily load shedding where the power may be turned off at set times during the day-usually early afternoon. Many of the hotels have cafes or restaurants that serve local meals. Please be aware that some hotels and restaurants may not serve alcohol for religious reasons or due to local laws.
Showers
Hot water peak times for showers are usually morning and evenings in some accommodation. outside these times you may need to speak with the reception to obtain hot water.
Room Issues
Addressing any issues with your room requires immediate attention-please speak with the reception or tour leader so issues can be resolved promptly. Speaking with the travel agent will delay the issues being addressed.
Transport
Our tours will involve travel on may forms of transport. Theses include- bus, private vehicle, rickshaw and cycle rickshaw, metro, train, taxi, shuttle buses, jeeps,vans, boats-ferries and airplanes. Some of these modes of transportation will no be the same standed as u are use to. One world adventures audit our suppliers regulaly to make shore transportation is off a safe standed
Contingency Funds
We try to plan for every eventuality, but there are still some things beyond our control. We reserve the right to change an itinerary after departure due to local circumstances or a Force Majeure Event. In such emergency circumstances, the additional cost of any necessary itinerary alterations will be covered by you. Please note we are not responsible for any incidental expenses that may be incurred as a result of the change of itineraries including but not limited to visas, vaccinations or non-refundable flights. Make sure you have access to an extra US$500 for emergencies (e.g. severe weather, natural disasters, civil unrest) or other events that result in unavoidable changes to the itinerary (e.g. transport strikes or cancellations, airport closures). Sometimes these things necessitate last-minute changes to enable our trips to continue to run, and as a result, there may be some extra costs involved. The recommended amount is listed in USD for the relatability of universal travellers, however, local currency may be needed once in the country to cover these costs.
Your Tour Leader
Tipping your tour leader for outstanding service provided to you on your tour is a personal preference and the amount is discretionary. However, as a guide US$3- US$5 per person (in local currency), per day can be used. You are free to tip more or less, depending on how you feel the service was provided. Please remember that tipping is not compulsory and should e given for excellent service. Giving coins, dirty or torn notes or small denominations is considered culturally an insult.
Tipping Kitty:
Your tour leader pays for all tips for drivers, local guides and hotel staff only. Restaurant tips are not included nor tips for your tour leader.
Spending money:
When it comes to spending money on the trip, every traveller is a little different. You know your spending habits better than we do, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals, drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry. Make sure you have read the itinerary and inclusions thoroughly so you know what is included in the trip price and what you may need to pay for while travelling.
Commissions:
The receipt of commissions or kickbacks in exchange for recommending particular shops or services is ingrained in the culture of the tourism industry. Rather than turning a blind eye to this unavoidable issue in some areas, monies collected will be distributed to local businesses, One World Adventures Charities and to providing sustainable travel.
Main Luggage
Depending on the time of year you are travelling, we recommend you pack as lightly as possible. You need to to be able to lift and carry your luggage and walk short distances. This includes up and down stairs and busy railway stations. The smaller your luggage the easier it is to store above or under bunks on overnight trains and public transport. Aim for around 15 kg. Small wheeled suitcases are easy to pick up and carry. Backpacks are also a good option. Our guests find that lighter luggage cause less worry and lead to a more enjoyable trip .
Day pack
A small day pack is very useful for carrying your essential items when exploring destinations and for overnight stays.
On overnight trains packing essential items provides ease of access.www.oneworldadventures.com/packing-list
Wifi
As a rule, WiFi is generally available in most parts of the destinations you travel and in the accommodation we use. Most hotels provide free WiFi in public areas but remember charges for in-room Wifi may occur. Always ask your tour leader on arrival to the hotel.
Usually, in tourist areas-most cafes and restaurants will have free WiFi available- always check and ask for passwords when ordering.
Tour Leader
One of our tour leaders will accompany you on all our trips. Their role is to take the hassle out of your travels and provide you with the best trip we can. One World Adventures aim to provide the services of an experienced tour leader. However, sometimes a tour leader may be new to a region or training other tour leaders.
Providing general information on the destinations visited, offering suggestions on available sightseeing and activities, recommendations of local places to eat and introducing you to our local friends is there main objective. A broad general knowledge of the historical, cultural, religious and social aspects of the destinations being visited will be provided.
One World Adventures aim to support the local tour guides that have the knowledge of the specific area visited. If you would like more in-depth knowledge of a specific sight nor location , your tour leader can recommend a local guide service for major destinations.
Personal Belongings
It is strongly recommended that you use a neck wallet or money belt when travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, airline tickets, cash and other valuable items. Ideally, leave valuable jewellery items t home. Many of our hotels provide safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of safe keeping valuables. A lock for your luggage is recommended.
Most National Governments provide regularly updated foreign travel advice on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your Government's advice for their latest travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all destinations and activities on your trip. Please refer to our website's safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trips here:
www.oneworldadventures.com/safety-policy
Free time
Included activities will be supported by your tour leader. However, during your tour there is free time provided to relax, take it easy, pursue your own interests and explore the destination at your own leisure. It is important that your use good judgment when choosing activities during your free time.
Important to note- the tour leader has the authority to cancel or amend any section of the itinerary if deemed necessary for safety concerns.
Personal Safety
When travelling in tourist areas and cities there is the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft.
It is recommended that you exercise caution when walking alone at night and preferably walk together or if alone stay in main areas that are well lit. Be particularly vigilant on public transport. Simple measures like carrying your day pack on your front, not hanging your bag over the back of your chair and wearing a money belt will reduce any chance that your valuables should go missing.
Scams
Scams involving ATM and credit cards, train tickets, taxis, temple donations and tourist guides operate in a lot of countries. If you are the victim of a scam, report it immediately to the nearest police station. You may not be able to get your money or goods back- but they can issue you with an official loss report for insurance purposes.
Travelling on a group tour
Group travel will expose you to all the pleasures and also the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow guests will likely come from all around the world. We ask you to be understanding of the different needs and preferences of the group. Patience's sometimes a requirement that will benefit everyone’s travel experience.
You too have a responsibility to the group- this includes being on time or at a particular place when requested - this ensures your group isn’t left waiting for you.
The best tours work well when the dynamics of the group work well and everyone is considerate to each other.
Due to privacy reasons, we are unable to provide you with the contact details or any personal information about your fellow guests that are booked on your trip-prior to departure.
Solo travellers
One world Adventures is ideal for the solo traveller as they want to meet and share the experience with like-minded people.
Solo travellers will be paired with another traveller that is a the same gender
(as identified on your passport or the information provided in our booking system), so if you identify differently, please let us know in advance. We provide a Single Supplement on most trips for travellers who prefer to have their own room.
Please note that this only applies to accommodation during the tour.
All pre-trip and post-trip accommodation booked through us will on a single room basis.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is mandatory for all our travellers and must be taken out at the time of booking. Your travel insurance must provide cover against adventure activities, personal accident, death, medical expenses and emergency repatriation with a recommended minimum coverage of US $200,000 for each categories of cover. We also recommend it covers cancellation, curtailment, personal liability and loss of luggage and personal effects. You alone are wholly responsible for arranging your insurance. The period of cover should start no later than the date you make your booking with us. You must provide your travel insurance policy number and the insurance company’s 24 hr Emergency contact number on the first day off your trip; You will not be able to join the trip without this. If you have travel insurance connected to your credit card or bank account please ensure you have details of the participating insurer, the insurance policy number and emergency contact number with you, rather than the bank's name and credit card details.
A couple of rules
All travellers have the right to feel safe whilst travelling. One World Adventures do not tolerate any form of violence (physical or verbal), sexual harassment-between our guests or involving our tour leaders, partners or local people. Sexual relationships between a tour leader and a guest are strictly forbidden.
Use or possession of illegal drugs will not be tolerated on our trips. We encourage responsible drinking if you choose to consume alcohol when travelling. Abiding by the local laws regarding alcohol consumption is important.
The sex tourism industry is known to exploit vulnerable people and have negative consequences on communities, including undermining the development of sustainable tourism. For this reason, we recommend no participation in this activity.
By travelling with us you are agreeing to adhere to these rules. You must at all times comply with the laws, customs, foreign exchange and drug regulations of all countries visited, and you also agree to travel in accordance with our Responsible Travel Guidelines.
The decision of the tour leader is final on all matters likely to affect the safety or well-being of any traveller or staff member participating in the trip. If you fail to comply with a decision made by a tour leader, or interfere with the well-being or operation of the tour group, the tour leader may instruct you to leave the trip immediately, with no right of refund.
One World Adventure reserves the right to refuse you participation in any further tours.
If someone is behaving inappropriately while travelling with us, please inform your tour leader or local guide immediately.
