Tour Duration
5 Days 4 Nights
Tour Duration
5 Days 4 NightsPicked up point
Sandakan airportExploring Sabah on your own? This tour will help to complete your North Borneo bucket list. History – check; Wildlife – check; Local Food – check; ANZAC – check! Be sure to also take part in the conservation efforts
| Day | Type | Places / Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Herigtage / City | Sandakan City |
| 2 | Wildlife | Kinabatangan River , Gomantong Cave , Sukau Rainforest Lodge |
| 3 | Wildlife | Kinabatangan River |
| 4 | Wildlife | Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre , Sun Bear Conservation , Labuk Bay Proboscis Santuary |
Arrive Sandakan airport by flight. Proceed to Rent A Car company located outside of the arrival hall for short for a briefing procedure and collect your car. Drive to Hotel for check-in and overnight.
*Recommended arrival time: ETA 0800HRS
Visit to one of the major town markets; there you will see the locals trading a wide array of food items such as fish, snacks, fruits, and other consumer products. Next, visit the Puu Jih Shih Buddhist Temple which is located on the hilltop and offers a breathtaking panoramic view of Sandakan Bay. Then, proceed to visit the St. Michael's and All Angels Church, the oldest buildings in Sandakan. Our next stop will be the historical Agnes Keith House, formerly home to the famous American author who penned the book ‘Land below the Wind’. Afterwards, explore Sim Sim Water Village, a unique floating village with houses built on stilts. Finally, visit to the Sandakan War Memorial; created to commemorate the World War II events that place in Sandakan and North Borneo.
| 3* | 4* |
|---|---|
| Sabah Hotel or similar Hotels | S'kan Styles Hotel |
| Sepilok Forest Edge | Sepilok Nature Resort |
After breakfast, depart for an estimated 2 hours overland journey to Gomantong Cave, home to millions of bats and swiftlets.
Then continue to Kg. Sukau and park your car at the Lepit jetty for a 10 minutes boat ride to Sukau Rainforest Lodge. Lunch at Sukau Rainforest Lodge [Lunch time: 1230HRS – 1400HRS].
Take an afternoon river cruise in search of wildlife and birds using a boat with hybrid system of outboard and electric motor (depending on river current). Enjoy candlelight dinner overlooking the riverbank followed by slide presentation and interpretation by naturalist guide.
Bring along sun block lotion, personal toiletries, torch light, insect repellent, drinking water bottle, walking shoes, binoculars, camera, hat & raincoat.
| Sukau Rainforest Lodge (Sup) |
Additional Information
Take a 0600hrs morning river cruise up the Kinabatangan River to Kelenanap oxbow lake to view more birds and wildlife. After breakfast, proceed for an educational tour along the lodge’s Hornbill Boardwalk with our in-house naturalist.
After lunch, depart to Lepit Jetty, pick up your car and drive back to Sandakan City.
| 3* | 4* |
|---|---|
| Sabah Hotel or similar Hotels | S'kan Styles Hotel |
| Sepilok Forest Edge | Sepilok Nature Resort |
After breakfast, self-drive to Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre. Proceed to watch a video show about the plight of the Orang Utans and the rehabilitation efforts ongoing at the Centre. Walk ten minutes through the rainforest on wooden boardwalks to witness the feeding of the orang utans at 1000hrs, and then we continue to the newly completed enclosed nursery area for young orang utans. Visit the Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre to learn about conservation of the world’s smallest bear.
After your lunch, self-drive to Labuk Bay Proboscis Sanctuary. Trek to witness the feeding of the elusive Proboscis Monkeys and silver leaf langurs at the sanctuary.
| 3* | 4* |
|---|---|
| Sabah Hotel or similar Hotels | S'kan Styles Hotel |
| Sepilok Forest Edge | Sepilok Nature Resort |
After breakfast, return to Sandakan airport and proceed to Rent a Car office for car handover procedure before your departure flight.
To have a safe and enjoyable driving journey during your travels here in Sabah, we advise that you familiarise yourself with Sabah’s road rules before heading out on your self-drive adventure. Here are just some tips and rules to help keep you safe on the road.
Driving on the roads of Sabah requires the driver to hold a valid driver’s license. Driving without a license can result in a hefty fine, which is something you want to avoid especially on your holiday. A license is also required if you want to rent a car in Sabah and all car rental companies require this.
Depending on which part of Sabah you are travelling in, urban areas will have much better road conditions as they are sealed. The more rural parts of Sabah will have gravel or unsealed roads. Since Sabah’s terrains have a mix of hills and valleys, some roads are winding and undulating in some areas. If you are unfamiliar with your destination, it is recommended that you find out about the areas you will be driving at and seek for advice on the best type of vehicle to drive on your journey. Please note that our tours will only cover areas that are safe and accessible for self-driving tours.
Our roads and highways have their own speed limits which drivers need to follow when they are on the road. Please be aware that there are camera traps to detect vehicles that are going over the speed limit and if you are found to have exceeded them, you will be liable as the vehicle renter and must pay the heavy fine. If you are driving slower than the speed limit, it is best to keep to the left of the road. Faster vehicles will be driving on the right side of the road.
Not wearing a seatbelt when you are in the vehicle is illegal and you can be fined if caught. So, for your own safety and the safety of your passengers, don’t forget to buckle up!
Car rentals will normally provide you with a full tank vehicle. However, for long journeys, it is always good to make sure you have enough fuel for the journey ahead and refuel your tank when needed before departing to your next destination. Petrol stations can be easily found in town areas and you can even use a mobile app such as Waze to locate one that is nearby.
Some designated parking areas especially in town will require you to pay a parking fee or buy a parking ticket in order to park your car in the area. It is advised that you park in designated areas and avoid parking illegally to avoid clamping and being fined by the authorities. Park your car in areas that are not secluded, preferably areas that has good lighting at night and not hidden from sight.
The traffic here in Sabah is generally free flowing. However, it does get heavy especially during peak hours in town and city centres. Take note of the schedule of your itinerary and try to depart to your destination earlier or on time.
As long as you are sitting in the driver’s seat, texting or talking on your mobile phone is a big no-no. If caught, you can be fined, and that is something you want to avoid if you want to enjoy your entire holiday.
Driving under the influence of alcohol (and drugs) is strictly prohibited and if caught, will result in a heavy penalty, which includes a hefty fine and jail term.
Be cautious when driving in the countryside and be on a look out for hazards such as potholes, uneven roads, sharp corners and so on. If you want to stop to admire or even take photos of beautiful scenic landscapes or other attractions you find along the way, please make sure to park at a safe or designated area first and not while you are driving.
In accordance to the Malaysian Tourism Tax Act 2017, with effect from 1st Sep 2017, all foreign tourists / Non Malaysians will be charged a flat rate of MYR 10 per room per night in any registered tourist accommodation premises and this is collected directly by the hotels / resorts / lodges upon check in. The Tourism Tax (TTx) is mandatory under Malaysian Law. Tourism Tax is not included in all tour packages.
Customers are encouraged to purchase their own travel insurance before travelling to Borneo. We recommend you to select a travel insurance policy that covers not only your medical expenses (including emergency repatriation) but also personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage. Doing so can prevent major disruptions and additional costs.
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