Your adventure begins in Sandakan, where you are met on arrival and transferred to your jungle‑fringed lodge in Sepilok. After check‑in, the rest of the day is free to unwind and listen to the sounds of the rainforest.

The next morning is all about Sepilok’s wildlife and rainforests. With your guide you visit the world‑renowned Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre to watch a short film, stroll the boardwalks and observe feeding time and the nursery. You then learn about the world’s smallest bear at the Borneo Sun Bear Conservation Centre. After lunch, explore the Rainforest Discovery Centre with its canopy walkway, forest trails and excellent birdlife, before returning to your lodge.

On day three you head to Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary, one of the best places to see these wonderfully odd, big‑nosed primates at close range, along with silver leaf monkeys and hornbills. From Sandakan Jetty, a shared boat carries you deep into the Kinabatangan Wetlands. Over two nights you enjoy sunrise and sunset river safaris, oxbow lake cruises and night outings in search of proboscis monkeys, hornbills, crocodiles, fireflies and, with luck, pygmy elephants.

Day five takes you by boat back to Sandakan for your flight to Kota Kinabalu, where you transfer to the five‑star Shangri‑La Rasa Ria. The next two full days are yours to relax: enjoy the long sandy beach, pools, nature reserve trails, spa or optional activities.

On your final day, after a leisurely morning, a private transfer returns you to Kota Kinabalu Airport for your onward flight, bringing your Borneo wildlife and beach escape to a close.

If Borneo’s jungles and beaches are calling, get in touch with me to start planning your own tailor‑made Sabah adventure.

I will shape this itinerary around you, from flights and lodges to special experiences that make it truly unforgettable. It also works really well to pair with Kuala Lumpur or even Singapore .